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Mid-Century Modern Brass, Copper and Enamel Mobile by Cesar Vasquez
By Cesar
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Hand crafted bronze, brass and enamel wall hanging or mobile by Chilean artist Cesar Vasquez.
Category

Vintage 1960s Chilean Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper, Enamel

Kinetic Mobile Sculpture
Located in London, GB
sculptural expression. Mobile lunaire features a delicate arrangement of rods and tension wires that create
Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Memphis Stabile Mobile
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Memphis stabile mobile by frederik Smits Handmade by the artist. Unique piece Perfect condition.  
Category

2010s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Michael Ince Sculpture Mobile
Located in New York, NY
Abstract wooden Mobil by Artist Michael Ince (1942- 9/2023 American). Mid Century Modern Mobil Art
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Studio-Made Modernist Mobile, Small
Located in Dallas, TX
A studio-made modernist mobile; mustard yellow, blue, opium red. This innovative art form, rooted
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1970s Caprice Shell Mobile Wind Chime
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Wonderful caprice shell mobile from the 1970s. The mobile makes a wonderful delicate sound when the
Category

Mid-20th Century English Hollywood Regency Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Shell

Michael & Frances Higgins Fused Art Glass Mobile, Signed
By Michael and Frances Higgins
Located in Dallas, TX
Enhance your mid-century modern space with our Exceptional 12 pieces fused multi-color glass mobile
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

Large metal Mobile sculpture by Arnulf Hoffmann, 1972
By Arnulf Hoffmann
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Large metal mobile sculpture by Arnulf Hoffmann (1935), Germany 1972. Exceptional large and early
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage 1960s California Studio Painted Metal Kinetic Mobile Sculpture
Located in Palm Springs, CA
California studio hand made 50's / 60's painted metal kinetic mobile sculpture, creator unknown
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1960s Metal Hanging Mobile with Crown Fish and Birds
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s metal hanging kinetic mobile sculpture with crown, fish and birds elements. Could be used
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Julio Le Parc "Continuel Lumière mobile" Kinetic artwork, ca. 1968
By Julio Le Parc
Located in Rotterdam, ZH
Julio Le Parc — “Continuel Lumière Mobile” Kinetic artwork, ca. 1968. Edition Denise René. A
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Michael and Frances Higgins Multicolored Mobile, Fused Art Glass
By Michael and Frances Higgins
Located in Kansas City, MO
Art glass mobile designed and made by Michael and Frances Higgins, 1950s. Great color combination
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Nylon, Art Glass

Arnulf Hoffmann (German, b. 1935) "Mobile" painted metal kinetic sculpture
By Arnulf Hoffmann
Located in Skokie, IL
Arnulf Hoffmann (German, b. 1935) "Mobile" painted metal kinetic sculpture Provenance: Gimpel and
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Mobile-stabile in chrome-plated steel François Collette, France, 1970
By François Collette
Located in Paris, FR
Mobile-stabile sculpture in chromed steel. Monogrammed F.C. and dated 70. Height: 54 cm (21.26
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Wonderful Triple Spiral Steel Kinetic Stabile / Mobile Sculpture by Sam Ogden
By Robert Ogden
Located in Buffalo, NY
Wonderful Triple Spiral Steel Kinetic Stabile / Mobile Sculpture by Sam Ogden constructed of three
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

MCM Kinetic Painted Steel Mobile by C. Jere for Artisian House
By Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and very difficult to find MCM kinetic painted steel mobile by C. Jere for Artisian House
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculpt...

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Miguel Berrocal Mini "Portrait De Michelle" Puzzle Sculpture
By Miguel Berrocal
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Mid-Century Modernist mini puzzle sculpture, titled "Portrait De Michelle" by
Category

Vintage 1960s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Nickel

Brutalist Abstract Welded Steel Pendulum Mid Century Modern Kinetic Sculpture
Located in Sarasota, FL
Purchased from fine estate in Ft Lauderdale. Beautifully hand made pendulum sculpture of a man in a ring. Swings beautifully, very well balanced.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Signed Vintage handmade mid century modern retro style abstract pottery
Located in Seattle, WA
Handmade wall Decor with a floral bird motif. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 13” Diameter ; 0.75” H
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Unique Mid Century Modern Sculptural Bronze Bell Signed Francisco Organic Design
Located in Troy, MI
Sculptural artist made cast bronze bell signed Francisco 1977 Organic design with wood grain like texture and verdigris patina Fluid looped handle is seamlessly integrated and signe...
Category

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Mid-century French Maison Jansen Brass Tree, 1960s
By Maison Jansen
Located in LEGNY, FR
Rare piece: Magnificent brass tree from the 60s by the famous French Maison Jansen representing a three-branched Yucca on a square base in black lacquered wood and circled with brass...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Glass Studio of Murano Handcrafted Fish Aquarium
By Murano 5
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern splendid aquarium with two colorful fish and controlled bubble by Murano. Made
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Murano Glass

Vintage Mid Century Modern Abstract Wire Kinetic Figure Sculpture Hand Painted
By Donald Max Engelman
Located in Troy, MI
Unique and whimsical abstract kinetic table top sculpture circa 1970s Minimalist wire figure with a hand painted hat mounted to a brutalist foot base The movement is reminiscent of...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Wire

Mid-Century Wooden & Metal Kinetic Ferris Wheel with Red, Blue & Yellow Cabins
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fun Mid-Century ferris wheel with red enameled metal frame and wooden cabins mounted on a wooden
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1960s Tin Mexican Folk Art Mask Vintage Mid-Century Face w/ Nose Ring
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful and more uncommon Mexican folk art mask design. It is stamped, MEXICO on hang tab.
Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Tin

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Kinetic Balancing Man Sculpture by Strauss, 1970’s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jere style Brutalist tabletop or book shelf counter balance sculpture
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Fiber Art Crocheted Wool Hanging Sculpture by Jane Knight 1970s
By Jane Knight
Located in Troy, MI
Suspended macrame sculpture by Michigan fiber artist Jane Knight circa 1970s Three dimensional open weave crocheted sculpture in a muted chartreuse wool, adorned with a hanging bras...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wool

1960s Pinwheel Brazen Nail Table Sculpture Mid-Century Starburst as Curtis Jere
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and delicate Mid-Century era welded tabletop kinetic sculpture, no signature can be found
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Replogle Globe on Wrought Iron Base in the Manner of Paul McCobb
By Replogle Globes, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century Replogle globe on wrought iron base (N,S,E,W represented on stand) in the manner of
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Space Age Mid Century West Germany Sputnik Weather Station Desk Top Barometer
Located in San Diego, CA
Very cool space age brass and lucite small globe weather station , barometer made in West Germany , Post war piece.
Category

20th Century German Space Age Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

19th Century Skein Swift
Located in Greenwich, CT
A handsome 19th century swift with beautiful fruitwood base on ball feet and matching turned acorn
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

18th Century Bronze Mortar with Pestle Apothecary Set
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
An antique bronze mortar with original pestle which has two side handles and incised detail. This set, found in Europe, would be a great addition to an existing collection of these p...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Danish Empire Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Graham Mitchell Sears Geometric Kinetic Sculpture/ Stabile, 20th Century
By (after) Alexander Calder
Located in Buffalo, NY
Botanical Gardens, a mobile installed in the atrium of an architectural firm in Rome, Italy and signature
Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Iron

Contemporary Cast Iron Bicycle Sculpture
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century cast iron sculpture of a bicycle racer on a solid cast iron rectangular base
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Iron

19th Century French Provincial Carved Articulated Artist's Model
Located in Middleburg, VA
A charming and evocative 19th-century carved wooden artist's mannequin from provincial France
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Mobiles and Kinetic Sc...

Materials

Metal, Brass

Wooden Artist's Articulated Lay Figure
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Articulated wooden mannequin designed for artists, dating from the mid-20th century. This piece
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Vintage Macramé Hand-Knotted Hanging Pendant Decorative Piece
Located in Miami, FL
Large Vintage Macramé Hand-Knotted Hanging Pendant Decorative Piece Offered for sale is a very tall vintage hand woven and knotted Macramé pendant hanging. This decorative piece is...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Rose Cabat Pottery Bird Wind Bell
By Rose Cabat
Located in Fairfield, CA
A mid century pottery wind bell by mid century ceramicist, Rose Cabat (1940-2015). An uncommon
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Large Spray sculpture in the style of Harry Bertoia c.1970’s
By Harry Bertoia
Located in London, GB
A great example of a late 1970’s Harry Bertoia style Spray sculpture. Provenance from Newman hire company London who aquired it in the early 1980’s. Steel rods a few with minor bends...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

1950s French Metal Wire Salad Basket - Decorative & industrial chic
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
to become a decorative statement piece. Its bold geometry and playful form recall mid-century French
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wire

Pair of Rare Geometric Wood Puzzle Sculptures - France - 1970s
By Sori Yanagi
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
striking geometric and molecular-like designs. Playful yet architectural, these mid-century puzzles
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Rare Geometric Oversized Wood Puzzle Sculpture - France - 1970s
By Sori Yanagi
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
well as mid-century abstract sculpture, this rare piece transcends its playful origins to become a
Category

Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Large Vintage Paolo Soleri Brutalist Bronze Rib Cage Wind Bell Arcosanti 1970s
By Paolo Soleri, Arcosanti
Located in Troy, MI
Massive architectural bronze wind chime bell sculpture by Paolo Soleri Arcosanti Cosanti USA circa 1970s Rib-like apex above a faceted bronze bell with raised modernist decoration ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Circa 1750 English Miniature Pottery Cradle
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Continental Europe, Asia, and the Middle East and ranging in date and style from Baroque to Mid-Century Modern
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George II Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Rare Oversized Puzzle Sculpture by Sori Yanagi - 1970
By Sori Yanagi
Located in SOTTEVILLE-LÈS-ROUEN, FR
modernity, has made him one of the most influential Japanese designers of the 20th century. Yanagi passed
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Wall sculpture “Soleil” Curtis Jere, circa 1960
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Soleil, a wall sculpture made of metal and folded brass sheets. American work corresponding to the creations of Curtis Freller and Jerry Fels (Curtis Jere). In very good original con...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass, Copper

Extra Large Bronze Wind Chime / Bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti
By Paolo Soleri
Located in San Diego, CA
Extra large bronze wind chime / bell by Paolo Soleri for Cosanti, circa 1980s. The piece has a total length is 33" with a substantial 8"diameter; it weighs over 12 pounds! The piec...
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculpt...

Materials

Bronze

Val Bertoia Sonambient Sculpture "Buffalo Shaped Sound"
By Val Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
"Buffalo Shaped Sound" A kinetic Sonambient sculpture by Val Bertoia composed of 122 Beryllium rods silvered to solid brass mounted on wood stand. The 122 purple tipped beryllium ro...
Category

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

Large 9 Rod Sonambient Sculpture in the Style of Harry Bertoia
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Culver City, CA
), this sculpture is an affordable way to bring a bit of mid-century magic into your space. It’s a
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Kinetic Lucite Plexiglass Obelisk Sculpture, circa 1970
By Studio Italia Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning Lucite or Plexiglass sculpture features an abstract, geometric swirl shape with a milky white color, mounted on a tall, stepped black acrylic base. The piece was expert...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

1950's Wood Motorcycle Model
Located in New York, NY
Unique motorcycle model with moving parts, fully constructed in wood. New Hampshire, circa 1950's.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

François COLETTE (1936-2024) : Chrome plated stabile sculpture , 1973
By François Colette
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
François COLETTE (1936-2024) : Stabile Chrome plated and articulated stabile sculpture Signed 'F.C.' and dated '73' Dimensions Height 47 cm Width 40 cm Depth 30 cm Good conditions
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Modernist Gray Lucite Kinetic Celestial Orbit Sculpture Astrolabe, circa 1970
By Studio Italia Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning rotating astrolabe is a gorgeous kinetic sculpture. The rare celestial orbit piece was crafted in Italy circa 1970. The six circles are made of Acrylic Lucite in a smok...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite

Vintage Dimensional Abstract Sculpture
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage Dimensional Abstract Sculpture. We offer a great abstract expressionism dimensional kinetic sculpture mounted on a wood base. Great coffee table or bookcase accessory!
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Laurent Martin Lo, Bamboo "Kinetic" Sculpture, France, circa 2000
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Material, fishing lines and metal and ceramic weights. Like Calder’s mobiles, the sculptures follow strict
Category

Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Bamboo

Michael Cutler Hanging Kinetic Aluminium Sculpture
By Michael Cutler
Located in Ferndale, MI
Michael Cutler designed steel rod circle holding rotating three-piece aluminum mobile sculpture
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculpt...

Materials

Aluminum

David Shaner Hanging Landscape Studio Pottery Suspended Totem Sculpture 1990s
By David Shaner 1
Located in Troy, MI
Hanging landscape by Montana ceramic artist David Shaner circa 1990s Thirteen stoneware spheroid elements with various glazes and incised details Strung and suspended by steel wire ...
Category

1990s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

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Mid Century Mobile For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century mobile you’re looking for. Each mid century mobile for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and brass. If you’re shopping for a mid century mobile, we have 857 options in-stock, while there are 35 modern editions to choose from as well. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century mobile — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Each mid century mobile bearing mid-century modern, modern or industrial hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one mid century mobile that is appealing in its simplicity, but Paolo Soleri, Curtis Jeré and Jim Hunter produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century Mobile?

Prices for a mid century mobile can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $3,250,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,328.

A Close Look at Mid-century-modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. 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. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, 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 — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Questions About Mid Century Mobile
  • 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 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
    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 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 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 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 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 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 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 ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 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 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.