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Mid Century To Modern

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Rare & Large Midcentury to Modern Design, Handmade Circular Wall Sconce / Light
Located in Lisse, NL
unique light fixture to grace your living space then this midcentury to modern-era made wall sconce could
Category

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Black Onyx Heart Bracelet 14 Karat Gold Retro
Located in New York, NY
This is an exquisite Mid-Century Modern Eames Era period Bracelet with stunning Black Onyx Hearts
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modernist Modern Bracelets

Materials

Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Four Mid-Century Modern Bracelets Enamel Sterling Silver Italy 1970s Geometric
Located in New York, NY
This is an exquisite set of four Mid-Century Modern Bracelets from Italy in Silver with gorgeous
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modernist Modern Bracelets

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel, Silver

18K Woven Gold Mid-Century Modern Bracelet with Ball Finials
Located in Venice, CA
unique—while it’s apparent it is a modern piece, a Renaissance flair is brought out by the ball finials
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Vintage Mid Century 14 Karat Gold Designer 7 Inch Long 0.16 Inch Wide Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a stunning Vintage Mid Century 14 Karat Yellow Gold Designer Jewelry Bracelet, a true
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Contemporary Modern Bracelets

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum 16.50cts Mid-Century Round and Baguette Cut Diamond Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
This platinum midcentury round and baguette cut diamond bracelet is a truly unique and exquisite piece of jewelry. The combination of round and baguette cut diamonds creates a mesmer...
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1950’s Mid Century Sterling Silver Bracelet, designed by Antonio Belgiorno, Arge
By Antonio Belgiorno
Located in Toronto, ON
1950’s Mid Century Sterling Silver Bracelet, designed by Antonio Belgiorno, Argentina, C. 1950. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Argentine Modernist Modern Bracelets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano Glass Rod & Brass Sconces Signed Tosso Murano
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century to Modern and Contemporary design. Newly rewired to American Standards. In Excellent
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Hand-Blown Murano Glass Rod & Brass Sconces Signed Tosso Murano
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century to Modern and Contemporary design. Newly rewired to American Standards. In Excellent
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Vase in Burnt Umber w/ Dandelion Yellow Hand-Brushed Patterned Glaze
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century to Modern and Contemporary. In Excellent Vintage Condition. United States, circa 1960
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Van Cleef & Arpels Paris Ropetwist Diamond Bracelet
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
brilliant-cut diamonds pavé-set in platinum braided alternately with gold ropetwist. Modern and stylish
Category

Mid-20th Century French Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Original 1950's Mario Buccellati Ruby Diamond Yellow White Gold Heart Bracelet
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Valenza, IT
One-of-a-kind, awesome, Mario Buccellati Heart Bracelet featuring 2.20Kt burma rubies and 1.10Kt white diamond in a handcrafted yellow and white gold brushed and polished setting. Bu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Modernist Crystal Softened Spiral Fluted Vase w/ Murines signed Daum
By Daum
Located in New York, NY
brilliantly in a wide array of interiors and design movements from Mid-Century to Modern and Contemporary
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Glass

18K Yellow Gold Flex Bracelet 6.4g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
18k yellow gold flex, woven link bangle bracelet. Stamped 18k Italy 1226V1 on under side of white gold clasp. The stamping is slightly worn off. Similar to designer Roberto Coin jew...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Bracelets

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

ModernArtist SilverWire Geometric Spirals HandmadeWithPliers SevenLink Bracelet
Located in Chicago, IL
by mid-century artist Alexander Calder, it is in the style of his thousands of pieces of plier-bent
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Silver, Base Metal

Mid-Century Modernist SilverPlate Ice Bucket with Inlaid Lapis Lazuli
Located in New York, NY
interiors from Mid-Century to Modern and Contemporary Spaces. In Excellent Vintage Condition. France
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Barware

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Hand Made Bracelet from 1930s
Located in Long Beach, CA
Hand Made Sterling Silver Bracelet done with wire work. It looks like sometime in the 1930's and will fit a nearly 7 inch wrist. The links are 1 inch long and can easily be removed a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Bracelets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Bracelet 18K Gold & Diamonds Modernist Arte Suizo Caracas Original Box
Located in Southbury, CT
This heavy, substantial modernist bracelet was created in the middle of the previous century, most
Category

Mid-20th Century Venezuelan Modernist Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

S.G.Morris Modernist Bracelet & Earrings Enamel Sterling Silver Midcentury Rare
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Mid-Century Modern Bracelet and Earrings marked S.G.M., which I believe is the esteemed
Category

Mid-20th Century British Modernist Modern Bracelets

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Bakelite Vintage Blue and Gray Bracelet
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid Century Bakelite bracelet, France circa 1970s. Some black veins on the Bakelite. The blue
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Modern Bracelets

Bakelite Vintage Blue and Gray Bracelet
Bakelite Vintage Blue and Gray Bracelet
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H 1.97 in Dm 3.15 in
Vintage Fuchsia and Blue Bakelite Bracelet, France 1970s
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid Century Bakelite bracelet, France circa 1970s. Some black veins on the Bakelite. The Fuchsia
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Modern Bracelets

Arno Malinowski 1944, Georg Jensen Denmark Sterling Silver Design 98 Bracelet
By Arno Malinowski
Located in Skanninge, SE
Wonderful hearts bracelet. Designed by Arno Malinowski for Georg Jensen 1944. Nice vintage condition. Design No 98. Marked "Georg Jensen Sterling Denmark 98". This is a very pretty a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modernist Modern Bracelets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Midcentury Studio Pottery Vase by Jasba Keramik, 1960s
By Jasba
Located in Tilburg, NL
lot of interior styles. From midcentury, to modern. Great on a table, desk or on display on a
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Pottery

Midcentury Studio Pottery Vase by Jasba Keramik, 1960s
Midcentury Studio Pottery Vase by Jasba Keramik, 1960s
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H 5.91 in W 3.94 in D 3.94 in
Vivianna Torun for Georg Jensen Smoky Quartz and Sterling Silver Bracelet 1968
By Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe
Located in New York, NY
sine qua non of mid-century Nordic/Scandinavian design. She attended the Academy of Industrial Arts in
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Modern Modern Bracelets

Materials

Quartz, Sterling Silver

Vivianna Torun for Georg Jensen Smoky Quartz and Sterling Silver Bracelet 1968
Vivianna Torun for Georg Jensen Smoky Quartz and Sterling Silver Bracelet 1968
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H 2.53 in W 2.66 in D 1.36 in Dm 2.36 in L 8 in
David Webb New York Unique “Crosshatch” Diamond Bracelet
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Created in the 1960s in the studio of David Webb, this one-of-a-kind “Crosshatch” diamond bracelet in 18K gold and platinum is set with over 16.50 carats of diamonds. The bombé curve...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Mid-Century Modern Sconces in Murano Glass by Mazzega Made in Italy 1970s
By Mazzega
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Modern Sconces in Murano Glass by Mazzega Made in Italy 1970s Mazzega designed this
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Style Mohair Bench
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Custom made with integrated legs into the body of the mohair midcentury style bench. Upholstered in rich charcoal mohair, with buttons and seaming. This bench is available immediatel...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Nickel

Mid Century Style Mohair Bench
Mid Century Style Mohair Bench
H 18 in W 48 in D 18 in
Mid-Century asimmetric Coffee table, glass and wood
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Milano, Lombardia
A coffee table with an asymmetrical design in wood and glass, with a mid-century-inspired style
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of Custom Mid Century Style Hairpin Leg Benches
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. Shown in 28" x 18" x 16" tall. To be done COM any size. Can be mos...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Modern Furniture and Decoration
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Tivoli, NY
An incredible guide to high-end modern and innovative mid-century furniture and decoration and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Books

Materials

Paper

Modern Furniture and Decoration
Modern Furniture and Decoration
H 12 in W 9.5 in D 1 in
Mid-Century Opaline and Brass Pendants with FF Logo Czech Republic, 1970s
By Preciosa
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Opaline and Brass Pendants with FF Logo Czech Republic, 1970s These elegant brass
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Opaline and Brass Pendants with FF Logo Czech Republic, 1970s
By Preciosa
Located in Almelo, NL
Mid-Century Opaline and Brass Pendants with FF Logo Czech Republic, 1970s These elegant brass
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Original Clairet Postillon Le Vin Leger vintage French wine horizontal poster
Located in Spokane, WA
woman's hair. Winery: Aubiers, France. Artist Alain Gauthier A mid-century to modern design of a
Category

1960s American Modern Portrait Prints

Materials

Lithograph

Chrome and glass dining table
By Design Institute America
Located in Toronto, ON
a dining and bistro table. It would be a chic addition to many styles ranging from mid century to
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Chrome

Chrome and glass dining table
Chrome and glass dining table
H 29 in W 36 in D 36 in
Large Brass Pendant with a Pearl-White Hand Blown Globe by Preciosa, 1970s
By Preciosa
Located in Almelo, NL
many environment, from midcentury to modern. Fitted with a porcelain E27 socket. The lights are
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Brass Pendant with a Pearl-White Hand Blown Globe by Preciosa Kamenický Šenov
By Preciosa
Located in Almelo, NL
environment, from midcentury to modern. Fitted with a porcelain E27 socket. The lights are compatible with the
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Brass Pendant with a Pearl-White Hand Blown Globe by Preciosa Kamenický Šenov
By Preciosa
Located in Almelo, NL
environment, from midcentury to modern. Fitted with a porcelain E27 socket. The lights are compatible with the
Category

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass

Original Germany Anytime is Travel Time in Germany vintage 1956 poster
Located in Spokane, WA
‘Hauptbahnhof’ behind this mid-century-looking man. This is a great poster for a mid-century to modern
Category

1950s American Modern Figurative Prints

Materials

Lithograph

“Costella” Armchair in Hardwood & Fabric att. to Martin Eisler, 1950’s Brazil
By Martin Eisler
Located in New York, NY
any kind of environment from Mid Century, to Modern, Eclectic and Contemporary. About the designer
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Fabric, Hardwood

Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Bench
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Custom hairpin leg bench, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. Shown in 28" x 18" x 16" tall. To be done COM any size. Can be most any heig...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair of Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Benches
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. Shown with 24" x 16" upholstered tops with 14" tall legs with a 18...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair of Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Benches
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. Shown with 24" x 16" upholstered tops with 14" tall legs with a 18...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair of Custom Midcentury Style Hairpin Leg Benches
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
Pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and four inch thick upholstered seats. To be done COM any size. Can be most any height and cushion thickn...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Sublime Pair of Newly Upholstered Original Midcentury Italian Armchairs
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Sublime pair of original Mid-Century Modern Italian armchairs. Sourced in Modena Italy from a
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Materials

Brass

Teak Wood Inlay Work Desk
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
that seamlessly blends timeless craftsmanship with modern sophistication. Adorned with intricate spiral
Category

2010s Indian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Wood, Teak

Teak Wood Inlay Work Desk
Teak Wood Inlay Work Desk
H 30 in W 53 in D 20 in
Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vase Attributed to Claire Tong
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century Modern ceramic vase attributed to Claire Tong, signed "Tong '54" on the bottom.
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Century Furniture Mid-Century Burlwood Side Table
By Century Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Century Furniture mid-century burlwood side table The side table measures: 19 wide x 19 deep x
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Burl

Pair Custom Hairpin Leg Benches
By Mid Century Antiques
Located in New York, NY
These are newly made pair of custom hairpin leg benches, with satin black powder coated iron legs and three inch thick upholstered seats. Shown in 24" x 16" x 17" tall in wool uphols...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Benches

Materials

Steel

Pair Custom Hairpin Leg Benches
Pair Custom Hairpin Leg Benches
H 17 in W 24 in D 16 in
Century Furniture Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Credenza
By Century Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Century Furniture Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Credenza This credenza measures: 58.5 wide x 18
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Mid-Century Modern Swedish Art Glass Vase Attributed to Gullaskruf
By Gullaskruf
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern art glass vase. Attributed to Gullaskruf. Simply a great
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Mid Century Modern Buffet Attributed to Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern Buffet Attributed to Paul Laszlo Good vintage condition. Piece does have some
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Oak, Walnut

Mid-Century Modern Swedish Art Glass Vase Attributed to Gullaskruf
By Gullaskruf
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern art glass vase. Attributed to Gullaskruf. Simply a great vase
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Art Glass

Century Furniture Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Armiore Highboy
By Century Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Century Furniture mid century burlwood and brass armoire highboy This highboy measures: 48 wide
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dressers

Materials

Brass

Century Mid Century Burlwood Brass and Glass Dining Table
By Century Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Century mid-century burlwood brass and glass dining table. This table measures: 60 wide x 40
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Brass

Mid to Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Teak Desktop Organizer
Located in Topeka, KS
Fabulous Mid to Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern teak desktop organizer. Beautiful condition
Category

20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks

Materials

Teak

Mid-Century Modern Mirror Attributed to Josef Frank
By Josef Frank
Located in London, GB
with Oskar Stmad he created the ViennaSchool of architecture and its concept of Modern houses, housing
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Wall Mirrors

Materials

Metal

Vintage Century Furniture Modern Black Lacquered Sideboard
By Century Furniture
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
This listing is for a Vintage Century Furniture Black Lacquered Sideboard. Featuring a straight
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sideboards

Materials

Brass

Mid century Modern Credenza Attributed to Melchiorre Bega
By Melchiorre Bega
Located in Weesp, NL
1950s Italian Buffet designed by Melchiorre Bega and made of the most beautiful South African Tambootie wood. The sideboard, credenza is in fantastic condition. We also propose the ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Materials

Wood

Mid Century Italian Modern Credenza Attributed to Poalo Buffa
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Italian Modern Credenza Attributed to Poalo Buffa Average vintage condition and
Category

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Oak

Century Furniture Mid Century Cane and Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6
By Century Furniture
Located in Countryside, IL
Century Furniture Mid Century Cane and Walnut Dining Chairs - Set of 6 Each armless chair measures
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Cane, Walnut

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Mid Century To Modern For Sale on 1stDibs

Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the mid century to modern you’re looking for at 1stDibs. A mid century to modern — often made from metal, wood and glass — can elevate any home. There are 207178 variations of the antique or vintage mid century to modern you’re looking for, while we also have 15700 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. There are many kinds of the mid century to modern you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. A mid century to modern is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in mid-century modern, Scandinavian Modern and modern styles are sought with frequency. You’ll likely find more than one mid century to modern that is appealing in its simplicity, but Knoll, Herman Miller and Cassina produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century To Modern?

Prices for a mid century to modern start at $0 and top out at $1,600,065,280 with the average selling for $2,483.

A Close Look at mid-century-modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. 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. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, 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 — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Questions About Mid Century To Modern
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    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.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024
    There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024
    There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

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