Question 1

What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

The difference between mid-century and mid-century modern comes down to specificity. When it comes to furniture and architecture, for example, mid-century refers to works that emerged during the middle of the 20th century, usually between 1950 and 1970. The more specific descriptor, mid-century modern, is used to refer to a particular style of design that emphasizes simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Mid-century modern furniture designers generally drew on the architectural work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Bauhaus design, Scandinavian modernism and more. Any piece of furniture produced during the 1950s and ’60s can be referred to as mid-century, but only those with specific characteristics are mid-century modern. That said, when enthusiasts of furniture and architecture use the shorter of the two phrases, they may indeed be referring to modernist works created during that period in history. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of mid-century modern furniture.

Question 2

What is a mid-century 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

Is Eames mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Eames is mid-century modern. In many ways, Charles Eames and Ray Eames were the embodiment of the inventiveness, energy and optimism at the heart of mid-century modern American design, and they have been recognized as the most influential designers of the 20th century. Some of the couple's most famous mid-century modern designs include the Eames Lounge chair and ottoman, the Eames Molded Plywood chair and the Eames Fiberglass chair. Shop a wide range of Charles and Ray Eames furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 11

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.

Question 12

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 13

What years are mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What years are considered mid-century?

Accepted Answer

The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.

Question 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Mediterranean

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Buffets

Mid Century Mediterranean Revival Carved Oakwood Buffet Cabinet

Mid-20th Century American Spanish Colonial Sideboards

Mid Century Mediterranean Drexel Esperanto Buffet

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Girandoles

Mid-Century Mediterranean Rattan Flower Burst Mirror, 1960s

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

Flower Shaped Rattan Mirror, Midcentury Mediterranean Design

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern End Tables

Mid Century Mediterranean Style Italian Custom Handcrafted PORTOFINO Table Line

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Color Photography

Frank SchottMagic Carpet - vibrant color observations of mid century Mediterranean interior, 2017

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Color Photography

Frank SchottMagic Carpet - vibrant color observations of mid century Mediterranean interior, 2017

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

John Widdicomb Mediterranean Treasure Chest Low Credenza, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Cabinets

Mid Century Fluted Column Bar Cabinet

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Lanterns

Modern Mediterranean Style Yellow Amber Glass Globe w/ 3 1/4 Fitter

Vintage 1970s American Modern Lanterns

Modern Mediterranean Style Hand Blown Glass Globe w/ Beveled Squares

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Italian Bamboo Rattan Coat Rack

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

Midcentury French Riviera Pair of Wicker Sconces, Spain, 1950s

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

Pair of Rattan Bamboo Round Wall Mirrors with Oriental Accents

2010s Italian Baroque End Tables

19th C Mediterranean Style PORTOFINO Old Walnut Table Size & Finish Options

Late 20th Century Victorian Abstract Paintings

MID CENTURY FRENCH SIGNED OIL - FISHING BOATS MEDITERRANEAN HARBOUR TOWN, Mid 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Anne Marie Migette PerardMid-20th Century Pastel of Seaside Fortress and Mediterranean Coastline

Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Night Stands

Mid-Century Tuscan Mediterranean Revival Style Walnut Nightstand Side Cabinet

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mediterranean Fishing Village Mid-Century Modern Gouache c1950 Original Frame

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine VignonLarge Mid 20th Century Post-Impressionist Oil Mediterranean Hillside Village, 1960's

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Josine VignonMid Century French Original Pastel Painting of a Mediterranean Coastal View, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Greek Planters and Jardinieres

Large Mediterranean Terracotta Olive Jar with Two Handles, Mid-20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

"Fishermen in the Mediterranean, " Important Mid-Century Enamel by Drerup

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Anne Marie Migette PerardMid-20th Century Pastel of Street Festival with Crowd in Mediterranean Village

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Mid Century Modern Cubist Mediterranean Village Scene in Tile by Harris Strong

Vintage 1960s Neoclassical End Tables

Vtg Mid Century Modern Mediterranean Style Carved Syroco Glass Top End Tables

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

French Riviera Mediterranean Harbour Scene

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Mediterranean Iron Wine Shelf / Rack

Antique 19th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Antique Mediterranean Ceramic, circa s.XIX

Mid-20th Century Italian Rustic Mounted Objects

Early 20th Century Italian Mediterranean Terracotta Sculptural Bacchus Fountain

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Maps

Large Framed Map of the Mediterranean

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

LOUIS DEL BIANCO (B.192520TH CENTURY FRENCH SIGNED OIL - MEDITERRANEAN EMPTY STREET SCENE OLD HOUSES, 20th Century

Mid-20th Century Italian Beaded Necklaces

1970s Natural Mediterranean Coral Long Necklace

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

J W WagnerMediterranean Painting of Lake Como in Italy by 20th Century American Artist, 1955 Circa

Mid-18th Century Old Masters Landscape Prints

Emanuel BowenMediterranean and Adriatic Seas: Original 18th Century Hand-colored Map by Bowen, 1748

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Surrealist Mediterranean Beach Scene Painting, circa 1983

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Vases

porcelain VASE hutschenreuther 1950s handpainted motif mediterranean city

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Muriot MesjuresMediterranean Architecture, Landscape Oil Painting, Signed and Dated, c.1954

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

O. DanqueisO. Danqueis - Continental School 1973 Oil, Mediterranean Ruins, 1973

Mid-20th Century European Early Victorian Brooches

Frank Schott
Magic Carpet - vibrant color observations of mid century Mediterranean interior, 2017

Frank Schott
Magic Carpet - vibrant color observations of mid century Mediterranean interior, 2017

Anne Marie Migette Perard
Mid-20th Century Pastel of Seaside Fortress and Mediterranean Coastline

Josine Vignon
Large Mid 20th Century Post-Impressionist Oil Mediterranean Hillside Village, 1960's

Josine Vignon
Mid Century French Original Pastel Painting of a Mediterranean Coastal View, 1950's

Anne Marie Migette Perard
Mid-20th Century Pastel of Street Festival with Crowd in Mediterranean Village

LOUIS DEL BIANCO (B.1925
20TH CENTURY FRENCH SIGNED OIL - MEDITERRANEAN EMPTY STREET SCENE OLD HOUSES, 20th Century

J W Wagner
Mediterranean Painting of Lake Como in Italy by 20th Century American Artist, 1955 Circa

Emanuel Bowen
Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas: Original 18th Century Hand-colored Map by Bowen, 1748

Muriot Mesjures
Mediterranean Architecture, Landscape Oil Painting, Signed and Dated, c.1954

O. Danqueis
O. Danqueis - Continental School 1973 Oil, Mediterranean Ruins, 1973

Roland Pichard
Original Oil Painting of Mediterranean Landscape with Cypress Trees, 1998

Josine Vignon
French Watercolour Mediterranean Garden Overlooking the Tranquil Blue Waters, 1942

Charles Mangin
Vintage Mediterranean Hill Village Impressionist Oil Painting Provence Landscape

Suzanne Vattier
Colorful Abstract Mediterranean Scene with Vibrant Architecture and Boat, 1970's

Tony Minartz
Sunlit Bench Overlooking the Azure Mediterranean French Watercolour Painting

French School
French Mediterranean Harbor Scene Yachts Flotilla Coastal Village Oil Painting

Roland Pichard
Original Oil Painting of Mediterranean Townscape Framed by a Window