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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 12

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 13

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Question 14

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 15

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 17

What 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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Swag

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Scandinavian Modern Swag Prism Wall Sconces in Brass and Purple Crystal, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid Century Tubular Swag Lamp Sciolari

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Spaghetti Swag Pendant Light

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Office Chairs and Desk Chairs

Mid Century Modern Clear Lucite Aluminum Swag Base Rolling Swivel Desk Chair

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid Century Sculpted Hanging Swag Lamp Chandelier Pendant Light

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid Century Modern Chrome Wire Bird Cage Swag Chandelier Pendant Light 17"

Mid-20th Century Italian Wall-mounted Sculptures

Large Mid 20th Century Italian Carved Giltwood Floral Bows Wall Swag Decoration

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Frederick Ramond Mid-Century Smoked Glass & Chrome Swag / Pendant / Chandelier

Mid-20th Century French Chandeliers and Pendants

French Linear 12-Light Iron Chandelier with Swag Arms, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Pair of Mid-Century 1960's Ceramic Swag Pendant Lights

Mid-20th Century American Bohemian Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Deep Ruby Red Lucite & Brass Swag Hanging Light

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern Baguès Rock Crystal Gold Silver Gilt Beaded Swag Chandelier

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern Murano Ribbed Pendant Swag Shade Green to Blue

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Mid Century Modern George Nelson for Herman Miller Swag Leg Side Table

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Mid-Century Large Moroccan Moorish Pierced Brass Hanging Lantern or Swag Light

20th Century Italian Belle Époque Chandeliers and Pendants

Wonderful Mid-Century Baguès Gold Gilt Beaded Swag Crystal Star Large Chandelier

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

Mid Century Modern Chunky Lucite Orange Rock Candy Swag Ball Table Lamp - Pair

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Torch Cut Steel & Spike Swag Light and Chain

Vintage 1950s Italian Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid Century Hollywood Regency Gilt Swag & Drape Marble Top Cocktail Table

Mid-20th Century American Chandeliers and Pendants

Iridescent Bubble Glass Swag Lamp

Mid-20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants

Pair Mid Century Modern Swag Lamps! Iconic 1950s Gino Sarfatti for Raymor! Gold

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern String Wire Art Swag Chrome Chandelier Light Fixture, 1960s

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Mid Century Italian Modernist Wall Swag Lamp in Brass and Red Lacquered Metal

Vintage 1960s Brutalist Chandeliers and Pendants

Brutalist Swag Pendant Light Lamp Tom Greene Brass Feldman Co Mid-Century Modern

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pedestals and Columns

Vintage Regency Swag Plaster Pedestal

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Abstract Floral Chandelier / Swag with Spaghetti Shades

Mid-20th Century American Regency Lanterns

Vintage Regency Painted Swag Lantern

Mid-20th Century American Directoire Armchairs

French Directoire Style Swag Arm Chairs

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Wall Mirrors

Neoclassical Swag Gilt Gesso Mirrored Frame Wall Mirror

Mid-20th Century American Regency Wall Mirrors

Vintage Regency Gilt Swag Mirror

Mid-20th Century American Regency Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Vintage Regency Swag Plant Stand

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Brass and Lucite Swag Chandelier

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Pedestals and Columns

Vintage Regency Cast Cement Swag Pedestal

Mid-20th Century French Regency Wall Mirrors

Vintage Regency Gilt Tipped Swag Mirror

Antique Mid-19th Century English Fireplaces and Mantels

Brass Railed Swag Decorated Nursery Guard

Mid-20th Century American Regency Wall Mirrors

Vintage Regency Gilt Tipped Swag Mirror

Mid-20th Century American Regency Chairs

Vintage Regency Carved Swag Chairs - a Pair

Mid-20th Century American Hollywood Regency Decorative Art

Pair Vintage Hollywood Regency Style Brass Shell Cornices Wall Swags Ornaments

Mid-20th Century American Regency Side Tables

Vintage Regency Swag and Tassel Side Table

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Table Lamps