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 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 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 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 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

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

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

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Boston

Antique Mid-19th Century American Rococo Lanterns

American 19th Century Bronze Lantern, Attributed to Hooper & Co. Boston

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

The Boston Marathon - American Vintage Photograph - Mid 20th Century, Mid 20th Century

1960s Other Art Style Figurative Paintings

Frank Blasingame Mid Century Church of Christ the Scientist, Boston, circa 1960

Antique Late 19th Century Paperweights

Antique Boston Sandwich or French Miniature Scramble Paperweight

Mid-20th Century Landscape Paintings

Brian Coole"Boston Harbor", 20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Plaque by Harris and Ros Barron Boston Artists

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Charles DemetropoulosNewbury Street, Boston [Louis Boston / Bonwit Teller Building], circa 1960s

Mid-20th Century French Wallpaper

Zuber et Cie, "Boston Harbor" from "Vues d'Amérique du Nord", France Mid-20th c.

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

James McBeyThunderstorm Over Boston, 1930

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Italian Ceramic Boston Terrier and Panda

Antique Mid-19th Century American Scientific Instruments

19th Century Andrew J. Lloyd Boston Brass Telescope on Wooden Tripod with Case

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Portrait Photography

Bob GruenThe Clash, Boston, 1979

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Joel BernsteinNeil Young, Boston, MA 1973

Mid-20th Century American Modernist Link Necklaces

John Lewis Boston Modernist Hand Hammered Sterling Silver Link Necklace

Mid-20th Century Abstract Geometric Black and White Photography

Paul CaponigroTorn Awning, Marketplace, Boston, MA. 1960, 1960

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

Mid-Century Modern Red Leather Dynamite Lamp

Antique Mid-19th Century American Colonial Revival Tea Caddies

19th Century American Sterling Silver Tea Caddy by Shreve, Stanwood & Co, Boston

Antique Mid-19th Century American American Classical Trunks and Luggage

Historically Important Circa 1850 American Document Box Boston

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Pierre Paulin 'Boston' Chairs for Henry Massonnet

Mid-20th Century American Cabinets

Exceptional Custom Mahogany Breakfront Server Cabinet by Joseph Gerte, Boston

Mid-20th Century American Modern Abstract Prints

Edward August Landon'Chinoiserie' — Mid-Century Modernism, 1947

Antique 19th Century American Rocking Chairs

Hand-Made Pair of Boston Rockers for Mother and Child

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Black and White Photography

Bob GruenThe Clash, Live in Boston, MA 1979

20th Century Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors

Claude MuncasterClaude Muncaster Boston Stump Lincolnshire Signed Watercolour Modern British Art, Mid Twentieth Century

Mid-20th Century American Sterling Silver

Silver 'Milk Can' Cocktail Shaker by Tuttle, Boston

Antique Mid-19th Century American American Classical Glass

American Sandwich Glass Footed Compote

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Antique Print of Faneuil Hall in Boston, circa 1860

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Laura Andreson Signed Glazed Mid-Century Modern California Studio Pottery Bowl

Mid-20th Century American Modern Abstract Prints

Edward August Landon'Exhortation' (Priest) — Mid-Century Modernism, 1957

Antique 19th Century North American Glass

Rare Antique 19th Century Cut Glass Punch Ladle

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Abstract Prints

Edward August Landon'Evening' —Mid-Century American Surrealism, 1958

Mid-20th Century American Modern Abstract Prints

Edward August LandonTime Silhouette —Mid-Century Modern, 1969

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Prints

Edward August Landon'Dark Vessel' — Mid-Century Modern, 1952

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Beatrice Wood Signed Mid-Century California Pottery Dark Lava Crater Glaze Vase

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Beatrice Wood Signed Rare Mid-Century Luster Lava Glazed Minature Small Vase

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vases

Beatrice Wood Signed Volcanic Lava Glaze Mid-Century Modern Studio Vase Vessel

Antique Mid-19th Century American American Classical Sterling Silver

Antique Boston Sterling Silver Hand Chased Creamer Pitcher C. 1860

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Rare Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Dunbar Walnut Corner Bookcase Console 38"

Antique Mid-19th Century American Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Tea Pots '2' & Sugar Stamped B & R, Boston

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Frank Blasingame
Mid Century Church of Christ the Scientist, Boston, circa 1960

Brian Coole
"Boston Harbor", 20th Century

Charles Demetropoulos
Newbury Street, Boston [Louis Boston / Bonwit Teller Building], circa 1960s

James McBey
Thunderstorm Over Boston, 1930

Bob Gruen
The Clash, Boston, 1979

Joel Bernstein
Neil Young, Boston, MA 1973

Paul Caponigro
Torn Awning, Marketplace, Boston, MA. 1960, 1960

Edward August Landon
'Chinoiserie' — Mid-Century Modernism, 1947

Bob Gruen
The Clash, Live in Boston, MA 1979

Claude Muncaster
Claude Muncaster Boston Stump Lincolnshire Signed Watercolour Modern British Art, Mid Twentieth Century

Edward August Landon
'Exhortation' (Priest) — Mid-Century Modernism, 1957

Edward August Landon
'Evening' —Mid-Century American Surrealism, 1958

Edward August Landon
Time Silhouette —Mid-Century Modern, 1969

Edward August Landon
'Dark Vessel' — Mid-Century Modern, 1952

Edward August Landon
'Forms in White' – Mid-Century Abstraction, 1950

Edward August Landon
'Salient in February' — Mid-Century Abstraction, 1945

Edward August Landon
'Flyable Objects Identified' —Mid-Century Modern, 1969

Edward August Landon
'The French Farm' — Mid-Century Modernism, 1942

Marguerite Stuber Pearson
The Sketching Lesson, Oil on Canvasboard, Rockport, Massachusetts, Boston School

Claire Wiest
Mid Century Watercolor "Logger's Truck" , 1963

Edward August Landon
'Salient in February' — Mid 20th-Century Surrealism, 1945

Edward August Landon
'The Castle' — Mid-Century Modernist Children's Fantasy, 1953

Josef Presser
Polish Born Boston Expressionist Oil Painting WPA Artist Colorful Modern Woman, c.1940s

Edward August Landon
'Arrangement with Blue Major' — Mid-Century Abstraction, 1941

Donald Roy Purdy
Sisters, American Impressionist Mid Century Oil Painting, 1961

Benton Murdoch Spruance
'The Lamentation' — Mid-century Modernism, 1941

Louis Wolchonok
'Rockport Harbor' — Mid-Century Modernism, c. 1950