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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Figure

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid-Century Figural Lucite Sculpture by Carol Marks

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Midcentury Figural Oil Painting "Triumph of the Egg", 1970s

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Nude Paintings

Genevieve RogersMid Century Figure Painting in the Studio Study , 1960

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Sirmos Plaster Hand & Torch Sconce, Midcentury Figural Fixture, 1970s, Labelled

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

Mid-Century Figural Table Lamp Ceramic Pottery by Fratelli Faniullacci

1970s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterChimeras, mid-century figural abstract blue acrylic painting, 1974

1960s American Modern Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterDichotomy, mid-century figural abstract green oil painting, 1962

1960s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Marc OtteeParis Street Scene, Mid Century Figural Landscape by Marc Ottee, c.1960s

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Italian Mid-Century Figural Lamps, in the Manner of Ernestine

1960s American Modern Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterTorso No. 1, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting, 1967

1960s American Modern Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterTorso No. 5, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting, 1967

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid-Century Figural Sculpture on Walnut Base Entitled "Vaulter" by Ken Vares

1960s Expressionist Figurative Sculptures

Curt BeckmannMother & Child, Mid-Century Figural Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Curt Beckmann, 1965

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid-Century Figural Sculpture on Walnut Base Entitled "Peptic 2" by Ken Vares

1960s American Modern Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterTorso No. 3, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting, Ohio artist, 1967

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Midcentury Figural Store Display Model

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Genevieve RogersMid Century Figure Study, Standing Woman with Plants , c.1960

1960s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterMedieval Heads, mid-century figural surrealist acrylic painting, 1966

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Midcentury Figural Jester Harlequin Plaster Table Lamp

1960s American Modern Animal Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterCicada, Mid-century Figural Surrealist Cleveland School Painting, 1960s, c. 1960s

1950s Modern Abstract Paintings

Beni E. KoshMeditation on African Sculpture, mid-century figural abstract painting, 1957

1960s American Modern Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterAir Chamber, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Collage, Anatomy & Ovoids, 1965

1990s Abstract Abstract Prints

Dean SnyderMid Century Figural Abstract -- Rock with Teapot Jelly Fish, 1990

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Midcentury Figural Abstract Painting In Antique Gilt Frame

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Figurines and Sculptures

Brutalist Jade Statue Midcentury Figural Attrib. Mary Polon

1970s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterNight Garden, mid-century figural surrealist acrylic painting, Cleveland School, 1972

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Rare 1950s Eva Zeisel Stoneware Bird Teapot Mid-Century Figural Vessel

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterIn and Out, mid-century figural abstract vibrant yellow geometric painting, 1963

1950s Abstract Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Joseph GlascoStanding Nude Man, Mid-Century Figural Expressionist Painting, New York Artist, 1955

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Sheffield and Silverplate

Midcentury Figural Silver Plate Wolf Head Jigger Barware Stirrup Cup

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterIcon Mandala, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Black, Red & White Oval Face Painting, 1967

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

Midcentury Figural Cast Iron Canon and Leather Book Table or Desk Lamp

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Pair of Figural Custom Bookends

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Curtis Jere Figural Bronze on Marble Base

1960s Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Julio Castillo'The Young Flute Player', Circa 1960

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Genevieve RogersMid Century Portrait of an African American Man, 1960

1960s Modern Figurative Paintings

Freda Hansen'Ladies in a Japanese Garden', Alameda Art Association, California , Circa 1965

Mid-20th Century Italian Wall Mirrors

Large Slim Midcentury Brass Mirror, Italy-Super Profile

1960s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterEye of the Desert, Figural Abstract collage, Surrealist Black & Brown painting, 1965

Mid-20th Century Modern Charm Bracelets

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century Figure Painting in the Studio Study , 1960

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Chimeras, mid-century figural abstract blue acrylic painting, 1974

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Dichotomy, mid-century figural abstract green oil painting, 1962

Marc Ottee
Paris Street Scene, Mid Century Figural Landscape by Marc Ottee, c.1960s

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Torso No. 1, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting, 1967

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Torso No. 5, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting, 1967

Curt Beckmann
Mother & Child, Mid-Century Figural Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Curt Beckmann, 1965

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Torso No. 3, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Acrylic Painting, Ohio artist, 1967

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century Figure Study, Standing Woman with Plants , c.1960

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Medieval Heads, mid-century figural surrealist acrylic painting, 1966

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Cicada, Mid-century Figural Surrealist Cleveland School Painting, 1960s, c. 1960s

Beni E. Kosh
Meditation on African Sculpture, mid-century figural abstract painting, 1957

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Air Chamber, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Collage, Anatomy & Ovoids, 1965

Dean Snyder
Mid Century Figural Abstract -- Rock with Teapot Jelly Fish, 1990

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Night Garden, mid-century figural surrealist acrylic painting, Cleveland School, 1972

Clarence Holbrook Carter
In and Out, mid-century figural abstract vibrant yellow geometric painting, 1963

Joseph Glasco
Standing Nude Man, Mid-Century Figural Expressionist Painting, New York Artist, 1955

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Icon Mandala, Mid-Century Figural Abstract Black, Red & White Oval Face Painting, 1967

Julio Castillo
'The Young Flute Player', Circa 1960

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century Portrait of an African American Man, 1960

Freda Hansen
'Ladies in a Japanese Garden', Alameda Art Association, California , Circa 1965

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Eye of the Desert, Figural Abstract collage, Surrealist Black & Brown painting, 1965

Helen Rayburn Caswell
'In the Sycamore', Large Figural Oil, Carmel, California Woman Artist, Muralist , Circa 1955

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Quadratic, Mid-Century Ovoid Figural Abstract Acrylic & Collage with faces, 1979

Clarence Holbrook Carter
The Mayor, Mid-Century Ovoid Figural Abstract Acrylic & Collage with Eye, 1979

Harold Kitner
Mid-Century Modern Figural of Two Women and Child by Harold Kitner Kent State, 1958

Louis Nadalini
Mid Century Seated Nude Figure with Rose , 1950s

James Coughlin
Abstract Figural and Pediments - Two Sided Art - James Coughlin, 1971

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Double Ovoids, Mid-Century Blue & Black Figurative Abstract Ovoids, 1960s

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Caged, Mid-Century Ovoid Geometrical Abstract Acrylic, Black & Grey, 1971

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Entr'acte - Mid-Century Ovoids in Theatre - Geometrical Abstract Pastel, 1977

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Departing from the System, Mid-Century Geometrical Abstract Mixed Media, 1961

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Seeing Egg, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Figural Abstract, c. 1960s

Charles Winfield Miller
'Timberline Nurse', American illustrator, Avalon Books, Romance novel, Playboy, Circa 1965

Hyacinthe Hill
'After the Hydrogen Bomb', New York Outsider woman artist, Figural Seascape oil, Circa 1955

Clarence Holbrook Carter
King Tut No. 2, Mid-Century Ovoid Geometrical Abstract Gouache on Paper, 1968

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Pinnacle, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Blue & Red Figural Abstract Collage, c. 1960s

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Vetriculus, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Figural Abstract work on paper, c. 1970s

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Seeing Egg No. 2, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic painting, Figural Abstract, 1965

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Vetriculus Egg, Surrealist Ovoid acrylic and collage painting, Figural Abstract, 1965-1979