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 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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 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 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 20

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.

Mid Century Slant

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Angular Mid Century Modern Slant Arm Lounge Chair

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

mid century SIDEBOARD 50s elm wood slanted legs bartels-werke

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dry Bars

1950s Italian Mid-Century Metal Teak Wood Brass Slant Dry Bar Cabinet

2010s American Console Tables

Walnut Donut Mid-Century Console with Slant-Edged Wood-Top

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Rococo More Furniture and Collectibles

18th Century Italian Book Slant/Holder

Antique 17th Century American Agra Desks

19th Century Victorian Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk

Antique 19th Century Swedish Gustavian Desks

Swedish 19th Century Gustavian Style Painted Wood Slant-Front Desk

Mid-20th Century Mexican Brutalist Decorative Boxes

Maches Mexican Brutalist Bronze Slanted Dresser Box

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Student Oak & Iron Writing Table Slant Top Desk France, Mid 20th C

Antique 18th Century and Earlier American Desks and Writing Tables

American Cuban Mahogany Slant Top Desk

Antique Mid-18th Century English Georgian Desks and Writing Tables

Antique English Georgian Walnut Slant Front Secretary Desk

Antique Mid-18th Century Italian Louis XV Desks

Italian Burl Walnut Venetian Rococo Slant Front Desk, 18th Century

Antique Early 19th Century American Rustic Desks

Early-Mid 19th c. Hand Painted Slant Desk, c.1820-1840

Antique Mid-19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretaires

Fine 19th Century English Chinoiserie and Red Lacquered Slant Front Secretary

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

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Maple Three-Drawer Slant Front Chest

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Child Beech Writing Table Slant Top Desk and Foldable Chair, France, Mid 20th C

Antique Mid-19th Century Belgian Secretaires

Belgian Oak Slant-Front Secretary, circa 1850

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Biedermeier Decorative Boxes

19th century Biedermeier Walnut Root Slant Top Letter Box Inlaid Bird Motif

Mid-20th Century American American Classical Desks and Writing Tables

1800s Hancrafted Tall Slant Top Secretary Desk

Mid-20th Century French Louis XV Desks

Louis XV Style Chinoiserie Slant-Top Desk

Antique Mid-19th Century British George III Desks

Antique English George III Mahogany Slant-Front Secretary Desk

Antique Late 18th Century American Late Victorian Desks

Circa 1780-1810 American Slant-Front Desk

Mid-20th Century American Cabinets

Vintage Industrial Slant Top Cabinet with Task Lamp

Mid-20th Century French Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

French Walnut Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table

Mid-20th Century Chinese Side Tables

Vintage Bamboo Side Table with Slanted Front & Under Storage

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Modern J. Wade Beam Brueton Zepher Polished Steel Slant Cylinder Table

Mid-20th Century Thai Country Chairs

Vintage Rattan Chair with Slanted Back & Long Front Skir

Antique Mid-18th Century George III Bookcases

Mid-18th Century George III Bureau Bookcase

Antique Mid-19th Century Swedish Gustavian Secretaires

Swedish Gustavian Style 1850s Blue Gray Painted Slant Front Secretary

Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Desks

1940s Johnson Furniture Co Chippendale Mahogany Oxbow Slant Front Desk

Mid-20th Century Italian Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Italian Marquetry Walnut Burl Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table

Mid-20th Century Italian Belle Époque Desks and Writing Tables

Italian Marquetry Walnut Burl Secretary Slant Front Desk Writing Table

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Mid-Century "Tung Si" Chairs by Hickory Manufacturing Company

Antique Mid-19th Century American George III Desks and Writing Tables

Diminutive George III Walnut Block Front Slant Front Bureau Bookcase Cabinet

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Roger Capron - Slanted Vintage Ceramic Bowl with Yellow and Black Lines

Antique Late 18th Century English George III Commodes and Chests of Drawers

Circa 1760-80 George III Period Slant Front Bureau, English

Mid-20th Century Indonesian Dutch Colonial Lounge Chairs

Javanese Vintage Dutch Colonial Plantation Wooden Lounge Chair with Slanted Back

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Desks and Writing Tables

1960s Italian Art Deco Midcentury Walnut Marble Slant Front Desk Table Secretary

Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Desks

Maddox Refinished Red Mahogany Block / Slant Front Secretary Desk with Key

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Rococo Secretaires