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

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

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 14

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 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 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 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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Silkscreen

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Dean Meeker Signed Limited Ed. Midcentury Silkscreen Serigraph Print Portofino

1960s Modern Figurative Prints

Mid Century Silkscreen -- Starlet Being Made 2/10 by Robert Graham 1963, 1963

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings and Screens

Mid Century Abstract Silkscreen C. Daniel Gelakoska Framed

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Edvins Strautmanis Signed Mid Century Abstract Silkscreen Art

1960s Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints

Shusaku ArakawaA Man Walking, 1968

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints

Dorothy DehnerSilkscreen Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstraction by renowned female sculptor , ca. 1970

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Modern, Silkscreen on paper by Agenore Fabbri 1971, signed-numbered

1960s Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints

Doug OhlsonUntitled mid century Geometric Abstraction Abstract Op Art silkscreen 1960s, 1968

1970s Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints

Richard Paul LohseModulare Ordnungen, Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstraction silkscreen Signed/N, 1976

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

1970s Archer Pop Art Silkscreen for Harris Strong Mid-Century Blue Circle

20th Century Nude Prints

Rod HamerRod Hamer (b.1940) - Mid 20th Century Silkscreen, Nude with Chair, Unknown

1970s Op Art Abstract Prints

Richard AnuszkiewiczSoft Lime, Signed/N 1970s geometric abstraction by renowned Op Artist 38" x 46", 1976

Mid-20th Century American Prints

Early to Mid-20th C. Cubist Abstract Brooklyn Bridge Hand Colored Silkscreen

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Tapestries

Framed Jean Lurcat Silkscreen Tapestry

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Robert Bushong Silkscreen on linen

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Paintings

Vintage Chinese Watercolor Silkscreen Framed Painting of Cats and Flowers

Mid-20th Century Austrian Prints

20th Century Silkscreen on Paper Moon Baby made in 1968 by Kiki Kogelnik

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Contemporary Art

"Abstract Fables" Silkscreen by Henry Mark

Mid-20th Century More Art

"Racing Stable Owner's Silkscreen Stable Sign"

Vintage 1970s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Prints

1970 Zodiac Balance Silkscreen by Kumi Sugaï

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Selection of Color Modern Lithographs and Silkscreens

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Pair of Signed Tommi Parzinger Silkscreen Prints

Vintage 1970s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Prints

Kumi Sugaï Limited Edition Silkscreen Print Capricorn 1973

Vintage 1970s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Prints

Kumi Sugaï 1973 Edition Silkscreen Zodiac Sign Sagittarius

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Prints

Bert Stern“Marilyn (Head Shot)” Blue Silkscreen Portrait Print on Silver Foil Ed. 47/100, Mid 20th Century

1990s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Prints

Pedro Friedeberg “El Vuelo De Mozart” Silkscreen Art Unframed

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Prints

Vintage Original Framed and Signed Silkscreen Landscape Artwork. Circa 1973.

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Silkscreen Poster from Steinberg Exhibition at Galerie Maeght, 1953

Mid-20th Century Prints

Robert Gwathmey Color Silkscreen, 1949 "Ring Around the Rosey"

Vintage 1980s Croatian Mid-Century Modern Posters

BORIS BUCAN Original Vintage Croatian Poster RADIO TELEVIZIJA ZAGREB' Silkscreen

Early 2000s British Mid-Century Modern Prints

"Silhouette - Porcelain" Silkscreen (Serigraph) Framed Print by Denise Duplock

Mid-20th Century American Modern Posters

80's Patrick Nagel Merrill Chase Gallery Chicago Silkscreen Print

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Prints

"Magnetic Lands" Silkscreen AP#17 by Walter Darby Bannard, 1979

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Set 3 Silkscreens, from "7 Scurious" Portfolio, Signed Max Bill, Numbered 54/100

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tapestries

Dodik Jégou, Silkscreen, The Ponies, Signed and Numbered 3/250

Vintage 1960s German Paintings

Richard Lindner Pop Art Silkscreen Alliance in Art, 1968

1940s Modern Landscape Prints

Marion Osborn Cunningham'Serving Poi', Hawaii, NYMoMA, Metropolitan Museum, National Gallery, SFAA, GGIE, 1948

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Prints

Abstract Geometric Blue and Yellow 70s Limited Edition Silkscreen Print

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Lamar Briggs"HOUSTON SUNSET" TEXAS MID CENTURY MODERN LANDSCAPE LAMAR BRIGGS (1935-2015), Mid Century Modern

Mid-20th Century De Stijl Abstract Prints

Shusaku Arakawa
A Man Walking, 1968

Dorothy Dehner
Silkscreen Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstraction by renowned female sculptor , ca. 1970

Doug Ohlson
Untitled mid century Geometric Abstraction Abstract Op Art silkscreen 1960s, 1968

Richard Paul Lohse
Modulare Ordnungen, Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstraction silkscreen Signed/N, 1976

Rod Hamer
Rod Hamer (b.1940) - Mid 20th Century Silkscreen, Nude with Chair, Unknown

Richard Anuszkiewicz
Soft Lime, Signed/N 1970s geometric abstraction by renowned Op Artist 38" x 46", 1976

Bert Stern
“Marilyn (Head Shot)” Blue Silkscreen Portrait Print on Silver Foil Ed. 47/100, Mid 20th Century

Marion Osborn Cunningham
'Serving Poi', Hawaii, NYMoMA, Metropolitan Museum, National Gallery, SFAA, GGIE, 1948

Lamar Briggs
"HOUSTON SUNSET" TEXAS MID CENTURY MODERN LANDSCAPE LAMAR BRIGGS (1935-2015), Mid Century Modern

Max Bill
Untitled Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstraction, 1970

Margo Hoff
White Line - Red (Variation 2), Original Serigraph Silkscreen Abstract Print

Antonio Recalcati
Composition - Original Silkscreen by Antonio Recalcati - Late 1900, Late 1900

Antonio Recalcati
Composition - Original Silkscreen by Antonio Recalcati - Late 1900, Late 1900

Carol Summers
"Acquacaliente, " Colorful Landscape Silkscreen signed by Carol Summers, 1972

Alfred Jensen
Duality Triumphant I (Mid Century Modern Geometric Abstraction), 1963

Arnaldo Pomodoro
Untitled Mid-Century Modern Geometric Abstraction, 1968

Ben Shahn
Silkscreen with Old Testament Psalm 57 pencil signed 255/300 provenance letter , 1967

Antonio Recalcati
The Shape - Original Silkscreen by Antonio Recalcati - Late 1900, Late 1900