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

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Mid

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Georges Coslin Armchairs Midcentury Mid Sixties

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Swedish Mid CenturyMid-Century Abstract Dramatic Seascape Clouds Textured Signed Oil Painting , mid 20th century

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Mid Century Style Mohair Bench

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Mid Century Style Mohair Bench

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables

Wooden console table, mid-century, 1950s

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Rare Mid Century Modern German teak Sideboard, 1960s

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Rocking Chairs

Mid century Scandinavian solid teak Rocking Chair , 1960s

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Pair of Custom Mid Century Style Hairpin Leg Benches

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

French Mid Century Large Mid Century French Expressionist Signed Oil Horse Racing Scene, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

French Mid Century St Tropez Harbour Mid 20th Century French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Painting, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Modern Interior Paintings

Mid Century French1950's Mid Century French Modernist Oil Painting Still Life Interior Scene, c. 1950's

Mid-20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

French Mid Century Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Oil Provence Purple Orange Gold Yellow, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Spanish mid 20th centuryMid-Century Oil Painting in Ornate Frame Flamenco Dance Scene in Vibrant Colors, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

French Mid 20th CenturyProvencal Hilltop Village in Landscape Mid 20th Century French Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Swedish SchoolCoastal Landscape - Large Mid Century Swedish Scandinavian Modernist Painting, c.1960

20th Century Modern Still-life Paintings

British Mid 20th CenturyLarge Mid 20th Century Signed Oil Painting Still Life Flowers in Interior

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century English SchoolTerraced Houses - Mid 20th Century English London Architectural Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mid 20th Century French School Desert Landscape - Abstract French Mid Century Gouache on Canvas Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Italian SchoolMarket Day - Mid 20th Century Italian Impressionist Town Street Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolLe Pastis - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Still Life Alcohol Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolBoats on a River - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolCubist Landscape - Large Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Houses Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolBust of a Lady - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Still Life Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolOn the French Coast - Large Mid 20th Century French Naif Naive Boats Painting, c.1960

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Mid 20th Century French School1950's French Oil Portrait of Man with Cherries & Blue Jug Mid Century original, 1950's

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolCircus - Mid 20th Century French Modernist Oil on Canvas Figurative Painting, 1959

1970s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Italian SchoolSnowy Cityscape - Mid 20th Century Italian Cubist Winter Rooftops Oil Painting, 1977

1960s Surrealist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century English SchoolSurreal Landscape - Mid 20th Century English Surrealist Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century British SchoolGarden View - Mid 20th Century Modern British Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

1950s Cubist Still-life Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolCafetiere Blanche - Mid 20th Century Cubist Modernist Oil on Board Painting, 1957

16th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 16th Century English SchoolPortrait of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, Mid 16th Century Oil

1960s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolParis Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

1960s Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century Belgian SchoolBridge in Bruges - Mid 20th Century Belgian Naif Naive Landscape Oil Painting, c.1960

1950s Figurative Paintings

Mid 20th Century Dutch SchoolThe Bar - Mid 20th Century Dutch Naif Interior Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Teak coffee table with suspended top

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Italian 1950's elegant coffee table in dark mahogany

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Pair of Round Midcentury Style Hairpin Benches Or Stools

1960s Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolPortrait of a Black Man - Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting, c1969

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Bench

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Swedish Mid Century
Mid-Century Abstract Dramatic Seascape Clouds Textured Signed Oil Painting , mid 20th century

French Mid Century
Large Mid Century French Expressionist Signed Oil Horse Racing Scene, 1950's

French Mid Century
St Tropez Harbour Mid 20th Century French Post Impressionist Signed Oil Painting, 1950's

Mid Century French
1950's Mid Century French Modernist Oil Painting Still Life Interior Scene, c. 1950's

French Mid Century
Mid 20th Century French Expressionist Oil Provence Purple Orange Gold Yellow, 1950's

Spanish mid 20th century
Mid-Century Oil Painting in Ornate Frame Flamenco Dance Scene in Vibrant Colors, mid 20th Century

French Mid 20th Century
Provencal Hilltop Village in Landscape Mid 20th Century French Oil Painting

Mid 20th Century Swedish School
Coastal Landscape - Large Mid Century Swedish Scandinavian Modernist Painting, c.1960

British Mid 20th Century
Large Mid 20th Century Signed Oil Painting Still Life Flowers in Interior

Mid 20th Century English School
Terraced Houses - Mid 20th Century English London Architectural Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century French School
Desert Landscape - Abstract French Mid Century Gouache on Canvas Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century Italian School
Market Day - Mid 20th Century Italian Impressionist Town Street Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century French School
Le Pastis - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Still Life Alcohol Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century French School
Boats on a River - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Landscape Oil Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century French School
Cubist Landscape - Large Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Houses Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century French School
Bust of a Lady - Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Still Life Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century French School
On the French Coast - Large Mid 20th Century French Naif Naive Boats Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century French School
1950's French Oil Portrait of Man with Cherries & Blue Jug Mid Century original, 1950's

Mid 20th Century French School
Circus - Mid 20th Century French Modernist Oil on Canvas Figurative Painting, 1959

Mid 20th Century Italian School
Snowy Cityscape - Mid 20th Century Italian Cubist Winter Rooftops Oil Painting, 1977

Mid 20th Century English School
Surreal Landscape - Mid 20th Century English Surrealist Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century British School
Garden View - Mid 20th Century Modern British Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century French School
Cafetiere Blanche - Mid 20th Century Cubist Modernist Oil on Board Painting, 1957

Mid 16th Century English School
Portrait of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, Mid 16th Century Oil

Mid 20th Century French School
Paris Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

Mid 20th Century Belgian School
Bridge in Bruges - Mid 20th Century Belgian Naif Naive Landscape Oil Painting, c.1960

Mid 20th Century Dutch School
The Bar - Mid 20th Century Dutch Naif Interior Figurative Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1950

Mid 20th Century French School
Portrait of a Black Man - Mid 20th Century French Oil on Canvas Painting, c1969

European Mid Century
Large 1950's Portrait of Dashing Gentleman Oil Painting on Canvas, 1950's

French Mid Century
1950's French Signed Modernist Oil Painting Large Ship off the Coastline, 1950's

Mid Century French
1950's French Vintage Oil Painting Archway Farm Buildings in Country Landscape

French Mid Century
Portrait of a Roman Soldier in Head Gear and with Spear 1950's French Oil Paint, 1950's

Mid 20th Century French School
Bottles on a Ledge - Mid 20th Century French Still Life Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1960

French Mid Century
Pink Flowers in Blue Turquoise Vase Signed 1950's Oil on Canvas, 1950's

Mid Century Italian
Fishing Boats at Sunset off the Neapolitan Coastline, large signed oil painting

Mid Century French
Beautiful 1950's French Signed Oil Dappled Light Riverside Pathway, framed

Mid 20th Century French School
Grenoble, Place de Metz - Mid 20th Century French Naif Oil on Board Painting, c.1950

French Mid Century
Red & Yellow Flowers in Vase Signed French Impressionist 1950's Oil Painting , 1950's

French Mid Century
huge 1950's French Modernist Signed Oil Painting Portrait Two Acrobats, 1950's

French Mid Century
St Tropez Harbor Boats Moored Sleep Sunny French Old Town 1950's Impressionist, 1950's

French Mid Century
1960's French Oil Oxen & Cart in Sun Scorched South of France Landscape, 1960's