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Mid Century Modern Retro

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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 Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Walnut, Wood

Retro Mid-Century Modern Dresser
Mid-Century Modern Dresser
H 30.75 in W 74.25 in D 19.5 in
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 Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Retro Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands
H 24 in W 22.5 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern Psyche Mirror
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Psyche Mirror
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Metal

Retro Mid-Century Modern Psyche Mirror
Mid-Century Modern Psyche Mirror
H 73.23 in W 29.93 in D 17.72 in
Lucite Sculpture Mid-Century Modern
Located in Wallkill, NY
Freeform Mid-Century Modern Lucite sculpture, It has some crazing. Be sure to check our storefront
Category

1960s Unknown Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Opaline Suspension
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Opaline Suspension
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Opaline Glass

Mid-Century Modern Carrara Marble Bust
By Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Rene Brancusi, (after) Pablo Picasso
Located in Houston, TX
Mid-Century Modern Carrara marble bust Mid-Century Modern Carrara marble bust. This unusual marble
Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Marble

Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Located in Brooklyn, NY
-Century Modern sofa. Perfect for adding a unique look to any living room. Please confirm item location
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Retro Mid-Century Modern Sofa
Mid-Century Modern Sofa
H 32 in W 69 in D 28.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This large Mid-Century Modern combines rich woodgrain and quality materials with tambour doors that
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Brass

Retro Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
Mid-Century Modern Sideboard
H 33 in W 96 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern Murano Vase
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Murano multi-color vase.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Retro Mid-Century Modern Murano Vase
Mid-Century Modern Murano Vase
H 13.5 in W 6 in D 3.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Panel, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Panel, 1970s
Category

1970s Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Resin, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Panel, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Panel, 1970s
H 78.75 in W 27.56 in D 0.79 in
Mid-century modern floor lamp
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-century modern floor lamp in very good original condition.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Steel

Mid-century modern floor lamp
Mid-century modern floor lamp
H 58.27 in Dm 21.26 in
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Category

1970s Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Marble, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
H 16.54 in W 28.35 in D 16.15 in
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bar
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bar
Category

1960s Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bar
Mid-Century Modern Wooden Bar
H 24.41 in W 31.5 in D 21.66 in
Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bench
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern lucite bench. Beautiful Mid-Century Modern design with frosted acrylic lucite
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bench
Mid-Century Modern Lucite Bench
H 21.25 in W 60 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceiling light
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern ceiling light.
Category

1960s Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Glass

Mid-Century Modern Ceiling light
Mid-Century Modern Ceiling light
H 5.91 in W 30.71 in D 24.02 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern chair Dimensions. 18 W ; 37 H ; 17D.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
H 37 in W 18 in D 17 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern mirror Dimensions. 32 W ; 46 H.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror
H 46 in W 32 in D 1 in
Mid Century Modern Bernhardt Nightstand
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Add vintage charm to your bedroom with our Mid Century Modern Bernhardt Nightstand, offering
Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Lamp
Located in Kensington, MD
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Lamp Additional information: Featured at Kensington Material
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern mirror Dimensions. 20 W ; 23 H ; 6 D.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Armchair
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Arm Chair. Dimensions. 23 w ; 20 d ; 41 h.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Scandinavain Stool
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern scandinavain stool in black lacquered beech.
Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Beech

Mid-Century Modern Desk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Perfect for any home office or study, this beautiful Mid-Century Modern desk shows off a rich
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Desk
Mid-Century Modern Desk
H 36.5 in W 54 in D 30 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Mirror
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Mirror Dimensions. 20 W ; 1 D ; 31 H
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Mid Century Modern Mirror
Vintage Mid Century Modern Mirror
H 31 in W 20 in D 1 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern mirror Dimensions. 32 1/2 W ; 44 H.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Glass, Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Mirror
H 44 in W 32.5 in D 1.5 in
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern chair Dimensions. 18 W ; 21 1/2 D ; 30 H.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
H 30 in W 18 in D 21.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Dry Bar
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
For your consideration, Mid-Century Modern bar made in Mexico in the 60s.    
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Dry Bar
Mid-Century Modern Dry Bar
H 39.77 in W 78.75 in D 16.15 in
Mid Century Modern Fabric Art
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exceptional mid century modern hand made shag. It’s can be displayed as is or flipped over.
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Fabric

Mid Century Modern Fabric Art
Mid Century Modern Fabric Art
H 45.5 in W 72.5 in D 2.5 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Armchairs
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Mid Century Modern Armchairs, easy chairs, side chairs. Timeless, very nice modern Danish
Category

1950s American Scandinavian Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Chrome

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Located in Seattle, WA
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair Dimensions. 19 1/2 W ; 18 D ; 30 H Seat Height. 17.
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Chair
H 30 in W 19.5 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Upholstered Armchair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Elegant, Mid-Century Modern, armchair features a sculptural ebonized maple frame with aubergine
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Fabric, Maple

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Located in Toledo, OH
Mid-century modern chrome bench. Nice architectural bench of chrome-plated steel. Minor surface
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
H 17 in W 46.5 in D 15 in
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This vintage lounge chair is great for adding comfortable seating and Mid-Century Modern style to a
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
H 31 in W 25 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Located in North Bergen, NJ
Mid-Century Modern chrome bench with pair of matching throw pillows.
Category

1970s Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Bench
H 18.5 in W 48.5 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Document File
By Paul McCobb
Located in Denton, TX
mid-century modern desk top document file classic walnut with stainless steel squared post that
Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Stainless Steel

Mid-Century Modern Document File
Mid-Century Modern Document File
H 6.13 in W 12.13 in D 9.75 in
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Modern chandelier is perfect for today's contemporary styles and adds grace and charm
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Aluminum

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Full of Mid-Century Modern style and quality, this vintage walnut sideboard offers plenty of
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Sideboard
H 29 in W 68.5 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
With a comfortable and stylish Mid-Century Modern design, this vintage lounge chair adds a pop of
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Upholstery, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
H 33.5 in W 29 in D 34 in
Mid Century Modern Console Table
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century Modern Console Table Server late 1950's early 60s. A mid century modern tiered Console
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Brass

Mid Century Modern Console Table
Mid Century Modern Console Table
H 28 in W 44 in D 19 in
Mid-Century Modern Lucite Table
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Mid-Century Modern Lucite side or occasional table with curved tripod legs and thick
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Lucite

Mid-Century Modern Side Table
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern two-tiered side table or corner table with a slightly angled shape and metal
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Side Table
Mid-Century Modern Side Table
H 20 in W 33 in D 29 in
Mid-century modern floor lamp
Located in Banská Štiavnica, SK
Mid-century modern floor lamp in very good original condition. Red metal base with chrome leg and
Category

1970s Slovak Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Mid-century modern floor lamp
Mid-century modern floor lamp
H 60.63 in W 11.03 in D 22.05 in
Mid-Century Modern Disc Cabinet
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
Circa 1960, we offer this Mid-Century Modern disc cabinet, made in mahogany wood and brass details
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Disc Cabinet
Mid-Century Modern Disc Cabinet
H 27.17 in W 31.5 in D 11.82 in
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Dresser
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mid-Century Modern dresser features a radiant rosewood woodgrain, a minimal and sturdy design
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Rosewood

Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Dresser
Mid-Century Modern Rosewood Dresser
H 30.5 in W 77.5 in D 18 in
Four Mid-Century Modern Bracelets Enamel Sterling Silver Italy 1970s Geometric
Located in New York, NY
This is an exquisite set of four Mid-Century Modern Bracelets from Italy in Silver with gorgeous
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modernist Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Silver

Mid-Century Modern Brass table Lamp
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern large brass table lamp in Asian style.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Desk Mirror
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Desk Mirror
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Chrome Desk Mirror
Mid-Century Modern Chrome Desk Mirror
H 19.1 in W 16.34 in D 9.06 in
Mid-Century Modern Tufted Bench
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern tufted bench. The bench is newly upholstered in leatherette has solid wooden
Category

1960s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood, Faux Leather

Mid-Century Modern Tufted Bench
Mid-Century Modern Tufted Bench
H 24.75 in W 53.5 in D 25 in
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
Located in North York, ON
Mid-Century Modern lounge chair. Featuring textured designer linen fabric. Price includes
Category

1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Fabric, Wood

Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
H 28 in W 31 in D 30 in
Mid-Century Modern Brass Side Table
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Brass Side Table
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Brass Side Table
Mid-Century Modern Brass Side Table
H 15.75 in W 22.84 in D 22.84 in
Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables, 1970s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables, 1970s
Category

1970s Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables, 1970s
Mid-Century Modern Nesting Tables, 1970s
H 17.92 in W 21.66 in D 13.78 in
Mid Century Modern Geometric Mirror
Located in Houston, TX
Mid Century Modern Geometric Mirror. This stunning vintage square mirror has an infinity design
Category

1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Mirror

Mid Century Modern Geometric Mirror
Mid Century Modern Geometric Mirror
H 33.75 in W 33.75 in D 1.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands, Italy, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands, Italy, 1960
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Nightstands, Italy, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Nightstands, Italy, 1960s
H 21.26 in W 19.69 in D 12.21 in
Mid-Century Modern Wallpaper Press
Located in Weesp, NL
Wallpaper press Mid-Century Modern. Intriguing and beautiful object. Measurements: H 58 x D
Category

1960s French Mid Century Modern Retro

Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, 1960s
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Metal, Bronze

Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Dining Table, 1960s
H 27.56 in W 59.45 in D 59.45 in
Mid-Century Modern Secretary, Memphis Style
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Secretary, Memphis Style
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Secretary, Memphis Style
Mid-Century Modern Secretary, Memphis Style
H 35.44 in W 31.5 in D 23.63 in
Mid Century Modern Nightstand, Hathaway’s
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Transform your bedroom with our exceptional vintage mid century modern nightstand from Hathaway's
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Walnut HighBoy Dresser
Located in Esperance, NY
Mid-Century Modern walnut highBoy dresser.
Category

1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Walnut HighBoy Dresser
Mid-Century Modern Walnut HighBoy Dresser
H 42 in W 35.75 in D 18.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Armchair
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern sculptural armchair. The chair has a black lacquered wood sculptural frame
Category

1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Italian Bar, 1960s
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern Italian Bar, 1960s
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Mid Century Modern Retro

Materials

Wood

Mid-Century Modern Italian Bar, 1960s
Mid-Century Modern Italian Bar, 1960s
H 79.93 in W 55.91 in D 18.31 in
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Mid Century Modern Retro For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the mid century modern retro you’re looking for at 1stDibs. Frequently made of metal, wood and glass, every mid century modern retro was constructed with great care. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century modern retro — find older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century modern retro is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern and Modern styles are sought with frequency. Milo Baughman, Knoll and Paul McCobb each produced at least one beautiful mid century modern retro that is worth considering.

How Much is a Mid Century Modern Retro?

Prices for a mid century modern retro can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $1 and can go as high as $4,965,372, while the average can fetch as much as $2,124.

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 Retro
  • 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.

Read More

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