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Mid Century Realism

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"NYC Subway" American Modernism Scene WPA Mid-Century Realism Cityscape Transit
By Max Arthur Cohn
Located in New York, NY
"NYC Subway" American Modernism Scene WPA Mid-Century Realism Cityscape Transit. 26 x 28 inches
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

'The East River', Brooklyn Bridge — Mid-Century Realism, New York City
By Lawrence Wilbur
Located in Myrtle Beach, SC
Lawrence Nelson Wilbur (1897-1988), 'The East River', drypoint, edition 65, 1946. Signed, titled, and annotated 'A. Jones Proof 1946' in pencil. Signed and dated in the plate, lower ...
Category

1940s American Modern Landscape Prints

Materials

Drypoint

Midcentury Beach Scenic Oil on Board in Original Frame, Post War Signed
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Midcentury Realism beach scenic landscape oil on board in its original dark stained frame, signed
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Wood

Tender Love, Framed and Signed Lithograph 207/250 by Sandu Liberman
Located in Delray Beach, FL
-Century, Realism, Vintage Artist: Sandu Liberman Time Period: 1970s Place of origin: USA Dimension: 32” L
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Materials

Glass

Two Children, Framed and Signed Lithograph 33/250 by Sandu Liberman
Located in Delray Beach, FL
-Century, Realism, Vintage Time Period: 1970s Place of origin: USA Dimension: 27” L, 1” D, 31” H.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Materials

Paper

Decorative socialist realism large marquetry wall board - mid century -
Located in Budapest, HU
Decorative socialist realism large marquetry wallboard. The picture is made of extra quality, with
Category

Vintage 1950s Hungarian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Materials

Wood

"Library" Mid 20th Century Precisionism Cubist Realism Modernism Architectural
Located in New York, NY
"Library" Mid 20th Century Precisionism Cubist Realism Modernism Architectural. Signed verso
Category

1960s Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"Winter" American Modernism WPA Regionalism Landscape Mid-Century Magic Realism
By Dale Nichols
Located in New York, NY
"Winter" American Modernism WPA Regionalism Landscape Mid-Century Magic Realism. 30 x 40 inches
Category

1960s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Unemployed" WPA American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern
By William Gropper
Located in New York, NY
"Unemployed" WPA American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern William Gropper (1898
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Animated Discourse" WPA Mid-Century American Scene Modernism Realism Figurative
Located in New York, NY
"Animated Discourse" WPA Mid-Century American Scene Modernism Realism Figurative. Chris Ritter
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

"Sock Hop" Mid-Century American Modernism WPA Female Artist 20th Century Realism
By Kyra Markham
Located in New York, NY
"Sock Hop" Mid-Century American Modernism WPA Female Artist 20th Century Realism. 30 x 24 inches
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Portrait of a Woman, " Leon Kroll, Mid-Century American Realism
By Leon Kroll
Located in New York, NY
remained a painter of realism at a time when the American art world was moving rapidly into abstraction and
Category

1950s American Realist Portrait Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

NYC Subway Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene Social Realism Contemporary
Located in New York, NY
NYC Subway Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene Social Realism Contemporary David Atkins (1910
Category

1960s American Modern Interior Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

"Parade" Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene WPA Regionalism
By Gerrit Sinclair
Located in New York, NY
"Parade" Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene WPA Regionalism Gerrit Van Sinclair
Category

1940s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Shooting Gallery Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Abstract Realism Modern
Located in New York, NY
Shooting Gallery Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Abstract Realism Modern *William Kienbusch
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Paper, Paint

"Bearsville NY" Landscape Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene
By Georgina Klitgaard
Located in New York, NY
"Bearsville NY" Landscape Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene Georgina Klitgaard
Category

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Waterfall Bearsville NY Landscape Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Cubism
By Georgina Klitgaard
Located in New York, NY
Waterfall Bearsville NY Landscape Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Cubism Georgina Klitgaard
Category

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

FLIGHT American Futurism Modernism Scene WPA Mid-Century Oil Painting Realism
By Daniel Ralph Celentano
Located in New York, NY
FLIGHT American Futurism Modernism Scene WPA Mid-Century Oil Painting Realism Daniel Celentano
Category

1940s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Boys Swimming Industrial Landscape WPA Mid 20th Century Social Realism Modernism
By Henry Ernst Schnakenberg
Located in New York, NY
Boys Swimming Industrial Landscape WPA Mid 20th Century Social Realism Modernism Henry
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Bridge Painter WPA American Modernism Mid 20th-Century Realism Industrial Worker
By Louis Wolchonok
Located in New York, NY
Bridge Painter WPA American Modernism Mid 20th-Century Realism Industrial Worker. Sight size: 18 x
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Watercolor

Industrial Railroad WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Rural Modern Realism
By Louis Bosa
Located in New York, NY
Industrial Railroad WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Rural Modern Realism Large oil on canvas
Category

1940s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

NYC Subway Mid 20th Century American Modernism WPA Realism industrial Colorful
Located in New York, NY
NYC Subway Mid 20th Century American Modernism WPA Realism industrial Colorful "New York Subway
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Masonite, Oil

Railroad Worker Industrial WPA American Scene Mid Century Modern Social Realism
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Railroad Worker Industrial WPA American Scene Mid Century Modern Social Realism Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Oil

Magazine Cover Illustration Mid 20th Century Modern Theatre Broadway Realism WPA
By Ernest Hamlin Baker
Located in New York, NY
Magazine Cover Illustration Mid 20th Century Modern Theatre Broadway Realism WPA Ernest Hamlin
Category

1930s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor, Gouache

"Tailor" WPA American Scene Social Realism Modernism Mid Century Modern Fashion
By Mervin Jules
Located in New York, NY
"Tailor" WPA American Scene Social Realism Modernism Mid Century Modern Fashion The board measures
Category

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

NYC Cityscape American Scene WPA Modern Realism Mid 20th Century Architectural
By Ernest Fiene
Located in New York, NY
NYC Cityscape American Scene WPA Modern Realism Mid 20th Century Architectural Ernest Fiene (1894
Category

1930s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

WPA Landscape American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Farm Rural
By James McCracken
Located in New York, NY
WPA Landscape American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Farm Rural James McCracken
Category

1930s American Modern Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Cowboys Horses Cattle WPA American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Cowboys Horses Cattle WPA American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Oil

Chess Players WPA Depression Era Mid-20th Century American Scene Realism Modern
By Mervin Jules
Located in New York, NY
Chess Players WPA Depression Era Mid-20th Century American Scene Realism Modern. Signed upper right
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Studio Interior Mid 20th Century American Scene Modern WPA Still Life Realism
By Joseph Solman
Located in New York, NY
Studio Interior Scene Mid 20th Century American Modern WPA Still Life Realism The painting
Category

1930s American Realist Interior Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Man Working Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism Industrial WPA Modern
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Man Working Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism Industrial WPA Modern Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

NYC Subway Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism WPA Modern 1930s
By Daniel Ralph Celentano
Located in New York, NY
NYC Subway Riders Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism WPA Modern 1930s Daniel Celentano
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Gouache

Industrial Man Working Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism Modern WPA
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Industrial Man Working Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism Modern WPA Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

WPA Mid 20th Century Modern Social Realism American Scene Men Working Industrial
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
WPA Mid 20th Century Modern Social Realism American Scene Men Working Industrial Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Oil, Paper

Industrial Working Man WPA Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Industrial Working Man WPA Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern American Scene Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

Chemists American Scene Mid 20th Century Modern Social Realism WPA Science Mural
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Chemists American Scene Mid 20th Century Modern Social Realism WPA Science Mural Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache

"Good Health Week" WPA American Scene Mid 20th Century Modern Social Realism
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
"Good Health Week" WPA American Scene Mid 20th Century Modern Social Realism Jo Cain (1904 – 2003
Category

1940s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Oil

Machine Age Industrial WPA Era American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Machine Age Industrial WPA Era American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Jo Cain (1904 - 2003
Category

1930s Interior Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache, Board

Surveyors WPA American Scene Mid 20th Century Modern Social Realism Men Working
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Surveyors WPA American Scene Mid 20th Century Modern Social Realism Men Working Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache, Paper

Poker Players NYC Mid 20th Century Modern WPA American Scene Social Realism
By Philip Reisman
Located in New York, NY
Poker Players NYC Mid 20th Century Modern WPA American Scene Social Realism Philip Reisman (1904
Category

1940s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Industrial Mid-20th Century WPA Modern Men Working American Scene Social Realism
Located in New York, NY
Industrial Mid-20th Century WPA Modern Men Working American Scene Social Realism George Pearse
Category

1910s American Modern Interior Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Men Working Mural Study American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Men Working Mural Study American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Jo Cain (1904
Category

1940s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Long Beach WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism Modernism Ashcan
By Daniel Ralph Celentano
Located in New York, NY
Long Beach WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism Modernism Ashcan Daniel Ralph
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

"A Marro" WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism Modernism Ashcan
By Daniel Ralph Celentano
Located in New York, NY
"A Marro" WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism Modernism Ashcan. Signed lower right
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

WPA Mural Study 1940 American Scene Modern Social Realism Figurative Mid Century
By Michael Loew
Located in New York, NY
WPA Mural Study 1940 American Scene Modern Social Realism Figurative Mid Century Michael Loew
Category

1940s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Greenwich Village NYC WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Ashcan Modern Realism
Located in New York, NY
Greenwich Village NYC WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Ashcan Modern Realism Alfred Mira (1900
Category

1930s American Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Oil, Board

Bathers 1940s Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism WPA Modern Ashcan
Located in New York, NY
Bathers 1940s Mid 20th Century American Scene Social Realism WPA Modern Ashcan Marion Gilmore
Category

1940s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Board

Neon Lighting WPA Mid 20th Century Social Realism American Scene Modern Figures
By Maurice Becker
Located in New York, NY
MAURICE BECKER (1889-1975) 'Neon Lighting 17 1/4 x 13 3/4 inches Oil on masonite Signed, dated 1936 and titled on verso BIO Maurice Becker, painter, political cartoonist and social ...
Category

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil, Masonite

3 Mid-Century 1950s Mary Miller Realism Landscape Oil Paintings on Canvas
Located in Dayton, OH
Set of three 1950’s unframed landscape paintings on canvas by Mary Miller featuring landscapes with trees, snowy mountains, cloudy skys, farms / barns, ocean / lakes, and a lighthous...
Category

Vintage 1950s Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

"At the Opera" WPA Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Theatre American Scene
Located in New York, NY
"At the Opera" WPA Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Theatre American Scene John Winters
Category

1940s American Modern Interior Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

NYC EL American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern WPA Era Figurative
By Cecil Crosley Bell
Located in New York, NY
NYC EL American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern WPA Era Figurative Cecil Bell (1906
Category

1930s American Realist Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Nude Musicians" WPA Mid 20th Century American Modernism LGBT Social Realism Gay
Located in New York, NY
Carl Gustaf Simon Nelson, American (1898-1988) "Nude Musicians," 30 x 35 inches, oil on canvas Signed and dated 1938 signature lower right. Provenance: Collection of Seymour Stein B...
Category

1930s American Modern Figurative Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

"Man on a Stair" American Scene Social Realism WPA Mid 20th Century Modern
By Robert Cronbach
Located in New York, NY
"Man on a Stair" American Scene Social Realism WPA Mid 20th Century Modern Robert M. Cronbach
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

St, Louis River Mural Study American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century WPA
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
St, Louis River Mural Study American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century WPA Jo Cain (1904-2003
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Paintings

Materials

Gouache, Board

"Men in Barracks" WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Realism Gay Modernism WWII
By David Fredenthal
Located in New York, NY
"Men in Barracks" WPA Mid 20th Century American Scene Realism Gay Modernism WWII. 18 x 24 inches
Category

1940s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Paper

Bronx Post Office Mural Study WPA Horse Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
Bronx Post Office Mural Study WPA Horse Social Realism Mid 20th Century Modern Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Animal Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Ink, Gouache, Board

Family at the Beach WPA Modernism American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century
By William Gropper
Located in New York, NY
Family at the Beach WPA Modernism American Scene Social Realism Mid 20th Century William Gropper
Category

1940s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Gouache, Watercolor, Ink, Paper

"Good Health Week" American Scene Modern Social Realism Mid 20th Century WPA Era
By Jo Cain
Located in New York, NY
"Good Health Week" American Scene Modern Social Realism Mid- 20th Century WPA Era Jo Cain (1904
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink

"NY Street Signs" Mid-20th Century WPA 1938 Modernist Abstract Realism Pop Art
By Stuart Davis
Located in New York, NY
"NY Street Signs" Mid-20th Century WPA 1938 Modernist Abstract Realism Pop Art Stuart Davis
Category

1930s American Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Gouache, Pencil

"Tobacco Road" Mid 20th Century Realism 1940 Drawing from the Novel WPA Literary
By David Fredenthal
Located in New York, NY
"Tobacco Road" Mid 20th Century Realism 1940 Drawing from the Novel WPA Literary 19 1/4 x 11 1/2
Category

1930s American Realist Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Paper, Ink, Watercolor

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Mid Century Realism For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the mid century realism you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. There are many Modern and Photorealist versions of these works for sale. Finding the perfect mid century realism may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. On 1stDibs, the right mid century realism is waiting for you and the choices span a range of colors that includes brown, black, gray and blue. A mid century realism from Max Arthur Cohn, Samuel David Lev-Landau, Daniel Ralph Celentano, Clément Pruche and John Costigan — each of whom created distinctive versions of this kind of work — is worth considering. Frequently made by artists working in paint, oil paint and canvas, these artworks are unique and have attracted attention over the years.

How Much is a Mid Century Realism?

The average selling price for a mid century realism we offer is $5,500, while they’re typically $399 on the low end and $95,000 for the highest priced.
Questions About Mid Century Realism
  • 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 ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.
  • 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 ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 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 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 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 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.