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Mid-Century Modern Chess Table, Italy, 1950s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Mid-Century Modern Chess table, Italy, 1950s
One foot has a small brass plate on one side of the
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chess Cocktail Table with Hand Carved Polychrome Figures 1965
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous game cocktail chess table from the mid sixties. Hand carved and polychrome figures which
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Medieval Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood, Paint
H 18.5 in W 39.25 in D 39.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Chess Table of Wood with Stunning Tree Knots Pattern & Light
Located in Lisse, NL
Rare design and great looking, handcrafted wooden chess table with unique natural patterns and
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Nutwood, Bakelite
Free Shipping
H 24 in Dm 22.6 in
Carl Aubock Modernist Cast Iron Chess Game Set with Handmade Leather Board
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Vienna, AT
A very exceptional and beautiful Minimalist Mid-Century Modern chess game, model #5606, designed by
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Iron, Nickel
H 3 in W 14.5 in D 14.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Handcrafted Lucite Chess Set
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A one of a kind, handmade lucite chess set, 1970 signed "Zina" The post impressionistic style with
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Wire
Mid-Century Modern Cubist Chess Motif Table Lamp
By Laurel Lamp Company
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern square column table lamp. Aged brass metal body features cubist style relief
Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Professional Chess Board with Pawns, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Professional chess board with pawns, 1980s
Professional chessboard in metal, wood and plastic. The
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Metal
H 2.76 in W 16.93 in D 16.93 in
Mid-Century Chess Set by Robert Rosenwald
Located in Brooklyn, NY
. This set perfectly captures the modernism of mid-century America, as well as the movement towards
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Paper
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
Mid Century Tiled and Wood Chess Board With Metal Hand Painted Chess Figurines
Located in Pasadena, CA
"Tiled Mid Century and Wood Chess Board With Chess Figurines. Green and White tiles throughout
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Game Boards
Materials
Marble, Chrome
H 9 in W 25 in D 25 in
Extraordinary Mid Century Italian Green Marble Chess Table 1950
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Extraordinary Mid-Century Italian Green Marble Chess Table from the 1950s is a true work of art
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Marble
Mid Century Chess Figure Lamp, Tower, Ivan Jakes, 1970s
By Ivan Jakes, Osvětlovací sklo n.p., Valašské Meuiříčí
Located in Praha, CZ
- Very nice style of lighting
- Marked by label of Osvetlovaci sklo Valasske Mezirici
Category
Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
California Modern Chess Table by Frank Rohloff
By Frank Rohloff
Located in Denton, TX
A great combination of walnut and resin round chess table. There is a intricate design of cross and
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Resin, Wood
Mid-20th Century MCM Carved Wood Bishop Chess Piece Table Lamp Black Paper Shade
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Mid-20th Century MCM (a.k.a. Mid Century Modern) carved wood Bishop chess piece table lamp
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
H 24.5 in W 18 in D 18 in
Mid-20th Century English Camelot/King Arthur Chess Set in Hand-Painted Ceramic
Located in North Miami, FL
Mid-20th century english Camelot/King Arthur chess set made in hand-painted ceramic
By: unknown
Category
Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Enamel
Marble Chess Set
Located in Denton, TX
Black and white marble chess board. A classic for chess lovers that also looks great as a home
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Game Boards
Materials
Marble
Poul Cadovius Chess Table
By Poul Cadovius
Located in London, Lambeth
Beautiful pair of side tables with a playing surface in rosewood and teak inlay. Simple flexible design circa 1960s by Poul Cadovius
for France & Son.
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Rosewood
1950s Modernist Chess Set
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A modernist chess set in chrome-plated brass with a vintage cork board. The pieces are
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Brass
Modern Center Coffee Black & White Chess Board Table Top With Golden Details
By Hommes Studio
Located in Porto, PT
Chess Center Table is the perfect table to have in a game room. Even if you're not a big chess
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Center Tables
Materials
Brass
H 12.6 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
American Hooked Checkerboard Chess Rug
Located in New York, NY
A handmade one of a kind American Hooked Rug from the 3rd quarter of the 20th century with an
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern North and South American Rugs
Materials
Wool
Lane Walnut Game Cube Storage Stool Mid-Century Modern
By Lane Furniture
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Very unusual Lane rolling chess board storage stool. You will love the great flip top stool/chess
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Faux Leather, Walnut
Carl Auböck Chess Set #5606
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Glendale, CA
Carl Auböck chess set, originally designed in the 1950s.
Authorized re-edition of a design
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Iron, Nickel
Charles Hollis Jones Chess Set
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Charles Hollis Jones Lucite chess set and board. Lucite game pieces made of stacked colored lucite
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Lucite
Vintage Italian Marble Large Chess 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Vintage Italian Marble Large Chess set from the 1980s is a luxurious and visually striking
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Game Boards
Materials
Marble, Metal
George Nelson Chess Piece Clock
By Howard Miller, George Nelson
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare model #2251 chess piece table clock designed by George Nelson for Howard Miller Clock Company
Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Brown Organic Walnut Sisal Cords Austria, 1950s
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern three vintage dining chairs or chairs from walnut and sisal cords in brown color
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Walnut
H 36.23 in W 18.9 in D 20.67 in
Marcel Duchamp Cage Mid century Modern Rotorelief Konig Series 133, 1987
By Marcel Duchamp
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Marcel Duchamp Mid Century Modern Rotorelief, 1987 Konig Series 133.
Henri-Robert-Marcel Duchamp
Category
Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Prints
Materials
Paper
No Reserve
H 12.41 in W 12.41 in D 1.78 in
Vintage Italian Lapiz Lazuli Chess Board 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Embark on a journey of opulence with our Vintage Italian Lapis Lazuli Chess Board, a striking piece
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Game Boards
Materials
Lapis Lazuli
Set of 3 Vintage Chess Coffee Table "Chess" in Work Iron by Luigi Colli, Italy
By Colli Torino
Located in Biella, IT
Luigi Colli Italy set of chess glass coffee table in work iron years ’40 perfect and original
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets
Materials
Iron
H 18 in W 18 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Walnut Ash Desk Bureau Secretary, 1950s, Italy
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage secretary desk bureau Ico Parisi style from walnut and ash veneers
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks
Materials
Ash, Walnut
H 47.25 in W 47.05 in D 18.51 in
Suede Backgammon and Chess Table, 1990s USA
Located in Los Angeles, CA
chess board in suede. Cover lifts off to reveal suede backgammon playing surface. A wooden body and
Category
1990s American Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Glass, Suede, Wood
Hand Carved Wood and Leather Chess Set
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Intricately hand-carved wooden chess with leather game board. King piece measures 4.25" high.
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Leather, Wood
Sculptural Italian Chess Game in Metal and Glass
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chess game, bronze, metal, glass, Italy, 1970s.
Exceptional game of chess. The board consists of
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Game Boards
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Vintage French Lucite Modernist Chess Set, 1970s
Located in Zwijndrecht, Antwerp
A particular minimalist french chess game dated to the 1970’s. It features a modernist design with
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Metal, Bronze
Pair of Lane Walnut Game Cube Storage Stools, Mid-Century Modern
By Lane Furniture
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Very unusual pair of Lane rolling chess board storage stools. You will love the great flip top
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Faux Leather, Walnut
Modernist Chess Set #5606 by Carl Auböck
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
A chessboard made from black and natural leather with 32 nickel pieces.
Designed in the 1950s by Carl Auböck. Made in Vienna.
Category
Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Nickel
Italian Marble Backgammon and Chess Board Game, 1960s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Italian marble backgammon and chess board game, 1960s
Play this beloved centuries old games in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Onyx, Marble
1960s Middle Eastern Backgammon Game Board Chess Box
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage backgammon game board chess box intricate mosaic wood marquetry inlaid Mop
Measures: 19.63
Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Original Vintage 1966 Austin Cox Chess Set
By Austin Enterprises
Located in East Hampton, NY
Marked Austin Enterprises to the bottom of every piece, this wonderful vintage aluminum chess game
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Aluminum
Signed and Numbered Victor Vasarely Chess Serigraph 279/300
By Victor Vasarely
Located in Ferndale, MI
Victor Vasarely (French/Hungarian, 1906-1997) Serigraph In Colors On Wove Paper, C. 1975, Chess, H
Category
Late 20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art
Materials
Paper
Mid-Century Chrome & Glass Coffee Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Chrome & Glass Coffee Table combines subtle classical elements in a modern
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Neoclassical Revival Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Chrome
Carl Auböck Set of Chess Pieces, Austria, 1960s
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck chess Pieces, Austria, 1960s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Brass
Large Oversized Chess Knight Piece Statue, Orange Powder-Coated
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Decorative Cast Aluminum Powder-Coated Chess Piece Horse Head Statue
Stylish and aesthetically
Category
Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures
Materials
Aluminum
Gino Cenedese Ultra Rare Murano Glass Chess Set 1960s
By Cenedese, Gino Cenedese
Located in Tilburg, NL
Gino Cenedese Ultra Rare Murano Glass Chess Set, Venice, Italy, 1960s.
This is a highly rare
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Metal
Vintage Italian Ceramic Chess Board by Franco Pecchioli
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage Italian ceramic chess board by Franco Pecchioli Ceramica, circa 1980s. The board is in good
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Ceramic, Wood
1972 Modernist Columbia Aluminum Chess Set by Scott Wolfe
By Scott Wolfe
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage 1972 MCM Modernist Columbia Aluminum Chess Set by Scott Wolfe
Boxed Vintage Set
15.63 x
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Aluminum
Sculptural Italian Chess Set in the Style of Alberto Giacometti
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Chess set, brass, bronze, Italy, 1960s
Wonderful, modernist chess set made in the style of Italian
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Game Boards
Materials
Bronze, Brass
Bicolor Travertine Chess Game Angelo Mangiarotti Style, Italy, 1970s
By Angelo Mangiarotti
Located in Rome, IT
Rare modernist chess game in two colored travertine in the style of Italian design Angelo
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Travertine, Marble
Enameled Lava Stone Ceramic Coffee Table Flip Top Chess
By Max & Dominique Picard
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Coffee table Chessboard enamelled lava in the taste of Max and Dominique Picard. Suitable for both interiors and exterior.
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Materials
Lava, Metal
Orange Ceramic Chess Pieces Sculpture by Il Picchio, Italy, 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Five chess pieces in orange ceramic by Il Picchio, Italy, 1970s.
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
1960s Modernist Striking Chess Game Set Aluminum and Walnut Wood
By Austin Enterprises
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Modern chess game set in aluminum and walnut wood
Unmarked
Preowned vintage condition
Category
Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Aluminum
Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with Hand Carved Turquoise Onyx Pieces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Marble Large Chess Set with hand carved Turquoise Onyx Pieces
Vintage mid 20th century
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Onyx, Marble
Arthur Elliott for ANRI "Universum" Space Age Chess Set
By ANRI
Located in Skokie, IL
ANRI "Universum" Space Age Walnut and Maple Chess Set
A strikingly modern "Universum" or Space Age
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Space Age Vases
Materials
Brass
1970s Gorgeous Turquoise and White Chess Set in Volterra Alabaster Handmade Made
Located in Milano, IT
1970s Gorgeous turquoise and white chess set in Volterra alabaster. Handmade Made in Italy, the
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Alabaster
H 3.34 in W 14.56 in D 14.56 in
Arturo Pani Onyx Interchangeable Chess Checkers and Backgammon Game Table
By Muller's Onyx, Arturo Pani
Located in Los Angeles, CA
be flipped to create a chess or checker board, and if left removed can be used as a back gammon board
Category
20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Onyx, Marble
H 32 in W 39.5 in D 28.5 in
Vintage Marble Chess Set with Hand Carved Turquoise and White Onyx Pieces
Located in North Hollywood, CA
mid 20th century Mexican stone marble chess set complete chess board in white and black and grey
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Onyx, Marble
H 0.75 in W 14.25 in D 14.25 in
1960s by Lane Walnut and Vinyl Chess Table with Storage
By Lane Furniture
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s by Lane Walnut and Vinyl Chess Table with Storage
Storage Box or Side Table
Reversible faux
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Ottomans and Poufs
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
Wood Porn - A Wildly Classy Chess Set (Walnut and Sycamore)
Located in Durban, ZA
The game of chess is estimated to be some 1500 years old. It is hard to
imagine all the variations
Category
2010s South African Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Brass, Copper
Wood Porn - A Wildly Classy Chess Set (Cherry and Maple)
Located in Durban, ZA
The game of chess is estimated to be some 1500 years old. It is hard to
imagine all the variations
Category
2010s South African Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Brass, Copper
Neoclassical Italian Walnut Inlay Octagonal Tripod Chess Games or Side Table
Located in Carimate, Como
, Napoleon III, Louis XV style with chessboard on the top and the tripod feet legs. A very elegant, modern
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Wood
H 29.14 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
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Mid Century Modern Chess For Sale on 1stDibs
Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the mid century modern chess you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and stone, every mid century modern chess was constructed with great care. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid century modern chess — we have versions that date back to the 19th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each mid century modern chess bearing Mid-Century Modern, Modern or Scandinavian Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century modern chess over the years, but those crafted by Carl Auböck, Austin E. Cox and Austin Enterprises are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Mid Century Modern Chess?
Prices for a mid century modern chess start at $175 and top out at $17,784 with the average selling for $1,778.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 Chess
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The 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, 2021Mid 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, 2021Mid 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. - Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, 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, 2024The 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. - Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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, 2021Most 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.
- Is mid-century modern timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, 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.
- Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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.
- Is Art Deco mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs 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, 2022Yes, 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, 2024There 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, 2024Mid-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, 2024There 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, 2023Some 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, 2019The 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.
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Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
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