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 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 Toilet

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Fixtures

French Mid Century Blue Glass & Chrome Toilet Paper Holder C1960s

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Table Mirrors

Mid 19th century carved walnut toilet mirror

Vintage 1970s Czech Mid-Century Modern Mirrors

Mid-Century Children's Toilet Cabinet with Mirror, 1970's

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Table Mirrors

19th century Victorian mahogany toilet mirror

Antique Mid-19th Century British High Victorian Decorative Boxes

Late 19th Century Victorian Coromandel Toilet Box

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Mid-Century Italian Toilet Set in Silver Plated and Blown Murano Glass from 40s

Antique Mid-19th Century English More Mirrors

Antique Satinwood Painted Toilet Mirror

Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Mounted Objects

Mounted Submarine Toilet Humor Sculpture

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays

Vintage Kitsch West Germany Porcelain Toilet Ashtray

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Signs

Charming Pair of Male and Female Toilet Signs

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Antiquities

Midcentury Lucite Bathroom Set, Towel Bar, Toilet Paper Holder

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Mirrors

Makio Hasuike, Toilet with Mirror for Gedy, Italy 1980s

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian More Mirrors

Large Antique Victorian Mahogany and Marble Topped Toilet Swing Mirror

Antique Mid-19th Century French Table Mirrors

Palais Royal Gilt Bronze and Mother of Pearl Toilet Mirror, circa 1850

Mid-20th Century Modern Charm Bracelets

Estate Complete Mid-Century Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte Toilet Set of Bevelled Crystal and Metal 1970s

Antique Early 18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Secretaires

Chinese Export Lacquer Bureau on Stand and Toilet Glass Dressing Table

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Murano Glass Scandinavian Style Hooped Vases Toilet Set of Three, Italy, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Fixtures

Mid-Century Italian Plexiglass/Gilt Brass Bathroom Fixtures Set, 1970's

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid Century Red Glass Cylinder Pendant Lamp, Denmark, 1960s

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Abingdon Pottery 1940s Mid Century Modern Pair Black Horse Head Bookends

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Abingdon Pottery Pair White Ceramic Mid Century Modern Horse Head Bookends 1940s

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Pair Mid Century Modern Pottery White Horse Head Bookends Abingdon Pottery 1940s

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Ceiling Light Shape of the Sun, with Glass and Brass Sheets, 20th Century

Antique Mid-19th Century French Picture Frames

Casper Netscher "the Toilette" Engraving 19th Century

Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Corner Cupboards

19th Century French Louis XIV Carved Walnut Encoignure Corner Cabinet

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Children's Furniture

19th Century French Napoleon III Carved Child Armchair with Tray and Potty Hole

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Decorative Boxes

19th Century French Rosewood Travel Vanity Case by Peret and Dated 1855

Mid-18th Century Italian School Still-life Paintings

Anna Caterina Gilli18th Century Anna Gilli Still Life Flowers in a Garden Oil on Canvas Green Blue , 1750

Antique 1890s English Edwardian Tray Tables

Antique English Marquetry Etagere Tray Table, 19th Century

Antique 1890s English Edwardian Tray Tables

19th Century English Mahogany & Satinwood Etagere Tray Table

Mid-20th Century Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

John Widdicomb WM A Berkey Italian Provincial Regency Round Walnut Coffee Table

Antique 1850s English Victorian Desks and Writing Tables

Antique Victorian Walnut Writing Table Desk Hindley & Sons 19th Century

Late 19th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

José Villegas"The Florence Sisters", 19th Century Oil on Canvas, Spanish Artist José Villegas, Circa 1915

1880s Realist Figurative Paintings

José Villegas"Before the Walls of Jerusalem", 19th Century Oil on Canvas by José Villegas, Circa 1880

1910s Realist Figurative Paintings

José Villegas"The Barber of Seville", Early 20th Century Oil on Canvas by José Villegas, 1913

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Midcentury Bathroom Set Murano Glass Yellow Italian Design 1940s

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Brackets

Venini Bath Set, Italy, 1960s

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Brass Wall Sculpture Wheat Plant, Corn Stalk, 1960s

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Anna Caterina Gilli
18th Century Anna Gilli Still Life Flowers in a Garden Oil on Canvas Green Blue , 1750

José Villegas
"The Florence Sisters", 19th Century Oil on Canvas, Spanish Artist José Villegas, Circa 1915

José Villegas
"Before the Walls of Jerusalem", 19th Century Oil on Canvas by José Villegas, Circa 1880

José Villegas
"The Barber of Seville", Early 20th Century Oil on Canvas by José Villegas, 1913

Bert Hardy
'Gorbals Boys' Bert Hardy Limited Edition Silver Gelatin Fibre Print, 1948 (printed later)

Wolfgang Suschitzky
Washing Strung Between the Tenements, Dundee, Scotland, 1946, 1946