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Quality Mid 19th Century Mahogany Breakfront Library Bookcase
Located in Petworth,West Sussex, GB
A superb quality mid 19th-century, William IV, early Victorian period four-door breakfront mahogany
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Hundevad Danish Mid Century Modern Teakwood Breakfront Cabinet C1960
Located in Big Flats, NY
Mid Century Modern Teakwood Breakfront Cabinet C1960 Measures - 29.25"H x 54.5"W x 17.25"D
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Cabinets

Materials

Teak

Hundevad Danish Mid Century Modern Teakwood Breakfront Cabinet C1960
Hundevad Danish Mid Century Modern Teakwood Breakfront Cabinet C1960
$3,160 Sale Price
20% Off
H 29.25 in W 54.5 in D 17.25 in
English Mid 19th Century Mahogany Breakfront with Secretary Drawer
Located in Atlanta, GA
English Mid 19th Century Mahogany Breakfront with Secretary Drawer
Category

Antique 19th Century English Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Mid Century Modern Profiles by Drexel Mahogany & Ebonized Breakfront Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Big Flats, NY
A Mid Century Modern breakfront cabinet by Drexel of the Profiles line offers glass upper over
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany, Glass

Mid Century Modern Profiles by Drexel Mahogany & Ebonized Breakfront Cabinet
Mid Century Modern Profiles by Drexel Mahogany & Ebonized Breakfront Cabinet
$2,360 Sale Price
20% Off
H 80 in W 66.25 in D 16.25 in
Duiske, Irish Mid Century Modern, Stained Wood, Glass, Breakfront, 1950s
Located in Manhasset, NY
Mid-Century Modern breakfront of showcase cabinet having four glass doors with six adjustable shelves
Category

Vintage 1950s Irish Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Wood

Karges Fine Fruitwood Mid Century Modern Beveled Glass Breakfront Cabinet MINT
By Karges Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Karges Fine Fruitwood Mid Century Modern Beveled Glass Breakfront Cabinet MINT
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Materials

Glass, Fruitwood

Mid 20th Century Custom Country French Breakfront Cabinet in Painted Finish
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A mid 20th century custom-made country French breakfront cabinet, finished in a distressed pale
Category

Mid-20th Century British Cabinets

Materials

Wood, Paint

Mid Century Modern French Country Hand Painted Drexel Breakfront Display Cabinet
By Drexel
Located in Chicago, IL
Mid Century Modern French Country Style Hand Painted Breakfront Display Cabinet by Drexel The Mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown French Provincial Cabinets

Materials

Wood

19th Century Satinwood Breakfront Chiffonier
Located in London, GB
A William IV period satinwood inverted breakfront Chiffonier, having replacement black fossil
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Cabinets

Materials

Marble

19th Century Satinwood Breakfront Chiffonier
19th Century Satinwood Breakfront Chiffonier
$13,421
H 38 in W 68.5 in D 20 in
Chippendale Breakfront Bookcase
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Greenwich, CT
Very fine George III mahogany breakfront bookcase in the manner of Thomas Chippendale, the
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Chippendale Breakfront Bookcase
Chippendale Breakfront Bookcase
$29,000
H 77 in W 85 in D 22.25 in
Early Victorian 19th century flame mahogany breakfront bookcase
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early Victorian 19th century flame mahogany breakfront bookcase, circa 1850. Comprising of 5
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Glass, Mahogany

19th Century English Burlwood Mahogany Regency-Style Inlay Decorated Breakfront
Located in Tarry Town, NY
This distinguished mid-19th century English Regency-style breakfront sideboard, crafted from
Category

Antique 1850s English Regency Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Vintage Flame Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase / Display Cabinet 20th Century
Located in London, GB
, dating from the mid 20th Century and the rear bearing the makers label for the renowned 20th Century
Category

Mid-20th Century Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Painted Breakfront Console Table
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
20th century French painted pine breakfront console table with carved legs, a frieze rail and a
Category

Mid-20th Century French Console Tables

Materials

Pine

Painted Breakfront Console Table
Painted Breakfront Console Table
$3,423
H 33 in W 71.5 in D 14 in
Bernhardt Georgian Carved Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
By Bernhardt
Located in South Bend, IN
Furniture USA, Mid-20th Century Stunning carved mahogany, with mullioned glass front doors, and original
Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Cabinets

Materials

Brass

English Breakfront Kitchen Dresser
Located in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Mid 19th century English painted pine breakfront kitchen dresser with glazed doors to the top and
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Dressers

Materials

Glass, Pine

English Breakfront Kitchen Dresser
English Breakfront Kitchen Dresser
$7,601
H 82 in W 63 in D 19.5 in
Edmund Spence Credenza Breakfront
By Edmond J. Spence
Located in New York, NY
it has been in position since the mid-20th century. Measures: Height to top of lower case 31.5 inches
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Walnut

Edmund Spence Credenza Breakfront
Edmund Spence Credenza Breakfront
$4,000
H 74.5 in W 75 in D 20 in
Large 19th Century Victorian Breakfront Bookcase with Integral Secretaire
Located in London, GB
A very fine and large Victorian mahogany breakfront bookcase and secretaire. The upper part has
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Regency Crown Glass Breakfront
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Presenting a sophisticated vintage Hollywood Regency breakfront, a magnificent piece designed to
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Vintage Regency Crown Glass Breakfront
Vintage Regency Crown Glass Breakfront
$1,450
H 69.75 in W 42 in D 17 in
Large English Ebonised Glazed Pine Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Staffordshire, GB
circa Mid-20thC Large English Ebonised Glazed Pine Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet sku 1318 We can also
Category

Mid-20th Century Bookcases

Materials

Pine

Large English Ebonised Glazed Pine Breakfront Bookcase
Large English Ebonised Glazed Pine Breakfront Bookcase
$12,257
H 83.08 in W 74.41 in D 19.69 in
Bethehem Furn. Rosewood Neoclassical Bookcase Breakfront Entertainment Cabinet
By Bethlehem Furniture
Located in Philadelphia, PA
breakfront / bookcase. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 84" H x 95" W x 18" D. Top section alone
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Vintage Mahogany Breakfront Four Shelves
By RWAY
Located in Pasadena, TX
A 5ft multi-use vintage RWAY breakfront cabinet. Two large shelves on top can hold anything from
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Mahogany Breakfront Four Shelves
Vintage Mahogany Breakfront Four Shelves
$2,320 Sale Price
20% Off
H 58.5 in W 60 in D 21.25 in
Baker Furniture Style Georgian Flame Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
manner of Baker Furniture By Trogdon Furniture USA, Mid-20th Century Carved flame mahogany, with
Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Antique Chippendale period mahogany breakfront bookcase
Located in London, GB
A fine quality impressive mid-18th Century Chippendale period flame figured mahogany Breakfront
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Chippendale Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Maslow Freen French Empire Style Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase China Cabinet
By Maslow Freen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shelves, quality American craftsmanship. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 90" H x 77" W x 16" D.
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Other Cabinets

Materials

Brass

8FT Vintage Wood Credenza Breakfront Sideboard Buffet
Located in Pasadena, TX
Along the right hand side is a cabinet door that opens up to an open storage space with a mirror shelf (It can be replaceable for a wood shelf if desired) above that are two regular ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Wood

8FT Vintage Wood Credenza Breakfront Sideboard Buffet
8FT Vintage Wood Credenza Breakfront Sideboard Buffet
$4,900
H 34.75 in W 20.25 in D 97.25 in
Baker Furniture Style Georgian Flame Mahogany Bubble Glass Breakfront Bookcase
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
secretary desk In the manner of Baker Furniture USA, Circa Mid-20th Century Stunning book-matched flame
Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Brass

French Pair Neoclassic Breakfront Bookcase Consoles w/Beautiful Brass Accents
Located in Atlanta, GA
A French pair of Neoclassical style bookcase consoles with brass accents, from the mid 20th century
Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Chinoiserie Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase Union National
By Union National
Located in Bradenton, FL
Large Scale Union National Chinoiserie Breakfront China Cabinet Bookcase. Hand-painted and signed
Category

Mid-20th Century American Chinoiserie Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Baker Furniture Style Georgian Carved Flame Mahogany Breakfront Bookcase Cabinet
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
Baker Furniture USA, Circa Mid-20th Century Stunning book-matched flame mahogany, with mullioned glass
Category

Mid-20th Century American Georgian Cabinets

Materials

Brass

Chinoiserie Breakfront China Hutch Drop Front Secretary Bookcase Black Lacquer
Located in Topeka, KS
imperfections. Circa, Mid-20th Century. We DARE you not to STARE at this EYE-CATCHING cabinet!! WOW!!!! This is
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Chinoiserie Secretaires

Materials

Brass, Steel

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes
Located in Kastrup, DK
Elegant pair of Gustavian-style breakfront commodes from Sweden, circa 1840–1860. Each is painted
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Gustavian Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Materials

Pine

Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes
Pair of Swedish Gustavian Blue Painted Breakfront Commodes
$6,731 / set
H 31.7 in W 35.83 in D 17.52 in
George III style mahogany breakfront library bookcase
Located in Cheshire, GB
Large George III style mahogany display bookcase the projecting carved molded cornice above four large well-figured astragal glazed doors, opening to reveal an adjustable shelved int...
Category

Mid-20th Century British Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Vintage Boho Biedermeier Style Leaded Glass Breakfront
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A stunning vintage Boho breakfront. Done in the Biedermeier style with Greek Key molding and leaded
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Biedermeier Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Exceptional Custom Mahogany Breakfront Server Cabinet by Joseph Gerte, Boston
By Joseph Gerte
Located in Milford, NH
. This breakfront dates to the mid-20th century and is in very good to excellent overall condition, with
Category

Mid-20th Century American Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Mahogany, Satinwood

Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern China Breakfront
By Charak Furniture Company, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Hanover, MA
Two piece mahogany breakfront and buffet designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak Modern circa 1952
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Brass

An extensive William IV Goncalo Alves breakfront open book case
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
An extensive William IV Goncalo Alves breakfront open book case, the green marble top set above
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Bookcases

Materials

Marble

Charak Mahogany Inlaid Individual Bubble Glass Butlers Desk Breakfront Cupboard
By Charak Furniture Company, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Charak Mahogany Inlaid Individual Bubble Glass Butlers Desk Breakfront Cupboard Mint. Numbered and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Federal Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Walnut Two Part Sideboard Credenza Breakfront Carved Slate Inserts MINT!
By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Rockaway, NJ
cabinets superior quality mid century modern cabinet.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Stone

A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows
By Gillows of Lancaster & London
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A late William IV rosewood breakfront open bookcase, by Gillows, the shaped top with a turned
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English William IV Bookcases

Materials

Rosewood

Mastercraft Burl Wood and Glass Curio Display Cabinet Vitrine Étagère Breakfront
By Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mid-Century Modern tall tower shape breakfront by Mastercraft. Brass trim, burl wood, beveled
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Walnut and Boxwood Inlay Breakfront Cabinet Sideboard Bookcase
Located in Llanbrynmair, GB
A superb Victorian walnut and boxwood inlaid breakfront cabinet in original condition. Having a
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Early Victorian Credenzas

Materials

Velvet

Antique Victorian Walnut and Boxwood Inlay Breakfront Cabinet Sideboard Bookcase
Antique Victorian Walnut and Boxwood Inlay Breakfront Cabinet Sideboard Bookcase
$3,171 Sale Price
20% Off
H 40.25 in W 54.25 in D 15.5 in
Wellington Hall Italian Walnut Library Bookcase Breakfront Display Cabinet Mesh
By Wellington
Located in Dayton, OH
Mid century Wellington Hall breakfront library bookcase or china cabinet. Handmade in Italy from
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Baroque Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Antique George III Breakfront Bookcase in Mahogany with Broken Pediment Cornice
Located in Oxfordshire, GB
A wonderful Georgian mahogany breakfront bookcase of small proportions with astragal glazed doors
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English George III Cabinets

Materials

Mahogany

Vintage Heywood Wakefield Birch Two Piece Breakfront in Champagne Finish C1950
Located in Big Flats, NY
mid-century modern furniture. The breakfront includes a top section with open shelving and a lower
Category

20th Century Cabinets

Materials

Birch

Vintage Heywood Wakefield Birch Two Piece Breakfront in Champagne Finish C1950
Vintage Heywood Wakefield Birch Two Piece Breakfront in Champagne Finish C1950
$2,120 Sale Price
20% Off
H 58.75 in W 48.25 in D 19.25 in
Broyhill Brasilia Model 6140-62/63 Breakfront Buffet/Hutch Walnut China Cabinet
By Broyhill Brasilia
Located in Philadelphia, PA
: Model 6140-62/6140-63: Breakfront Base/Deck Model 6140-35: Round Table, Pedestal Base, 2 12" leaves
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Materials

Walnut

Blond Wood Dome Shape Top Two Doors 54" Cupboard Breakfront Cabinet Shelf MINT
By Baker Furniture Company, Thomasville, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Blond Wood Dome Shape Top Two Doors 54" Cupboard Breakfront Cabinet Shelf MINT!
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Glass, Oak, Walnut

Grosfeld House Demi Lune Shape Front 2 Part Beveled Glass Doors Breakfront MINT
By Baker Furniture Company, Kittinger Furniture Company, Grosfeld House, Heritage-Henredon
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Grossfeld House Demi Lune Shape Front 2 Part Beveled Glass Doors Breakfront MINT! Brass accents
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cupboards

Materials

Brass

Mid 19th century inlaid walnut credenza sideboard
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 19th century inlaid walnut breakfront credenza sideboard circa 1850 We are pleased to offer
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Credenzas

Materials

Ormolu

Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT
By John Widdicomb
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Two Part Breakfront Sideboard Cabinet Wall Unit by John Widdicomb MINT. Decorative
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Brass

19th Century Oak Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
A magnificent mid 19th century gothic revival oak breakfront bookcase. The bookcase breaks down
Category

Antique 19th Century English Bookcases

19th Century Oak Breakfront Bookcase
19th Century Oak Breakfront Bookcase
$6,500
H 106.3 in W 92.1 in D 18.9 in
Small George III Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Dublin port, IE
A small George III Chippendale period mahogany breakfront secretaire bookcase, the open fret work
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Bookcases

Materials

Mahogany

Small George III Breakfront Bookcase
Small George III Breakfront Bookcase
$23,192
H 84 in W 61 in D 21.5 in
George III Mahogany Breakfront Bureau Bookcase
Located in Cleveland, OH
The molded cornice over four breakfront form hinged glazed doors with Georgian style mullions, over
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Bookcases

Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger, Charak Furniture Company
Located in Asheville, NC
Lovely two-piece cabinet designed by Tommi Parzinger for Charak, circa 1948. Lower portion of the cabinet features three diamond inlay doors with brass pulls. Each side has two adjus...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vitrines

Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger
Mahogany Breakfront Cabinet by Tommi Parzinger
$14,500
H 74.75 in W 60 in D 15.5 in
Hand-Carved Italian Inlaid Walnut Breakfront Bookcase
Located in Dallas, TX
Grand Italian walnut breakfront bookcase featuring inlaid doors, drawers and center section with
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Regency Bookcases

Materials

Walnut

Hand-Carved Italian Inlaid Walnut Breakfront Bookcase
Hand-Carved Italian Inlaid Walnut Breakfront Bookcase
$22,995
H 100.5 in W 129.5 in D 21 in
Italian Breakfront Cupboard in Mediterranean Blue Painted Finish
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A spectacular mid-20th century Italian two-piece breakfront in striking mediterranean blue plaster
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Cupboards

Materials

Wood

Regency Inspired Sheraton Satinwood Inlaid Breakfront Cabinet
Located in Keyston, GB
A superb small antique satinwood London made inlaid cabinet in the Regency style on square tapering legs with white porcelain castors. The original three locks are stamped "Cadwallad...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Sheraton Cabinets

Materials

Satinwood

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Mid Century Breakfront For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal mid century breakfront for your home. A mid century breakfront — often made from wood, mahogany and glass — can elevate any home. Your living room may not be complete without a mid century breakfront — find older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. A mid century breakfront, designed in the mid-century modern, Georgian or Victorian style, is generally a popular piece of furniture. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid century breakfront over the years, but those crafted by Baker Furniture Company, Drexel and Charak Furniture Company are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Mid Century Breakfront?

Prices for a mid century breakfront can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $396 and can go as high as $344,104, while the average can fetch as much as $5,232.

Finding the Right Case Pieces And Storage Cabinets for You

Of all the vintage storage cabinets and antique case pieces that have become popular in modern interiors over the years, dressers, credenzas and cabinets have long been home staples, perfect for routine storage or protection of personal items. 

In the mid-19th century, cabinetmakers would mimic styles originating in the Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI eras for their dressers, bookshelves and other structures, and, later, simpler, streamlined wood designs allowed these “case pieces” or “case goods” — any furnishing that is unupholstered and has some semblance of a storage component — to blend into the background of any interior. 

Mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts will cite the tall modular wall units crafted in teak and other sought-after woods of the era by the likes of George Nelson, Poul Cadovius and Finn Juhl. For these highly customizable furnishings, designers of the day delivered an alternative to big, heavy bookcases by considering the use of space — and, in particular, walls — in new and innovative ways. Mid-century modern credenzas, which, long and low, evolved from tables that were built as early as the 14th century in Italy, typically have no legs or very short legs and have grown in popularity as an alluring storage option over time. 

Although the name immediately invokes images of clothing, dressers were initially created in Europe for a much different purpose. This furnishing was initially a flat-surfaced, low-profile side table equipped with a few drawers — a common fixture used to dress and prepare meats in English kitchens throughout the Tudor period. The drawers served as perfect utensil storage. It wasn’t until the design made its way to North America that it became enlarged and equipped with enough space to hold clothing and cosmetics. The very history of case pieces is a testament to their versatility and well-earned place in any room. 

In the spirit of positioning your case goods center stage, decluttering can now be design-minded.

A contemporary case piece with open shelving and painted wood details can prove functional as a storage unit as easily as it can a room divider. Alternatively, apothecary cabinets are charming case goods similar in size to early dressers or commodes but with uniquely sized shelving and (often numerous) drawers.

Whether you’re seeking a playful sideboard that features colored glass and metal details, an antique Italian hand-carved storage cabinet or a glass-door vitrine to store and show off your collectibles, there are options for you on 1stDibs.

Questions About Mid Century Breakfront
  • 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 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 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
    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 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 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 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 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 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 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 3, 2024
    The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.
  • 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 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 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 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 ExpertJune 15, 2023
    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.
  • 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.

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