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 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 3

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 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

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 20

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.

Mid Century Friends

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Set of Two Seals Playing with Balls Made of Brass

Mid-20th Century English School Animal Paintings

20th Century British SchoolGinger & White Cats Original British Signed Oil Painting Feline Friends

Mid-19th Century Realist Animal Paintings

Conradijn CunaeusTwo friends

1950s Modern Black and White Photography

Slim AaronsNEW Slim Aarons 'Flo Smith And Friends' Mid-century Modern Photography, 1955

1950s Modern Black and White Photography

Slim AaronsNEW Slim Aarons 'Flo Smith And Friends' Mid-century Modern Photography, 1955

Mid-20th Century American Impressionist Landscape Paintings

American Impressionist “Old Friends”

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Carlton Scott SturgillMid 30's attractive couple looking for friends - mw4mw, 2010

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Photography

Old days Photo - Painter Carlo Ferrari and Friends - Photo - Early 20th Century, Early 20th Century

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Pleasant Folk Art Friends Pair Eva Fritz-Linder, 1970

Mid-20th Century Realist Figurative Paintings

Gaston Hoffmann"Not True: Good Accounts Make Good Friends" Satirical French Illustration, 1950s

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

"Tiger and His Friends" Oil on Canvas by Sylvia Goldie Lipson

Mid-20th Century Pop Art Black and White Photography

David OgburnWilfred and Friends, Pop Art Gelatin Silver Print Photograph by David Ogburn

Mid-20th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Gustav Likan"Conversation with Friends" Line Drawing of Three People at a Table Socializing

Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Guy NicodCircle of Friends Ringing Bells in Harmony Amidst Geometric Patterns French Oil, 1952

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Fratelli Toso Murano Millefiori Heart Mosaic Italian Art Glass Paperweight

Antique Mid-19th Century Paintings

Oil Painting, Old Friends by Henry Brittan Willis

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Prints

Mid-Century Modern Barbara A. Wood Framed Signed Lithograph Best Friends 633/975

Mid-20th Century Modern Figurative Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Modern Swedish Figurative Oil Painting - Bunch of Friends, 1960s

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Modern Itzchak Tarkay Framed Original Acrylic Painting Friends Tea

Mid-19th Century Figurative Paintings

Francois Louis Lanfant de MetzGood friends

Vintage 1940s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Black Art Watercolor “Friends Fishing off a Bridge” by Marcia, 1949

21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Abstract Paintings

Ron PillerMaking friends with Snow W2 Ron Piller Mid-century Striped Abstract Contemporary, 2019

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Figurative Paintings

Alexandre De SpenglerThe two friends

2010s Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Ruth ShivelyMid-Century Modern Friends, figurative oil painting of four people on couch, 2021

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings

Diana TremainePlunge - girls, sisters, friends, children in mid air - childhood freedom, circa 2015

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

Henri-Marie CharryThree Friends by Henri CHARRY, 1930

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

20th Century Brown French Self-Portrait Oil Painting of Daniel Clesse & Friends

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Ruth Unterman "Friends" Signed 1957 Oil Painting Art

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Japanese Big Red Bronze "Crescent" Hanging Flower Vase "three friends of winter"

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Beatricia Sagar, 'Friends', Oil on Canvas, Signed and Dated

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Unique Itzchak Tarkay Watercolor Mixed Media Original Best Friends

Mid-20th Century English Art Deco Paintings

Large Oil On Canvas "Best Friends", Signed G. Hoy, 1930

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases

Bagni Modern Good Friends Brutalist Black & Gold Ceramic Vessels Bitossi, 1960s

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Modernist Abstract Painting "Two Friends" W N Y Artist Ben Perrone, 1965

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Pleasant Folk Art Friends Pair of "Two Emmas", Eva Fritz-Linder, 1970

1950s Surrealist Figurative Paintings

Daniel Albert HarrisMid Century Surrealistic diptych -- Neighbors & Friends, 1968

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Sculptures and Carvings

Friends Bonded Forever Master Work Hand Painted Eva Fritz-Lindner

Mid-20th Century Impressionist Figurative Paintings

OLD MASTER Signed L S Lowry " Friends " Oil Painting 20th Century GGF

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Paintings

French Painting Jeannette Deseglise Mother Showing Baby to Her Friends, 1950

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

20th Century British School
Ginger & White Cats Original British Signed Oil Painting Feline Friends

Conradijn Cunaeus
Two friends

Slim Aarons
NEW Slim Aarons 'Flo Smith And Friends' Mid-century Modern Photography, 1955

Slim Aarons
NEW Slim Aarons 'Flo Smith And Friends' Mid-century Modern Photography, 1955

Carlton Scott Sturgill
Mid 30's attractive couple looking for friends - mw4mw, 2010

Gaston Hoffmann
"Not True: Good Accounts Make Good Friends" Satirical French Illustration, 1950s

David Ogburn
Wilfred and Friends, Pop Art Gelatin Silver Print Photograph by David Ogburn

Gustav Likan
"Conversation with Friends" Line Drawing of Three People at a Table Socializing

Guy Nicod
Circle of Friends Ringing Bells in Harmony Amidst Geometric Patterns French Oil, 1952

Francois Louis Lanfant de Metz
Good friends

Ron Piller
Making friends with Snow W2 Ron Piller Mid-century Striped Abstract Contemporary, 2019

Alexandre De Spengler
The two friends

Ruth Shively
Mid-Century Modern Friends, figurative oil painting of four people on couch, 2021

Diana Tremaine
Plunge - girls, sisters, friends, children in mid air - childhood freedom, circa 2015

Henri-Marie Charry
Three Friends by Henri CHARRY, 1930

Daniel Albert Harris
Mid Century Surrealistic diptych -- Neighbors & Friends, 1968

Bunny Yeager
Bettie Page with Friends, Applying Suntan Lotion, 1954

Brian 'Braaq' Shields
Hoop Rolling with my Friends! BRAAQ - Industrial Landscape - Oil

Marcella Grundig
The Washing Line - Die Wäscheleine - Swiss Post Impressionism

Slim Aarons
C Z And Friends (Estate Stamped Limited Edition) 20x24, 1955

Slim Aarons
"C Z And Friends" by Slim Aarons, Estate Stamped Limited Edition, Multiple Sizes, 1955

Marcella Grundig
Mountains in the Valais / Wallis , Switzerland - Exhibited Oil Painting in 1950, c. 1949