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 color should I paint my mid century modern home?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 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 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 14

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 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 Painting

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract Mid Century Painting

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Painting of Sailboats in Harbor

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Abstract Midcentury Painting by Claffy Williams

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Mid Century Painting on Board of the Ocean

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Painting of Boats in the Harbor

1960s Figurative Paintings

F BrownF Brown Mid-century painting of colorful figure

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Signed Mid Century Painting of Clowns by George Russin

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Midcentury Painting Hot Dog Stand by Stern

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

French Mid Century Painting Still Life with Coffee Pot by Poulain, 1950

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Midcentury Painting Children at the Park by Stern

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Pair of Midcentury Paintings on Paper Picturing Women as Amazons, Austria, 1950

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Large Mid Century Painting Portrait of a Young Woman c1960 Acrylic on Canvas

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Painting Signed "LaBadessa"

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Painting French of the Cote d'Azur in a Blue Frame, Around 1960

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Painting Signed J Beravas

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Original Bernard Damiano Mid-Century Painting

Mid-20th Century British Expressionist Paintings

1960s Mid-Century Painting of Trees

Vintage 1950s Austrian Contemporary Art

Austrian mid century painting

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Pascal Cucaro Oil Canvas Mid-Century Painting

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Mid Century Painting of a Flute Player

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Original Bernard Damiano Mid-Century Painting Nudes

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Decorative Art

Midcentury Painting Signed

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Paintings

“Il Desiderio Espresso “ Italian Mid-Century Painting

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Paintings

“Di Stelle Cadenti” Italian Mid-Century Painting

Vintage 1950s American Paintings

Large Mid Century Painting by Thurman Nicholson

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Paintings

1950s "Slit" Mid Century Painting Bay Area Artist, c. 1950

Mid-20th Century French Paintings

Rare and Large Abstract Midcentury Painting

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

"Tighties" 1950's Gouache Male Nude Mid Century Painting, 1950s

1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings

Richard AndresFragment, abstract expressionist mid-century painting, Cleveland School artist, c. 1970

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Clarence Holbrook CarterMandala No. 5, Blue Abstract Ovoid Mid-Century Painting, 1968

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Carlo of Hollywood Arizona Desert Midcentury Painting

Vintage 1960s American Paintings

"Storm at Sea" Mid Century PaInting by J.Domokur

Vintage 1960s American Paintings

Signed Mid Century Painting of a Couple on Canvas.

Mid-20th Century Post-War Landscape Paintings

Art Naïf. Wine festival. Mid-century painting from 1960’s

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Pascal Cucaro Midcentury Painting of a Bearded Man

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Antique American School Modernist Abstract Cubist Framed Mid Century Painting, 1969

1940s Cubist Abstract Paintings

Antique American School Modernist Abstract Cubist Framed Mid Century Painting, 1940

1960s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Antique American School Modernist Abstract Cubist Framed Mid Century Painting, 1960

1950s Cubist Abstract Paintings

Antique American School Modernist Abstract Cubist Framed Mid Century Painting, 1950

1960s Cubist Abstract Paintings

F Brown
F Brown Mid-century painting of colorful figure

Richard Andres
Fragment, abstract expressionist mid-century painting, Cleveland School artist, c. 1970

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Mandala No. 5, Blue Abstract Ovoid Mid-Century Painting, 1968

Richard Andres
Untitled abstract expressionist mid-century painting by Cleveland School artist, c. 1950

Gayle Wettingfeld
"Still Life with Pears and Pineapple" - Framed Mid-Century Painting, 1962

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Expanding Mandala, Black and Orange Abstract Oval Mid-Century Painting, c. 1970s

Harry Lane
Antique American School Modernist Abstract Cubist Framed Mid Century Painting, 1920

Harry Lane
Antique American School Modernist Abstract Cubist Framed Mid Century Painting, 1920

Clarence Holbrook Carter
Mandala No. 15, Abstract Ovoid Geometrical Mid-Century Painting Cleveland School, 1969