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Vintage Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage inkwell is a decorative object realized in the Mid-20th Century Silver and glass inkwell
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Vintage Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
Vintage Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
H 3.94 in W 6.7 in D 10.63 in
Bronze Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Bronze inkwell is an original decorative object realized in the mid-20th century. A very elegant
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Bronze Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
Bronze Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
H 9.06 in W 8.67 in D 12.41 in
Silver inkwell , Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
in the mid-20th Century. Don't miss this precious object
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Large Mid Century Glass and Brass Inkwell
Located in Clearwater, FL
A mid century glass inkwell with a hinged brass top. A very stylish design that displays
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century Gilt Bronze French Inkwell
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful mid-19th century gilt bronze French inkwell. Measures: 6 1/2' wide by 4" deep by 4 3/4
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Inkwell
Located in Stockbridge, GA
19th century French inkwell, Louis-Philippe period.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis Philippe Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Inkwell
19th Century French Inkwell
H 8 in W 13.38 in D 6.63 in
19th Century French Inkwell
By Samson Porcelain Factory 1
Located in London, GB
A very unusual porcelain inkwell in the 18th century style, with all three pots intact and a
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Other Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century French Inkwell
19th Century French Inkwell
H 10.24 in W 10.63 in D 7.88 in
19th Century French Enameled Champlevé Inkwell
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning and rare French mid-19th century encier in Louis Revival taste with Moorish Arabesque
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Mid-Century American Civil War Era Gutta Percha Cylindrical Inkwell
Located in Stamford, CT
American Civil War era gutta-percha inkwell with a screw off top. In the mid 19th century, gutta
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Inkwells

Materials

Rubber

Mid 19th Century Inkwell in the Form of a Pocket Globe
Located in London, GB
A fantastic inkwell in the form of a pocket globe, dating from the mid 19th century.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Mid 19th Century Inkwell in the Form of a Pocket Globe
Located in London, GB
A fantastic inkwell in the form of a pocket globe, dating from the mid 19th century.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Mid 19th Century Partners Inkwell with Brass Double Top and Cut Crystal
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid 19th century partner's inkwell with a double opening brass top and a cut crystal daisy bottom
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Brass

French Mid 19th Century Louis XVI St. Ormolu and Sèvres Porcelain Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A sensational and extremely high quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Sèvres
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu

Antique Inkwell, Seashells, Gilded and Silvered, Bronze Dorée, Mid 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell from gilded and silvered bronze. France, mid 19th Century. Exceptionally
Category

Antique 1850s French Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Gold Plate, Silver Plate, Bronze

Mid-20th Century French Spelter and Cut Glass Inkwell with Deer Sculpture
Located in Dallas, TX
This interesting, vintage inkwell was crafted in the Alps mountains of France, circa 1950. The
Category

Mid-20th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Spelter

Unusual Mid 19th Century Bronze & Ormolu Inkwell in the Form of Well-Cast Coc
Located in London, GB
An unusual mid 19th Century bronze & ormolu Inkwell in the form of well-cast Cockerel with lifting
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Inkwell In Gilt Bronze And Marble 19th Century
Located in CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FR
Richly chiseled and gilded bronze inkwell. Basin with lion's mouth, arched feet with scrolls and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
revival of the luxurious Louis XV style took place in France in the mid 19th century. It came about as
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

French Mid-19th Century Louis XVI Style Green Marble and Ormolu Mounted Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An elegant and charming French 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Vert de Patricia marble
Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Ormolu

Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Container / Inkwell
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Chamotte container / inkwell. Measures 15.5 cm. x 12 cm. x 5 cm
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
By Veuve Perrin Factory
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Provincial Inkwells

Materials

Faience

20th Century Marble French Art Deco Inkwell, 1930
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French marble inkstand from the Art Deco era. Inkwell for antique dealers and collectors of
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Marble

20th Century Marble French Art Deco Inkwell, 1930
20th Century Marble French Art Deco Inkwell, 1930
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H 5.91 in W 15.36 in D 9.45 in
French Victorian Boule Brass Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
French Victorian Boulle-style square tortoise shell and brass inlaid inkwell with crystal well.
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Inkwell with Elephant, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Inkwell with elephant. An Art Deco Inkwell with an elephant figurine on top. A double inkwell
Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Inkwell with Elephant, 1930s
Inkwell with Elephant, 1930s
H 6.3 in W 13.39 in D 7.09 in
Mid-Century Antique Pair of Glass Inkwells with a Brass Lid and a Shield on Top
Located in Stamford, CT
A nice pair of mid-century glass inkwells with brass hinged lids and a shield on top. English lap
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Regency circular bronze inkwell
Located in London, GB
A small early 19th century Regency period circular bronze encrier, engine turned throughout, having
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Regency circular bronze inkwell
Regency circular bronze inkwell
H 3 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
19th Century French Neo-Classical Style Gilt Bronze Desk Inkwell
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 19th century French gilt bronze inkwell. Perfect coffee table art or desk statement piece
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
Located in Guaynabo, PR
Embossing & chasing techniques are highlighted in the Rococo motifs of this gilt bronze inkwell
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Rococo Revival Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
H 4.5 in W 13 in D 8 in
Traveling Inkwell Milk Churn Shape
Located in Vienna, AT
This figural traveling inkwell was made during the very early 1900s. It is made to look like a milk
Category

Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century, French, Patinated Bronze Hunting Dog and Duck Inkwell
By Jules Moigniez
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a man's desk or office with this antique dog and bird inkwell. Created in France circa
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Baccarat "Victor Hugo" Crystal Inkwell
By Robert Rigot
Located in New York, NY
French midcentury (1980s-1990s) limited edition (28/450) " Victor Hugo" crystal inkwell with a six
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

19th Century Austrian Porcelain Inkwell with Tray with Stamp on the Side
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century Austrian Porcelain Inkwell with Tray with Stamp on the Side.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Austrian Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Continental 1830 Porcelain Hand Painted Inkwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Continental 1830 Porcelain hand painted five sided brass lip inkwell, inkpot. This is a very nice
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Sterling Silver Inkwell XL Size, Denmark, 1920
Located in Paris, FR
Sterling silver inkwell made in Denmark, 1920. Very large size silver inkwell holder made of
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Sterling Silver Inkwell XL Size, Denmark, 1920
Sterling Silver Inkwell XL Size, Denmark, 1920
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H 8.27 in W 14.57 in D 7.88 in
19th Century French Bronze Inkwell with Horse Sculpture Signed P.J. Mêne
By P.J. Mêne
Located in Dallas, TX
Place this elegant antique signed inkwell in a man’s office. Created in France, circa 1870, the
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Victorian Inkwell with Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Located in NYC, NY
Fine mid-19th century inkwell with inlaid mother-of-pearl decoration surrounding pen trays, a
Category

Antique 19th Century English Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century French Bronze Inkwell with Roman Figure on Brown Marble Base
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate your office desk with this large Empire style inkwell. Created in France circa 1870 and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Empire Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Three 19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut Inkwells Monkey Kingfisher Bulldog
Located in Haarlem, NL
. Made during the mid-late 1800s, in the Brienz area of Switzerland. I have seen a lot of Black Forest
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Glass, Walnut

Ottoman Brass Inkwell and Pen Case Qalamdan
Located in Stamford, CT
Exceptional Turkish etched brass Qalamdan, a traveling scribe's inkwell and pen case. The beautiful
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Inkwells

Materials

Brass

British Studio Pottery Brown Glazed Water Dropper or Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and finely hand crafted studio pottery water dropper or inkwell decorated in brown
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

English Officers Equestrian Silverplate, Enamel & Hoof Inkwell
By Elkington & Co.
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Officers Equestrian silver plate, enamel and hoof inkwell, an exquisite example with a
Category

Antique 1890s English High Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

Sculptural Bronze Free-form Inkwell from a New York Socialite Estate
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural Bronze Free-form Inkwell from a New York Socialite Estate Offered for sale is a
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Ormolu and Malachite Inkwell, Circa 1860-1880.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique English ormolu & malachite inkwell, circa 1860-1880.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Inkwells

Materials

Malachite, Ormolu

1850s High Quality Bronze and Black Marble Italian Inkwell
By Antonio Pandiani
Located in Catania, Sicilia
A bronze inkwell surmounted by a faun manufactured in Italy in the mid-18th century.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Ransomers Patent De La Rue 02 Antique Traveling Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
Beautiful antique traveling inkwell, made of wood and steel. Great condition. By De La Rue.
Category

Early 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Stone Inkwell, Souvenir from Oran Area, circa 1940, Morocco
Located in Labrit, Landes
Marocain stone inkwell The sculpture represents a horseshoe surrounded by branches of leaves The
Category

Vintage 1940s Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Stone

Crystal Pen Holder with Inkwell by Walther Design
By Pukeberg Sweden
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Pukeberg walther glass designed Solifleur rectangular single stem glass. Interesting and particularly striking pieces of Op Art glass . The front features a fun, light-hearted textur...
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

Antique French Old Paris Porcelain & Gold Bronze Inkwell, Circa 1840.
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Old Paris Porcelain & Gold Bronze Inkwell, Circa 1840.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Louis XIV Bronze D'ore Inkwell, circa 1860
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French Louis 14th Bronze D'ore Inkwell, circa 1860.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing
Located in North Hollywood, CA
19th century brass decorated Islamic Turkish Qalamdan.An antique Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique Inkwell, Bronze D´oré, Desk Utensil, Neogotic, circa 1850
Located in Greven, DE
Antique inkwell from gilded brass. France, 1840-1860.
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Gold, Brass

Leuchars & Sons Brass Inlaid Boulle Inkstand with Spiral Crystal Inkwell
Located in valatie, NY
19th century English Leuchars & Sons brass inlaid boulle inkstand with spiral crystal inkwell
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Brass

19th-C. French Neo-Classical Style Gilt Bronze Ram Form Inkwell
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a mid-19th century French gilt bronze neo-classical style ram form inkwell. It has dual
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Sterling Silver Inkwell Made by Gösta Helenius, Ábo Sweden, 1928
Located in Paris, FR
Writing stand, Sterling silver and glass, by Gösta Konstantin Helenius, Ábo Sweden 1928. Square bottle, bevelled edges, size 6x6 cm, height tot. 9 cm. Weight of the set 200,4 g A b...
Category

Mid-20th Century Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

English Inlaid Boulle Inkwell on Chase Feet, Circa 1840
Located in Hollywood, SC
, decorative floral carrying handle and resting on original chased ball feet, Mid-19th Century.
Category

Antique 1840s English William IV Inkwells

Antique William IV Shell Gilt Bronze Double Inkwell with Pen Rest Candle Stand
Located in Atlanta, GA
An antique, early to mid 19th Century, William IV style and period double inkwell made of natural
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European William IV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Renaissance Italian Inkwell Calamelli workshop, Faenza, second half of the 16th
By Virgiliotto Calamelli
Located in Milano, IT
Inkwell Calamelli workshop (attr.). Faenza, second half of the 16th century Height 4.33 in; length
Category

Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Inkwells

Materials

Maiolica

Vintage Mid-Century Geode and Bronze Pen Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
is natural. Mid-century, Brutalist, Organic Modern, Modernist, Hollywood Regency, Vintage  
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Inkwells

Materials

Quartz, Bronze

Large Antique Ink Well, English, Crystal Glass, Desk, Mid-19th Century
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a large antique ink well. An English, crystal glass, desk ink well dating to the mid-19th
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Cut Glass

Emancipation Proclamation Inkstand - 19th Century Heavily Chased Brass
Located in Atlanta, GA
." - National Museum of American History This inkwell is an identical match to the one housed at the National
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Brass

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Mid Century Inkwell For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the mid century inkwell you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A mid century inkwell — often made from metal, wood and brass — can elevate any home. There are 323 variations of the antique or vintage mid century inkwell you’re looking for, while we also have 1 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the mid century inkwell you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each mid century inkwell bearing Victorian, mid-century modern or Art Deco hallmarks is very popular. A well-made mid century inkwell has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by George Betjemann & Sons, A. Leclaire and Jacques Adnet are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Inkwell?

The average selling price for a mid century inkwell at 1stDibs is $1,440, while they’re typically $61 on the low end and $128,500 for the highest priced.
Questions About Mid Century Inkwell
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    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.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.

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