Question 1

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

What year is mid-century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Is a tulip table mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Is Art Deco mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What defines mid-century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 15

Are Wassily chairs mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What color wood is mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What are the defining characteristics of mid-century modern design?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What color should I paint my mid century modern home?

Accepted Answer

There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.

Question 19

What defines mid-century modern home decor?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 20

What is an iconic chair from the mid-century modern era?

Accepted Answer

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.

Mid Century Modern Impasto

Mid-20th Century Modern Still-life Paintings

Nona Beck LinnemanMid Century Modern Impasto Zinnia Floral Still Life

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

Huib Van Vugt (1923-2008)Mid Century Modern Impasto Oil Painting - Venice St. Mark's Basilica at Sunset, Circa 1950

1960s Fauvist Still-life Paintings

Virginia Sevier RogersFauvist Grapes and Bananas, Mid Century Modern Impasto Fruit Still-Life, c.1960

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Italo Botti"Seascape" Mid Century Modern Impasto Paining of Boats Beach and Ocean

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Impasto Cityscape by Coletta

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-century Modern Still Life Tomato with Vase Impasto Oil Painting

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Modern Heavy Impasto Floral Still Life Oil Painting, circa 1950s

1990s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Duanye HatchettMid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Painting, 1991

1990s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Duanye HatchettMid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Painting, 1992

Mid-20th Century Still-life Paintings

French Mid Century Modernist Oil Painting Still Life Fruit & Flowers Mod Impasto

1940s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Alphons MüllerSwiss Alps Fauvist Modern Impasto Landscape - Original Oil on Canvas, Mid 20th Century

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Impasto Figurative Art Painting

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Mystery Mid Century Modern Sailboats

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Vintage Mid Century Modern Abstract Painting

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Tim RawlinsMid-Century Modern Floral Abstract, 1961

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Modern Abstract of Andy Warhol Style man

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Signed Impasto French Street Scene Painting

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid century modern abstract oil on canvas signed Cabot

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Impasto Paint Encrusted Artist Palettes, 1940-1950

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Photo Realistic Impasto Painting by Colin Chillag

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Lee Reynolds Style Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Skyline Painting

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Lee Reynolds Mid-Century Modern Oil on Canvas Oranges Still Life Painting

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Mid-Century Modern Swedish Landscape Oil Painting, Framed - White Village

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Picasso Style Mid-Century Modern Oil on Board of Women

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

E Francisco Impasto Abstract Oil Painting 1970s Polychrome

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens

Mid Century Modern Italian Carved Wood Painted Sea Shell, Large Scale

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Van Hoople Family Crest Mid-Century Modern Textured Painting on Board Framed

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Victor Olsen Impasto Oil on Board of Arabs

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract painting with impasto technique, Italy, 1950s-60s

1950s Modern Landscape Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Cityscape Oil Painting - Skyline, 1950s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Cityscape Painting "Skyline v" by M. Baker Signed

1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Virginia Sevier RogersMid Century Modern Multi-Color Geometric Abstract on Black , 1969

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Jacques Pinon French Spring Landscape, Expressionist Impasto Oil On Canvas., 1970s

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Caramel Glazed Ceramic Table Lamps with Brass Fittings

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

French Mid-Century Modern Handmade Painted Table Lamp with Nickel Fittings

1960s Modern Figurative Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Abstract Figurative Oil Painting - All Together, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Angela StonesAngela Stones Helianthus Oil Painting Mid Century Modern British Art Surreal, c. 1960s

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

1959 B. G. Orem Mid-century Modern Abstract Oil Painting of His Studio

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Nancy BaileyWorking Boats, Porthleven, Cornwall.Coastal. Fishing Pots.Impasto.Harbor.Jetty., 1973

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Landscape Paintings

Nona Beck Linneman
Mid Century Modern Impasto Zinnia Floral Still Life

Huib Van Vugt (1923-2008)
Mid Century Modern Impasto Oil Painting - Venice St. Mark's Basilica at Sunset, Circa 1950

Virginia Sevier Rogers
Fauvist Grapes and Bananas, Mid Century Modern Impasto Fruit Still-Life, c.1960

Italo Botti
"Seascape" Mid Century Modern Impasto Paining of Boats Beach and Ocean

Duanye Hatchett
Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Painting, 1991

Duanye Hatchett
Mid Century Modern Texas Artist Abstract Expressionist Thick Impasto Painting, 1992

Alphons Müller
Swiss Alps Fauvist Modern Impasto Landscape - Original Oil on Canvas, Mid 20th Century

Tim Rawlins
Mid-Century Modern Floral Abstract, 1961

Virginia Sevier Rogers
Mid Century Modern Multi-Color Geometric Abstract on Black , 1969

Jacques Pinon
French Spring Landscape, Expressionist Impasto Oil On Canvas., 1970s

Angela Stones
Angela Stones Helianthus Oil Painting Mid Century Modern British Art Surreal, c. 1960s

Nancy Bailey
Working Boats, Porthleven, Cornwall.Coastal. Fishing Pots.Impasto.Harbor.Jetty., 1973

Ruth Thomas
Jerusalem Tower of David, Sabra, Israeli British Modernist Impasto Oil Painting, 1959

Sylvia Rutkoff
1950s "Boy With Mittens" Oil Impasto Figurative Painting Brooklyn Museum Artist, c. 1950s

French School
1970's French Expressionist Oil Painting Thick Impasto Paint Blaze of Colors

T. Brown
Mid Century Modern Fauvist Basket of Fruit Still-Life in Primary Colors, 1964

Claude Venard
"Venice Canal, Italy" Claude Venard, French Post-Cubist Mid-Century Modern, circa 1950-55

Angela Stones
Irises mid-20th century flowers oil painting by Angela Stones, Mid twentieth century

Nanno de Groot
"Lush Landscape in the Fall" Mid Century Modern Oil Painting on Canvas Framed, 1959

Nanno de Groot
"Lush Landscape with Greens and Blues" Mid Century Modern Oil Painting on Canvas, 1959

Angela Stones
View from Battersea Bridge mid-century oil painting by Angela Stones, Mid twentieth century