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 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 13

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 14

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 era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.

Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.

Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

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

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.

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 Designers

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

Midcentury Designer Brass Wall Sconces by Florian Schulz, 1980s

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

Midcentury Designer Brass Wall Sconces by Florian Schulz, 1980s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Midcentury Designer Desk, Italy

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands

Mid Century Designer Umbrella Stand Italy

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Mid-Century Designer Rug by Ottavio Missoni

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Midcentury Designer Coffee Table in Brass

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Midcentury Designer Wood and Glass Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Pair of Vintage Mid Century Designer Barrel Back Lounge Chairs

Mid-20th Century Italian Loveseats

Spectacular Mid-Century Designer Sofa Manufactured in the 1950s in Italy

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Set of Mid Century Designer Modern Fireplace Tools in Chrome & Lucite

20th Century American Magazine Racks and Stands

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Magazine Holder by Milo Baughman

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Mid-Century Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard

Vintage 1960s Armchairs

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Armchairs

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Lagardo Tackett & Kenji Fujita California Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Fish Plate

Late 20th Century Danish Bookcases

Danish Teak Bookcase, Desk Secretary by Poul Hundevad

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Lagardo Tackett & Kenji Fujita California Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Fish Plate

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Mid-Century Pair of Daumiller Style Brutalist Light Oak Dining Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Modernist More Necklaces

Mid Century Modern Rebajes Modernist Copper Cascading Leaves Necklace

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid-Century Style Pedestal End Table by George Nelson for Herman Miller

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Edmond Spence Mid-Century Sideboard with Inlays and Raised Edges

Mid-20th Century Italian Wall Mirrors

Handsome Large Mid-Century Brass Mirror, Italy

Vintage 1960s Italian Chairs

Pair of Plona Folding Chairs

Vintage 1960s Chairs

Leather Plona Folding Chair

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Rare Pair of Milo Baughman for Arch Gordon Walnut Armchairs Mid-Century Modern

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Karl Springer Round Goatskin Center or Dining Table Signed

Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Jordi Villanova Leather and Wood Chair

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...

Mid-Century Sascha Brastoff Signed Enamel Plate

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Handsome Pair Cy Mann Chrome Cube Lounge Chairs Mid-Century Modern

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Fantastic Signed Milo Baughman Chrome Three-Seat Sofa, Mid-Century Modern

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Beds and Bed Frames

Mid-Century Headboard by T. H. Robsjohn-Gibbings King

Vintage 1960s American Floor Lamps

Lamp Table Attributed to Tommi Parzinger

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

1950s Wrought Iron, Walnut, and Rush Desk by Arthur Umanoff

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of 1960s French Aluminium and Perspex Table Lamps

Vintage 1930s European Modern Chairs

Set of Swedish Pine Wood Chairs, 'Uto' by Axel Einar Hjorth, 1930

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sectional Sofas

Mid-Century Modern Curved Sectional Sofa 4 PC

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

1970s Gold Aluminium and Glass Seven-Light Chandelier by Sciolari

Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Western European Rugs

1950s Handwoven Vintage Swedish Rölakan Tapestry Monogrammed Éva Németh

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches

Pair of Modern Gio Ponti Style Window Benches or Settees

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining

Vera Neumann Mid-Century Modern Era Yellow & Green Iris Round Tablecloth Unused

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers