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

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 15

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 16

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 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 Seascape

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Carl DavidsonCrashing the Surf, Mid-Century Seascape, 1950s

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Hartzell Harrison Ray"Rough Seas", Mid Century Seascape by Hartzell Harrison Ray 1969, 1969

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Framed Mid-Century Seascape Oil Painting of Ships Coming in to Dock at Night

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Margaret Esther RogersLow Tide - Mid Century Seascape

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Crashing Waves - Mid Century Seascape , c.1960's

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Stormy Seas - Mid Century Seascape , c.1960's

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Ray RadliffMid Century Seascape - "The Coming Storm" , circa 1950s-1960s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Trees on the Coast, Mid Century Seascape, 1940s

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Raphael G. WolffDeep Surf, Laguna Beach - Mid Century Seascape , 1960s

Mid-20th Century American Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Joseph YeagerIncoming Tide, Mid Century Seascape Watercolor (unfinished work), c.1940s-1950s

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Cecil F. ChamberlinMid Century Seascape -- Manresa Tidal Pool at Sunset, c. 1950

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Joseph YeagerMid Century Seascape - Pacific Ocean Waves and Cliff Watercolor , c.1940s

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Jagged Rocks in the Sea - Mid Century Seascape in Oil, mid 20th Century

1950s Figurative Paintings

Robert Watson Mid Century Seascape and Figural Original oil painting on Linen, 1956

1950s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Frank WilcoxCrashing Waves on Atlantic Coast, Mid-century Seascape, Cleveland School Artist, 1957

Vintage 1950s American Other Paintings

Original Mid Century Seascape Oil Painting! Ocean Ships Sailing Fishing Art 50s

1960s Realist Landscape Paintings

Arlene ManleyMid Century Big Sur Coast at Sunset Seascape, 1962

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Helen SkeltonMid-Century Pescadero Coast Seascape , Circa 1960

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lee ErvastCrashing Waves - Mid Century California Seascape, c.1950s

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Elsie GraceCrashing Barrel Waves, Mid Century Pacific Coast Seascape, c.1960s

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Joseph YeagerCyan Tide Pool, Mid-Century Coastal Seascape Watercolor, mid-1960s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Swedish Expressive Seascape Oil Painting - Fishing Port, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Swedish Coastal Seascape Oil Painting - Watching the Waves, 1960s

1950s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mildred Ruth Finch BrownMid Century Laguna Beach, California Seascape -- "Wind and Wave", 1955

1940s American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

William Clothier WattsSummer Seas, Mid-Century Asilomar California Seascape 1943, 1943

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Boats on the Harbor, Double-Sided Mid Century Maritime Seascape

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

FentonMid Century Blue Wave Seascape, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Mid Century Davenport Seascape , 1959

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

M. C. SchmidtRocky Shore, Mid Century Watercolor Seascape, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Jean DelpechSeascape - Drawing by Jean Delpech - Mid 20th century, Mid 20th century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Pierre FournelSeascape - Drawing by Pierre Fournel - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Genevieve RogersMid Century Seaside View, California Seascape

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Mid 20th Century Modernist Seascape Painting

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Reynold ArnouldSeascape - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

Old days Photo - Seascape - Vintage Photo - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

1950s Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Henryk DzienczarskiMid Century Figurative Seascape with Sailboats , 1956

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Prints

Study for a Seascape - Original Drawing - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Jon BlanchetteOcean Wave, Mid Century Modern Abstracted Seascape, Circa 1950

Mid-20th Century American Realist Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Joseph YeagerMonolith Rock - Mid Century Monterey, California Seascape, c.1940s-1950s

1940s American Impressionist Paintings

Carl Davidson
Crashing the Surf, Mid-Century Seascape, 1950s

Hartzell Harrison Ray
"Rough Seas", Mid Century Seascape by Hartzell Harrison Ray 1969, 1969

Margaret Esther Rogers
Low Tide - Mid Century Seascape

Ray Radliff
Mid Century Seascape - "The Coming Storm" , circa 1950s-1960s

Raphael G. Wolff
Deep Surf, Laguna Beach - Mid Century Seascape , 1960s

Joseph Yeager
Incoming Tide, Mid Century Seascape Watercolor (unfinished work), c.1940s-1950s

Cecil F. Chamberlin
Mid Century Seascape -- Manresa Tidal Pool at Sunset, c. 1950

Joseph Yeager
Mid Century Seascape - Pacific Ocean Waves and Cliff Watercolor , c.1940s

Robert Watson
Mid Century Seascape and Figural Original oil painting on Linen, 1956

Frank Wilcox
Crashing Waves on Atlantic Coast, Mid-century Seascape, Cleveland School Artist, 1957

Arlene Manley
Mid Century Big Sur Coast at Sunset Seascape, 1962

Helen Skelton
Mid-Century Pescadero Coast Seascape , Circa 1960

Lee Ervast
Crashing Waves - Mid Century California Seascape, c.1950s

Elsie Grace
Crashing Barrel Waves, Mid Century Pacific Coast Seascape, c.1960s

Joseph Yeager
Cyan Tide Pool, Mid-Century Coastal Seascape Watercolor, mid-1960s

Mildred Ruth Finch Brown
Mid Century Laguna Beach, California Seascape -- "Wind and Wave", 1955

William Clothier Watts
Summer Seas, Mid-Century Asilomar California Seascape 1943, 1943

Fenton
Mid Century Blue Wave Seascape, mid 20th Century

M. C. Schmidt
Rocky Shore, Mid Century Watercolor Seascape, Mid 20th Century

Jean Delpech
Seascape - Drawing by Jean Delpech - Mid 20th century, Mid 20th century

Pierre Fournel
Seascape - Drawing by Pierre Fournel - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Genevieve Rogers
Mid Century Seaside View, California Seascape

Reynold Arnould
Seascape - Drawing By Reynold Arnould - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Henryk Dzienczarski
Mid Century Figurative Seascape with Sailboats , 1956

Jon Blanchette
Ocean Wave, Mid Century Modern Abstracted Seascape, Circa 1950

Joseph Yeager
Monolith Rock - Mid Century Monterey, California Seascape, c.1940s-1950s

Charles Johnson
Mid Century Industrial Seascape -- Gloucester Harbor, 1945

Willard Little
Mid-Century Big Sur Rocky Seascape

C.C. Chan
Mid Century Figurative Seascape, Shanghai Floating Market, c.1950s

Don Hannan
Mid Century Coastal Clouds Sunrise Seascape, 1960

Simon Goldberg
Seascape - Original Ink Drawing by S. Goldberg - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Paul Petit
Seascape with Boats - Original Lithograph by Paul Petit - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Joseph Frey
Seagull Flying Above Crashing Waves, Mid Century California Seascape, mid 20th century

Margaret Wherry Ziegler
Near Point Lobos - Mid Century Carmel Seascape , 1960

Walter Prescher van Ed
Mid Century Brittany Seascape with Fishing Boats, circa 1960

Hartzell Harrison Ray
Mid Century San Francisco Bay Seascape Landscape, Circa 1960

Cecil F. Chamberlin
Mid Century Northern California Rocky Shore Seascape , 1965

Margaret Esther Rogers
Mid Century Crashing Surf on Rocks Seascape, Circa 1950

P. Mantos
Mid Century Modern Abstracted Maritime Seascape with Boats , 1968

William L. Hughes
Large Mid Century California Nocturnal Seascape (Double Sided Painting), 1960

Pieter Hashager
Boats in the Harbor - Mid Century Industrial Seascape , 1947