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Mid Century Modern Plates

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Mid Century Modern plate by Robert Picault, France
By Robert Picault
Located in London, GB
Earthenware plate with matt grey glaze depicting a bull by the celebrated French ceramicist Robert
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Earthenware

Mid Century Modern Plate Glass Paneled Sculptural Magazine Rack C1968
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous magazine rack created from two glass panels and two chrome plated steel end connectors
Category

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

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Massimo Vignelli for Heller Mid Century Modern Plates and Mugs for Six
By Massimo and Lella Vignelli, Heller
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Iconic sixties design by Massimo and Lella Vignelli of stacking plates and mugs manufactured by
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Materials

Plastic

Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Plate from Meissen
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Plate from Meissen
Category

20th Century Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Category

Vintage 1950s Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
H 0.79 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Category

Vintage 1950s Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
H 0.79 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Category

Vintage 1950s Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
H 0.79 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
By Fornasetti
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Category

Vintage 1950s Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
Mid-Century Modern Fornasetti Plate, Italy
H 0.79 in W 10.24 in D 10.24 in
Mid-Century Modern French MBFA Pornic Pottery Belon Oyster Plate
By M. F. B. A. Pornic
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A mid-century French hand-painted oyster or seafood plate, made by the MBFA Pornic Pottery Studio
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Theo and Susan Harlander Brooklin Pottery, Mid-Century Cubist Plate
By Susan and Theo Harlander
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Studio Pottery Mid-Century Modern plate by Theo and Susan Harlander of Brooklin Pottery, Brooklin
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Majolica Oyster Plate Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Ceramic Oyster Plate Vallauris circa 1950. All differents colors , plates are sold
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern French MBFA Pornic Pottery Red & Black Graphic Oyster Plate
By M. F. B. A. Pornic
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A mid-century French hand-painted oyster or seafood plate, made by the MBFA Pornic Pottery Studio
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern French Ceramic Plate by Jean Lurçat Blue Red Green Yellow
Located in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Mid-Century Modern ceramic plate by designer Jean Lurçat featuring a multicolour transfer print of
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century French Ecru Majolica Oyster Plate
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century French Ecru Majolica Oyster Plate . Lemon on the center.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Majolica Yellow Oyster Plate Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Ceramic Yellow Oyster Plate Vallauris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Saarinen Turned Wood Plates and Charger
By Eero Saarinen
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Nice grouping of five Saarinen plates. Turned birch plywood. Made in Finland by Keuruu
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Wood, Plywood

Assembled Pair of Large Yellow Ground Quimper Plates, Mid-20th Century
By Grande Maison HB Quimper
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
An assembled pair of large yellow ground Quimper plates, mid-20th century. Henriot Quimper, with
Category

Mid-20th Century French Country Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Five Lobster Plates in Clear Glass, Josef Frank, Sweden, Mid-20th Century
Located in Copenhagen, DK
/ Gullaskruf, Sweden, mid-20th century. In good condition. Measures: 30 cm. long.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dinner Plates

Mid-Century Octogonal Blue & White Plate La Roue Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Octogonal Blue & White Plate signed La Roue Vallauris. 7.8 inches diameter.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Fish Plates in a Fish Shape Yellow Color France
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Fish Plates in a Fish Shape Yellow Color France
Category

Vintage 1960s French Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Mid Century Erphila Edinburgh Blue Plaid Pottery Dinner Plates Made in Italy Set
Located in Topeka, KS
condition report. We attempt to portray any imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. Portare La Pasta
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Pottery, Porcelain

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare oyster plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Faience, Ceramic

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Faience, Ceramic

Mid-Century Rare Ceramic Oyster Plate Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Rare Oyster Plate signed Robert Picault. Robert Picault (1919 - 2000) was born in Vincennes, Paris
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Large Mid-Century Octogonal Blue & White Plate La Roue Vallauris
By Vallauris
Located in Austin, TX
Large Mid-Century Octogonal Blue & White Plate signed La Roue Vallauris. 9.8 inches diameter.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Orfinox French Faience Chocolate Brown Seaweed Oyster Plate, 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Mid-Century oyster or seafood plate, made by Orfinox, circa 1960s. A chocolate brown ground with
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Faience

Set of 6 Mid-Century Flowers Plates Robert Picault Vallauris
By Robert Picault
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Set of 6 flowers dessert plates by Robert Picault Vallauris. Robert Picault (1919
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Mid-Century Orfinox French Faience Mustard Yellow Seaweed Oyster Plate, 1960s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A mid-century oyster or seafood plate, made by Orfinox, circa 1960s. A mustard yellow ground
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Faience

Early-mid 19th Century Pair of Qing Dynasty Fitzhugh Dinner Plates
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Early-mid 19th century pair of Qing Dynasty Fitzhugh dinner plates. Chinese export for the Western
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Dinner Plates

Materials

Porcelain

French Ceramist, Eight Dinner Plates in Glazed Stoneware, Mid-20th C
Located in Copenhagen, DK
. Unique, high-quality ceramics. Mid-20th century. Measures: 26 x 23 cm. In excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

French Ceramist, 24 Dinner Plates in Glazed Stoneware, Mid-20th C
Located in Copenhagen, DK
, high-quality ceramics. Mid-20th century. Measures: 25.5 x 22.5 cm. In excellent condition.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Scandinavian Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Stoneware

Early XXth Century Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Metal plate from Spain by unknown manufacturer, early 20th century. In original condition, with
Category

Early 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Metal

19th Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Metal plate from Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 19th century. In original condition, with
Category

Antique 19th Century European Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Metal

19th Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
19th Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
No Reserve
H 1.78 in W 8.27 in D 8.27 in
19th Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Metal plate from Spain by unknown manufacturer, circa 19th century. In original condition, with
Category

Antique 19th Century European Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Metal

19th Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
19th Century Spanish Traditional Metal Plate
No Reserve
H 0.79 in Dm 8.27 in
Series of 6 mid-century ‘Toledo’ ceramic dinner plates by Salins France, 1960s
By Salins
Located in Bruxelles, BE
white fern pattern. Every plate is unique and the fern pattern differs slightly. manufacture of salins
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Sarreguemines Mid Century Set of Six Fish-Shaped Majolica Plates and Soup Tureen
By Sarreguemines
Located in Caprino Veronese, VR
A gorgeous service of six fish-shaped majolica plates and soup tureen from the famous French
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic, Faience, Majolica

Emile Henry, France, Eight Lunch Plates in Glazed Stoneware, Mid-20th C
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Swedish art glass. Twelve deep plates in smoky mouth-blown art glass. 1960/70s. Measures: 23.5 x
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Art Glass

Set of 12 Mid-Century Ceramic Plates w/ Oceanic Motifs in Mauve by MBFA Pornic
By Manufacture Bretonne de Faïences Artistiques (M.B.F.A.)
Located in New York, NY
This charming Set of Twelve Mid-Century Modernist Plates in Hand-Painted Ceramic by MBFA Pornic
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 2 Fruit Plate Mid Century Rhythm André Fu Living Tableware New
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
: Mid Century Rhythm
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Gold

Set of 2 Soup Plate Mid Century Rhythm André Fu Living Tableware New
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
plate (2 pieces) Color: Sage green Size: 21Ø x 5H cm Material: Porcelain and gold Collection: Mid
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Gold

Set of 2 Bread Plate Mid Century Rhythm André Fu Living Tableware New
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
: Mid Century Rhythm
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Gold

Mid-century Modern Piero Fornasetti Ceramic Appetizer Fish Kebab Dishes and Tray
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Downingtown, PA
shaped for four, six, eight or twelve plates. They were available in eighteen different patterns. (Ref
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Aluminum

7-Piece Set of Mid-Century Modern Stonewear Oysterplates by Keralux Belgium
By Boch Freres Keramis
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
Beautiful set of 7 oyster plates from the Belgian brand Boch et Freres Keralux. This service was
Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Ironstone

Mid Century Modern 125 Piece Dinner Set by Raymond Loewy for Rosenthal Germany
By Raymond Loewy
Located in Port Jervis, NY
consists of: 13 dinner plates 10.5, 13 soups 7 5/8, 15 salad plates 7.5, 12 fruit cups 4 3/4, 14 bread
Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Porcelain

Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Fish Dish by Limoges France
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Porcelain fish dish from the French brand Limoges. The service is decorated with decration of fish. The Dish dates from around 1960. The porcelain is of a beautiful, refined quality....
Category

Vintage 1960s French Romantic Dinner Plates

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 2 Dinner Plate Ring Mid Century Rhythm André Fu Living Tableware New
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
gold Collection: Mid Century Rhythm
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Gold

Set Of 2 Dinner Plate Full Mid Century Rhythm André Fu Living Tableware New
By André Fu
Located in CENTRAL, HK
gold Collection: Mid Century Rhythm
Category

2010s Malaysian Modern Dinner Plates

Materials

Gold

Mid-Century Modern Porcelain Fish Dish by Limoges, France
By Limoges
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Porcelain fish Dish from the French brand Limoges. The service is decorated with decration of fish. The Dish dates from around 1960. The porcelain is of a beautiful, refined quality....
Category

Vintage 1960s French Romantic Dinner Plates

Materials

Porcelain

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Mid Century Modern Plates For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of mid century modern plates available for sale. The range of distinct mid century modern plates — often made from metal, brass and glass — can elevate any home. There are 5519 antique and vintage mid century modern plates for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 348 modern editions to choose from as well. Mid century modern plates have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. Mid century modern plates are generally popular furniture pieces, but mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern and modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. Mid century modern plates have been a part of the life’s work for many furniture makers, but those produced by Piero Fornasetti, Fornasetti and Palwa are consistently popular.

How Much are Mid Century Modern Plates?

Mid century modern plates can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,482, while the lowest priced sells for $15 and the highest can go for as much as $260,000.

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 Plates
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    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.
  • 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.

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