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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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.

Question 16

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

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 18

Is mid-century modern timeless?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 19

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 period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. The mid-century modern period in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs now.

Question 20

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.

Mid Century Shell

Vintage 1970s Indian Decorative Boxes

Mid Century Shell Box

Vintage 1960s Italian Table Lamps

Pair of Mid Century Shell Lamps

Late 20th Century Side Chairs

Eames Herman Miller Mid-Century Shell Chair

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Mid Century Shell Chair By František Jirák, 1960s

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Pol Chambost French Midcentury Shell Bowl, circa1950

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of American Mid-Century Shell and Lucite Table Lamps

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

1960s Mid-Century Shell Table Lamp by Vernor Panton for Luber

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Mid-Century Shell Armchair by LB Kofod Larsen for Christensen Larsen

Mid-20th Century Czech Gustavian Lounge Chairs

Pair of Midcentury Shell Fiberglass Lounge Chairs, Czechoslovakia, 1960s

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Pair Of Midcentury Shell Chairs By Miroslav Navratil, Czechoslovakia 1960s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Pair of large Italian 2-armed Mid Century "shell" wall lamps by Palladio

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

German Mid-Century Shell Brown glass Pair of Wall Sconces by Hillebrand, 1970s

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

1 of 4 Vintage Mid-Century Shell Plastic Dining Chairs in style of Eames Shell

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Set of Two Midcentury Shell Wall Lamps or Sconces by Wilhelm Wagenfeld, 1950s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Mid-Century Italian Shell-Shaped Brass Bowl, by Renzo Cassetti 1960s

Vintage 1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Large Shell Table Lamp by Rougier

Mid-20th Century French Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Marine Shells Cachepot, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Italian Table Lamps

Capiz Shell Mid Century Italian Lamp Shade

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Mid-Century Clam Shell Loveseat

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pedestals and Columns

Mid Century Tessellated Shell Pedestals (Pair)

20th Century American Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of Four Contemporary Shells Inc. Upholstered Dining Chairs

20th Century French Hollywood Regency Decorative Boxes

Mid Century Sea Shell Trinket Box

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid-Century Modern Conch Shell Lamp

Vintage 1960s Ethiopian Tribal Mounted Objects

Ethiopian Leather and Shell Necklaces, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century American Organic Modern Abstract Sculptures

Mid 20th Century Giant Faux Clam Shell

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid-Century Modern Bronze Resin and Shell Cocktail Table

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Henredon, Mid-Century Modern, Cabinets, Tortoise Shell, Chinese Motif, 1960s

Vintage 1950s Chandeliers and Pendants

Unusual Mid Century Capiz Shell Pendant/Lantern

Vintage 1970s Neoclassical Platters and Serveware

Mid-Century Brass Shell Platter

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Mid-Century French Majolica Shell Catchall

Antique Mid-19th Century Belgian Fountains

Mid 19th Century Bluestone Shell Sink

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Mid-Century Nautilus Shell Parrot Sculpture

Mid-20th Century North American Chandeliers and Pendants

Vintage Mid-20th Century Boho Capiz Shell Pagoda Pendant

Vintage 1960s Flush Mount

Mid Century Dome Shaped Capiz Shell Semi Flushmount

20th Century Italian Ashtrays

Shell Shape Vintage Ashtray, Italy, Mid-20th Century

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Mid-20th century elm shell back armchair

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Mid Century Murano Art Glass Shell Bowl

Late 20th Century Colombian Mid-Century Modern Tables

Mid-Century Modern Ming Style Coconut & Shell Table, Stand, Sculpture Platform

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Mid-Century Large French Majolica Shell Dish

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern End Tables