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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 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

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

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 14

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 15

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 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 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 18

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 19

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 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 Spices

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Pair of Mid-Century Spice Colored Tub Lounge Chairs on Walnut Plinth Bases

Vintage 1960s Japanese Glass

Glass Mid Century Modern Spice Rack Japan

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Danish Mid-Century Leaf Spice Rack in Teak and Copper, 1960s

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

1960 Scandinavian Teak Mid Century Modern Rotating Spice Rack by Digsmed Denmark

Mid-20th Century American Realist Figurative Paintings

John Hanlen Spice Market, Marrakesh Morocco, ca. 1950

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Decorative Boxes

19th Century Oak and Pine Wall Hanging Spice Box

Antique Mid-19th Century Russian Decorative Boxes

Antique Russian Silver Spice Box

Antique Mid-19th Century Decorative Boxes

19th Century French Repousse Silvered Metal Spice or Jewelry Box

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern More Lighting

Digsmed Rotating Spice Wheel in Teak

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavi...

Doris Leslie Blau Vintage Swedish Rug by Judith Johansson Spice Hall

Mid-20th Century American Rustic Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Primitive Rustic Handmade Wood Spice Rack with Glass Bottles, Wall Mount

Mid-20th Century Japanese Chinese Export Jars

Vintage Spice Jar, Oriental, Ginger, Baluster Urn, Art Deco, 20th Century, 1940

Mid-20th Century Japanese Rustic Jars

Red Apple Ceramic Spice Jars, Set of 6

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining

Danish Modern Twelve Jar Teak Spice Rack by Digsmed

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Suspended Danish Teak and Brass Spice Rack, 1960s

Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

William Spratling Mexican Modernist Articulating Fish Spice Stash Box

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

French Wall Hanging Blue and White Spice Jars with Thermometer

Antique Mid-19th Century Dutch Sterling Silver

Dutch Silver and Blue Crystal Glass Spice Spreader, 1845

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

1960s Spice Set of Twelve by Lagardo Tackett & Kenji Fujita

Mid-20th Century Qing Jars

Large Decorative Oriental Ginger or Spice Jar on Stand

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Danish Midcentury Leaf Spice Rack in Teak & Copper, 1960s

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Mid-Century Modern Rugs

Duskfall Tapestry Dark Ivory & Spice Brown 240x300 cm Handknotted Rug

Mid-20th Century Japanese Decorative Boxes

Small Vintage Lidded Treen, Japanese, Mahogany, Spice, Jewellery Box, Circa 1950

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Vintage Silver Plate Snail Salt Dish Spice Dish with Glass Inlay

Late 20th Century Chinese Mid-Century Modern Urns

Small Vintage Lidded Urn, Chinese, Hand Painted Ceramic, Spice Jar, Ginger Pot

Mid-20th Century Chinese Art Deco Ceramics

Vintage Blue and White Spice Jar, Chinese, Ceramic, Decorative Pot, Art Deco

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Vintage Ginger Jar, English, Ceramic, Decorative Spice Urn, Blue and White, 1970

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Scandinavian Modern Russian and Scandinavi...

Scandinavian Modern Wool Flat-Weave Rug "Spice Hall" by Judith Johansson

Mid-20th Century Unknown Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Vintage Carved Spice Table, Far Eastern, Glass Topped, Coffee, Lamp, Art Deco

Antique Mid-17th Century Maps

Antique Map of the Spice Islands 'Moluccas', Indonesia by W. Blaeu, circa 1640

Antique 1650s English Baroque Cabinets

Cabinet Spice Small Oak Cedar Snakewood Fruitwood Cushion Geometric Moulding

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Vintage 1960s Danish Modern Teak & 12 Glass Jar Rotating Spice Wheel by Digsmed

Mid-20th Century Chinese Art Deco Urns

Vintage Decorative Flower Vase, Chinese, Ceramic, Urn, Spice Jar, Art Deco, 1930

Mid-20th Century Unknown Side Tables

Vintage Glass Topped Spice Table, Far Eastern, Coffee, Lamp, Art Deco, C.1940

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Vintage Japan Silver Plate Sheep Salt Dish Spice Dish and Stainless-Steel Spoon

Mid-20th Century American Chippendale Wingback Chairs

Baker Wing Back Chair in Holly Hunt Spice Colored Leather with Nailhead Trim

Mid-20th Century Turkish Oushak Turkish Rugs

Pair of Vintage Turkish Oushak Runners with Mid-Century Modern Style

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern More Dining and Entertaining

Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Digsmed Rotating Spice Rack

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Danish Spice Wheel from Digsmed, 1964

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern More Dining and Entertaining

John Hanlen
Spice Market, Marrakesh Morocco, ca. 1950