Mid Century Modern Light
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48,977
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36
27
26
22
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6
158
373
76,218
7,119
438
52,510
18,842
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75
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1,388
12,510
19,417
13,266
2,410
618
51,780
32,363
24,762
15,806
9,597
66,261
28,488
11,426
10,753
10,499
1,333
1,290
1,166
1,156
896
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Five-Globe Shades Mid-Century Modern Light Fixture Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Chrome milk glass globes Mid-Century Modern light fixture.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Light American Walnut 9 Drawers Dresser
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light walnut American dresser credenza on turned dowel legs. Brass hardware
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Mid-Century Modern Light Pink Italian Sofa, 1950s, New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Light Pink Italian Sofa, 1950s, New Upholstery
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Fabric
American Mid-Century Modern Light Walnut 5 Drawers High Chest Dresser Mint!
By American of Martinsville, Sligh Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mid-Century Modern light walnut 5 drawers high chest dresser MINT!.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Light Pink Italian Armchairs, 1950s, New Upholstery
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Light Pink Italian Armchairs, 1950s, New Upholstery
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Fabric
H 34.06 in W 39.38 in D 27.56 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Light Fixture Chandelier 5 Frosted Glass Shades MINT!
By Robert Sonneman, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Danish Mid Century Modern Light Fixture Chandelier 5 Frosted Glass Shades MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
H 25 in W 25 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Light Pickled Walnut Brass Pulls 5 Drawers Chest Dresser Mint
By Drexel
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light pickled walnut brass pulls 5 drawers chest dresser mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
H 49 in W 38 in D 20 in
Mid Century Modern Light Wood 73" Tall Narrow Driftwood Sculpture on Steel Base
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid Century Modern Light Wood 73" Tall Narrow Driftwood Sculpture on Steel Base MINT
Category
20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Natural Specimens
Materials
Steel
H 73 in W 10 in D 10 in
American Mid-Century Modern Light Walnut Heavy Brass Drop Pulls 5 Drawer Chest
By Drexel, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
American Mid-Century Modern Light Walnut Heavy Brass Drop Pulls 5 Drawer High Chest Dresser MINT!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Brass
H 48 in W 42 in D 20 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Light Blue Sheet Metal Table Lamp, 1970s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian Mid-Century Modern Light blue sheet metal table lamp, 1970s.
Table lamp composed of a
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Rare Italian Mid-Century Modern Lighted Sculpture / Table Lamp by James Riviere
By Centro D'art Lissone
Located in New York, NY
A rare, Italian Mid-Century Modern lighted plexi-glass sculpture / table lamp "Cubo di Teo
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
H 17.5 in W 16 in D 16 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern light brown coconut-shaped Rattan Basket Chair, 1950
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Italian Mid-Century Modern light brown Rattan basket chairs. The chairs are often described as
Category
Vintage 1950s European Armchairs
Materials
Iron
H 69 in W 71 in D 63 in
Mid-Century Modern Light Sculpture by Aldo van de Nieuwelaar
By Aldo van den Nieuwelaar
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century Modern light sculpture TC6 created by Aldo van de Nieuwelaar, the Netherlands, in 1968
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
Mid-Century Modern Light Fixture Chandelier
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice Mid-Century Modern round chrome and crystal light fixture chandelier.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Ivory Mid-Century Modern Light Fixtures
Located in New York, NY
Ivory toned glass, suspended on the original chrome stems and canopies.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Glass
Mid Century Modern Light Brown Pottery Vase
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Embrace the timeless elegance of this exceptional vintage mid-century modern pottery vase. Handmade
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Scholar's Objects
Materials
Pottery
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Light Fixtures
Located in New York, NY
Pair of Mid-Century Modern glass light fixtures / pendants.
Measures: 31 H (top to bottom) Light
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Light Beige Stool, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful, well crafted beige upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, character...
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Velvet
Pink and White Mid-Century Modern Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A sweet, unpretentious piece molded of white glass and hand trimmed with bright red banding. Suspended on the original chrome stem and canopy, the fixture has been rewired to hold on...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Light Beige Stool, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful, well crafted beige upholstery. The stool consists of an upholstered part, a seat and wooden legs narrowing downwards, character...
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Velvet
Brass and Lucite Mid-Century Modern Light Fixture Chandelier
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern Lucite and brass light fixture.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Lucite and Chrome Domes Mid-Century Modern Light Fixture
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice Mid-Century Modern Lucite and chrome globes light fixture.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Mid-Century Modern Light Beige Boucle Stool, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful, well crafted light boucle upholstery. The
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
Mid-Century Modern Light Brown Teak Scandinavian Coat Rack
Located in Roma, IT
This marvelous coat rack features three hooks made with light brown teak. This stand was produced
Category
Vintage 1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands
Materials
Wood, Teak
Mid Century Modern Light Mirror with Flowers, Gypsum, Italy, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
A mirror in a golden decorative flowers frame from Italy. The frame is made of gypsum. Good condition, no damage or cracks in the frame, the mirror pane has minimal flaws. Beautiful ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors
Materials
Mirror, Plaster
Mid-Century Modern Light American Walnut 4 Doors Credenza Dresser Cabinet
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Two-door compartments with adjustable shelf’s with concealed 3-drawer compartment American light
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dressers
Materials
Walnut
Pair of Midcentury Modern Light Walnut One Drawer Step Nightstands
By American of Martinsville
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of light walnut Mid-Century Modern nightstands or side tables.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Walnut
Rasmus Danish Mid Century Modern Lighted Rosewood China Cabinet Hutch c. 1970s
By Drylund
Located in Denville, NJ
felt (fifth one was not photographed but we have it). Three light bulbs with push switch are used to
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Rosewood
H 71 in W 61 in D 19 in
Gold Gilt Rock Crystal Bagues Chandelier Mid-Century Modern Light Flower Fixture
By Maison Baguès
Located in Roslyn, NY
A very rare and fine gold gilt iron rock crystal Bagues style six-light chandelier in the Mid
Category
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Rock Crystal
Baguès Gold Gilt Rock Crystal Chandelier Mid-Century Modern Light Flower Fixture
By Maison Baguès
Located in Roslyn, NY
A very rare and fine gold gilt iron rock crystal Baguès style six-light chandelier in the Mid
Category
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Rock Crystal
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Light Beige Boucle Stool, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Stool from the turn of the 1960s and 1970s. Beautiful, well crafted light boucle upholstery. The
Category
Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Stools
Materials
Bouclé, Wood
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Light Boucle Chair, Designed by M. Zielinski, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
carpentry and upholstery renovation. Seats covered with high-quality italian light white boucle fabric
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
H 32.29 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Light Boucle Chair, Designed by M. Zielinski, Europe, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
carpentry and upholstery renovation. Seats covered with high-quality Italian light white boucle fabric
Category
20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Bouclé, Beech
H 32.29 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Danish Mid Century Modern Light Pendant Bent Norsted for Lyskaer Denmark 1970
By Lyskaer
Located in Miami, FL
A Space Age Modern large 1970s pendant light by Bent Norsted for Lyskær Belysning with a downward
Category
Vintage 1970s Danish Scandinavian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum
Mid Century Modern Light by Lightolier in the Style of Paavo Tynell
By Lightolier, Paavo Tynell
Located in Toledo, OH
This beautiful flush mount ceiling light by Lightolier has a brass frame with gold detailing along
Category
Vintage 1960s Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Attr. to Toso Mid-Century Modern Light Blue Murano Glass Atomi Chandelier, 1982s
By Toso Vetri D'arte
Located in Murano, Venezia
This is a modern and particular chandelier, perfect for a Minimalist and spacious environment that
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Murano Glass
H 41.34 in Dm 27.56 in
Alberto Donà Mid-Century Modern Light Blue Two Murano Glass Table Lamps, 1997
By Alberto Donà
Located in Murano, Venezia
in the Mid-Century Modern style.
Project by the master glassmaker of Murano Alberto Donà in 1999
Category
1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Gold Leaf
H 21.66 in W 8.67 in D 8.67 in
Mid-Century Modern Four Globe Light Fixture Pendant
By Robert Sonneman
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice cluster of four chrome globes Mid-Century Modern light fixture.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Pear Shaped Sconces
By George Nelson
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Nice pair of Mid-Century Modern light fixtures.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Ceiling or Wall Light Fixture
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century Modern light fixture in Art Deco style, that can be mounted either on a wall or
Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal
Mid Century Hanging Blue/Geen Stained Glass Pendant Light
Located in Pasadena, CA
Mid century modern light pendant. some minor restorations need to be made, but overall in good
Category
Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Art Glass
Mid Century Light Walnut Boat Oval Shape Banded Dining Table Leafs Mint!
By Henredon, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light walnut boat oval shape banded dining table 2x18" leafs mint!
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Walnut
Large Mid-Century Modern Red Italian Marble Tray, 1960s
Located in Nürnberg, Bayern
Very beautiful red and white marbled round Italian marble bowl. Mid-Century Modern.
Light signs
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware
Materials
Marble
Set of Mid-Century Modern Three Rounded Triangle Shape Nesting Stacking Tables
By Baker Furniture Company, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern light walnut three rounded triangle shape nesting stacking tables.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables and Stacking Tables
Materials
Walnut
H 22 in W 25 in D 23 in
Italian Murano Glass Hanging Light Fixture Pendant Mid-Century Modern
Located in Wallkill, NY
Hand blown Italian Murano glass Mid-Century Modern light, Stunning rolled edge as well as the white
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Blown Glass
Decorative Light Walnut Faux Bamboo Pulls 8 Drawers Dresser
By American of Martinsville, Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light walnut decorative eight drawers dresser credenza.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Light Tone Five Drawers High Chest by Hooker
By Kent-Coffey, Hooker Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light finish 5 drawer chest dresser by Hooker.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Heavy Solid Brass Light Fixture by Chapman
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice quality heavy Mid-Century Modern light fixture by Chapman.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Super Clean Light American Walnut High Chest of Drawers
By Lane Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light walnut chest of 5 drawers by Lane.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Brass and Murano Glass 6 Arms Light Fixture Chandelier
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very brass or bronze nice Mid-Century Modern light fixture chandelier.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Cone Shades Sputnik Style Chandelier Light Fixture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very nice brass cone shades six arms Mid-Century Modern light fixture chandelier.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Modern Kaiser Pendant 1950s, Germany
By Doria Leuchten Germany
Located in Antwerp, BE
1950s Kaiser German Brass and Opal Glass pendant Midcentury Modern Light, labeled with Kaiser
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Enamel, Brass
Brass and Glass Lighted Étagère Vitrine
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid century modern lighted étagère possibly designed by Mastercraft (unmarked). High quality
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Brass
Light Walnut Long Travertine Top 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza Drop Ring Pulls MINT
By Tomlinson/Erwin-Lambeth Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light walnut long travertine Top 9 Drawers Dresser Credenza Brass Drop Ring
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Marble, Brass
H 32 in W 80 in D 20 in
Pair of Light Walnut One Door Nightstands End Side Tables Tapered Legs Mint
By Edmond J. Spence, Paul McCobb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Pair of Mid-Century Modern light walnut one door night stands end side tables tapered legs mint.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables
Materials
Walnut
David Booth & Judith Ledeboer Gordon Russell, Mid-Century Modern Oak Sideboard
By David Booth, Gordon Russell
Located in London, GB
David Booth and Judith Ledeboer, for Gordon Russell Ltd. A Classic Mid-Century Modern light oak bow
Category
Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Oak
H 33 in W 48 in D 19 in
Large Eight Drawers Tall Dresser Chest
By John Stuart
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light walnut 8 drawers large high chest dresser by John Stuart.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Walnut
Two-Tier Custom Height Gloss Finish Free Standing Shelf
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light grey cerused like hight gloss finish two-tier free standing shelf.
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves
Materials
Hardwood
Split Reed Wicker Rattan Bamboo 3 Seater Sofa Blue & White Cushions
By Ficks Reed
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light profile wicker frame 3 seater sofa. Nice vintage blue and white cushions.
Category
20th Century American Art Deco Sofas
Materials
Upholstery, Rattan, Reed
Gibbings for Widdicomb Klismos Style Dining Table with Two Extension Boards
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern light walnut dining table designed by Robsjohn Gibbing for Widdicomb. All in
Category
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Walnut
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Mid Century Modern Light For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid century modern light you’re looking for. A mid century modern light — often made from metal, glass and brass — can elevate any home. Find 8120 options for an antique or vintage mid century modern light now, or shop our selection of 364 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the mid century modern light you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right mid century modern light, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one mid century modern light that is appealing in its simplicity, but J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting and Glashütte Limburg produced versions that are worth a look.
How Much is a Mid Century Modern Light?
Prices for a mid century modern light can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $982,587, while the average can fetch as much as $2,024.
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 Light
- 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, 2021The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. The mid-century modern period in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs now.
- 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.
- 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 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 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021There 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.
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Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home
The industrial designer was known for his sleek, modern dinnerware, but his 1961 house and the landscape around it may be his most astonishing creation.
Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds
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Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
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Midcentury Modern Wood Veneer Chandelier
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