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Mid Century Modern Boxes

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Fluted Twisted Brass Mid-Century Modern Box with Ball Lid
Located in North Miami, FL
This fabulous vintage fluted and twisted brass Mid-Century Modern box has a lid with a ball on top
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Box Shape Rattan Cane Bamboo Loveseat Sofa Settee Mint!
By Ficks Reed, Milo Baughman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern box shape rattan cane bamboo loveseat sofa settee mint!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Settees

Materials

Upholstery, Rattan, Cane

Knoll Mid-Century Modern Box Shape Lounge Chair
By Knoll
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Box chair by Knoll yellow velvet like upholstery.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Materials

Upholstery

Sterling Silver and Rosewood Hinged Box Mid-Century Modern Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This sterling silver substantial hallmarked Mid-Century Modern box has a beautiful ebonized
Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modernist Italian 800 Silver Small Playing Card Box, C.1950/1960
By Jean Despres
Located in Bath, GB
Hefty Italian silver was used to create this mid-century modern box with a stylish cast silver
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Mid-Century Modern Little Marquetry Boxes
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Little Marquetry Boxes
Category

20th Century Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Little Marquetry Boxes
Mid-Century Modern Little Marquetry Boxes
H 1.97 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Tommi Parzinger Brass Box Mid-Century Modern
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths is hallmarked on the back. This
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Silver Plated Accessory Box
Located in New York, NY
This handsome early Mid-Century Modern accessory box was realized in the United States circa 1940
Category

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Mid Century Modern Vintage Leather Box Vienna, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid century modern vintage stitched leather box designed and made in Vienna 1960s. It has a
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Storage Box by Metalux the Netherlands
By Joost Teders 1, Metalux
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
item is in an original condition and fit in every modern room. The boxes are removable in one movement
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Modern Brass and Exotic Wood Playing Card Box
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Brass and Exotic Wood Playing Card Box
Category

Mid-20th Century Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Burl Wood Box
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century rectangular burl wood box with beige plastic corners.       
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Plastic, Burl

Mid-Century Burl Wood Box
Mid-Century Burl Wood Box
H 2 in W 5.75 in D 4 in
Mid century enamel brass box
Located in London, GB
Mid century enamel brass box, good design, beautiful colours
Category

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

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Mid century enamel brass box
Mid century enamel brass box
H 0.99 in W 7.49 in D 3.94 in
Small Italian Mid-Century Modern Lapis & 800 Silver Dresser Box or Table Casket
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine small sized Italian Mid-Century Modern dresser or table box. With sheets of lapis lazuli
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver

Mid Century Italian Ceramic Box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Mid century Italian ceramic box Crab design on its lid Circa 1950 Origin Italy Mid-Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Italian Ceramic Box
Mid Century Italian Ceramic Box
H 2.76 in W 7.09 in D 6.7 in
Italian Black Leather Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern black leather jewelry box. Sweet petite jewelry box in butter soft black leather
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Leather

Mid-Century Modern Bjorn Wiinblad Rosenthal Lidded Box, Quatre Couleurs
By Bjorn Wiinblad, Rosenthal
Located in Bochum, NRW
Bjorn Wiinblad Porcelain box, Quatre Couleurs, designed for Rosenthal, Germany, 1981 A white
Category

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Porcelain

Mexican Mid-Century Modern Embossed Copper Jewel Box
Located in Mexico City, MX
A nice Mexican Mid-Century Modern copper sheet jewel box in shape of a chest. The embossed designs
Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Copper

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Baccarat Crystal Glass Bronze Ormolu Casket Box
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Baccarat Style Crystal / Glass With Bronze Ormolu Mount Casket Box.
Category

20th Century French Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Horn & Stone Large Box, Tavola by Oggetti
By Oggetti, Eugenio Tavola
Located in Banner Elk, NC
Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Horn & Stone large box, designed by Eugenio Tavola for Oggetti, of
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone

Janetti Mid-Century Geometric Box
By Janetti
Located in Westport, CT
Janetti Italian Mid Century Brass Copper geometric Lucite Plexiglass interior top..
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Boxes

Materials

Brass, Copper

Janetti Mid-Century Geometric Box
Janetti Mid-Century Geometric Box
H 1 in W 9.75 in D 4.5 in
20Th Century, Amazing, Mid-Century Modern Aldo Tura box in decorated parchment.
By Aldo Tura
Located in Catania, IT
Amazing Rectangular box decorated with an architectural whim, made by the Italian designer Aldo
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Boxwood, Parchment Paper

Fornasetti Mid-Century Modern Card Box, 1950s, Metal and Wood, Italy
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Rome, IT
Italian Mid-Century modern card box by Fornasetti in metal wood, representing a carriage with
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Multicolored Heart Flowers Vintage Splint Box, Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Folk Art splint box shows multicolored hand painted rural decor like flowers and hearts. It was
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Scrap Wood

Mid-Century Modern Hand Painted Ceramic Trinket Box by Giovanni Desimone
By DeSimone
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful and colorful Giovanni Desimone hand painted lidded trinket box, circa 1970s. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Pottery

Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Deruta Ceramic Italian Boxes, circa 1960
By Deruta
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Two Mid-Century Modern ceramic boxes made in Deruta, small Italian city very famous for ceramics.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Handmade Nautical Mother of Pearl & Seashell Decorative Box
Located in Miami, FL
Tiffany Style handcrafted Mid-Century Modern nautical décor mother of pearl shell box or keepsake
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood, Shell, Mother-of-Pearl

Vintage Mid-Century Domed Abalone Box
Located in Tampa, FL
The domed abalone box has a rosewood and brass interior with little ball feet. Mid-century 1950s
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Abalone

Mid-Century Modern Vallauris Style Blue & Black Ceramic Box - France 1950s
By Vallauris
Located in New York, NY
Whimsical deep blue and black ceramic box with cone shaped handles in the style of Vallauris. In
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Italian Mid-Century Mirrored Letter Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
Unique 20th Century letter box of Italian design with a trapezoidal shape having a hinged top over
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Mirror, Wood, Paint

Italian Mid-Century Mirrored Letter Box
Italian Mid-Century Mirrored Letter Box
H 4.75 in W 13.5 in D 8.25 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass Jewelry Box from Chapman
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in New York, NY
Large, mid-century modern solid brass jewelry casket by Chapman measuring 15 1/4 by 8 1/4 by 9 1/2
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Brass

Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Murano Blue Art Glass Crystal Nickel Casket Box
By Baccarat
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Mid-Century Modern Murano Cobalt Blue Art Glass / Crystal With Polished Nickel Mounting
Category

20th Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Nickel

Mid-20th Century Decorative Wooden Box
Located in Beirut, LB
Decorative wooden box with fluted sides with a top in several wood veneer marquetry inlays executed
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Wood

Mid-20th Century Decorative Wooden Box
Mid-20th Century Decorative Wooden Box
H 4.73 in W 11.03 in D 8.27 in
Mid-Century Bone Tessellated Trinket Box
Located in New York, NY
Mid-century bone trinket box. With a wooden interior. 5" L x 3.5" W x 3.75" D. With slight wear to
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

Mid-Century Prouve Style Sewing Box
By Jean Prouvé
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century, Prouve style sewing box with birch toned storage boxes and black wood frame. Garnet
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Felt, Wood

Mid-Century Prouve Style Sewing Box
Mid-Century Prouve Style Sewing Box
H 26.25 in W 20.75 in D 12.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Antler, Chrome & Granite Box by Jonson & Marcius
Located in New York, NY
This bold and sophisticated decorative box was realized by the esteemed artisans Gene Jonson and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Granite, Bronze, Chrome

Turned Wood Hardwood Lidded Box Chess Figurine Style Mid Century Modern c 1960s
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A lovely small turned hardwood lidded box with a chess style shaped finial, made in Europe probably
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Hardwood, Wood

1950s Italo Casini Mid-Century Modern Italian Pink and Gold Ceramic Box
By Italo Casini
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Pink and gold ceramic box made in Italy in the 1950s, good conditions overall, signs of the time
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Ceramic

Ottaviani Italian Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Lidded Box with Crab Figure
By Ottaviani
Located in New York, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern wood box with sterling silver lid with ornamental crab figure, made by
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Ottaviani Italian Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Lidded Box with Shell Decor
By Ottaviani
Located in New York, NY
Italian Mid-Century Modern rectangular shape wood box with Sterling silver lid with a shell decor
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Italian Medium Size Brown Leather Jewelry Box, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Size Leather Jewelry Box, Italy Circa 1950's Feminine as well as charming mid-size leather box
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Leather, Fabric

Handwrought Mid-Century Modern Mexican Mosaic and Brass Box by Salvador Teran
By Salvador Teran
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Turquoise/ blue colored mosaic glass tesserae and brass lidded box handmade in Mexico by noted
Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Maitland Smith Tessellated Stone Gilt Lidded Box Vessel 1970s
By Maitland Smith
Located in Keego Harbor, MI
For your consideration is a marvelous, lidded box, made tessellated stone over wood and gilded wood
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone

Mid-Century Modern Egg Shaped Box Made by Lalique France, Boîte Angelots
By Lalique
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful crystal box, shaped like an egg, made by the French maker Lalique. Beautifully
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal

Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate & Lucite Vanity Set Perfume Bottle & Powder Box
By Apollo Studios
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant Mid-Century Modern vanity set comprising a silver plated perfume bottle and a glass bowl
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

1940 Mid-Century Modern Blue Glass and Sterling Silver Italian Vanity Box
Located in Catania, Sicilia
It's a large Italian vanity box made in the 1940s. The heavy blue glass and the sterling silver are
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Tessellated Stone Boxes by Maitland Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in New York, NY
any style of interior from Classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. They are in excellent vintage
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Stone

1970s Mid-Century Modern Lucite Fake Tortoise Italian Jewelry Box
By Christian Dior
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A rare lucite jewelry box designed and manufactured in Italy in the Seventies, It's in very good
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Decorative Box, 1950's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Art Glass Chipped glass(see foto) Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1950s Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Art Glass

Mid-Century Decorative Box, 1950's
Mid-Century Decorative Box, 1950's
H 2.76 in W 4.73 in D 3.15 in
Cube Box in Lucite Alessandro Albrizzi Style, Italy, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s
By Alessandro Albrizzi
Located in Rome, IT
Cubic box in purple and transparent Lucite in the style of Alessandro Albrizzi, Italy, circa 1970.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Plexiglass, Acrylic, Lucite

Mid Century Italian Decorative Round Box 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
piece of retro decor. Crafted in Italy during the mid-20th century, this box features a stylish
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Glass, Wood

Aldo Tura Box Ice Goatsking Brown Italian Mid-Century Modern Design 1950s Cube
By Aldo Tura
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Aldo Tura box ice goatsking brown Italian Mid-Century Modern design 1950s cube.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal

American Mid-Century Modern Solid Walnut & Mini Tiles Jewelry Box
By Marshall Studios
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool California design walnut jewelry box with mini tiles top, circa 1960's.
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Walnut

Set of Three Brass Pineapples Ice Bucket or Trinket Boxes, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Whimsical set of three solid brass pineapples boxes. These are all the rage this season but have
Category

Vintage 1960s Indian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Mid-Century Plastic Box, Pear, 1970's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Plastic Re-polished Good Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Plastic Box, Apple, 1970's
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia. Made of Plastic. Re-polished. Good Original condition.
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Burled Oak Tomlinson 'Sophisticate' Jewelry Box
By Tomlinson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A mid-century wooden jewelry box by Tomlinson "Sophisticate." Oak with burl details. 6 Felt lined
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Wood, Oak, Burl

Scandinavian Modern Wood Box
Located in New York, NY
A round Scandinavian Modern teak wood box with lid, circa mid-20th century, Scandinavia. A great
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Teak

Mid-century cork and brass box, France 1940s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century ice-bucket shaped decorative box France 1940s H 22 cm - 21 cm diam. Conditions
Category

Vintage 1940s European Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Small Box with Marquetry of Wood and Bones, 1950s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Small Box with Marquetry of Wood and Bones, 1950s
Category

Vintage 1950s Decorative Boxes

Materials

Bone, Wood

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Mid Century Modern Boxes For Sale on 1stDibs

Find a variety of mid century modern boxes available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and brass, all mid century modern boxes available were constructed with great care. We have 3195 antique and vintage mid century modern boxes in-stock, while there are 62 modern editions to choose from as well. Mid century modern boxes have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of mid century modern boxes to choose from, but at 1stDibs, mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern and modern mid century modern boxes are of considerable interest. Bitossi, Fornasetti and Maitland Smith each produced beautiful mid century modern boxes that are worth considering.

How Much are Mid Century Modern Boxes?

The average selling price for at 1stDibs is $896, while they’re typically $22 on the low end and $425,000 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 Boxes
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

  • 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.

Read More

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