Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

What is mid century furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century furniture is furniture created within the period of 1933 to 1965 but most would argue that the style began to emerge in the postwar years. This style of furniture is known for its sleek lines and organic shapes. The creators most frequently associated with mid-century modern furniture believed that good design meant good living. Mid-century modern is today by far the largest category of furnishings on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is mid-century jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century jewelry is a style of jewelry that rose in popularity along with the mid-century modern design movement. Pieces from this era typically feature bold, geometric designs. Shop a variety of mid-century jewelry and accessories from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What 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 5

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 6

What is a mid-century sofa?

Accepted Answer

A mid-century sofa is any sofa created during the mid-20th century. Mid-century modern sofas are pieces of seating furniture that embody the venturesome attributes that we associate with mid-century modern furniture — while not all sofas designed in the mid-century modern style are the same, they frequently have a low profile and are characterized by gentle curves, clean lines and an organic shape. Mid-century furniture is a timeless classic due to its elegant simplicity. Shop a collection of antique, vintage, and contemporary mid-century sofas from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

Is rattan mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some rattan is mid-century modern. Designers of the mid-century modern movement often preferred to use natural materials, including rattan, in their designs. However, not all rattan furniture was made during this period. Rattan was also a popular material for furniture produced during the Victorian era and continues to be used to produce furniture today. Shop a wide range of rattan furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What makes a dresser mid-century?

Accepted Answer

A dresser is a mid-century dresser if it was made during the middle of the 20th century. The years that encompass the mid-century modern period are roughly 1933 until 1965, but most experts argue, however, that the mid-century modern period correlates specifically to the years following World War II. Mid-century modern dressers will likely have specific characteristics. There was a use of natural and man-made materials that included alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak as well as steel, fiberglass and molded plywood. An authentic mid-century modern dresser will also be characterized by simplicity, organic forms and clean lines. Shop an assortment of vintage mid-century dressers on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Is 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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Picnic

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Mid Century Picnic Set Case For Four

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Wicker Vintage Picnic Case, France Circa 1940s

Mid-20th Century Modern Abstract Drawings and Watercolors

The Picnic - Drawing - Mid-20th Century, Mid-20th Century

20th Century Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

Mid 20th Century Watercolour - The Perfect Picnic, Unknown

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Mid-Century Modern Vintage Rattan Picnic Basket, 1950s, Austria

1950s Abstract Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Albert GentaPicnic in the Park - Mid Century Figurative Landscape, c.1950

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Pierre GeorgeotLarge Mid Century French Oil Three Figures Seated Picnic Conversation

Mid-20th Century Chinese Decorative Baskets

Mid-Century Tiered Rattan Picnic Basket with Handle and Lacquered Wood Details

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Patio and Garden Furniture

Mid-Century Modern Salterini Era White Picnic Bench Table or Patio Dining Set

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

John HarePreparing the Picnic, c.1950

Mid-19th Century Hudson River School Landscape Paintings

Thomas Mickell BurnhamPicnic On The Mohawk

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tables

French 1950s Folding Picnic Tables

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Paintings

William I Shayer Senior, Harvest Picnic, Hst, 19th Century

Mid-20th Century Country More Dining and Entertaining

Lined Oval Wicker Picnic Basket

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Danish Picnic Carrier by Nissen

Antique Mid-18th Century Chinese Qing Decorative Boxes

Chinese Picnic Box, c. 1750

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Knife Boxes

Picnic Cutlery Holder from the 1960s

Mid-20th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts Trunks and Luggage

Interesting and decorative wicker picnic basket

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Baskets

Woven Hinged Lid Picnic Basket with Handles

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Bamboo & Rattan Picnic Basket, Italy, 1960s

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Sets

Folding German Picnic Table with Benches

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

1950s Carl Auböck Charcuterie Picnic Board & Knife Austria

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

Wicker Vintage Picnic Case, Basket, circa 1940

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tables

1970s Modern Aluminum Folding Camp Table Portable Picnic

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Metal Vintage Metal Picnic Style Basket, circa 1940

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Trunks and Luggage

Luxury Vintage Six Person Fortnum & Mason Wicker Picnic Hamper Crystal

Mid-20th Century German Patio and Garden Furniture

Green Painted Beer Garden Picnic Table and Benches

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Herman Miller Summer Picnic Chocolate Cake Poster by Stephen Frykholm

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Photography

Ernest Koehli 'Picnic Tables' Vintage Photo Gravure, circa 1947

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Decorative Baskets

Woven Rattan Picnic Basket with Center Handle and Duo Opening Sides

Mid-20th Century American Posters

"Herman Miller Summer Picnic August 20, 1971" Lacquer Frykholm Print

Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Trunks and Luggage

Small Antique Picnic Case, English, Leather, Suitcase, John Pound, Circa 1920

Mid-20th Century Chinese Decorative Baskets

Chinese Vintage Black and Red Round Picnic Basket with Gilt Chinoiserie Décor

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Vintage Picnic "Fishing in the Pond" Original Oil on Board C.1940, Circa 1940

Mid-20th Century Chinese Decorative Baskets

Vintage Reddish Brown Lacquer Woven Rattan Picnic Basket with Bamboo Handle

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Landscape Paintings

Amédée Boucher 1950's French Impressionist Oil Figures Enjoying Picnic by Lake, Green meadows

Mid-20th Century French Other Paintings

Large Framed Original Oil Painting of a Family Picnic by Philip Henri Noyer

Mid-20th Century Realist Landscape Paintings

Gudrun SibbonsOil Painting of Family Picnic by the River with Horse & Dog by British Artist, 1960 Circa

Mid-20th Century Expressionist Figurative Paintings

Ben BennModernist Family Outing with Dog (Picnic in the Park) Ben Benn Oil Painting WPA, 1946

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Decorative Baskets

Albert Genta
Picnic in the Park - Mid Century Figurative Landscape, c.1950

Pierre Georgeot
Large Mid Century French Oil Three Figures Seated Picnic Conversation

John Hare
Preparing the Picnic, c.1950

Thomas Mickell Burnham
Picnic On The Mohawk

Amédée Boucher
1950's French Impressionist Oil Figures Enjoying Picnic by Lake, Green meadows

Gudrun Sibbons
Oil Painting of Family Picnic by the River with Horse & Dog by British Artist, 1960 Circa

Ben Benn
Modernist Family Outing with Dog (Picnic in the Park) Ben Benn Oil Painting WPA, 1946

Roland Petersen
Leaving the Picnic, Mid Century 1960 abstract landscape California figurative, 1960

Dorothy Rising
Beach Picnic

Guy Webster
Mamas and Papas, Picnic

Fernand Audet
FERNAND AUDET (1923-2016) SIGNED FRENCH IMPRESSIONIST OIL - FAMILY PICNIC WOODS, Mid 20th Century

Alfred Richard Blundell
The Picnic, 1950's English Impressionist signed oil painting, c.1954