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 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 3

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 4

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 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

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 10

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 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

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 13

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 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

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 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

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 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 Dinnerware

Mid-20th Century Modernist Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Tapio Wirkkala, Silver Wing Set 81 Pieces Silver

Mid-20th Century Mexican Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Rare Set of William Spratling Sterling Silver Fork & Spoon Salad Servers

Antique Mid-19th Century British Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Rare Design English Dessert Fruit Set Martin Hall Co

Mid-20th Century Russian Modernist Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Set of 6 Russian Enamel Spoons Fine and Rare Soviet Silver Spoons

Mid-20th Century Russian Modernist Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Set of 6 Enamel Spoons Fine and Rare Soviet Silver Spoons

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Mid Century 20 Piece Dinnerware Set of California Ivy Poppy Trail by Metlox

Antique 1820s English Tableware

19th Century British Porcelain Dinnerware Service

Mid-20th Century American American Colonial Dinner Plates

Beautiful American Adams Rose ironstone dinnerware Set

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Mancioli Drum Pattern Dinnerware/Service for Eight

Mid-20th Century English More Dining and Entertaining

Wedgewood 63-Piece Williamsburg Husks Dinnerware Set, Service for 8

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Russel Wright Dinnerware for Steubenville, 60 pieces total

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

1960s 15 Piece Dinnerware in by Ingrid, Chicago

Mid-20th Century English Romantic Dinner Plates

Wedgwood Fine Bone China Dinnerware Patrician Pattern England 165pcs

Mid-20th Century Porcelain

Exquisite Raynaud & Co Hand-Painted Limoges Porcelain Dinnerware Set

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Tableware

German midcentury porcelain dinnerware set, Flowers, Eschenbach, 55 pieces

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Richard Ginori Brown & Gold Trimmed Extensive Dinnerware Service Of 99 Pieces

20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Richard Ginori Burnt Orange Contessa Extensive Dinnerware Service Of 141 Pieces

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

1960s Speckled Blue 15 Enamelware Plates Camping Dinnerware Mexico

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Porcelain

Set of Six Charlotte Perriand Porcelain Dinnerware Plates by Cassina

Mid-20th Century German Beaux Arts Tableware

Seltmann Weiden Goldplated White Porcelain Dinnerware, Set of 82 Pieces

Vintage 1960s Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Portugal orange green Quinta Nova porcelain dinnerware set, 43 pieces

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Fortessa Forta Luxe Super White Ceramic Plate Bowl Centerpiece Dinnerware Italy

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Rosenthal Form 2000 "Linear" Dinnerware set by Raymond Loewy 54 Pieces

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Green, Yellow and White Dinnerware by Vignelli for Heller, Set of 32

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Dinner Plates

Massimo Vignelli for Heller Dinnerware 20 Large Plates and 20 Small Plates Light

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Chippendale Dinner Plates

set of 10 porcelain chinese dinner plates Guang Cai dinnerware from the 1960s

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid-20th Century Modern Danish Porcelain Sculpture of Boy by Bing & Grøndahl

Vintage 1950s American Dinner Plates

Arcoroc Mid Century "Octime" Octagonal 20 Pieces Place Setting Set, France

Vintage 1980s American Decorative Bowls

1980's Vintage Post Modern Stainless Steel Devo Maya Bowl Pewtertone by Mann

Antique Mid-18th Century British Georgian Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Set of Twelve Georgian Sterling Silver Dinner-Plates

Antique Mid-19th Century French Baroque Revival Dinnerware and Flatware ...

Maison Deniere, Vermeil 950 Silver, French Flatware Service

Mid-20th Century American Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Towle, Old Master, Sterling Silver 6 Place Setting with Extras

Mid-20th Century American Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Wallace Silver, Grande Baroque, Sterling Silver 6 Place Setting with Extras

Mid-20th Century Danish Art Deco Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Georg Jensen Six-Piece Service for Twelve in Pyramid

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Ceramics

Mid-Century Modern Ceramic & Platinum Dinnerware, "Ballerina Mist" Set of 23

Mid-20th Century Japanese Ceramics

Mid-Century Porcelain Dinnerware "Spring Willow" S/17 By, Kent China-Japan

Mid-20th Century American Ceramics

Mid-Century Limoges USA Ceramic and Gold Gilt Dinnerware "Lyric" Set of 25

Mid-20th Century Japanese Platters and Serveware

Mid-20th Century Japanese Porcelain & 22-Karat Gold Dinnerware Serving Piece S/4

Mid-20th Century Japanese Dinner Plates

Mid-20th Century Japanese Porcelain and 22-Karat Gold Dinnerware S/22 by, Japan

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