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Mid Century Modern Artists

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Italian Mid-Century Modern Artist Studio Made Matte Bisque Pottery Fruit Lamps
By Marcello Fantoni, Fantoni
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A really beautiful and rare pair of high end Mid-Century Modern lamps made in Italy in the 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Modern Artist James Koenig 1948 Buffalo NY Titled 'Net Work'
By James Koenig
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Titled ‘Net Work’ buffalo artist James Koenig paintings reflected many phases of American painting
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Round Wooden Studio Made Artist Signed Wall Mirror
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Artist-signed studio made round wall mirror.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Hardwood

Artist Signed Spiral Nail Wall Mount Sculpture
By William Bowie
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Artist-signed wall sculpture in style of William Bowie.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mounted Objects

Materials

Steel

Large Square Boat Shape Artist Decorated & Signed Vase by Rosenthal, Germany
By Rosenthal
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Beautiful porcelain Mid-Century Modern artist signed & decorated vase by Rosenthal.
Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Modern Folk Art Sterling Silver and Brass on Wood Mirror
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid-Century Modern artists created this enameled on brass and sterling silver zodiac symbols
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts More Folk Art

Materials

Bronze, Silver

Antler Grouping Base Glass Rectangle Top Coffee Table Folk Art Mid Century Mod
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antler Grouping base glass rectangle top coffee table Folk Art Mid-Century Modern. Artist signed
Category

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

Materials

Bone, Antler, Glass

Mid Century Modern Russell Woodard Spun Fiberglass Cream Dining Set – 3 Pieces
By Russell Woodard
Located in Delray Beach, FL
the pedestal base. Additional information: Materials: Fiberglass Color: Cream Style: Mid-Century
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Fiberglass

Deborah D. Bump Rhino Jewelry Trinket Box
By Deborah Bump
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern artist Deborah D. Bump mahogany rhino jewelry or trinket box, signed Deborah D
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Mahogany

Vittorio Dassi Design Midcentury Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Rome, IT
Stylish sideboard designed by the famous Italian Mid-Century Modern artist Vittorio Dassi, this
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Vittorio Dassi Design Midcentury Sideboard or Bar Cabinet, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Rome, IT
Stylish sideboard designed by the famous Italian Mid-Century Modern artist Vittorio Dassi, this
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Marble

Mediterranean Fishing Village Mid-Century Modern Gouache c1950 Original Frame
Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK
Mediterranean Fishing Village, Gouache, In original frame, Mid-Century Modern, artist unknown
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Clyde Burt Signed Large Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Ceramic Art Bowl
By Clyde Burt
Located in Studio City, CA
Mid-Century Modern artist / potters or make for a very eye-catching stand-alone accent piece in about
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery, Stoneware

Charles Levier Signed Large Mid-Century Modern French Painting Reclining Nude
By Charles Levier
Located in Studio City, CA
or Mid-Century Modern artists or an eye-catching stand-alone accent artwork in about any setting
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint

Bold Stylized Painting by Charles Levier of Fashionable French Women in Hats
By Charles Levier
Located in Hopewell, NJ
modern cubist sensibility. He is known as a mid century modern artist. His first one-man show opened at
Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Elephant Chair by Bernard Rancillac, Limited Edition 37/100, 1985
By Bernard Rancillac
Located in Antwerp, BE
Chair; Side Chair; Lobby Lounge Chair; Reading Chair; Space Age; Mid-Century Modern; Artist; Sculptor
Category

Vintage 1980s French Space Age Chairs

Materials

Steel

Vintage Beni Ourain Moroccan Rug, Cozy Nomad Meets Midcentury Modern
By Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Dallas, TX
sophistication and graphic allure—an ideal complement to spaces inspired by Mid-Century Modern artists. Rendered
Category

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Moroccan and North African ...

Materials

Wool

Suite of Three Progressive Modern Industries Stamped Artist Art School Stools
By Modern Industry
Located in GB
stamped Modern Industries Product These are a lovely decorative set of midcentury oak stools, they came
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Oak

Artist Abelardo Zaluar, Geometric Abstract Painting
Located in St. Louis, MO
Abelardo Zaluar (Brazilian, 1924–1987) Mid-Century Modern artist. This gem of a painting is titled
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Acrylic

Mid-Century Modern Hand-Forged Artist Copper Nude, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Hand-Forged Artist Copper Nude, 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

Mid-century Modern Articulated Wood Artist Hand Model
Located in Downingtown, PA
Articulated Wood Artist Hand Model, 1950s The carved light wood hand is articulated at the wrist
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Mid-century Modern Articulated Wood Artist Hand Model
Located in Downingtown, PA
Articulated Wood Artist Hand Model, 1950s-1970 The beautifully carved light wood hand is
Category

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Millard Sheets Signed Original Drawing Wartime Boats in Stormy Seas Harbor, 1942
By Millard Sheets
Located in Studio City, CA
Mid-Century Modern artist or an eye-catching stand-alone accent artwork in about any setting
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Paper

Adrian Pearsall "2315-C" Lounge Chairs for Craft Associates, USA 1960s
By Adrian Pearsall
Located in Budapest, HU
Adrian Pearsall was born in 1925 in Trumansburg, New York. Like many Mid-Century Modern artists of
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Studio Art Pottery Bottle Vase, Artist Signed, 20th Century
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid-Century Modern studio art pottery bottle vase offers bottle form with torpedo vessel
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Painting
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Abstract Mid-Century Modern Painting This Light and Dark Abstract Mid-Century artwork is a
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paint, Acrylic

Mid Century Modern Abstract Watercolor by California Artist Caroline Harris
Located in San Diego, CA
Large Framed original watercolor on canvas abstract by California artist Caroline Harris, comes
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Glass

Mid-Century Modern Rainbow Artwork by Brazilian Artist Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Brazilian artist Palatnik (1928) was the founder of the technological movement in Brazilian art and was a
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Extra Large Original Artist Signed Abstract Painting
Located in West Hartford, CT
and dated 1975. The artist's signature is illegible; see photos. This oil on canvas features yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

Materials

Canvas, Wood

Danish Artist Otto Petersen, Mid-Century Modern Painting, 1960's
Located in Copenhagen, DK
1960´s Otto Petersen: active in the second half of the 20th century - a resident of Hamburg German
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mid Century Modern Painting by Par Lindblad Swedish Artist (1907-1981)
By Par Lindblad
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mid Century Painting by Par Lindblad Swedish Artist (1907-1981) Pär Lindblad (1907-1981) was a
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Beatrice Wood Signed Pink Lava Glaze Midcentury California Studio Pottery Bowl
By Beatrice Wood
Located in Studio City, CA
Famed California Mid-Century Modern artist Beatrice Wood signed bowl featuring a unique pink lava
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Earthenware

Vintage Framed and Signed Artist Roger Berghoff Mid Century Modern Serigraph
Located in Seattle, WA
Washington Artist. Framed and Matted within wooden frame. Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Wood

Magnus Engstrom Signed Swedish California Artist Mid-Century Modern Oil Painting
By Magnus Engstrom 1
Located in Studio City, CA
Engstrom. Would be a great addition to any Mid-Century Modern or California art painting collection or
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

Hand Crafted Mid-Century Modern Vase, Pot by Artist Nancee Meeker
By Nancee Meeker
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous hand thrown vase in the Mid-Century Modern arts & crafts style with crazed glaze
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Urns

Materials

Clay

Mid 20th Century Modern Abstract Cityscape Painting Signed by Artist W. Heintz
By (after) Piet Mondrian
Located in Miami, FL
Mid 20th Century Modern acrylic cityscape painting signed by artist, W. Heintz in the lower right
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Paint

Mid-Century Modern handmade artist's wooden plate with copper signature, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
With a very decorative branding pattern.
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Copper

Mid Century Modern Multi Colored Hand Made Small Rug Artist Numbered 28/250
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
A multi colored hand made small rug artist numbered. This pretty little area rug features a
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern North and South American Rugs

Materials

Natural Fiber

Abstract Mid Century Modern Painting Heavy Paper Unknown New York Artist 1950s
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern unframed Abstract painting Casein on Art Paper by New York Artist 1950s. Though
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Mid-Century Modern Large Horse Head by Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in Doornspijk, NL
Large horse head made by Abraham Palatnik. The Brazilian artist Palatnik (1928) was the founder
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
Located in Redding, CT
Mid-Century Modern abstract on board by Margaret Malval. Colorful composition in a nice gray and
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood, Masonite, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
Mid-Century Modern Abstract on Board
H 18.5 in W 28.5 in D 1.75 in
Harding Black Texas Artist Signed Mid-Century Modern Studio Pottery Pitcher
By Harding Black
Located in Studio City, CA
striking. Harding Blacks Exhibitions include: San Antonio Local Artists Annual Exhibition (1939-42
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Onyx and Brass Sailboat, Signed by Artist
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful brutalist sailboat sculpture of patinated brass sheets and copper wire on a white quartz base. Great movement is evoked in the sails at the pennant at the top mast. Sign...
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Onyx, Brass

Mid Century Modern Danish Abstract Painting -1965
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Mid-Century Modern Danish Abstract Painting -1965 Dive into the warmth of the Mid-Century Danish
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mid-Century Modern Abstract Oil on Rice Paper Painting by French Artist Fandre
Located in Miami, FL
A vibrant mid-century modern abstract oil painting by French artist Fandre. The artwork showcases a
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper, Paint

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Plaque by Harris and Ros Barron Boston Artists
By Harris Barron
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid-century ceramic plaque, hand made by Boston Massachusetts artists Harris and Ros Barron
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Grey & Clear Artist Signed Rectangular Art Glass Vase
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
presumed to originate from Scandinavia, likely Sweden, in approximately 1970 in the period Mid-Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Abstract Painting by California Artist Martin Snipper
By Martin Snipper
Located in San Francisco, CA
Francisco/Bay Area artist and patron of the arts. American, mid 20th century.
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mid-Century Small Ceramic Artist Vase
Located in London, GB
A small artist made ceramic vase or object. Belgium, c1960s. Unusual desk top or shelf curio
Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Unknown Artist, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition, Mid-20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unknown artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Mid-20th century. The canvas measures: 61 x
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Bronze Sculpture of Weeping Tree by Artist Bijan
By Bijan
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern bronze sculpture by the international artist Bijan. Mounted on a natural piece
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Quartz, Bronze, Copper

Mid-Century Modern Sapphire Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking mid-century modern wall cross, handcrafted by a European studio pottery artist, is a
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic

 Mid-Century Modern Sapphire Cross
 Mid-Century Modern Sapphire Cross
H 5.63 in W 4.63 in D 0.25 in
Original Mid-Century Modern Signed Golden Framed Fine Art by Artist M. Aronoff
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Modern framed original artist study in chalk and pencil drawing from a man in black
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Drawings

Materials

Wood, Paper

Large Mid Century Modern Styled Artist Signed Vintage Cobalt Blue Art Glass Vase
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Italy and date to 1989 and done in a Mid Century Modern style. The vase is composed of a large cobalt
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This ceramic crucifix is a fine example of mid-century modern religious art, handcrafted by an
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
H 10 in W 5.5 in D 0.63 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Located in Chicago, IL
This mid-century modern crucifix is a poignant example of European studio pottery that combines the
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Crucifix
H 10.88 in W 7.38 in D 0.5 in
Unknown French Artist, Oil on Canvas, Abstract Composition, Mid-20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Unknown French artist. Oil on canvas. Abstract composition. Mid-20th century. The canvas
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Cross
Located in Chicago, IL
This distinctive mid-century modern ceramic wall cross represents a unique fusion of religious
Category

Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Religious Items

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Cross
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Cross
H 7.88 in W 5.38 in D 0.75 in
Vintage Signed Studio Pottery Vase from Mid-Century, Artist Stamped
Located in Norton, MA
The black and orange squared bottle-shaped vase stands 11.25". Incised details. The artist's stamp
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Materials

Stoneware, Pottery

Mid 20th Century Vintage Mid-Century Modern Signed Original Oil Portrait of Man
Located in west palm beach, FL
crossed. Signed by the artist. Acquired from a New Jersey estate.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

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Mid Century Modern Artists For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mid century modern artists available on 1stDibs. The range of distinct mid century modern artists — often made from wood, metal and fabric — can elevate any home. We have 1213 antique and vintage mid century modern artists in-stock, while there are 57 modern editions to choose from as well. There are all kinds of mid century modern artists available, from those produced as long ago as the 19th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid century modern artists made by Mid-Century Modern designers — as well as those associated with Modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Many mid century modern artists are appealing in their simplicity, but Del Williams, Jane Knight and Abraham Palatnik produced popular mid century modern artists that are worth a look.

How Much are Mid Century Modern Artists?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $1,763, while they’re typically $10 on the low end and $69,500 highest priced.

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 legendary 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.

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 Modern Artists
  • 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 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 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 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 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

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

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.
  • 1stDibs 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 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Read More

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