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

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 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 Trivet

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Mid-Century French Green Majolica Deer Trivet Vallauris

Antique Mid-19th Century English Fireplaces and Mantels

19th Century Brass Trivet/Footman

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Mid-Century Black Slate and Teak Trivet by Harpswell House

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Set of 3 Teak & Aluminum Fishbone Trivets, Mid Century Modern, Danish

Antique 1850s English Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Early-Mid 19th Century Brass and Iron Trivet Kettle Stand

20th Century American Modernist Barware

Mid-Century Modern Artist Signed Handmade Sterling Silver Trivet with Polka Dots

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Large MCM Solid Wood Trivet

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Small MCM Solid Wood Trivet

Mid-20th Century American Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Solid Brass Round Kettle Stand Trivet Fireplace Footman

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

Set of Four Trivets by Arabia

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Danish Slatted Teak Trivet, 1960's

Antique Mid-19th Century English Fireplaces and Mantels

Antique Brass and Forged Iron Trivet

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Fireplaces and Mantels

Vintage Trivet Replica of 1960s Fireback.

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Barware

Abalone Seashell and Acrylic Bar Kitchen Table Trivet

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Blenko Glass Trivet, United States, 1950's

20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Laurids Lonborg Cast Iron Trivet, Denmark, 1950s

Mid-20th Century Victorian Tableware

Vintage Wallace Silverplate 7333 Silver Plated Ornate Expanding Hot Plate Trivet

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern More Dining and Entertaining

Estrid Ericson for Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm, Two "Bless this house" Trivets

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Centerpieces

Trivet in Metal and Glass, France, 1970

Mid-20th Century Hong Kong Serving Pieces

Pair of Asian Style Brass Trivets by Gumps

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

1950s Web Sterling Silver Embellished Trivet Hot Plate

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

An Unusual 19th Century Serpentine Form Brass & Iron Trivet, England, Circa 1850

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Victoria Littlejohn Fish Ceramic Wall Plaque / Trivet, circa 1975

Antique Mid-19th Century American Federal Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

Federal Cast Brass Hearth Bench Fireplace Trivet / Stool, circa 1840s

Late 20th Century American American Colonial Tableware

VIRGINIA METALCRAFTERS Brass Williamsburg Queen Anne Cypher Trivets - Pair

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Tableware

Digoin Sarreguemines Majolica Tableware, Trivet, Coasters & Knife Rests Set / 15

Antique Mid-19th Century British Pottery

Staffordshire Blue Transfer Pottery Teapot Trivet in the Ostrich Hunt Pattern

Mid-20th Century Danish Tableware

Yellow Cast Iron and Teak Trivet by Laurids Lonborg, Denmark, 1960s

Mid-20th Century Mexican Spanish Colonial Serving Pieces

1950's Mexican Tile Trivet With Hand Carved Wood Frame Base

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Platters and Serveware

Exotic wood stepped trivet or serving tray with carved Tiki finial

Antique 1840s English George IV Fireplaces and Mantels

English Polished Steel and Nickel Silver Footman Trivet, Circa 1840

Antique 1770s American American Colonial Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots

American Pierced Brass and Wrought Iron Ratcheting Trivet, Circa 1750

21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Mid-Century Modern Coffee and C...

Leather Mid Century Round Cocktail Table

Antique 1760s English George II Fireplaces and Mantels

English Brass Serpentine Engraved Fire Place Fender with Flanking Trivets C 1760

Vintage 1960s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Carl Aubock II Fondue Set Mid-Century Nutwood Steel Austria, 1960

Mid-20th Century American Colonial Andirons

Virginia Metalcrafters Harvin Colonial Williamsburg Brass Andirons Firedogs

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Serving Bowls

Wooden Fruit Basket Hand-Carved and Collapsible

Vintage 1970s Indonesian Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Danish Modern White Dansk Fondue Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

1952 Brass Eagle Bookends by Virginia Metalcrafters

Antique 1840s English William IV Fireplace Tools and Chimney Pots