Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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.

Question 15

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Question 16

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. 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. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

Yes, mid-century modern is timeless, in the opinion of many experts. Many characteristics of furniture and decorative accents produced in this style remain popular today. Among them are silhouettes marked by organic forms and clean lines, the promotion of functionality and the use of natural materials like teak, rosewood and oak and synthetic materials such as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Fence

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Bertram SpencerMid Century Modern Vertical Landscape with Fence in Acrylic on Paper, mid 20th Century

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

Jenne MagafanBack Fence with Bird. - Mid-Century - WPA Artist , 1950

Vintage 1930s Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Painting "House behind the fence"

Mid-20th Century Italian Empire Table Lamps

Mid 20th Century Italian Tole Lamp

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Joel BernsteinBruce Springsteen by Schoolyard Fence, NY Aug. 1979

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

California Hills, Mid Century Landscape Watercolor , mid-20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs

Restored Arched Rattan Ottoman Stool with Fenced Top

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Joel BernsteinBruce Springsteen by Schoolyard Fence, NY Aug. 1979

Mid-19th Century American Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Charles De Wolf BrownellTree and Fence, East Hartford, Connecticut (New England Landscape) , 1862

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Pair of Metal Geometric Fence or Art Object with Golden Fish

Mid-20th Century French Patio and Garden Furniture

Tall French Decoratively Tiered Patio Accent, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Louise Alix1930's French Impressionist Green Fence Pathway Leading To Village Church, 1930's

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Urban Landscape with Bulls - Original Drawing - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Whimsical Nail Brass Sculpture Cowboy & Cactus on a Fence circa 1970's

21st Century and Contemporary Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Will Hudson"Fence Jumper", oil painting, figurative, boy, flight, field, outside, summer, 2020

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Vases

Antique Early English Chinoiserie Masons Ironstone China Urn Vase Fence Pattern

Vintage 1950s Congolese Tribal Tribal Art

Mid-Twentieth Century 'Idimu' Mask

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Mid-Century Woven Willow Basket or Magazine Rack

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Wall Mirrors - Set of 2

Antique Mid-18th Century Japanese Edo Paintings and Screens

Mid-18th Century Japanese Screen Pair, One Hundred Flowers, Chrysanthemums

Mid-20th Century Canadian Romantic Drawings

Helena Boucher - Canadian School Pastel Landscape with Horse - Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Pair of Solid Cast Brass Mid Century Era Horse Related Bookends

Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Large Japanese Imari Charger, Edo/Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Animal Paintings

John Rattenbury SkeapingRodeo. Bareback Bronco. Mid 20th Century. 1966. Western Cowboy Ranch Equestrian., 1966

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Jose Zanine Caldas Pair of Mid-century modern BrazilianArmchairs Model "H"

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

1950s Barovier Style Mid-Century Modern Gold and Clear Murano Glass Vase

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Paintings

Pair of French Mid-19th Century Napoleon III Period Oil on Canvas

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug with Mid-Century Modern Belgian Style

Mid-20th Century Israeli Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Mid-20th Century Pair of Brutalist Iron Bookends by David Palombo

Early 20th Century Persian Malayer Persian Rugs

Antique Persian Malayer Rug with Mid-Century Modern Style

Antique Mid-19th Century English Animal Sculptures

English Painted Wooden Horse Sculpture on Stand from the Mid-19th Century

Late 20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Vintage Turkish Oushak Rug with Mid-Century Modern Tribal Style

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Shirley Gilman"Lazy Day in the Country" - Mid Century Pastoral Farm Landscape w Barn, c.1960s

Antique 1860s Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Japanese Imari Ten Sided Dish, Edo / Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan

Antique 1860s Japanese Meiji Ceramics

Large Japanese Imari Charger 16", Edo / Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan

Antique Mid-18th Century Dutch Chinoiserie Delft and Faience

Pair of 18th Century Dutch Delft Faience Chinoiserie Floral Bird Plates

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Dinner Plates

18th-century Bristol Delftware Unusual Star Plate

Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian Paintings

Mid 19th C. Oil on Canvas On Board Depicting "Sheep On A Walk" Signed Cecil Hill

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Carlton Scott SturgillMid 30's attractive couple looking for friends - mw4mw, 2010

Mid-20th Century Persian Tribal Persian Rugs

Bertram Spencer
Mid Century Modern Vertical Landscape with Fence in Acrylic on Paper, mid 20th Century

Jenne Magafan
Back Fence with Bird. - Mid-Century - WPA Artist , 1950

Joel Bernstein
Bruce Springsteen by Schoolyard Fence, NY Aug. 1979

Joel Bernstein
Bruce Springsteen by Schoolyard Fence, NY Aug. 1979

Charles De Wolf Brownell
Tree and Fence, East Hartford, Connecticut (New England Landscape) , 1862

Louise Alix
1930's French Impressionist Green Fence Pathway Leading To Village Church, 1930's

Will Hudson
"Fence Jumper", oil painting, figurative, boy, flight, field, outside, summer, 2020

John Rattenbury Skeaping
Rodeo. Bareback Bronco. Mid 20th Century. 1966. Western Cowboy Ranch Equestrian., 1966

Shirley Gilman
"Lazy Day in the Country" - Mid Century Pastoral Farm Landscape w Barn, c.1960s

Carlton Scott Sturgill
Mid 30's attractive couple looking for friends - mw4mw, 2010

Edward Benjamin Herberte
19th Century sporting oil painting of a hunt , 1890

Edward Benjamin Herberte
19th Century sporting oil painting of a hunting meet, 1890

Alice Duke
Grey Barn and Brown House - Rural California Landscape in Watercolor on Paper, Mid-20th Century

Alice Duke
Farmhouse Amador Foothills - Rural California Landscape in Watercolor on Paper, Mid-20th Century

Evelyn Campbell
Autumn at the Cottage in the Woods - Landscape in oil on Masonite, mid 20th Century