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

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Island

1950s Abstract Abstract Prints

K. N. TsukamotoMid Century Islands Woodblock, 1950

1930s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Alexander NepoteIsland in the San Francisco Bay, Mid Century Landscape by Alexander Nepote , 1938

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Tsukda Island - Original Lithograph After Hiroshige- Mid 20th Century, Mid-20th Century

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Margaret Cox HerrickMid Century Monhegan Island Maine Landscape , 1940

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Chikara "Don" OkaMid Century Alaskan Winter Aleutian Islands Landscape, 1944

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Hildegarde HamiltonIsland Mountains and Boats by the Coast, Mid 20th Century Landscape, mid 20th century

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Mid-20th Century Island Style Rattan Dining Table Ebony Stained Hardwood Top

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

View of Capri Island - Original Oil Painting on Cardboard - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Industrial Industrial and Work Tables

Mid Century Industrial Kitchen Island Worktable With Butcher Block Top

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Seaside Painting Mid Century Beach Scene Painting Long Island Ocean Bathers

Antique Mid-19th Century American Maps

Framed Mid-19th Century Wall Map of Long Island, the Hamptons

21st Century and Contemporary American Realist Figurative Paintings

Wes HempelPrivate Island, Mid Day Swim, 2019

20th Century Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Fortunino MataniaFranco Matania - Mid 20th Century Pastel, Pacific Island Boy, Unknown

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid Century Italian Tole Painted Metal Florida Island Palm Tree Sculpture

1940s Symbolist Figurative Paintings

Marguerite BlasingameMid Century Surrealist Nocturnal Tide Hawaiian Islands God Symbolism Landscape, c.1940s

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Mid-Century Made Heavy Bronze Classic Novel Book Shaped Bookends Treasure Island

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Henry P Glass Intimate Island Suite Walnut Upholstered Mid Century Coffee Table

Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Art

Mid-20th Century Tami Islands Papua New Guinea Tribal Wooden Feast Bowl

Antique Mid-19th Century Greek Greek Revival Western European Rugs

Mid-19th Century Antique Greek Islands Composite Panel, Wabi-Sabi Meets Boho

21st Century and Contemporary Art Nouveau Carts and Bar Carts

French Art Nouveau Brutalist Mid Century Scrolling Iron Kitchen Island Bar Table

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Ludwig Bemelmans, 1898-1962"Coney Island" Brooklyn NYC Amusement Park Mid-century American Scene WPA Modern, c. 1940s

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Sofas

Giovannetti, Mid-Century Modern R.Semprini Round Island Sofa Burgundy, O Vulcano

Mid-20th Century American Modern Black and White Photography

John AlbokConey Island, 1930

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Antique Print of Habitants of Oualan Island, Caroline Islands

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Inez McCombsVirgin Islands Landscape , ca. 1950

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Walter AndersonHorn Island Landscape, c. 1945

Mid-20th Century American Modern Landscape Prints

Kerr EbyLittle Hall's Island. , 1931

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Other Textiles

Ikat Textile from Flores Island, Indonesia

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Other Textiles

Ikat Textile from Timor Island, Indonesia

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Henry MeylanRousseau Island, Geneva

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Other Textiles

Ikat Textile from Timor Island, Indonesia

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Other Textiles

Ikat Textile from Sumba Island, Indonesia

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Don DonaghyConey Island, NY, 1965

Antique Mid-19th Century American Early Victorian Prints

Antique Map Long Island, Southold, Shelter Island, Orient, New York

Antique Mid-19th Century English Georgian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Early 19th century channel island mahogany chest on chest

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Antique Print of Tinian Island, Part of the Northern Mariana Islands

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Antique Print of a Peak on Bora Bora Island, Society Islands

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Mixed Media

Michael DavisInvisible, Nauru Island, 2023

Mid-20th Century Vanuatuan Tribal Tribal Art

Vanuatu Fernwood Grade Ritual Figure, Ambrym Island

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

K. N. Tsukamoto
Mid Century Islands Woodblock, 1950

Alexander Nepote
Island in the San Francisco Bay, Mid Century Landscape by Alexander Nepote , 1938

Margaret Cox Herrick
Mid Century Monhegan Island Maine Landscape , 1940

Chikara "Don" Oka
Mid Century Alaskan Winter Aleutian Islands Landscape, 1944

Hildegarde Hamilton
Island Mountains and Boats by the Coast, Mid 20th Century Landscape, mid 20th century

Wes Hempel
Private Island, Mid Day Swim, 2019

Fortunino Matania
Franco Matania - Mid 20th Century Pastel, Pacific Island Boy, Unknown

Marguerite Blasingame
Mid Century Surrealist Nocturnal Tide Hawaiian Islands God Symbolism Landscape, c.1940s

Ludwig Bemelmans, 1898-1962
"Coney Island" Brooklyn NYC Amusement Park Mid-century American Scene WPA Modern, c. 1940s

John Albok
Coney Island, 1930

Inez McCombs
Virgin Islands Landscape , ca. 1950

Walter Anderson
Horn Island Landscape, c. 1945

Kerr Eby
Little Hall's Island. , 1931

Henry Meylan
Rousseau Island, Geneva

Don Donaghy
Coney Island, NY, 1965

Michael Davis
Invisible, Nauru Island, 2023

Art Shay
Coney Island Threesome, 1947, 1947

Percival Pernet
In the Balearic Islands, 1971

Clifford Isaac Addams
Bailey's Beach, Newport, Rhode Island., 1933

Clifford Isaac Addams
Bailey's Beach, Newport, Rhode Island., 1933

Bob Gruen
Runaways, Long Island, NY 1976

Joseph Kardonne
Ocean Beach Fire Island Cubist Painting, 1946

Norman Barr
Norman Barr, Coney Island (large), 1940, 1940

Fred Darge
“Afternoon Shadows” Goose Island State Park, TX Green Toned Landscape, Mid-20th Century

Joan (Johannes) Blaeu
Cadiz Island: A Framed 17th Century Hand-colored Map from Blaeu's Atlas Major, 1662