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Archives and Libraries Shelf by Lips Vago
Archives and Libraries Shelf by Lips Vago

Archives and Libraries Shelf by Lips Vago

By Lips Vago

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo

Shelving unit, steel, by Lips Vago, Italy, 1960s. Vintage library shelf by Lips Vago from Italy

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

BBPR Unique Encased Library with Foldable Desk
BBPR Unique Encased Library with Foldable Desk

BBPR Unique Encased Library with Foldable Desk

By Studio BBPR

Located in Milan, IT

A Unique library by BBPR with a folding desk and movable shelves. Three drawers. Commission for

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Antique William IV Library Writing Table / Desk
Antique William IV Library Writing Table / Desk

Antique William IV Library Writing Table / Desk

Located in London, GB

A stunning antique library table of the utmost quality. This dates from the William IV period

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Wood

Custom Color Block Modular Library Card Catalog Cabinet
Custom Color Block Modular Library Card Catalog Cabinet

Custom Color Block Modular Library Card Catalog Cabinet

Located in Brooklyn, NY

Modular, midcentury, maple, library, card catalog cabinet is custom finished in white matte lacquer

Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Aluminum

Excellent Quality Mahogany Open Adjustable Library Bookcase
Excellent Quality Mahogany Open Adjustable Library Bookcase

Excellent Quality Mahogany Open Adjustable Library Bookcase

Located in Swadlincote, GB

Super quality Victorian flame mahogany open library bookcase with three adjustable shelves

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Unique Handmade and Sculpted Italian 1950s Library
Unique Handmade and Sculpted Italian 1950s Library

Unique Handmade and Sculpted Italian 1950s Library

Located in Milan, IT

A unique handmade and sculpted Italian 1950s library.

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

Baker Vintage Louis XVI Walnut Leather Executive Office Library Desk Arm Chair
Baker Vintage Louis XVI Walnut Leather Executive Office Library Desk Arm Chair

Baker Vintage Louis XVI Walnut Leather Executive Office Library Desk Arm Chair

By Baker Furniture Company

Located in Dayton, OH

"Baker Furniture Louis XVI executive office desk arm chair, c. mid 20th century Made of walnut

Category

Mid-20th Century Louis XVI Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Materials

Leather, Walnut

Vintage W&J Sloane Mahogany Frame Edwardian Style Library Arm Chairs - a Pair
Vintage W&J Sloane Mahogany Frame Edwardian Style Library Arm Chairs - a Pair

Vintage W&J Sloane Mahogany Frame Edwardian Style Library Arm Chairs - a Pair

By W. & J. Sloane

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage W&J Sloane Mahogany Frame Edwardian Style Library Arm Chairs - a Pair. Item features a

Category

Mid-20th Century Georgian Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Mahogany

An English Rosewood Library Hall Table, circa 1840.
An English Rosewood Library Hall Table, circa 1840.

An English Rosewood Library Hall Table, circa 1840.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

An English rosewood library hall table, the rectangular top on a pair of baluster turned and reeded

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Tables

Materials

Rosewood

Rare Adjustable French Library by Pierre Chapo
Rare Adjustable French Library by Pierre Chapo

Rare Adjustable French Library by Pierre Chapo

By Pierre Chapo

Located in Antwerp, BE

Pierre Chapo adjustable library or shelving system, France, 1960s. The cabinet consists out of two

Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Elm

Spectacular Circa 1750 English Carved Mahogany Library Chair
Spectacular Circa 1750 English Carved Mahogany Library Chair

Spectacular Circa 1750 English Carved Mahogany Library Chair

Located in Charlottesville, VA

This mid-18th century library chair features deeply carved mahogany with acanthus motifs, scroll

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century British Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Mahogany

Italian Wall Library/Wall unit in teak - 1960s
Italian Wall Library/Wall unit in teak - 1960s

Italian Wall Library/Wall unit in teak - 1960s

Located in Uccle, Bruxelles

Magnificent Italian library from the 1960s. It is made up of 3 modules. The different boxes and

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Library Spiral Staircase in Brass and Leather, 1960s
Library Spiral Staircase in Brass and Leather, 1960s

Library Spiral Staircase in Brass and Leather, 1960s

Located in Benalmadena, ES

Beautiful spiral staircase for library. Luxurious and ideal element for your library, a distinctive

Category

Mid-20th Century European Stairs

Materials

Brass

Rare Danish Library  Lamp in Brass 1940s
Rare Danish Library  Lamp in Brass 1940s

Rare Danish Library Lamp in Brass 1940s

By Louis Poulsen

Located in Handewitt, DE

Rare Danish library or painting wall lamp. Made in brass. In very good quality and vintage

Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Library Staircase in Natural Wood, France, circa 1940
Library Staircase in Natural Wood, France, circa 1940

Library Staircase in Natural Wood, France, circa 1940

Located in Paris, FR

Interesting library staircase in natural beech. It's based on four iron casters, for more

Category

Mid-20th Century French Rustic Stairs

Materials

Wood

Set of Library Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, 1950s
Set of Library Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, 1950s

Set of Library Chairs by Pierre Jeanneret, Chandigarh, 1950s

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Antwerp, BE

Pierre Jeanneret, library chair, set of four, India, 1952-1965 Measures: H.C 14 / 33, 43, 47, 79

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Teak

Pair of Anglo Indian Regency Style Library Chairs
Pair of Anglo Indian Regency Style Library Chairs

Pair of Anglo Indian Regency Style Library Chairs

Located in London, GB

A pair of Regency style ebony library chairs with caned seat and back, with carved arms and turned

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Chairs

Materials

Cane, Ebony

L & O Design Folding Library Ladder Model "Scaleo"
L & O Design Folding Library Ladder Model "Scaleo"

L & O Design Folding Library Ladder Model "Scaleo"

By Roberto Lucci & Paolo Orlandini, Velca Legnano

Located in Den Haag, NL

library ladder. Good condition. Measures: Height 130 cm, width 20cm, depth 8cm.

Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Ladders

Materials

Resin

Vintage Wooden Metamorphic Step Ladder Folding Library Chair
Vintage Wooden Metamorphic Step Ladder Folding Library Chair

Vintage Wooden Metamorphic Step Ladder Folding Library Chair

By LAGU

Located in İSTANBUL, TR

folding wooden library chair, a rare vintage item found in the "lagu selection," stands out with its

Category

Mid-20th Century Turkish Chairs

Materials

Wood

Vintage Minty Limited, Library Oxford Glass Bookcase
Vintage Minty Limited, Library Oxford Glass Bookcase

Vintage Minty Limited, Library Oxford Glass Bookcase

Located in Pasadena, TX

Wood construction with glass and wood sliding doors. Circa 1930

Category

Vintage 1930s British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Antique Venetian Library Stairs, Poplar Wood, circa 1750
Antique Venetian Library Stairs, Poplar Wood, circa 1750

Antique Venetian Library Stairs, Poplar Wood, circa 1750

Located in Dallas, TX

, these stairs are sturdy enough to be used in a library, but can also serve as decoration anywhere in the

Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Stairs

Materials

Poplar

Pair of Antique Library Alabaster and Marble Busts
Pair of Antique Library Alabaster and Marble Busts

Pair of Antique Library Alabaster and Marble Busts

Located in London, GB

A pair of very late Grand Tour Mid-19th Century Library Busts in carved Alabaster with marble

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Grand Tour Busts

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Straight Leg Chippendale Leather Wood and Hogan Writing Library Desk
Straight Leg Chippendale Leather Wood and Hogan Writing Library Desk

Straight Leg Chippendale Leather Wood and Hogan Writing Library Desk

By Wood and Hogan

Located in Houston, TX

Excellent quality custom Wood and Hogan straight leg Chippendale library desk. The desk has an

Category

Mid-20th Century English Chippendale Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather

Exquisite Widdicomb Designed Library Table with Travertine Top
Exquisite Widdicomb Designed Library Table with Travertine Top

Exquisite Widdicomb Designed Library Table with Travertine Top

By Widdicomb Furniture Co.

Located in Dallas, TX

This is an heirloom quality piece that will anchor a spacious room. The pattern of textured stone is striking and has beautiful movement in the neutral veining pattern. Dimension...

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Tables

Rare Rosewood Metamorphic Library Chair by Charlotte Horstmann
Rare Rosewood Metamorphic Library Chair by Charlotte Horstmann

Rare Rosewood Metamorphic Library Chair by Charlotte Horstmann

By Charlotte Horstmann

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Gorgeous Hong Kong colonial rosewood library chair copied from a 19th century piece by noted custom

Category

20th Century Hong Kong Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Wood

Midcentury Style Modern Double Sided Figured Walnut Library Ladder
Midcentury Style Modern Double Sided Figured Walnut Library Ladder

Midcentury Style Modern Double Sided Figured Walnut Library Ladder

Located in San Francisco, CA

A fantastic Mid-Century Modern walnut double sided library ladder on concealed wheels. Inscribed by

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Ladders

Materials

Walnut

Library E22 by Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno Italy 1951
Library E22 by Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno Italy 1951

Library E22 by Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno Italy 1951

By Tecno, Osvaldo Borsani

Located in Berlin, DE

Library E22 by Osvaldo Borsani, Tecno Italy 1951

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

William IV Library armchair from Powderham Castle - Devon
William IV Library armchair from Powderham Castle - Devon

William IV Library armchair from Powderham Castle - Devon

Located in Batley, GB

An elegant and William IV 'Propper' country house Library armchair. Raised on turned mahogany front

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Regency Armchairs

Materials

Mahogany

Antique Victorian Leather Top Partners Desk / Library Table
Antique Victorian Leather Top Partners Desk / Library Table

Antique Victorian Leather Top Partners Desk / Library Table

Located in London, GB

A superb and very impressive antique Victorian partners desk / library writing table. This was made

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Leather, Wood

1950's Wall Mounted Library by Fratelli Proserpio
1950's Wall Mounted Library by Fratelli Proserpio

1950's Wall Mounted Library by Fratelli Proserpio

By F.P. Fratelli Proserpio 1

Located in London, GB

A rosewood wall mounted library designed by Fratelli Proserpio, Italy, 1950's. The shelving unit

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

Large Double Bank Vintage Flamed Hardwood Beresford & Hicks Library Bookcases
Large Double Bank Vintage Flamed Hardwood Beresford & Hicks Library Bookcases

Large Double Bank Vintage Flamed Hardwood Beresford & Hicks Library Bookcases

By Beresford & Hicks

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Beresford and Hicks library bookcases A very good looking well made and decorative piece, the shelves are

Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Hardwood

rare 1950s Double Cone Lightolier Library Lamp
rare 1950s Double Cone Lightolier Library Lamp

rare 1950s Double Cone Lightolier Library Lamp

By Lightolier

Located in Bainbridge, NY

elegant and scarce atomic Gerald Thurston style Lightolier White enameled Metal and Brass Desk Lamp with adjustable cone Shades, perforated details, and tubular double Brass stems. ...

Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Metal

Large 1950s French Library Table in Solid Oak
Large 1950s French Library Table in Solid Oak

Large 1950s French Library Table in Solid Oak

Located in Buchanan, NY

This large 1950s French monastery style library or hall table with a lower stretcher is a stunning

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Oak

Library Ladder, Anonymous, for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1950s
Library Ladder, Anonymous, for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1950s

Library Ladder, Anonymous, for Nordiska Kompaniet, Sweden, 1950s

Located in Stockholm, SE

Solid oak. Measures: H 167 cm/ 65 3/4" W 42 cm / 16 1/2" D 74 cm/ 29 1/8".

Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Ladders

Materials

Oak

Vintage Oak Refectory Library Table with 4 Drawers
Vintage Oak Refectory Library Table with 4 Drawers

Vintage Oak Refectory Library Table with 4 Drawers

Located in Round Top, TX

The heavy turned legs and stretchers along the bottom are traditional style elements of a refectory table. At 10' long, this solid oak table will serve impressively as a huge dining ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Dining Room Tables

Materials

Oak

Vittorio Introini Library System Model P700, 1969 Saporiti
Vittorio Introini Library System Model P700, 1969 Saporiti

Vittorio Introini Library System Model P700, 1969 Saporiti

By Vittorio Introini

Located in Berlin, Berlin

Library System designed by Vittorio Introini. Italy, Saporiti, 1969. Modular and sculptural wall

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Huge Hand Painted Oak Waterfall Library Bookcase Gold Leaf Paint
Huge Hand Painted Oak Waterfall Library Bookcase Gold Leaf Paint

Huge Hand Painted Oak Waterfall Library Bookcase Gold Leaf Paint

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely very large hand painted waterfall library bookcase

Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Oak

Light Mahogany Handmade in England Vintage Beresford & Hicks Library Bookcase
Light Mahogany Handmade in England Vintage Beresford & Hicks Library Bookcase

Light Mahogany Handmade in England Vintage Beresford & Hicks Library Bookcase

By Beresford & Hicks

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this nice Beresford & Hicks light mahogany library bookcase A

Category

20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Stunning Maple & Wrought Iron Charleston Forge Etagere Open Library Bookcase
Stunning Maple & Wrought Iron Charleston Forge Etagere Open Library Bookcase

Stunning Maple & Wrought Iron Charleston Forge Etagere Open Library Bookcase

By Ekegren, Charlsham 1

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

We are delighted to offer for sale this exquisite Charleston Forge Etagere open library bookcase

Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wrought Iron

Victorian English Burr Walnut Library Bookcase Antique
Victorian English Burr Walnut Library Bookcase Antique

Victorian English Burr Walnut Library Bookcase Antique

Located in Bedfordshire, GB

A Delightful Mid 19th Century Victorian Burr Walnut Library Bookcase Having Pair Of Glazed Doors

Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Midcentury Maple 72-Drawer Library Card Catalog Cabinet, circa 1940s
Midcentury Maple 72-Drawer Library Card Catalog Cabinet, circa 1940s

Midcentury Maple 72-Drawer Library Card Catalog Cabinet, circa 1940s

Located in South Bend, IN

A rare and exceptional Mid-Century Modern or Art Deco 72-drawer library card catalog cabinet USA

Category

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

Materials

Brass

Chinoiserie Desk / Library Table with Faux Bamboo Trim
Chinoiserie Desk / Library Table with Faux Bamboo Trim

Chinoiserie Desk / Library Table with Faux Bamboo Trim

Located in Dallas, TX

A large desk/library table, painted and gilded chinoiserie design with faux bamboo trim, embossed

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Desks

Materials

Leather, Wood

Table by Philippe Neerman for De Coene from National Library
Table by Philippe Neerman for De Coene from National Library

Table by Philippe Neerman for De Coene from National Library

By Philippe Neerman, De Coene Frères

Located in Brussels, BE

Table by Philippe Neerman for De Coene from National Library.

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Wood

Pair of Antique Deep Buttoned Leather Library Armchairs
Pair of Antique Deep Buttoned Leather Library Armchairs

Pair of Antique Deep Buttoned Leather Library Armchairs

Located in London, GB

Pair of antique deep buttoned leather and mahogany Gainsborough armchairs in excellent original condition and dating from circa 1950s period. The seats and backs are deep buttoned...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Georgian Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Pair of Antique Deep Buttoned Leather Library Armchairs
Pair of Antique Deep Buttoned Leather Library Armchairs

Pair of Antique Deep Buttoned Leather Library Armchairs

Located in London, GB

Pair of antique deep buttoned leather & mahogany Gainsborough armchairs in excellent original condition & dating from circa 1950s period. The seats & backs are deep buttoned & the...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Chippendale Armchairs

Materials

Leather, Mahogany

Italian Architectural Library Ladder Attributed to Franco Albini, 1950s
Italian Architectural Library Ladder Attributed to Franco Albini, 1950s

Italian Architectural Library Ladder Attributed to Franco Albini, 1950s

By Franco Albini

Located in Milan, IT

Italian Architectural library ladder Attributed to Franco Albini, 1950s. Each step has two black

Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ladders

Materials

Wood

Library Chair by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh, India, Circa 1959-60
Library Chair by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh, India, Circa 1959-60

Library Chair by Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh, India, Circa 1959-60

By Pierre Jeanneret

Located in Tokyo, JP

An authentic mid-century piece from Pierre Jeanneret’s legendary Chandigarh commission. Teak frame

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Cane, Teak

Vintage Modernist Chrome & Lucite Eyeball Desk Library Table Lamp 23"
Vintage Modernist Chrome & Lucite Eyeball Desk Library Table Lamp 23"

Vintage Modernist Chrome & Lucite Eyeball Desk Library Table Lamp 23"

Located in Dayton, OH

Late 20th century mid century modern style / atomic / modernist desk / table lamp featuring a cubic

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Chrome

Library Sconce in Solid Brass by Paul Ferrante
Library Sconce in Solid Brass by Paul Ferrante

Library Sconce in Solid Brass by Paul Ferrante

By Paul Ferrante

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beautiful library/readin light designed and manufactured in Los Angeles by Paul Ferrante. The

Category

1990s American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Midcentury Italian Carved Walnut Wood Spiral 4-Step Library Ladder
Midcentury Italian Carved Walnut Wood Spiral 4-Step Library Ladder

Midcentury Italian Carved Walnut Wood Spiral 4-Step Library Ladder

Located in Carimate, Como

turned, central post embellished with a decorative finial. Versatile and practical, the elegant library

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ladders

Materials

Wood

A French Walnut Floating-Arm Library Chair, C. 1860.
A French Walnut Floating-Arm Library Chair, C. 1860.

A French Walnut Floating-Arm Library Chair, C. 1860.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

with a wide range of decorative styles, from traditional library or study settings to more relaxed

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Armchairs

Materials

Upholstery, Walnut

Black Oak Library Refectory Table, Denmark circa 1840-60
Black Oak Library Refectory Table, Denmark circa 1840-60

Black Oak Library Refectory Table, Denmark circa 1840-60

Located in Round Top, TX

This handsome baroque library table with two drawers has heavily turned legs and a scalloped skirt

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Danish Baroque Tables

Materials

Oak, Paint

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Mid Century Library For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic mid century library available at 1stDibs. A mid century library — often made from wood, metal and brass — can elevate any home. Find 1118 options for an antique or vintage mid century library now, or shop our selection of 10 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer mid century library, there are earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century library is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, Victorian and Georgian styles are sought with frequency. A well-made mid century library has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Pierre Jeanneret, Franco Albini and Serge Mouille are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Library?

Prices for a mid century library can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $35 and can go as high as $1,600,000, while the average can fetch as much as $2,511.
Questions About Mid Century Library
  • 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 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 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
    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 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 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 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 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 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 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 3, 2024
    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.
  • 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 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 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 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 ExpertJune 15, 2023
    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.
  • 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.