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

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 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

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 10

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 period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. The mid-century modern period in America saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history. Shop a wide and beautiful range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs now.

Question 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 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

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 19

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 20

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.

Oblong Mid Century

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Tall Oblong Mid-Century Modern Murano Style Brown and Tan Tortoise Glass Vase

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Planters and Jardinieres

Mid Century Copper Clad Oblong Rectangular Flower Boxes c1959

Antique Mid-18th Century French Pillows and Throws

18th Century Oblong Verdure Cushion

Vintage 1960s American Hollywood Regency Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Wonderful Oblong Wrought Iron Scroll Coffee Table Mid-Century Modern

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Mid-Century Oblong Hand-Blown Murano White w/ Millefiori Detailing Glass Bowl

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Mid Century Oblong Handblown Murano Glass Center Bowl w/ 24kt Yellow Gold Flecks

Antique Mid-19th Century French Rustic Center Tables

Oblong Twig-Top Table in Two Parts, France, 19th Century

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Chic Heavy Studio Ceramic Oblong Lamp

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Chic Heavy Studio Ceramic Oblong Lamp

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Chic Heavy Studio Ceramic Oblong Lamp

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Chic Heavy Studio Ceramic Oblong Lamp

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Chic Heavy Studio Ceramic Oblong Lamp

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Chic Heavy Studio Ceramic Oblong Lamp

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Oblong Decorative Ceramic Lobster Mold in Green and Red

Mid-20th Century Hungarian Porcelain

Oblong Herend Rothschild Bird Serving Dish / Tray in Hand-Painted Porcelain

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Dark Wood Stepped Oblong End / Side Table

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Modernist Oblong Hand Blown Burgundy Textured Murano Glass Vase

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Russel Wright for Bauer Pottery Oblong Bowl

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Modern Salt Glazed Oblong Ceramic Table Lamp, 1960

Mid-20th Century Southeast Asian Tribal Decorative Boxes

Oblong Tribal Sea Shell Box with Removable Top and Geometric Design

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Wall-mounted Sculptures

Oblong Decorative Ceramic Lobster Mold Wall Hanging in Green and Orange

Mid-20th Century Danish Porcelain

Oblong Bing & Grøndahl Butterfly dish in hand-painted porcelain with gold rim.

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Vintage Gondola Form Oblong Polished Brass Decorative / Fruit Bowl

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Russian and Scandinavian Rugs

Mid-20th Century Swedish Deco Rug

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Vintage Mazzega Clear and White Oblong Leaf Glass Chandelier

Mid-20th Century Austrian Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien, Oblong Hammered footed Brass Bowl, Karl Hagenauer

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Roger Capron Oblong Shaped Ceramic Bowl, Vallauris, France (1957-1965)

Mid-20th Century Italian Baroque Revival Pillows and Throws

A Pair of Oblong Fortuny Cushions in the Caravaggio Pattern

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Red and Black Oblong Ceramic Centerpiece Fruit Bowl, in Stock

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

1960's, Art Glass Oblong Bowl by Josef Hospodka, Czechoslovakia

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Modernist Custom Oblong Barbell Chandelier in Opalescent Hand Blown Murano Glass

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Vintage Flavio Poli Murano Red and Yellow Uranium Sommerso Oblong Glass Bowl

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Decorative Bowls

Thomas Toft Huge Oblong Platter Green Brown Danish Midcentury Ceramic 1960s

Vintage 1970s Danish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Cloudy Blue Oblong Ceramic Studio Dish from Lehmann Keramik, 1970s

Mid-20th Century Danish Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Kari Christensen for Royal Copenhagen Aluminia, Bird Decoration Oblong Dish 1965

Mid-20th Century Turkish Modern Turkish Rugs

Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Anatolian Runner

Mid-20th Century Turkish Rustic Turkish Rugs

Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Oushak Runner

Mid-20th Century Turkish Victorian Turkish Rugs

Mid-20th Century Handmade Turkish Sivas Runner

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Charles Ray Eames Evans Plywood Company CTW1 OTW Oblong Table Wood Walnut Birch

Vintage 1960s Czech Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls