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

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 15

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 16

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 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 Sit On

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Mark ShawKennedy, Jackie Sits on Georgetown Bridge, 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Mark ShawKennedy, Jackie Sits on Georgetown Bridge, 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Mark ShawKennedy, Jackie Sits on Georgetown Bridge, 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Nude Drawings and Watercolors

Antoniucci VoltiSitted Nude - Original handsigned drawing in sanguine

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawElizabeth Taylor Black Suit, Sits to the Side, 1956, 2018

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Philippe LepatreMid Century 'Composition II', Lyrical Abstract Oil on Canvas., 1968

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings

Philippe LepatreMid-Century Abstract Oil on Canvas. Composition in Blue., 1958

1960s American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Beverly LyonsTwo Mid Century Rural Landscapes in Watercolor on Paper, 1966

2010s Contemporary Abstract Prints

Patty deGrandpre"Sit and LIsten", abstract, turntable, cassette, tape, modern, chair, monoprint, 2022

Mid-19th Century Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 19th Century Watercolour - Fishing by the Abbey Ruins, Mid-19th Century

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

J. Andrew Bennett"California Summer" Mid Century Plein Aire Landscape in Oil on Masonite, 1951

1950s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

J. Andrew Bennett"California Round Hills" Mid Century Plein Aire Landscape in Oil on Masonite, 1952

Mid-19th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 19th Century Watercolour - The Dispute, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Cubist Figurative Prints

Rita GombinskiFigural Abstract Mid Century Modern Lithograph Portraits, Judaica, Jewish Print, Mid 20th Century

Mid-19th Century Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 19th Century Watercolour - Italian Weavers Family, unknown

1950s Post-Impressionist Portrait Paintings

Honora BergMid Century Modern Portrait of a Man in a Suit in Oil on Masonite, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 20th Century Oil - At The Party, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

Angela LandoAngela Lando - Mid 20th Century Oil, Ballerina, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

EricEric - Mid 20th Century Gouache, Poppies in Porcelain, Unknown

1930s Realist Interior Paintings

Leslie BuckMid Century Country Kitchen Interior , 1938

Mid-20th Century Portrait Paintings

R. CassleyR. Cassley - Mid 20th Century Oil, Ballerina in the Studio, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Still-life Paintings

Eugène HucEugène Huc (1891-1979) - Mid Century French School Oil, Anemones, Unknown

Late 18th Century Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Rest on the Flight into Egypt Oil on Canvas XVIII-XIX Century, 1700s-1800s

20th Century Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Kenneth Gribble (1925-1995) - Mid 20th Century Gouache, Northern Colliery, 20th Century

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Audrey Turner - Framed Mid 20th Century Oil, The Artist & His Studio, 20th Century

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Audrey Turner - Framed Mid 20th Century Oil, The Artist at Work, 20th Century

20th Century Still-life Paintings

Gustav Svensson (1893-1957) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Daffodils and Tulips, 20th Century

1950s American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Benjamin G. VaganovOnce The Master - Mid Century Figurative Landscape , 1955

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Joan GillchrestChurch and Churchyard - Landscape Painting, Mid-20th Century, Oil Paint, Modern

1950s Abstract Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Frances Beatrice LiebermanMid Century Figurative Landscape -- Stroll in the Park, 1950

1960s Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Charles H. WiltonCote d'Azur French Riviera Mid Century Landscape, 1961

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Joan GillchrestCornish Fishing Boats at First Light. Mid-20th Century. Cornwall. Modern British

20th Century Landscape Paintings

Ailsa West - American Mid 20th Century Oil, North American Landscape, Unknown

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Majel Logan"Porch People" - Figurative Composition in Oil on Linen, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Cloister of Moni Dafniou (Daphni Monastery) - Watercolor on Paper, mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Paintings

Stella LeisForbes Mill, Los Gatos - Historic Landscape Original Oil on Masonite, mid 20th Century

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Swedish Abstract Oil Painting - Dimension, Framed, 1950s

1950s Modern Figurative Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Figurative Portrait Framed Oil Painting - Lone, 1950s

20th Century Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

William BlackModern British, mid century, abstract gouache painting by William Black , 1969

1960s American Impressionist Still-life Paintings

Mark Shaw
Kennedy, Jackie Sits on Georgetown Bridge, 2018

Mark Shaw
Kennedy, Jackie Sits on Georgetown Bridge, 2018

Mark Shaw
Kennedy, Jackie Sits on Georgetown Bridge, 2018

Antoniucci Volti
Sitted Nude - Original handsigned drawing in sanguine

Mark Shaw
Elizabeth Taylor Black Suit, Sits to the Side, 1956, 2018

Philippe Lepatre
Mid Century 'Composition II', Lyrical Abstract Oil on Canvas., 1968

Philippe Lepatre
Mid-Century Abstract Oil on Canvas. Composition in Blue., 1958

Beverly Lyons
Two Mid Century Rural Landscapes in Watercolor on Paper, 1966

Patty deGrandpre
"Sit and LIsten", abstract, turntable, cassette, tape, modern, chair, monoprint, 2022

J. Andrew Bennett
"California Summer" Mid Century Plein Aire Landscape in Oil on Masonite, 1951

J. Andrew Bennett
"California Round Hills" Mid Century Plein Aire Landscape in Oil on Masonite, 1952

Rita Gombinski
Figural Abstract Mid Century Modern Lithograph Portraits, Judaica, Jewish Print, Mid 20th Century

Honora Berg
Mid Century Modern Portrait of a Man in a Suit in Oil on Masonite, 1950s

Angela Lando
Angela Lando - Mid 20th Century Oil, Ballerina, Unknown

Eric
Eric - Mid 20th Century Gouache, Poppies in Porcelain, Unknown

Leslie Buck
Mid Century Country Kitchen Interior , 1938

R. Cassley
R. Cassley - Mid 20th Century Oil, Ballerina in the Studio, Unknown

Eugène Huc
Eugène Huc (1891-1979) - Mid Century French School Oil, Anemones, Unknown

Benjamin G. Vaganov
Once The Master - Mid Century Figurative Landscape , 1955

Joan Gillchrest
Church and Churchyard - Landscape Painting, Mid-20th Century, Oil Paint, Modern

Frances Beatrice Lieberman
Mid Century Figurative Landscape -- Stroll in the Park, 1950

Charles H. Wilton
Cote d'Azur French Riviera Mid Century Landscape, 1961

Joan Gillchrest
Cornish Fishing Boats at First Light. Mid-20th Century. Cornwall. Modern British

Majel Logan
"Porch People" - Figurative Composition in Oil on Linen, mid 20th Century

Stella Leis
Forbes Mill, Los Gatos - Historic Landscape Original Oil on Masonite, mid 20th Century

William Black
Modern British, mid century, abstract gouache painting by William Black , 1969

Jean M. Stites
Mid Century Still Life with Yellow Flowers and Orange Leaves, 1969

Patricia Gren Hayes
Woman in Bloom - Figurative Nude Study Oil on Canvas, Mid-20th Century

Alice Duke
Farmhouse Amador Foothills - Rural California Landscape in Watercolor on Paper, Mid-20th Century

Warner Baird
"Near Spring" Green Barn Landscape in Oil on Illustration Board, mid 20th Century

Louise Apthorp
Still Life with Bottle, Paintbrushes, and Book in Oil on Paper, mid 20th Century

Shirley Gilman
"Lazy Day in the Country" - Mid Century Pastoral Farm Landscape w Barn, c.1960s

Rachel Bentley
Methodist Church in Old Bodie Ghost Town - California - Watercolor on Paper, mid 20th Century

Curt Beckmann
Mother & Child, Mid-Century Figural Brutalist Bronze Sculpture by Curt Beckmann, 1965

Patricia Gren Hayes
"Rosemary" with feather boa - Bay Area Figurative Movement Study Oil on Canvas, Mid-20th Century

Mort Künstler
Soldier Shooting Gun with Bikini Girls, Mid-Century Mens Magazine War , 1962

Ferdinand Victor Leon Roybet
19th-century Orientalist Antique Oil Painting on Wood Panel Signed and Dated, 1872

William Walker Telfer FIAL
William Walker Telfer FIAL (1907-1960) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Loch An Eilein, Unknown

Richard Lofton
Mid-Century Expressionist Portrait of Kenneth Lucas by Richard Lofton, 1962 , 1962

Yousuf Karsh
Portrait of Nikita Khrushchev in Profile, Mid Century Black & White Photograph , c. 1963

Fred Darge
Blue, Red, and Brown Abstract Impressionist Painting of a Cowboy on a Horse, Mid-20th Century

Mark Shaw
Kennedy, Jackie on Sofa, 1961, 2018