Question 1

Who were the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers?

Accepted Answer

Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

Question 2

What are the defining characteristics of mid-century modern design?

Accepted Answer

The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 4

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 12

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. The mid-century modern period in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs now.

Question 13

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.

Question 14

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

Question 15

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 19

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 20

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Mid Century Design

Vintage 1950s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Midcentury Design Watefrall Chandelier

Vintage 1950s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Yellow mid-century design armchairs

Vintage 1970s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Mid-century design brass etagere

Vintage 1960s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Mid-century design console table

Vintage 1950s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Mid-Century Design Black Armchairs

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Midcentury Design Coat Rack, 1970s

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Midcentury Design Pendant, Germany, 1970s.

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Coffee Table Italian Mid-Century Design

Vintage 1970s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-century design Napako hanging lamp

Vintage 1960s Italian Bauhaus Shelves

Mid-century design tubular steel etagere

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Especially Italian Chairs Mid-Century Design

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Mid-century design chest of drawers

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks

Midcentury Design Swedish Candle Holder, 1960s

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Mid Century design ceiling lamp , 1970’s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Sconces Italian Mid-Century Design, 1950s Minimal

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Design Chandelier, 1960's

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-century design hanging lamp by Lidokov

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Midcentury Design Cosack German Table Lamp, 1970s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Black Vase Zaccagnini Italian Artis Midcentury Design

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Italian Midcentury Design Murano Table Lamp, 1940s

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid Century design green hanging lamp , 1960’s

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Mid Century design wall lamp disc , 1970’s

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Midcentury Design Pendant Light from Denmark, 1970s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Great Wall Lumi Mid-Century Design Italian Design

Vintage 1970s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Blue mid-century design armchair by Jaroslav Šmídek

Vintage 1970s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Yellow mid-century design armchair by Jaroslav Šmídek

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Fiam coffee table Mid-Century design , 1970’s

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Mid Century design ceiling lamp flush mount , 1970’s

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Pair of Round Vase Brass Midcentury Design, Germany

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Mid Century design gold wall lamp disc , 1970’s

2010s Australian Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Modern Planter Based on Midcentury Design

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-century design mushroom glass table lamp , 1970’s

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid Century design table lamp blue ceramic , 1970’s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands

Round Gold Brass Hammered Umbrella Stand Italian Midcentury Design

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Italian Midcentury Design Floor Lamp Glass Brass , Stilnovo Attributed

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Clothes Hangers Cristal Art 1950 Italian Midcentury Design

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Great Wall 1950 Brass and Glass Italian Mid-Century Design

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount

Midcentury Design Wall or Ceiling Lamp, Flush Mount, 1970s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Pair of Italian Midcentury Design Mahogany Turquoise Minimal Geometric Design

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs