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Mid Century Modern Handles

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Mid-Century Modern Door Handles
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A pair of elegant "Daisy" style door handles, each with a large knob on one side and a smaller knob
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Brass Wire and Wicker Basket with Handle, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern brass wire basket, circa 1970's. This nifty basket is perfect on the table
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Materials

Brass, Wire

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Ice Bucket with Handle
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Lucite ice bucket with handle, circa 1970s. Vintage stylish Italian design; a
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Brass Italian Door Handle, Circa 1940
Located in Ibiza, Spain
Mid-Century Modern iconic door handle made of solid brass. Italy 40s. Measurements per handle: W
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Brass

mid century modern 6 drawer walnut dresser with carved handles
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Unique mid century modern walnut 6 drawer dresser with carved handles. Dark reddish walnut wood
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Green and Brown Woven Picnic Basket with Handles
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
print cloth napkins, as they would be a fabulous addition to his pretty mid-century basket
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Dresser w/ Sculpted Handles
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Long Mid-Century Modern American dresser with warm walnut grain and curved wood handles. Nine wide
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Large Bail Brass Handled Fireplace Bucket
Located in Germantown, MD
Mid-Century large Bail Brass Handled Fireplace Bucket measuring 17" in diameter and standing 12
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Fireplace Tools and Chimney...

Materials

Brass

Mid century danish modern teak 8 drawer dresser with sculpted handles
By Arne Vodder
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Superb Mid century danish modern teak 8 drawer dresser with sculpted handles. Beautiful Danish
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Teak

mid century modern 9 drawer credenza walnut dresser with carved handles
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Unique mid century modern walnut 9 drawer dresser with carved handles. Dark reddish walnut wood
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

White Mid-Century Modern Wire Magazine Reck Brass Wood Handle
By Arthur Umanoff
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
White powder-coated 1960s Arthur Umanoff sculptural metal magazine rack with wooden and brass hardware.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rare Large Heavy Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Design Brass Door Handle
Located in München, DE
Very high quality large heavy Mid-Century Modern brutalist design door handle. Made of solid
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Bronze

1960s Kroehler Mid-Century Modern Walnut Lowboy Dresser with Rosewood Handles
By Kroehler Mfg. Co.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Kroehler Mid-Century Modern walnut 9 drawer Credenza dresser High quality American Made walnut
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Rosewood

1970s Serving Tray Handles Silver Plated Hammered Steel Mid-Century Modern
Located in Miami, FL
Square decorative serving tray made out of hammered cutout steel and silver plate handles. Mid
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Silver Plate, Steel

Mid-Century Danish Teak Serving Side Table with Wrapped Handles
By Johannes Andersen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Johannes Andersen inspired Mid-Century teak serving or side table with tray top featuring gimp
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Tables

Materials

Teak

Vintage Aluminum Ice Bucket with and Lucite Handle, Mid-Century Modern
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
1950's aluminum ice bucket with lucite handle and finial.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Aluminum

Pair of mid century modern 2 drawer walnut nightstands with carved handles
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of unique mid century modern walnut nightstands with carved handles. Dark reddish walnut wood
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Pair of Giovanni De Simone Handles Ceramic Multicolor Design Mid-Century Modern
By Giovanni de Simone
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Pair of Giovanni de Simone handles ceramic multicolor design Mid-Century Modern.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set
Located in Brooklyn, NY
. Rich walnut woodgrain is complemented by black sides and tops, along with circular metal handles
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Sets

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set
Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Set
H 30 in W 68 in D 19 in
Set of Six Elegant Mid-Century Modern Brass Door Handles, 1950s, Germany
Located in Munich, DE
Set of six minimalistic and elegant Mid-Century Modern door handles. Designed and manufactured
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Brass

Italian mid-century modern wood and brass handles sideboard by Stildomus, 1960s
By Stildomus
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern wood and brass handles sideboard by Stildomus, 1960s Sideboard with
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Credenza ~ Buffet
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Modern credenza ~ Buffet will make the ideal choice for the contemporary and casual
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Oak

Mid-Century Modern Credenza ~ Buffet
Mid-Century Modern Credenza ~ Buffet
H 35 in W 78.5 in D 20.5 in
Restored 1960s Mid-Century Modern Wood Chest with Wrought Iron Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Step back into the iconic 1960s with our meticulously restored Mid-Century Modern wood chest of
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Metal, Iron

Exceptional Mid-Century Modern Push & Pull Marbled Glass Door Handle Italy 1960s
Located in Munich, DE
Extremely rare & elegant Mid-Century Modern pull & push door handle. Designed and manufactured
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Brass

Two Sets Mid-Size Circular Door Handles in Bronze, Mid-20th Century, France
Located in London, GB
Two mid-size circular push-and-pull door handles in bronze, mid-20th century, France, sold as shown
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Lane Credenza
By Lane Furniture
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous vintage modern credenza by Lane featuring nine drawers total with sleek metal handles
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Rosewood, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Lane Credenza
Mid-Century Modern Lane Credenza
H 30 in W 72 in D 18 in
Italian mid-century modern Magazine rack in woven rattan with handle, 1960s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian mid-century modern Magazine rack in finely woven rattan with handle, 1960s Magazine rack
Category

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Rattan

Mid Century Modern, Lion Head Handles Adjustable Magazine Newspaper Rack Table
By Bevan Funnell Ltd.
Located in GB
rack with Lion’s head handles A good looking, decorative and well made piece. The hands depict
Category

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Magazine Racks and Stands

Materials

Hardwood

Trolley Bar Cart Handles Golf Club Mid-Century Modern Italian Design
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Trolley bar with handles golf club very funny, Italian manufacture midcentury design.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Carts and Bar Carts

Materials

Metal, Brass, Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Single Drawer Walnut Nightstands Ring Brass Handles
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern single drawer Walnut nightstands ring brass handles. Very nice
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Brass

Italian Mid-Century Modern Hand Painted Terracotta Vase Vessel with Handles
Located in Miami, FL
picking grapes. The vase is 11.5 inches high and 11 inches from handle to handle. Marked and numbered on
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Terracotta, Paint

Mid century Danish modern teak desk with nickel handles with key
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Mid century Danish modern teak desk with nickel handles with key. Kneehole desk with (3) slim
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Nickel

Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique pair of mid-century modern nightstands. Each with interesting brass handles for two drawers
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
H 24 in W 22.5 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Mid-century modern walnut dresser with sculpted wood handles. Nine drawers, brass trim handles
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Dresser
Mid-Century Modern Dresser
H 30.75 in W 74.25 in D 19.5 in
Newly Refinished - Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser with Chrome Handles by Lane
By Lane Furniture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can seamlessly be incorpo...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Faux Tortoise Shell Ice Bucket with Chrome Handle, Italian
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
piece on a mid-century bar cart or dry bar.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard with round pull handles.   
Category

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
H 33.25 in W 84 in D 17.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Long Scandinavian Ash Sideboard with Matte Metal Handles
Located in Warszawa, Mazowieckie
transitions. The front consists of a pair of sliding doors with matte black metal handles. There is one shelf
Category

Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Sideboards

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid Century Modern Walnut 4 drawer Dressers with Nickel pull handles
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of Walnut Mid Century Modern Dressers with (4) pull out drawers and the original Nickel
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Nickel

Restored Vintage Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chest of Drawers with Brass Handles
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your interior decor with our stunning vintage mid-century modern walnut chest of drawers
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Steel

Mid Century Modern Polished Brass 4 Handles Square Jug Shape Table Lamp MINT!
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern Polished Brass 4 Handles Square Jug Shape Table Lamp MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Walnut Credenza for Restoration
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A classic Mid Century cabinet with great lines. The long case with carved raised edge and double
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Storage Chest
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern storage chest is a simple, yet elegant oak veneer double-door chest. Our shingle
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Commodes and...

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Storage Chest
Mid-Century Modern Storage Chest
H 36 in W 48 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern Cerused Credenza
Located in Westwood, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Cerused Credenza. The three-door credenza has a neutral cerused hand finish
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Metal

Wabi Sabi Xl Spoon with Wooden Handle, Mid-Century Modern, Rustic, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, BE
Ancient Landbouwtool; France; Wabi-Sabi; Agricultural tool; Mid-Century Modern; Wabi-Sabi XL
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Small Mid-Century Modern Walnut Side Cabinet
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A Mid-Century Modern walnut side cabinet that is perfect for adding storage to a room or entryway
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Circular Push-Pull Door Handle in Brass, Mid-20th Century, France
Located in London, GB
Circular push-pull door handle in brass, with hammered texture. Mid-20th century. Found in France
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Doors and Gates

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950's Mid-Century Modern Elegant Wine Bottle Holder with Cane Wrapped Handle
By Werkstätte Carl Auböck
Located in San Diego, CA
Simple elegant very rare iron frame with cane wrapped handle wine bottle holder, circa 1950s great
Category

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Iron

Mid Century Danish Modern 6 drawer teak dresser carved handles with Key
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Danish Mid Century Teak Dresser with six drawers with wood pulls, with top drawer featuring key
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Rectangle Huge American Footed Oak Serving Tray Mid-Century Modern Round Handles
Located in Miami, FL
American organic modern handcrafted oak hardwood & steel decorative footed serving tray. Note the
Category

Late 20th Century American Organic Modern Platters and Serveware

Materials

Rubber

Mid Century Modern Large Venini Glass Rope Design Door Handle Pull Murano Italy
By Venini
Located in Miami, FL
Magnificent door handle by Venini in Diamante glass rope form. Thick, heavy glass with striated
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Mid Century Vintage Glass Ice Bucket with Silver Handle
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful thick glass ice bucket with a silver metal handle. The sides of this bucket have a
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Glass

Mid-century Teak Wood Dish with Handle 1960s
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Wonderful large solid Teak dish with handle. Hand crafted from solid Teak, dating from the 1960s
Category

Mid-20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Teak

Mid-century Teak Wood Dish with Handle 1960s
Mid-century Teak Wood Dish with Handle 1960s
H 1.97 in W 9.06 in D 15.95 in
Mid-Century Modern Silver Plate Trophy
Located in San Francisco, CA
Vintage silver plate trophy with carved handles, engraved in 1955 for the Amateur winner of the
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Urns

Materials

Silver Plate

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Gorgeous walnut dresser. Classic century design with unique brass handles. Complete with 9 drawers
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser
H 32 in W 67 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Landstrom Mahogany Dresser Credenza
By Landstrom Furniture
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fabulous Mid-Century Modern mahogany four-drawer dresser, credenza, or sideboard by Landstrom
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Vallauris Decorative Handled Pitcher or Vase, France, Mid-Century
By Vallauris
Located in Miami, FL
A very collectable mid-century vintage handled vase or pitcher. This decorative piece has classic
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Scheurich Mid-Century West German Flagon Shaped Art Pottery Handled Vase
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish mid-century West German art pottery handled vase in buff and brown glazes by
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Stunning Mid-Century Modern walnut credenza designed and manufactured in the United States, circa
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Credenza
H 30.5 in W 70 in D 16 in
Vintage Mid Century Ice Bucket with Faux Horn Handles
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Mid Century Gold Toned Ice Bucket with Faux Horn Handles. A cool addition to your bar.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Brass

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Mid Century Modern Handles For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of mid century modern handles available for sale. Frequently made of wood, metal and brass, all mid century modern handles available were constructed with great care. Find 16871 antique and vintage mid century modern handles at 1stDibs now, or shop our selection of 492 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished furniture. There are all kinds of mid century modern handles available, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid century modern handles made by mid-century modern designers — as well as those associated with Scandinavian Modern — are very popular at 1stDibs. Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Aldo Tura and Cees Braakman each produced beautiful mid century modern handles that are worth considering.

How Much are Mid Century Modern Handles?

Mid century modern handles can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,199, while the lowest priced sells for $1 and the highest can go for as much as $360,403.

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 Handles
  • 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.

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