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Mid Century Modern Bistro

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Mid-Century Rectangular Ogee Brass Veneer Bistro Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century bistro / wall mirror with a rectangular ogee frame finished with patinated
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Ogee Brass Veneer Rectangular Bistro Wall Mirror
Located in New York, NY
American Mid-Century bistro / wall mirror with a rectangular ogee frame finished with patinated
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal, Brass

Mid-Century Modern French Ebonized Beech Bistro Chairs, 1970s, Set of 4
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Four bistro model chairs, French production from the 1970s, in ebonized beech. Polished with
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Bouclé, Beech

Mid-Century Modern Pair of Fibrocit Stacking Bistro Chairs Metal, France, 1950s
By Fibrocit
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a phenomenal pair of Fibrocit, stacking, bistro chairs, made in France
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Modern Wire Iron Cafe Bistro / Ice Cream Parlor set. Salterini style
By JetNet Design
Located in Buffalo, NY
Mid Century Modern Wire Iron Cafe Bistro / Ice Cream Parlor sets . Salterini / Frederick Weinberg
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century ZPM Radomsko Polish Bentwood Bistro Style Side Chairs, Pair
By ZPM Radomsko
Located in Germantown, MD
A pair of Mid-Century ZPM Radomsko Polish Bentwood Bistro Style Side Chairs. Measures 16" in width
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Bentwood

Mid-Century Wrought Iron White Garden / Bistro Table, 1950s, French
Located in Richmond, Surrey
Mid-Century Wrought Iron White Garden Table, 1950s, French Lovely Mid Century French bistro
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Iron

Antique 1920s French Bistro Cafe or Poolside Chair Vintage Mid-Century
By Jean Prouvé, Robert Mallet-Stevens, Rene Malaval
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Mid-Century and heavily patinated accent chair. Possibly French. Old repair to one of the spokes
Category

Vintage 1920s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Wrought Iron Bistro Cafe Table
By John Salterini, Salterini
Located in Cumberland, RI
Wrought Iron Bistro Cafe Table Available now and ready to ship is this vintage wrought iron bistro
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Wrought Iron

Wrought Iron Bistro Cafe Table
Wrought Iron Bistro Cafe Table
H 30 in W 28 in D 28 in
Stackable Mid Century bistro armchairs made of metal and wood - Made in Italy
Located in München, DE
Four beautiful stackable Mid Century bistro armchairs. Beautiful Italian design of the 1950s. Metal
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Metal

French Bistro Table
Located in Faversham, GB
A fabulous continental tubular bistro table in original vibrant green paint. The smooth square top
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

French Bistro Table
French Bistro Table
H 31.11 in W 30.12 in D 30.12 in
1950s Perforated Metal Bistro Table Lamp by Mathieu Mategot French Mid-Century
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Hyattsville, MD
French table light by Mathieu Mategot (1910-2001), produced by Atelier Mategot in the 1950s. Adjustable Head with blue and grey varnishes on perforated diabolo metal double cone shad...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Metal

Pair Mid-20th Century Handmade Solid Oak Ladder Back Side Bistro Dining Chairs
By Charlotte Perriand
Located in Miami, FL
from the Mid-20th Century Modern Period. Solid Oak Wood features a tall Ladder Back Rest and a wood
Category

Mid-20th Century French Rustic Side Chairs

Materials

Oak

Gallo Iron Works Wrought Iron Yellow Vinyl Modern Bistro Dining Chair, Set of 4
By Gallo Original Iron Works 1
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gallo Original Iron Works wrought iron yellow Vinyl Modern Bistro dining chair - set of 4. Item
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Mustard Leatherette Bentwood Bistro Chairs after Thonet
By Thonet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Discover the simple yet robust elegance that have made the bentwood designs of 19th-century
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Wood, Hardwood, Beech, Bentwood

Small granite top bistro table
Located in LYON, FR
Small granite top bistro table. imported by James Richardson. Seats four. Could work indoors or
Category

Vintage 1980s Australian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Granite

Small granite top bistro table
Small granite top bistro table
H 28.35 in Dm 35.44 in
Wicker and Iron Bistro Set
Located in Cumberland, RI
Wicker and Iron Bistro Set 3 Piece Set Glass Topped Table w/umbrella hole 2 Curved back
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Iron, Wrought Iron

Tatra Bistro Chair, Czechoslovakia 1960s
By Tatra Pravenec
Located in Zohor, SK
Vintage bistro chair with beautiful design features. Produced by Tatra company in Czechoslovakia in
Category

Vintage 1960s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Plywood

Tatra Bistro Chair, Czechoslovakia 1960s
Tatra Bistro Chair, Czechoslovakia 1960s
H 30.32 in W 17.33 in D 15.36 in
Solid Pine Large Bistro table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
intended for display and bistro use. Item has solid wooden construction and has been clear coated. Design
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Wood, Pine

Solid Pine Large Bistro table
Solid Pine Large Bistro table
H 30 in W 40 in D 40 in
French style bistro chairs with table
Located in Ferndale, MI
Two French style bistro chairs with compact table ( 10.5 x 11 at 24.5 tall ) . Welded steel frames
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Steel

Vintage Ligna Bentwood Black Ebonized Cane Bistro Side Chairs - a Pair
By Ligna
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Ligna Bentwood Black Ebonized Cane Bistro Side Chairs - a Pair. The item features the
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Materials

Cane, Wood

Large French Rectangular Bistro or Pub Table with Brass Accents
Located in Austin, TX
A fine large French pub or bistro table with a distinctive Modernist design, featuring a moulded
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Tables

Materials

Metal, Brass

Set of Six Vintage French Bamboo Bistro Chairs
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Charming set of six vintage French bistro chairs crafted in bamboo and bent bamboo with caned backs
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Bamboo, Cane, Reed

Small Green Painted Folding French Bistro Table
Located in Buchanan, NY
This small French bistro or garden table is a unique and versatile piece of furniture. Its tripod
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Vintage Salterini Style Wrought Iron Small Garden Patio Bistro Dining Set, 3 Pc
By Salterini
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, wrought iron construction, very nice vintage set, great style and form. Mid to late 20th century
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Arthur Umanoff Shaver Howard Bistro Table and Two Chairs
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Ferndale, MI
A Mid Century wrought iron bistro set by Arthur Umanoff for Shaver Howard includes a pedestal table
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Wrought Iron

Vintage Brunswick Bowling Aluminum Bistro Tables
By Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company 1
Located in Hanover, MA
We have a total of three of these 29 inch high 36 inch round pedestal refreshment tables from the now defunct Bowl-O-Mat in Beverly, Massachusetts produced by Brusnwick Corporation i...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Set of Fourteen Mid-Century Modern Wooden Cafe/Bar Stools of Differing Designs
Located in London, GB
Fourteen. A rare set of quirky as, Mid-Century Modern artisan café or bistro table stools of
Category

Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Wood

Pair of Round Megaron Magic Mushroom Bistro Tall Modernist Side Tables
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of 30" round Megaron magic mushroom bistro tall modernist tables. Item features round chrome
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Pair of Bistro Dining Chairs Baumann France Midcentury, circa 1950
By Baumann France
Located in Labrit, Landes
Pair of midcentury French Bistro dining chairs by Baumann, circa 1950 With original label still
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech

Cappellini Green Metal "Mondo" Bistro Side Table, Italy 1980s
By Cappellini
Located in Naples, IT
-catching, modern light green lacquer with luminous appeal. Made of iron with three gently curved legs.
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Metal

Vintage Glass Folding Tea / Bistro Tables, Set of 2
Located in Denver, CO
Unattributed. Believed to be Mid Century Modern Thin, Solid metal frames in matte black. Bases
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Card Tables and Tea Tables

Materials

Steel

Italian Midcentury Set of Five Bar Bistro Chairs, 1960s
Located in bari, IT
Set of five vintage bar chairs in excellent condition lacquered metal tubular frame and 1960s woven plastic seats.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Metal

Four Bistro Dining Chairs Baumann Beech and Skai France Midcentury, circa 1950
By Baumann France
Located in Labrit, Landes
Four midcentury French Bistro dining chairs by Baumann, circa 1950 With original labels and marks
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Beech, Faux Leather

1960s iron Salterini outdoor bistro dining set, table and two chairs
By Maurizio Tempestini, Salterini
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Wrought iron patio Salterini “Radar” Collection bistro set with two hoop dining height chairs and a
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Wrought Iron

1960s Italian Wheat Back Chairs with Original Bistro Table by S. Salvadori
By S. Salvadori
Located in New York, NY
backs resembling a sheaf of wheat, accompanied by the original bistro table. Elegantly poised on slender
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Metal

Folding Table Patio Garden Bistro Cafe Metal Vintage French circa 1960
Located in Labrit, Landes
Folding table Metal midcentury circa 1960 side table for garden, patio or balcony This can also be used as a side table in your interior Folded measures depth 20 cm width 65 cm heigh...
Category

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

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Oversized Wine Whiskey Corkscrew Sculpture
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Large Mid-Century Modern Wine Whiskey Black Metal Wall Corkscrew. Substantial and unique hand
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vintage 3 pc. Metal Cafe Bistro Set by Carolina Forge Table with Two Chairs
By Salterini, Woodard Furniture Co.
Located in New York, NY
Chic cafe, bistro, patio, garden, or poolside set consisting of two side chairs, and one table
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Wrought Iron

Set of 4 Vintage Thonet Mundus 207R Bentwood High Backrest Bistro Chairs, 1970s
By Thonet-Mundus
Located in Zagreb, HR
A set of four beautiful Thonet bentwood chairs, popular high backrest known as model 207R or model no. 17. Unlabeled, most probably a vintage Thonet Mundus production of the late 197...
Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Cane, Wood

Vintage Handcrafted Square Tiger Bamboo Bistro Folding Game Center Table X-Base
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Mid-Century Modern Boho Chic handcrafted square tiger bamboo Bistro, Game or Card table
Category

Late 20th Century American Bohemian Dessert Tables and Tilt-top Tables

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Bentwood Cafe Chairs in the Style of J&J Kohn
By J & J Kohn & Mundus
Located in Detroit, MI
wide selection of design styles from antique and traditional to classic mid century modern and
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Fabric, Wood, Bentwood

6 Mid C Metal Faux Bamboo Rattan Patio Dining Arm Chairs
Located in Sheffield, MA
Set of 6 Mid-Century Modern dining arm chairs with great styling and comfort. The chairs are made
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Metal

Industrial Post-Modern Design Bar Height Table and Stools by Robert Josten
By Robert Josten
Located in San Diego, CA
Industrial post-modern design bar height table and two stools by Robert Josten, circa 1970s. The
Category

Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Dining Room Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Dorothy Draper Outdoor Wrought Iron Garden Chairs
By Salterini, Dorothy Draper
Located in Cumberland, RI
Chairs with the available coordinating Patio Bistro table sold separately. Browse our shop to see the
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Russell Woodard Woven Fiberglass Midcentury Round Pedestal Side Table
By Russell Woodard
Located in Chicago, IL
Side or bistro table by Russell Woodard for his family company's popular line of spun fiberglass
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Materials

Fiberglass

Black Lacquered Beech Wooden and Natural Wicker Cane Armchair
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Bistro design style black lacquered curved beech wooden and natural rattan wicker cane armchair.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Cane, Beech

Black Lacquered Beech Wooden and Wicker Cane Armchair
Located in Tourcoing, FR
Bistro design style black lacquered curved beech wooden and black rattan wicker cane armchair.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Wicker, Cane, Teak

Red Velvet And Ebonized Oak Café Dining Chairs
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Set of four, mid-century, café bistro dining chairs circa 1940's feature vibrant red velvet
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Velvet, Oak

Set of Six Original French Midcentury Tall Back Dining Chairs W/ Nickel Mounts
Located in New York City, NY
A set of six original French Mid-Century Modernist tall dining chairs featuring angular lines with
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Beech

Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra Dark Oak Belleville Dining Chairs, Set of 4
By Vitra, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Located in London, GB
the classic bistro chair a modern update. Constructed from a moulded polyamide frame in a black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Oak

Vitra by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec Belleville Dark Oak Dining Table
By Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, Vitra
Located in London, GB
gives the classic bistro table a modern update. Featuring a rectangular dark oak veneer tabletop, the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Oak

Roger Picault Vaulluris Hand-Painted Cups and Saucers
By Roger Picault
Located in Sharon, CT
Four 'bistro' cups and saucers. Cup diameter 4 3/4". By Roger Picault, one of the most celebrated
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 6 Iron European Stackable Chairs
Located in Malibu, CA
Trendy set of six stackable cafe/bistro chairs. Restored to a smooth satin white finish. The chairs
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron, Sheet Metal

Chrome and glass dining table
By Design Institute America
Located in Toronto, ON
a dining and bistro table. It would be a chic addition to many styles ranging from mid century to
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Chrome

Chrome and glass dining table
Chrome and glass dining table
H 29 in W 36 in D 36 in
Pair of Vintage Arthur Umanoff Wrought Iron Chairs
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Medina, OH
professionally reupholstered with a Sunbrella-type fabric, perfect for your outdoor bistro table! The padding and
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Wrought Iron

Gabriella Crespi Style Rattan Split Reed Trompe l'Oeil Bow Table with Glass Top
Located in Houston, TX
style reminiscent of the renowned Italian designer Gabriella Crespi, this bistro/side table features a
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Rattan, Reed, Glass

Iron Outdoor Patio Cafe Chair w/ Scrolling Back Iron , Pair
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Mid-century Iron Bistro outdoor patio chair set that includes two chairs with a distinct scrolling
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Materials

Iron

Pierre Gautier-Delaye Pair of Stools
By Pierre Gautier-Delaye
Located in Waalwijk, NL
great choice to furnish a sizeable space, for example a, dining area, bistro or a café. Please note
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Stools

Materials

Beech

Pierre Gautier-Delaye Pair of Stools
Pierre Gautier-Delaye Pair of Stools
H 16.93 in W 13.39 in D 13.19 in
Large Vintage French L'HERITIER GUYOT DIJON Green Ceramic Frog Ad Ashtray
Located in Birmingham, AL
A large vintage mid-century French l'HERITIER GUYOT DIJON advertising ashtray in the shape of a
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Materials

Ceramic

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Mid Century Modern Bistro For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century modern bistro for your home. Each mid century modern bistro for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, wood and iron. Find 136 options for an antique or vintage mid century modern bistro now, or shop our selection of 1 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the mid century modern bistro you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each mid century modern bistro bearing Mid-Century Modern or Modern hallmarks is very popular. A well-made mid century modern bistro has long been a part of the offerings for many furniture designers and manufacturers, but those produced by Thonet, Baumann France and Tolix are consistently popular.

How Much is a Mid Century Modern Bistro?

A mid century modern bistro can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $1,250, while the lowest priced sells for $168 and the highest can go for as much as $14,342.

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 Bistro
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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