Question 1

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 2

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 10

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.

Question 11

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

Question 12

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.

Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.

Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 18

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Question 20

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

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

Mid Century Media

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Long Mid Century Media Cabinet

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Mid-Century Solid Wood Double Sided Storage Shelf

Mid-20th Century Abstract Mixed Media

Landscape - Mixed Media - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Mixed Media

Horse Race - Mixed Media - Mid-20th Century , Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Mixed Media

Landscape - Original Mixed Media on Canvas - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

20th Century Mixed Media

Caroline HillProfiles - Mixed Media on Cardboard - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Mixed Media

Mid 20th Century Mixed Media - Bird of Prey, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Modern Mixed Media

Jean BoulletVintage Tibetan Thangka - Mixed Media - Mid-20th century, Mid-20th Century

1950s Modern Mixed Media

Mario SironiComposition - Mixed Media by Mario Sironi - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Mixed Media

Pub - Original Mixed Media on Paper - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

20th Century Mixed Media

Sonia Poliakov - Framed Mid 20th Century Mixed Media, Ostend Harbour, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Mixed Media

Mid 20th Century Mixed Media - Bird of Prey on Tree, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Mixed Media

Jean FouThe Castle and the Garden - Mixed Media by Jean Fou - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Mixed Media

Lucien BoucherThe Village - Mixed Media by Lucien Boucher - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Mixed Media

Herta HausmannChampions - Original Mixed Media Drawing by Herta Hausmann - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

1970s Tribal Mixed Media

Armand Avril'Trinité à l'oiseau'. Large Mid-Century Mixed Media Montage, 1974

2010s Modern Mixed Media

Irena OrlovMid Century Full of Colors Mixed Media Heavy Textured Painting 38x54", 2019

1940s Modern Mixed Media

Rudolf Von Huhn"Flow, " Rudolf Von Huhn, modern mid-century mixed media abstract, 1946, 1946

20th Century Mixed Media

Laurence H.F. IrvingLaurence H.F. Irving (1897-1988) - Mid 20th Century Mixed Media, The Farm, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Modern Mixed Media

Max PapartUnique Mid-Century Original Mixed Media Newsprint and Crayon. Hat and Flowers., 1967

1960s Abstract Mixed Media

Edward MarecakFaçade, 1960s Abstract Mixed Media Painting, Mid Century Modern, Pink, Black, 1960s

1960s Abstract Mixed Media

Edward MarecakX Marks the Spot, 1960s Mid Century Modern Mixed Media Abstract Painting, 1960s

1970s Op Art Mixed Media

Mid Century Modern Dimensional Ink on Acetate Stippled Op Art Mixed Media Work, circa 1970

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Mixed Media

Iqbal GeoffreyEpitaph, Mixed Media Abstract, 1963

Mid-20th Century Mixed Media

Framed 1959 Mixed Media - Autumn Cottage, 1959

Mid-19th Century Mixed Media

Attrib. Samuel Gillespie Prout (1822-1911)- Mixed Media, Abbeville on the Somme, Mid-19th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Mixed Media

Alexander Raymond KatzMixed Media Sculptural Painting "Juggler" Modernist

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Mixed Media

"Mona Lisa", mixed media collage on paper , 1965

Early 2000s Mixed Media

Alayna Rose'Motion So Soft' Mixed media, signed, 2008

Mid-20th Century Modern Mixed Media

Alexander Raymond KatzMixed Media Sculptural Painting "Unicorn" Chicago Jewish Modernist

Mid-20th Century Mixed Media

Thomas SparacinoThomas Sparacino "Family" Mixed Media Painting c.1972, Circa 1972

Mid-20th Century Modern Mixed Media

Alexander Raymond KatzMixed Media Modernist Sculptural Judaica Painting SHABBAT CANDLES

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Mixed Media

Rita LeffCARNIVAL Bright Colorful Modernist Mixed Media Abstract Composition

Mid-20th Century Abstract Mixed Media

Gloria Dudfield"Leaning in Chair" Mid-Century Figurative, c.1960

Late 20th Century Mixed Media

Kent Kalman PachutaMixed Media, pencil-signed and with artist bio, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Mixed Media

John Edmund Mace RBAJohn Edmund Mace RBA (1889-1952) - Framed Mixed Media, Dartmouth Harbour, Unknown

1960s Abstract Expressionist Mixed Media

James CoughlinMid Century Daffodil Abstract, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Mixed Media

Piero SadunHommage to Morandi - Original Acrylic by Piero Sadun - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art Mixed Media

Michael GilibertiPoolside Splash - Framed Original Vibrant Water Painting Mid Century Modern, 2023

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art Mixed Media

Caroline Hill
Profiles - Mixed Media on Cardboard - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Jean Boullet
Vintage Tibetan Thangka - Mixed Media - Mid-20th century, Mid-20th Century

Mario Sironi
Composition - Mixed Media by Mario Sironi - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Jean Fou
The Castle and the Garden - Mixed Media by Jean Fou - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Lucien Boucher
The Village - Mixed Media by Lucien Boucher - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Herta Hausmann
Champions - Original Mixed Media Drawing by Herta Hausmann - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Armand Avril
'Trinité à l'oiseau'. Large Mid-Century Mixed Media Montage, 1974

Irena Orlov
Mid Century Full of Colors Mixed Media Heavy Textured Painting 38x54", 2019

Rudolf Von Huhn
"Flow, " Rudolf Von Huhn, modern mid-century mixed media abstract, 1946, 1946

Laurence H.F. Irving
Laurence H.F. Irving (1897-1988) - Mid 20th Century Mixed Media, The Farm, Unknown

Max Papart
Unique Mid-Century Original Mixed Media Newsprint and Crayon. Hat and Flowers., 1967

Edward Marecak
Façade, 1960s Abstract Mixed Media Painting, Mid Century Modern, Pink, Black, 1960s

Edward Marecak
X Marks the Spot, 1960s Mid Century Modern Mixed Media Abstract Painting, 1960s

Iqbal Geoffrey
Epitaph, Mixed Media Abstract, 1963

Alexander Raymond Katz
Mixed Media Sculptural Painting "Juggler" Modernist

Alayna Rose
'Motion So Soft' Mixed media, signed, 2008

Alexander Raymond Katz
Mixed Media Sculptural Painting "Unicorn" Chicago Jewish Modernist

Thomas Sparacino
Thomas Sparacino "Family" Mixed Media Painting c.1972, Circa 1972

Alexander Raymond Katz
Mixed Media Modernist Sculptural Judaica Painting SHABBAT CANDLES

Rita Leff
CARNIVAL Bright Colorful Modernist Mixed Media Abstract Composition

Gloria Dudfield
"Leaning in Chair" Mid-Century Figurative, c.1960

Kent Kalman Pachuta
Mixed Media, pencil-signed and with artist bio, Unknown

John Edmund Mace RBA
John Edmund Mace RBA (1889-1952) - Framed Mixed Media, Dartmouth Harbour, Unknown

James Coughlin
Mid Century Daffodil Abstract, 1960s

Piero Sadun
Hommage to Morandi - Original Acrylic by Piero Sadun - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Michael Giliberti
Poolside Splash - Framed Original Vibrant Water Painting Mid Century Modern, 2023

Michael Giliberti
First Dive - Framed Original Vibrant Water Painting Mid Century Modern, 2023

Adrian Heath, 1920-1992
Adrian Heath, British, mid 20th Century abstract in golds and browns

Maura Segal
"Concrete" Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media on Canvas Framed Painting

JB Thompson
J.B. Thompson "Photon" Mixed Media Etching w/ Copper and Aquatint c.1970s, Circa 1970

Michael Giliberti
Saharan Motor Motel LA - Mid-Century Modern Original Framed Artwork, 2020

Michael Giliberti
Poolside at the Town & Country - Framed Original Painting Mid Century Modern, 2023

Michael Giliberti
Weekend Escape - Framed Original Painting Mid Century Modern Motel Cars Pool, 2023

Michael Giliberti
A Sudden Splash - Framed Original Vibrant Water Painting Mid Century Modern, 2023

Michael Giliberti
Deep Dive White - Framed Original Vibrant Water Painting Mid Century Modern, 2023

Anna Ballarian
Mid Century Apple Abstracted Still Life, 1959

Maura Segal
"Sand Castle" Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media on Canvas Framed Painting

Michael Giliberti
Poolside at the Ocean View - Framed Original Artwork Mid Century Modern Pool, 2023

Emerson Cooper
Woman with Numbers- Contemporary street art remake of old photograph mixed media, 2007-2010

Gary John
"Mid Century Tiki Style" Original Colorful Pop Art by Gary John, 2015

Michael Giliberti
Making A Big Splash In Palm Springs - Framed Painting Mid Century Modern, 2021

Carl Smith
Stereo Way To Heaven - Original Mid Century Record Player Painting on Canvas, 2021

Ewart Johns
Modern British mixed media collage by Ewart Johns 'Look what you're missing'

Emerson Cooper
Song of Love- Contemporary street art old photo using mixed media and collage, 2007-2010

Margaret Putnam
"GIRLS NIGHT OUT" MID CENTURY MODERN BATIK SAN ANTONIO ARTIST, 20th century

Irena Orlov
Mid Century Modern Artwork One Of a kind Heavy Textured Mixed Medium on Canvas, 2019