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Mid Modern Pottery

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Leach Pottery Studio Pottery Lidded Green Glazed Pot
By Leach Pottery
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish and early Cornish, Leach Pottery St Ives studio pottery lidded green glazed pot dating
Category

Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1950s Titano San Marino Italian Midcentury Modern Red Pottery Vase
By San Marino Pottery
Located in Brescia, IT
Red pottery vase Perfect condition Measure: H 64 cm.
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1970s Carn Studio Pottery Vase
By Carn Pottery
Located in London, GB
A 1970s studio pottery vase by Carn, Cornwall. Rare facetted, hand built woodcut mould design
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1970s Carn Studio Pottery Vase
1970s Carn Studio Pottery Vase
H 7.49 in W 2.56 in D 1.58 in
1970s Carn Studio Pottery Vase
By Carn Pottery
Located in London, GB
A 1970s studio pottery vase by Carn, Cornwall. Rare hand built, facetted wood-cut mould design
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1970s Carn Studio Pottery Vase
1970s Carn Studio Pottery Vase
H 6.7 in W 2.17 in D 1.78 in
Mid-Century Modern Hand-Thrown and Glazed Studio Pottery Pitcher
Located in Big Flats, NY
Mid-Century Modern hand-thrown studio art pottery pitcher features striped exterior with cobalt
Category

Mid-20th Century American Arts and Crafts Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Italian Gilt Art Pottery Leaf Tray
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Italian, mid-century modern, art pottery, leaf-shaped tray or dish with gilt crackle textured
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ceramic Pottery Tile Libra Gold White 1960s Germany
By Villeroy & Boch
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage ceramic tile motif Libra in golden and white color tones 1960s Germany
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Black & Blue American Raku Vase, Vessel Studio Art Pottery
Located in Miami, FL
American Raku Mid-Century Modern inside glazed handcrafted blue and black vase, or vessel. The
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Clay, Pottery

Mid-Century Modern West German Fat Lava Pottery Vase by Ilkra Edel Keramik
By Ilkra Edel Keramik 1
Located in COLMAR, FR
A perfect example of mid-century modern German art pottery. This fat lava vase was made by the west
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Clay

Signed Mid-Century Scheier Pottery Serving Dish
By Edwin and Mary Scheier
Located in Forney, TX
Early and rare hand-thrown ceramic serving dish by mid-century modern masters, Edwin and Mary
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Hand-Thrown Studio Pottery Bird Bowl by Randy Webb
Located in Big Flats, NY
Mid-Century Modern hand-thrown studio art pottery bowl by Randy Webb features incised stylized and
Category

Mid-20th Century American Arts and Crafts Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Joel Edwards Shallow Mid Century Abstract Pottery Bowl
By Joel Edwards
Located in Seguin, TX
Mid century studio shallow pottery bowl by well known California potter Joel Edwards. Rounded
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid Century Abstract Joel Edwards Shallow Pottery Bowl
By Joel Edwards
Located in Seguin, TX
Mid Century studio shallow pottery bowl by well known California potter Joel Edwards. Rounded
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Set of 3 Mid-Century Modern "West-Germany" Ceramic Vases, European Design, 1950s
By West German Pottery
Located in Amsterdam, NL
shipping to certain countries. The term "West Germany" on German pottery is not a brand description but
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

1960s Japanese Old Art Pottery Modern Green Tea Pot
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Old Art Pottery Japanese Modern Green Tea Pot artist signed 5 tall x 6 d x 8.5 w Original preowned
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1960s Asian Art Pottery Decorative Oriental Modern Flower Cup
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Mid-Century Modern Oriental Flower Art Pottery Cup Signed with Asian character symbols 3.5
Category

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Aldo Londi Mid-Century Bitossi Rimini Blue Pottery Vase for Raymor
By Raymor, Aldo Londi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine mid-century Rimini blue pottery vase. By Aldo Londi for Raymor. Made in Londi's
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Harris Strong Queen of Hearts Pottery Tile of Poker Playing Card
By Harris Strong
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern pottery tile. By Harris Strong. With a terracotta pottery tile
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Monumental David Cressey Phoenix-1 for Architectural Pottery Planter
By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery
Located in Chicago, IL
Monumental David Cressey Phoenix-1 for Architectural Pottery Planter in unglazed stoneware Unglazed
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

David Cressey Pro Artisan Stoneware Platter for Architectural Pottery
By David Cressey, Architectural Pottery
Located in Los Angeles, CA
David Cressey Pro Artisan stoneware platter for architectural pottery.
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

Mid-Century Harris Strong Queen of Diamonds Art Pottery Tile of Playing Cards
By Harris Strong
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern pottery tile. By Harris Strong. With a terracotta pottery tile
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Wood

Mid-Century Harris Strong Jack of Clubs Art Pottery Tile of Playing Cards
By Harris Strong
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century Modern pottery tile. By Harris Strong. With a terracotta pottery tile
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Wood

Mid-Century Studio Pottery Tea Pot with Blue Lava Glaze
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century studio pottery tea pot with blue lava glaze, circa 1970s. The pot is in very good
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Large Carstens 1960s Mid-Century Modern West German Ceramic Pottery Vase Bamboo
Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL
Large ceramic vase made in Germany by Cartens in the 1960s with a very beautiful Bamboo design. Carstens only produced copies in limited amounts of each design. Stamped underneath ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Thomas Toft Abstract Petite Bowl Vase Danish Studio Pottery Mid-Century Modern
By Thomas Toft
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and fragile Danish design relic. No damage. Any perceived imperfections are just natural to the porous clay material.
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Pottery

Materials

Clay

Midcentury Italian Pottery Candleholders
By Aldo Londi
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Unknown Importer: Raymore Period/Model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Pottery These
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Midcentury Pottery Sake Cup
Located in Clermont, FL
Beautifully aged midcentury pottery sake cup.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Midcentury Pottery Sake Cup
Midcentury Pottery Sake Cup
H 2.5 in Dm 2.5 in
Laugharne Pottery Welsh Studio Pottery Decanter and Stopper, 20th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish vintage studio pottery decanter and stopper made in Wales at the Laugharne Pottery
Category

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid Century Studio Pottery Vase, Glazed Ceramic, 1970s
Located in Round Rock, TX
A hand thrown ceramic vase with nice form and glaze. The speckled glaze has a great color and texture. A nice accent piece that will work in a variety of decors. Signed D. Murray, 1...
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

1970s Mid-Century Pottery Bud Vase California Design Influenced
By Robert Maxwell and David Cressey
Located in Hyattsville, MD
A wonderful studio thrown, and signed pottery vase. We do not have any info on the maker but it
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

Birds of Paradise Studio Pottery Pie Dish
Located in Vallejo, CA
A vintage studio pottery circular pie dish with a beautiful handpainted design in the center of
Category

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vintage West German Striped Pottery Vase
Located in East Hampton, NY
The ribbed texture to this wonderful West German pottery vase has brown and beige tones. Oversized
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Pablo Picasso “Picador” Pottery Plate, Limited Edition, 1952
By Pablo Picasso
Located in Bradenton, FL
Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973), "Picador" (A.R. 160) 1952, white earthenware plate. Madoura Plein Feu and Editions Picasso stamps on underside, inscribed: "Editions Picasso" bene...
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Amelie Richter (Bavarian-French, 20th Century) Studio Pottery Plate
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Hand made glazed studio pottery shallow bowl or plate by Amelie (Amely, Aly) Richter, in plum
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Large Abstract Studio Art Pottery Charger
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A large Abstract Studio Art Pottery charger, unmarked, attributed to Poole Pottery U.K. Decorated
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Dayle Rushall Incised California Studio Pottery
Located in Fulton, CA
Impressive, large-scale studio pot by California Artist Dayle Rushall. Exceptional detail to hand incised decoration. Stands 19.5 inches tall. Signed and dated on base. Excellent ori...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Vintage Danish Midcentury Knabstrup Floor Vase
By Knabstrup
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Danish midcentury Knabstrup floor vase in a beautiful green glaze. In great condition with no cracks or chips and still with the original label on the base. Knabstrup is a ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Vase Accolay the Dancers, France, 1950s
By Accolay Pottery
Located in London, GB
Vase Accolay with anthropomorphic dancers, 1950s Reminds the dancers of Henri Matisse.
Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Midcentury Alice Smith California Studio Pottery Mug
By Chalice of California
Located in Vallejo, CA
A wonderful midcentury studio pottery mug from the 1940s-1950s by ceramicist, Alice Smith of
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Group of Malcolm Wright Art Pottery
By Malcolm Wright 1
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Group of Malcolm Wright pottery including two covered bowls and an oversized charger. All monogram
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Large Fat Lava Pottery Vase by Scheurich Germany
By Scheurich Keramik
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very large Fat Lava ceramic pottery vase with a tan body having brown, dark brown and a orange
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Judy Phillips - Vintage Studio Pottery Stoneware Charger - Canada - Mid-20th C
Located in Chatham, ON
JUDY Phillips - Vintage Studio Pottery stoneware charger with raised rim and contrasting glaze
Category

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Ceramic

Studio Pottery Vessel
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
such as modern, mid century modern, Hollywood regency, etc. Piece blends seamlessly with other
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Clay

Studio Pottery Vessel
Studio Pottery Vessel
H 3.75 in Dm 4 in
Mid-20th Century Small Stoneware Jug by Pigeon Forge Pottery, Tennessee
By Robert Maxwell and David Cressey
Located in Doylestown, PA
Mid-20th century small stoneware jug by Pigeon Forge Pottery, Tennessee. Signed on the bottom
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Clay

Large Architectural Pottery, USA Ceramic Planter
Located in Berlin, DE
Really beautiful USA ceramic planter with no chips and a stunning glacier and very strong shape.  
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Franco Bucci Italian Midcentury Art Pottery Bowl for Laboratorio Pesaro
By Franco Bucci
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish Modernist midcentury Italian art pottery bowl designed by Franco Bucci for Labortorio
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Ed Langbein Mid-Century Modern Hand Painted Italian Hilltop Village Plate
By Ed Langbein
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid-Century Modern pottery plates, designed and hand-painted by the American industrial designer Ed
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

West German Matte Green Pottery Bud Vase/ Bowl
Located in East Hampton, NY
This lovely West German pottery bowl and bud vase features 4 varying sizes flower bud holders. The
Category

Vintage 1960s German Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ceramic Tile Multicolored Sail Ship with Flowers 1960
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage ceramic tile motif multicolored sail ship framed with flowers 1960s
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Glazed Multicolored Ceramic Tile Flamenco 1960s Spain
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage glazed ceramic tile multicolored colors Flamenco scene 1960s Soain. A
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Group of Seven Handcrafted Pottery Vases
By Various Ceramic Factories
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Group of seven handcrafted pottery vases, produced by different artists-craftsmen in various shapes
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Group of Seven Handcrafted Pottery Vases
Group of Seven Handcrafted Pottery Vases
H 1.25 in W 9.25 in D 5.75 in
Mid-Century Pfaltzgraff Pottery Lidded Onion Soup Au Gratin Casseroles, Set/6
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A set of six Mid-Century earthenware Onion Soup au Gratins, The Pfaltzgraff Pottery Company, circa
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Stoneware

1991 Harding Black Pottery Piranha Fish Bowl
By Harding Black
Located in Seguin, TX
Mid century fish design pottery bowl in orange, purple and green, 1991 by Harding Black (1912-2004
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1970s Handcrafted Small Blue Tea Pot Studio Pottery Art
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Handcrafted Small Blue Tea Pot Studio Pottery Art Signed at bottom 11 h to tip of handle 6 h
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery, Wood

1970s McCoy Art Pottery Canyon Mesa Glazed Tea Pot
By David Cressey
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s McCoy Art Pottery Canyon Mesa Drip Glazed Tea Pot Vintage personal Tea Pot Art Pottery
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Joel Edwards Pottery / Ceramic Pitcher/ Carafe, Signed
By Joel Edwards
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful pitcher with an abstract glaze. Edwards studied with very important potters in his time like Peter Voulkos, Marguerite Wildenhain and Soji Hamada.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ceramic Tile Blue White Baroque Cavalier on Horseback
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern Vintage ceramic tile in blue and white colors 1960s Austria. A wonderful
Category

Late 20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Signed Illegibly Modernist Two-Piece Large Art Pottery
Located in Westport, CT
Signed what looks like "Brod" this two-piece art pottery modernist extra large planter on base.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

Artistic Vintage Danish Pottery Bowl from the 1950s
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage artistic Danish pottery bowl with a beautiful abstract design Signed on the base but
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

1960s Piero Fornasetti Roman Foot Italian Design Blue Pottery
By Piero Fornasetti
Located in Brescia, IT
Blue pottery by Piero Fornasetti Italy, 1960 Perfect condiction.
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Pottery

Materials

Pottery

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Mid Modern Pottery For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the piece of mid modern pottery you’re looking for. Frequently made of ceramic, pottery and stoneware, every item from our selection of mid modern pottery was constructed with great care. Find 6267 options for an antique or vintage choice in our collection of mid modern pottery now, or shop our selection of 41 modern versions for a more contemporary example of this long-cherished piece. There are many kinds of the object in our assortment of mid modern pottery you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 18th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. Each option in this array of mid modern pottery bearing Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Modern or Modern hallmarks is very popular. Many designers have produced at least one well-made piece of mid modern pottery over the years, but those crafted by Bitossi, Aldo Londi and Architectural Pottery are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Mid Modern Pottery?

Prices for a piece of mid modern pottery can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $10 and can go as high as $64,300, while the average can fetch as much as $794.

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 Modern Pottery
  • 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    There are many colors available for painting a mid-century modern home and it is a matter of preference. You can choose from a range of colors that are closely associated with mid-century modernism — popular pairings include orange and brown or chartreuse and gray, for example. Find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture, decorative pieces, serveware and lighting on 1stDibs today.
  • 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.

Read More

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Why Is Italy Such a Hotbed of Cool Design?

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Welcome Back to Designer Russel Wright’s Mid-Century Hudson Valley Home

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Cara Greenberg Wrote the Book on Mid-Century Modern Furniture. Here Are Her Auction Finds

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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.