Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 2

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Are the 1970s mid-century?

Accepted Answer

No, the 1970s are generally not considered to fall within the era identified as mid-century. With respect to mid-century modern design, while there is some debate between collectors and design experts about the specific time period that saw the emergence of the style, most furniture enthusiasts agree that by the late 1960s, interest in MCM had largely declined. Writer Cara Greenberg, who coined the term “mid-century modernism,” suggests that “the period from the end of World War II to 1960 – from V-J Day to JFK – was the heyday of innovative furniture design in America.” Mid-century modern furniture is characterized by clean lines and inviting, organic shapes. Furniture makers of the era believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Find a variety of vintage mid-century modern furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is mid-century artwork?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century artwork is any piece of art produced during the middle of the 20th century. It includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, collages, pottery and other media. You'll find a large selection of mid-century artwork from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is mid century decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern decor was popularized during the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would suggest that the style emerged during the years that followed World War II. This style of decor is typically characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Find the finest mid-century modern furnishings and more on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What does mid century mean?

Accepted Answer

The mid-century modern style emerged primarily in the years following World War II. This style of decor is characterized by sleek lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation and high functionality. Creators of mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living, and mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a mid-century chair?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century chair is a piece of seating furniture that was designed at any point during the middle of the 20th century. Mid-century modern furniture 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. The mid-century period provided an excellent opportunity to experiment with both functional and decorative forms. Mid-century modern chairs were made with a variety of natural and synthetic materials, combining leather, wood, and cane with chrome, steel, and plastic. Shop a range of vintage mid-century chairs on 1stDibs today.

Question 10

What does mid century modern mean?

Accepted Answer

Mid century modern refers to the middle of the 20th century — specifically 1930s through the mid-1960s. This period represents a design and architecture movement characterized by simple shapes, clean lines, and organic materials. Some of the most famous mid century modern designers include Ray Eames, Charlotte Perriand, Isamu Noguchi and Eero Saarinen.

Question 11

What is mid century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality. Mid-century modern furniture is distinguishable by its lack of decoration or extravagance and its use of clean lines, organic curves and variety of natural materials.

Question 12

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 13

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern era correlates specifically to the years following World War II. These years in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Vintage mid-century modern furniture — including tables, chairs, desks and case pieces — are often organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple.

Postwar architects and designers in the United States were animated by new ideas and new technology during the era of mid-century modernism. Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century furniture designs manufactured by the likes of Knoll and Herman Miller.

Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.

Knoll became a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces soon became desirable for the home. Similarly, Michigan’s Herman Miller is best known for its iconic mid-century modern furniture, and while the company focused on the office, people loved its designs for their homes, too.

Find vintage mid-century modern furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can you tell if a chair is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a chair is mid-century, look for labels and markings that indicate its maker. Then, use trusted online resources to determine when the company was active. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer can be of assistance when dating chairs. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. Find a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How can you tell if furniture is mid century?

Accepted Answer

To tell if furniture is mid-century modern, examine the piece, looking for labels and markings that indicate who produced it. Then, consult trusted online resources to determine when the maker was active and what styles of furniture they made. Iconic mid-century modern furniture designers include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi. A knowledgeable dealer or certified appraiser can help you determine if a particular piece is genuine mid-century modern or a reproduction. Shop a range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Is Mondrian mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Mondrian’s art is believed to be one of the great inspirations for the mid-century modern approach to minimalism. His artworks were not just a departure from figurative works, but a new look at abstract art as well. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.

Question 18

How do you identify mid century lamps?

Accepted Answer

To identify mid-century lamps, look for a manufacturer's label or stamp on the base or the shade. You can use trusted online resources to determine when the company or artisan was active. Some lamps may also have a date stamp that you can use for identification purposes. Pieces dating from the late 1950s through the early 1970s are mid-century in terms of their age. A mid-century modern lamp will show off hallmarks of the design style, such as curvy hourglass or globe forms. A certified appraiser or experienced antiques dealer may also be able to help with the identification. Find a range of mid-century lamps on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What time is considered mid-century??

Accepted Answer

Mid-century is considered the middle of the century, however as it pertains to furniture and design, mid-century is an American design movement known for its modern style, construction and the Modernist movement. It is typically simple and clean lines without embellishments. Shop a range of mid-century modern designs on 1stDIbs.

Question 20

Why is mid century modern popular?

Accepted Answer

Most experts agree that mid-century modern correlates specifically to the years following World War II. It has grown in popularity in the decades since, particularly due to the media and cultural institutions that have promoted the truly innovative era of design. Not only did the MoMA promote modern furniture, but pieces are prominently visible on the set of very popular television shows such as Mad Men. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Mid Century Neon

Vintage 1980s German Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Large Mid Century Neon Sign Red / Blue "Downstairs" in a Acrylic Showcase 1980s

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs

Vintage Americana Mid-Century Neon Barber Shop Sign

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern More Lighting

Midcentury Neon Sign/ Addvertisement PHILLIPS, circa 1980s

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Color Photography

Frank SchottThunderbird - large scale photograph of iconic mid century neon signage, 2016

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Gloria DudfieldMid Century "Neon Comet" Gouache and Oil Pastel Abstract Bay Area Female Artist, c. 1960s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Signs

Amazing 1940s-50s Neon Sign "1 Hour Cleaners" Modernist / Art Deco

1960s Surrealist Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterNeon Ovoids, Mid-Century Abstract neon orange, green, pink acrylic painting, c. 1960s

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Mid-Century Modern Italian Neon Backlit Mirror, 1970s

2010s Figurative Sculptures

Jan HenderikseZero - Contemporary, 21st Century, Sculpture, Limited Edition, Neon, Design, 2016

2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures

Jan HenderikseNul - Contemporary, 21st Century, Sculpture, Limited Edition, Neon Light, 2016

2010s Figurative Sculptures

Jan HenderikseZero - Contemporary, 21st Century, Sculpture, Limited Edition, Neon, Design, 2016

2010s Contemporary Figurative Sculptures

Jan HenderikseNul - Contemporary, 21st Century, Sculpture, Limited Edition, Neon Light, 2016

Vintage 1960s Italian Chandeliers and Pendants

Large Mid-Century Plexiglass Chandelier Neon Light Italian Design 1950s

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Loveseats

Mid century modern neon pink wild 1980s upholstered loveseat sofa

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Cenedese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Neon Yellow Italian Murano Glass Obelisk

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Neon Sign

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

1980 Tall Neon Green Mid-Century Modern Abstract Lucite Sculpture on Black Base

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Tall Neon Yellow Mid-Century Modern Abstract Lucite Sculpture on White Base 1980

1950s Modern Abstract Paintings

Vintage Mid Century Geometric Abstract Neon Color Framed Original Oil Painting, 1960

1960s Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints

Toma YovanovichMid Century 1960's Original Geometric Abstract Neon Woodblock Toma Yovanovich, 1960's

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Maurice BeckerNeon Lighting WPA Mid 20th Century Social Realism American Scene Modern Figures, 1936

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Italian Mid-Century Red Murano Glass, Metal and Neon Table Lamp by Mazzega, 1970

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Marilyn Monroe Pop Art Neon Serigraph Print by Bert Stern, 1962, mid-century Art

2010s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Ryan RivadeneyraThe Magic Trick, Neon Tones, Mid-Century Shapes and Layer on Black Background, 2021

Early 2000s Abstract Geometric Color Photography

Mitchell FunkMid Century Bar and Grill Neon Sign - Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper , 2007

Vintage 1970s American Post-Modern Floor Lamps

Mid-Century Post Modern Black with Red Torchiere Neon Floor Lamp by Rudi Stern

Mid-20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Vintage Turkish Neon Green Deco Rug

20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Signs

Vintage Neon Chemist Sign in a Perspex Box, 20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Signs

1950’s Neon Sign Diner

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Signs

Vintage neon propaganda from Steiff. 1960 - 1965

Mid-20th Century American Post-Modern Contemporary Art

Postmodern Alvarez Robert Aaron Young Neon Light Box

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Signs

1950’s Enamel and Neon TV Sign

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Signs

1950’s Enamel and Neon Corner Sign Cafe

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

20th Century Osvaldo Borsani for Tecno LT8 Sky-Ground Lamp 1960 Brass and Neon

20th Century Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Sherbert Orange Neon Green Turkish Deco Rug

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Pierre Giraudon, a Pair of Lucite Sculptures "Neon", France, Midcentury

20th Century Turkish Futurist Turkish Rugs

Funky Turkish Runner, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Italian Murano Art Glass Paperweight with Neon Yellow Ribbon Design after Seguso

Mid-20th Century German Chandeliers and Pendants

Large Vintage Ceiling Lamp, Ceiling Lamp Brass Neon Tube, 1950's

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Frank Schott
Thunderbird - large scale photograph of iconic mid century neon signage, 2016

Gloria Dudfield
Mid Century "Neon Comet" Gouache and Oil Pastel Abstract Bay Area Female Artist, c. 1960s

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Neon Ovoids, Mid-Century Abstract neon orange, green, pink acrylic painting, c. 1960s

Jan Henderikse
Zero - Contemporary, 21st Century, Sculpture, Limited Edition, Neon, Design, 2016

Jan Henderikse
Nul - Contemporary, 21st Century, Sculpture, Limited Edition, Neon Light, 2016

Jan Henderikse
Zero - Contemporary, 21st Century, Sculpture, Limited Edition, Neon, Design, 2016

Jan Henderikse
Nul - Contemporary, 21st Century, Sculpture, Limited Edition, Neon Light, 2016

Toma Yovanovich
Mid Century 1960's Original Geometric Abstract Neon Woodblock Toma Yovanovich, 1960's

Maurice Becker
Neon Lighting WPA Mid 20th Century Social Realism American Scene Modern Figures, 1936

Ryan Rivadeneyra
The Magic Trick, Neon Tones, Mid-Century Shapes and Layer on Black Background, 2021

Mitchell Funk
Mid Century Bar and Grill Neon Sign - Printed on Hahnemühle Fine Art paper , 2007

Paul Maxwell
Large Modern Abstract Cast Stencil Painting Paul Maxwell Mod Constructivist Neon, 1989

Paul Maxwell
Large Modern Abstract Cast Stencil Painting Paul Maxwell Mod Constructivist Neon, 1988