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

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 11

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 12

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 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 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 Smile

Mid-20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Figurative Sculptures

Mid 20th Century Carved Wood Smiling Buddha Figure Sculpture

20th Century Portrait Paintings

Patrick KnightPatrick Knight (1919-2014) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Smiling Boy, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Vintage Original Oil on Board of Smiling Soldier

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Albert ChavazWoman sitting and smiling

Mid-20th Century More Art

Jasper Johns"The Critic Smiles" Lead Relief, 1969

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Smile Ashtray from Carl Cohr, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawKennedy, John Color Portrait, Smiling Left, 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawKennedy, John Color Portrait, Smiling Left, 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Color Photography

Mark ShawKennedy, John Color Portrait, Smiling Left, 2018

2010s Modern Portrait Prints

Alex KatzAlex Katz 'Big Smile (Vivian)', 2021

2010s Modern Portrait Prints

Alex KatzAlex Katz 'Big Smile (Vivian)', 2021

2010s Modern Portrait Prints

Alex KatzAlex Katz 'Big Smile (Vivian)', 2021

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Mark ShawKennedys, JFK and Jackie at Senate Desk, Smiling, 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Mark ShawKennedys, JFK and Jackie at Senate Desk, Smiling, 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Mark ShawKennedys, JFK and Jackie at Senate Desk, Smiling, 2018

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Elegant Danish Johannes Andersen ‘Smile’ Teak Sofatable from 1960s

Mid-20th Century More Rings

Carved Angel Skin Coral Smiling Buddha Face Gold Ring with Emerald Third Eye

Mid-20th Century Modern Black and White Photography

Mark ShawAudrey Hepburn on Striped Sofa, Arm Back, Smiling, 1954, 2018

Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings

French School1960's French Modernist Oil Portrait of Elderly Lady Smiling

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Delft Blue Tile Panel "the smiling boy" Frans Hals

Mid-19th Century Landscape Paintings

A. Finlayson - Framed Mid 19th Century Oil, North End, Hampstead, Mid-19th Century

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Teak 'Smile' Table by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, 1950s

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa Tables

Extremely Rare Johannes Andersen `the Smile` Coffee Table in Rosewood

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Red Smile Armchairs by Marcello Ziliani for BBB Emmebonacina, Italy, 1990s

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Ceramics

Otafuku, What Is Not to Love about a Smile like This ? !

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cockt...

Danish Teak Smile Table by Johannes Andersen for CFC Silkeborg, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Simon GoldbergPortrait - Pencil Drawing by S. Goldberg - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Thai Sculptures and Carvings

Thai Cast Silver Alloy Standing Buddha, Mid 20th Century, Thailand

Mid-20th Century Burmese Sculptures and Carvings

Burmese Bronze Arakan Style Seated Buddha, Mid 20th Century, Burma

Mid-19th Century Portrait Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 19th Century Watercolour - The Milkmaid, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Simon GoldbergPortrait - Original Pen Drawing by S. Goldberg - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Simon GoldbergPortrait - Original Pen Drawing by S. Goldberg - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps

Large Cone Tripod Floor Lamp by Archaic Smile Inc., United States

Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Mid-Century Grand Neogothic Rustic Draw Leaf Dining Table by DeCoene

1990s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Venini Murano Fulvio Bianconi Sorriso 'Smile' Mouth Blown Vase, Clear Color

Mid-19th Century Portrait Paintings

Mid 19th Century Oil - Victorian Widow, Unknown

2010s Contemporary Black and White Photography

Jennifer GreenburgShe made sure to tell me to keep smiling, 2018

Antique Mid-17th Century Chinese Qing Sculptures and Carvings

Chinese Taoist Carved Wood Deity, Ming/Qing Dynasty, mid 17th century, China

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Pair of Mid-19th Century/Qing Dinasty of Enameled Chinese Porcelain Figurines

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Still-life Paintings

Patrick Knight
Patrick Knight (1919-2014) - Mid 20th Century Oil, Smiling Boy, Unknown

Albert Chavaz
Woman sitting and smiling

Jasper Johns
"The Critic Smiles" Lead Relief, 1969

Mark Shaw
Kennedy, John Color Portrait, Smiling Left, 2018

Mark Shaw
Kennedy, John Color Portrait, Smiling Left, 2018

Mark Shaw
Kennedy, John Color Portrait, Smiling Left, 2018

Alex Katz
Alex Katz 'Big Smile (Vivian)', 2021

Alex Katz
Alex Katz 'Big Smile (Vivian)', 2021

Alex Katz
Alex Katz 'Big Smile (Vivian)', 2021

Mark Shaw
Kennedys, JFK and Jackie at Senate Desk, Smiling, 2018

Mark Shaw
Kennedys, JFK and Jackie at Senate Desk, Smiling, 2018

Mark Shaw
Kennedys, JFK and Jackie at Senate Desk, Smiling, 2018

Mark Shaw
Audrey Hepburn on Striped Sofa, Arm Back, Smiling, 1954, 2018

French School
1960's French Modernist Oil Portrait of Elderly Lady Smiling

Simon Goldberg
Portrait - Pencil Drawing by S. Goldberg - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Simon Goldberg
Portrait - Original Pen Drawing by S. Goldberg - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Simon Goldberg
Portrait - Original Pen Drawing by S. Goldberg - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

Jennifer Greenburg
She made sure to tell me to keep smiling, 2018

Ernesto Alcide Campestrini
Still Life - Oil on Table by Ernesto Alcide Campestrini - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Katharina Hormel
You make me Smile K Hormel Gold Leaf Contemporary abstract family painting, 2021

Emilio Greco
Bust of a Woman - Sculpture by Emilio Greco - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

Lillian Jackson Heath
Mid Century Sierra Mountain Lake Landscape, 1940

Hartzell Harrison Ray
Mid Century San Francisco Bay Seascape Landscape, Circa 1960

Donald Stacy
1950s "Mask" Mid Century Nude Ink Figure Drawing NYC Artist, c. 1950s

Alan Durman
Portrait of a Young Girl, Mid-20th Century Pastel Drawing, Signed