Mid Modern Fifty
5
1,423
26
11
to
69
937
481
1,456
1,435
1,438
1,272
36
25
9
3
2
1
1
1
1
4
15
1,404
37
14
1,198
139
11
1
5
18
559
193
98
12
4
746
460
361
353
239
1,095
603
242
221
135
33
22
21
20
15
Sort By
Mid-Century Modern, Wicker armchair from the fifties, Italian manufacture
Located in Milan, IT
Wicker armchair from the fifties, Italian manufacture.
The wicker armchair has an important and
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood
H 48.04 in W 33.08 in D 29.14 in
Paul Talman "Fifty Fifty" Wall Lamp
By Paul Talman
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Paul Talman wall lamp.
Model "Fifty Fifty".
Aluminum base and plastic spheres.
Spheres can be
Category
Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Aluminum
Mid-Century Atomic Age Fifties Coffee Table, 1950s
Located in Hemiksem, VAN
A beautiful fifties coffee table with an illustration in gold and red on a black background. This
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Gastone Rinaldi Chair for Rima from Mid Fifties
By RIMA, Gastone Rinaldi
Located in bari, IT
Single chair produced by Rima from the 1950s, model DU 22, designed by Gastone Rinaldi.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Metal
Fifties Stool Wicker Seat
Located in LELYSTAD, FL
Stool made in The Netherlands in the fifties with a wicker seat.
Seating height 49 width 55
Category
Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Wicker
Rare ‘Fifty Fifty' Lamp Designed by Paul Talman, circa 1965
By Paul Talman
Located in Echt, NL
Exceptional light object named 'Fifty Fifty’ in very good condition.
The lamp can be used as a
Category
20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum, Metal
Italian midcentury wall lights in brass mid Fifties ( Tommaso Barbi )
Located in bari, IT
Pair of large 60's arm wall lights of rare elegance composed of a 180 ° adjustable telescopic brass structure with pumpkin-shaped spheres in finely worked glass.
Dimensions:
Minimum...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Brass
H 23.63 in W 23.63 in D 47.25 in
Italian Console Table from fifties
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Italian console table from the fifties.
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Glass, Wood, Nutwood
Interactive "Fifty Fifty" or "ON/OFF" Light Designed by Paul Talman, c.1965
By Paul Talman
Located in London, GB
For sale, a rare and highly collectable "Fifty Fifty" (aka "On/Off") table or wall lamp, conceived
Category
Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Aluminum
H 15.75 in W 15.75 in D 3.15 in
Italian trolley bar from fifties
Located in bari, IT
1950s brass and wood liquor bottle holder trolley, glass shelves, mid-1950s Italian production
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables
Materials
Brass
Midcentury Italian Bar Cabinet Late Fifties
Located in bari, IT
Sideboard sideboard in walnut with very original shapes, three opening doors with central lock. Italian production late 1950s.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Brass
Rare Fifties Brass Table Lamp, 1950s
Located in Delft, NL
Beautiful lamp with a nice use of different materials.
Category
Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass
German Mosaic Tripod Fifties Coffee Table, 1950s
Located in Hemiksem, VAN
A beautiful fifties coffee table with an illustration in gold, gray, and pink on a black background
Category
Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Brass
Fifties Design Three Opal Shade Chandelier
Located in Antwerp, BE
This chic 1950's Italian chandelier comprises three arms with opaque glass shades held in place by brass lamp holders on either end. This is mounted on a brass column with black tuli...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
Round Flush Mount Fifties Sputnik, Italy, 1950s
By Arteluce
Located in Antwerp, BE
lightbulbs. A really nice fifties design for your light collection in your setting.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Flush Mount
Materials
Metal
Chandelier from the Fifties by Gino Paroldo
By Gino Paroldo
Located in Bruxelles, BE
Very large chandelier made by Gino Paroldo in the fifties in glass and copper.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Copper
Barovier Toso trolley from the early fifties
By Barovier&Toso
Located in bari, IT
mid-13th century, making it the sixth oldest family business in the world still in operation. As
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Tray Tables
Materials
Brass
Sputnik Chandelier Stilnovo Style from the Fifties
By Stilnovo
Located in bari, IT
Six-light chandelier with aluminum diffusers and brass frame, the style and shape are reminiscent of stilnovo models, a unique piece from the 1950s, the production is undoubtedly Ita...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum, Brass
Ico Parisi Italian Midcentury Bench from the Fifties
By Ico Parisi
Located in bari, IT
1950s wooden frame bench with velvet seat of the period in the style of Ico Parisi.
Ico Parisi was born in Palermo in 1916. He gained a diploma in construction and served his appren...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Benches
Materials
Velvet, Walnut
Carlo Ratti Italian Midcentury Chairs Form the Fifties
By Carlo Ratti
Located in bari, IT
Pair of 50's bentwood chairs Designer Carlo Ratti.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Wood, Bentwood
Stilux Italian Midcentury Table Lamp from the Fifties
By Stilux
Located in bari, IT
Table lamp circular marble base metal illuminating part, brass swivel arm late 1950s production Stilux.
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Marble, Metal, Brass
Alfred Hendrickx Rare Modular Fifties Wardrobe for Belform, 1950s
By Alfred Hendrickx, Belform
Located in Antwerp, BE
both are with sign s of use. Stylish fifties closet in Bubinga wood finish raised on bronze hairpin
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
that it was brought from Europe in the fifties, it works perfectly, original cable.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Ebony, Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Table Lamp
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
that it was brought from Europe in the fifties, it works perfectly, original cable.
Category
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Laminate, Ebony
Eclectic Game Table with Python Sculpture from the Fifties
Located in bari, IT
Plaster culture depicting a life-size python covered with bronzed scales, central structure made of heavy bronze casting and wooden top with inlays inspired by the game.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Game Tables
Materials
Bronze
Mid-century modern Bitossi vase
By Bitossi
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
free shipping.
Bitossi
In 2021, Bitossi celebrated 100 years. It is 100 years of modern ceramic
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Terrazzo Coffee Table
Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon
Mid-Century Modern Terrazzo coffee table from the fifties that we believe is terrazzo and the
Category
Vintage 1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Metal, Brass
Stilnovo Style fifties Suspension Chandelier in Steel and Glass
By Stilnovo
Located in bari, IT
Suspension composed of 4 elements pendant in steel and frosted glass production Stilnovo Style 50's. The elements can have different heights.
Category
Vintage 1950s European Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum, Iron
Large Fifty Drawers Shop Counter, Display Sideboard 1958 de Coene, Belgium
By Philippe Neerman, De Coene Frères
Located in Antwerp, BE
Philippe Neerman in collaboration with de Coene Atelier and Knoll Manufacture in the fifties, specially
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Commodes and Chests of Drawers
Materials
Chrome
No Reserve
H 31.5 in W 86.62 in D 23.63 in
Spectacular Fifties Etagere from Bonbon shop in Paris for Exclusive Objects
By Isamu Noguchi
Located in Amsterdam IJMuiden, NL
. :-)
Beautiful iconic fifties eye catcher étagère for small eye catchers ! This display was decades in a
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Cupboards
Materials
Brass
H 90.56 in W 41.34 in D 24.41 in
Carlo de Carli Set of Six Rare Chairs from the Fifties
By Carlo De Carli
Located in bari, IT
Elegant set consisting of six chairs with velvet seat and wooden frame with slender back, attributable to Carlo De Carli Italian production late 1950s. The unique design of this mode...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Cherry
Space Age Fifties Brass Multicolored Chandelier Style Angelo Lelli, 1959
By Angelo Lelii
Located in Antwerp, BE
Rare authentic brass Spage Age Sputnik chandelier in style of Angelo Lelli, Italy, 1957. The eclips around the suggested planet with a rotating set of three star lights in the colors...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Metal, Brass
H 50.01 in W 27.56 in D 11.82 in
Modernist Blue and White Laminate Fifties Small Sideboard Tubax 1958, Belgium
By Tubax, Willy Van Der Meeren
Located in Antwerp, BE
typical fifties industrial sideboard has a very nice patina it's great in usage and in very good
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Sideboards
Materials
Laminate, Formica, Beech
H 31.5 in W 23.63 in D 20.48 in
Mid-Century Modern Tile Tripod Side Table
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
A small fifties/sixties tripod side table with vibrant tile.
The tile measures 16 x 16 cm
Nice for
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
1970s Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Round Italian Vase
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Italian vase exhibits the iconic design elements of that era. Mid-Century Modern design during the 1970s
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
1950s Mid-Century Modern Aluminum Italian Column Ashtray
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An amazing Mid-Century Modern column ashtray designed and manufactured in Italy in the Fifties
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
French Mid-Century Modern Tripod Floor Lamp
Located in Barcelona, ES
the fifties.
Black Lacquer and Brass details.
Newly wired with 1 E27 bulb holder.
Lampshade is not
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Metal, Brass, Iron
Mid-Century Modern Teak Laminated Tripod Side Table
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
A small fifties/sixties tripod side table: teak laminated.
Category
Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Steel
1950s Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Italian Umbrella Stand
By San Marino Pottery
Located in Aci Castello, IT
San Marino in the center of Italy, the decor it's very popular in the Fifties, ceramic has signs of
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Umbrella Stands
Materials
Ceramic
Fifty Two Red and Brown Stackable 40/4 Chairs by David Rowland - OF USA
By Office Furniture Systems, David Rowland
Located in Dronten, NL
sleek, minimalist design with clean lines and a durable frame, making it a staple in modern furniture
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Chairs
Materials
Steel, Chrome
H 29.93 in W 20.08 in D 17.72 in
Ico Parisi Mid-Century Modern Jatoba Wood Credenza
By Ico Parisi
Located in Weesp, NL
Mid-Century Modern Jatoba wood Ico Parisi cabinet
A spectacular bespoke trumeau designed by Ico
Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Vases Germany set of 5
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
from the fifties/sixties
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Vases Germany set of 3
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
and black. Typical from the fifties/sixties
Category
Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Vases
Materials
Ceramic
1950s Mid-Century Modern Stilnovo Style Sputnik Italian Chandelier
By Stilnovo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
of art, embodying the spirit of innovation and optimism that defined the mid-century modern era. The
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Oak and Copper French Ice Bucket
Located in Aci Castello, IT
bucket exhibits characteristics of Mid-century Modern Style popular during that era. This wine cooler has
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Copper
André Sornay Mid-Century Modern French Cabinet, circa 1950
By Andre Sornay
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
production going from copies of classical furniture to creating furniture with resolutely modern lines
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Materials
Wood
1950s Mid-Century Modern Gilded Aluminum Column Ashtray by Rinnovel
By Rinnovel
Located in Aci Castello, IT
, a material that was popular in Mid-Century Modern design for its durability and the ability to
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ashtrays
Materials
Metal, Aluminum
Pair of Yellow and Red Natural Suede Leather Lounge Fifties Chairs by Hans Olsen
By Hans Olsen
Located in Antwerp, BE
modern interior.
Category
Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
H 27.56 in W 27.56 in D 27.56 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Painted Metal Italian Chandelier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A fully restored mid-century modern chandelier designed and manufactured in Italy in the Fifties
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass, Metal
1950s Gigi Radice Style Mid-Century Modern Wisteria Velvet Italian Sofa
By Gigi Radice
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A stylish Mid-Century Modern sofa designed and manufactured in Italy in the Fifties, brass it's in
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Brass
H 34.65 in W 75.6 in D 29.14 in
Mid-Century Modern Abstract Landscape by Martin Friedman
By Martin Friedman
Located in Port Jervis, NY
gallery in NYC during the fifties.
Category
Vintage 1940s American Modern Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Giltwood, Paint
Mid Century Modern Dazor Saucer Desk Lamp. Atomic Age Lighting
By Dazor
Located in Peoria, AZ
This Exquisite Dazor Mid Century Saucer Desk lamp
is an iconic treasure from the glorious 1950s
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Metal
1950s Mid-century Modern Policrome Ceramic Bust of the Blindfolded Goddess
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A mid-century modern ceramic bust of the blindfolded goddess synonymous with luck manufactured by
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic
H 13.78 in W 7.88 in D 8.67 in
1950s Stilnovo Style Mid-Century Modern Brass Sputnik table Lamp
By Stilnovo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
of interior styles, from mid-century modern to contemporary, making it a coveted piece of decor for
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass, Aluminum
Mid 20th Century Modern Credenza attributed to Alfred Hendrickx for Belform
By Belform, Alfred Hendrickx
Located in Brugge, BE
Fleteren.
Hendrickx's career took root at De Coene Frères, where he crafted modern, functional furniture
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
Materials
Rosewood
H 31.11 in W 47.45 in D 14.57 in
1950S Stilnovo Mid-Century Modern Brass and Engraved Glass Pendant
By Stilnovo
Located in Aci Castello, IT
that defined the mid-century modern movement. Its timeless design and high-quality craftsmanship make
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
1950s Mid-Century Modern Goatskin and Brass Shaker by Aldo Tura
By Aldo Tura
Located in Aci Castello, IT
showcases the distinctive design characteristics associated with both the mid-century modern era and the
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Barware
Materials
Brass
Italian Mid-Century Modern Camer Chandelier with Chrome Detailing
By Camer Glass
Located in New York, NY
of interior from classic Mid-Century Modern to contemporary. Like all great design objects, it
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Chrome
Mid-Century Modern Oval Satin Wood Dining Table, 1950s, Belgium
Located in Antwerp, BE
A stunning original fifties dining table in satin wood.The quality is outstanding, this is a lovely
Category
Vintage 1950s Belgian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Wood
No Reserve
H 29.53 in W 63 in D 39.38 in
1950s Mid-Century Modern Brass and Red Glass Italian Floor Lamp
By Mazzega
Located in Aci Castello, IT
exemplar of Italian design ingenuity and mid-century modern aesthetics. Crafted during the golden era of
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Brass
- 1
- ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Mid Modern Fifty", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Mid Modern Fifty For Sale on 1stDibs
With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the mid modern fifty you’re looking for. A mid modern fifty — often made from metal, brass and glass — can elevate any home. You’ve searched high and low for the perfect mid modern fifty — we have versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century are available. Each mid modern fifty bearing Mid-Century Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made mid modern fifty over the years, but those crafted by Paul Talman, Stilnovo and Arteluce are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much is a Mid Modern Fifty?
A mid modern fifty can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $4,019, while the lowest priced sells for $620 and the highest can go for as much as $9,600.
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
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
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 Modern Fifty
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024The 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 22, 2021Mid 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, 2021Mid 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. - Is Eames mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Yes, 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 ExpertApril 25, 2024The 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. - Is rattan mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024Yes, 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.
- Is Mondrian mid century modern?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, 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, 2021Most 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.
- Is mid-century modern timeless?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 22, 2024Yes, 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, 2022Yes, 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.
- Is Art Deco mid-century modern?1 Answer1stDibs 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, 2022Yes, 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 ExpertApril 5, 2024There 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 ExpertFebruary 13, 2024Mid-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, 2024There 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, 2023Some 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, 2019The 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.
Read More
The 21 Most Popular Mid-Century Modern Chairs
You know the designs, now get the stories about how they came to be.
Iconic Furniture Makes This 1958 Midwestern Home a True Mid-Century Gem
Designer Susan Yeley turned to 1stDibs to outfit an Indiana home with standout pieces that complement its modernist style.
The Ultimate Guide to Types of Tables for the Home
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?
Patrizio Chiarparini of Brooklyn’s Duplex gallery sheds light on the lasting legacy of Italy’s postwar furniture boom.
Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home
The industrial designer was known for his sleek, modern dinnerware, but his 1961 house and the landscape around it may be his most astonishing creation.
Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds
The author and design expert was among the first to define the style and coined its alliterative name. She shares her favorite pieces on 1stDibs Auctions — including some steals.
Jochum Rodgers Has Long Brought the Best of 20th-Century Design to Berlin and Beyond
Opened by Hans-Peter Jochum some 40 years ago, the pioneering gallery specializes in mid-century gems but also spotlights contemporary pieces by European artists and makers.
A Guide to Herman Miller’s Most Iconic Furniture
The prolific manufacturer has partnered with many of the world’s top designers since opening its doors in 1923. Here are some of the company’s greatest hits, which helped transform the American home and office.
More Ways To Browse
Pair Of Midcentury Italian Iron Sconces
Picture Lamp Wall Light
Modern Foyer Chandelier
Stilnovo Opaline Brass Sconces
Italian Waterfall Chandelier
Stilnovo Wood
Glass Brass Marble Stilnovo Floor
60s Brass Sconce
Brass 70s Table Lamp
Brass 70s Table Lamps
70s Brass Table Lamps
Fontana Arte Opaline
70s Brass Table Lamp
70s Brass Table Lamp
Circular Pendant Hanging Light
2 Tier Modern Chandelier
Milano Glass Table Lamp
Brass Palm Chandelier