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

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

Why is mid-century modern furniture so popular?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern furniture is so popular largely because its characteristics align well with the trends and tastes that are dominant today. Many people love its simple look defined by clean lines, and the use of natural materials also adds to its popularity. In addition, designers created mid-century modern furniture to be as functional as it is visually appealing, making pieces executed in the style simple, convenient and comfortable to use. Find a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 11

What year is mid-century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

There is not a single year that is mid-century modern. The style emerged during the 1940s and 1950s and remained dominant through the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Some notable designers who contributed to the development of the mid-century modern style include Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, Milo Baughman, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and George Nelson. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Are Wassily chairs mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Wassily chairs are indeed considered mid-century modern. Although the chair was initially designed by Marcel Breuer in 1925, it was re-released in the 1960s. Shop a collection of mid-century modern goods from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Is a tulip table mid century modern?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the tulip table is considered a mid-century modern design. This table shape has become an iconic statement of the era with a simple sculptural attitude and a practical nature. The first tulip table was created by Eero Saarinen, a noted Finnish designer who was a leader in mid-century modern home decor. Shop a collection of Saarinen furniture from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 14

What defines mid-century modern furniture?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century modern furniture combines sleek lines with organic shapes.

Question 15

What color wood is mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

There is no single color wood that is mid-century modern. Designers working in the style employed a variety of finishes, though purplish reds, mid-yellows, light browns and medium dark browns were among the most commonly used. Teak wood was an especially popular material, not only due to its warm medium hue but also due to its strength and the beauty of its natural grain. Shop a wide range of mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is Art Deco mid-century modern?

Accepted Answer

Art Deco is not mid-century modern. Art Deco began just before World War I and was inspired by cubism. Mid-century modernism first appeared in 1945 and merged a minimalist aesthetic with practicality.

Question 17

What are the defining characteristics of mid-century modern design?

Accepted Answer

The defining characteristics of mid-century modern furniture design include simplicity, an emphasis on organic forms, clean lines and a mix of both natural and man-made materials. The mid-century modern style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is used to describe the work of furniture designers who believed that good design was an essential part of good living. Both neutral tones and bold Pop art colors can typically be found in mid-century modern interiors, which usually include light-filled spaces. An integration of floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant access to the outdoors renders prominent a connection with nature, which owes in part to the ideas of celebrated architect Frank Lloyd Wright, an inspiration for mid-century furniture designers. Popular mid-century modern designers include Ray and Charles Eames, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia and others. Find vintage mid-century modern furniture on 1stDibs.

Question 18

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 19

What is an iconic chair from the mid-century modern era?

Accepted Answer

Some iconic chairs from the mid-century modern era include the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, the La Chaise by Charles and Ray Eames and the Womb chair by Eero Saarinen. With their clean lines, organic shapes and simple details, these chairs reflect some of the key features of the style. Shop a variety of mid-century modern chairs on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What defines mid-century modern home decor?

Accepted Answer

Mid-century home decor is characterized by clean lines, geometric shapes and materials like wood and tweed.

Mid Century Modern Reproductions

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mixed Metal Brutalist Mid-Century Chandelier Custom Reproduction, USA 2018

Vintage 1960s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

1960s Mid-Century Bronze Age Reproduction Bronze Bull Sculpture on Wood Base

20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Drawings

Reproduction of Raoul Dufy Well Framed, XXth Century.

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Georges Mathieu Reproduction

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Slipper Chairs

Reproduction Large Slipper Chair

Vintage 1950s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Toys

Antique Century Traditional Toy Singer Sewing Machine Reproduction, circa 1950

Vintage 1930s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Tribal Art

Antique Early 20th Century Traditional Toy Kitchen Reproduction, circa 1930

Late 20th Century Central American Mid-Century Modern Maps

Vintage Reproduction 17th Century Map of Europe, American, Cartography, Blaeuw

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Lithograph Reproduction after Henri Matisse Drawing

Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Prints

Lithograph Reproduction After Henri Matisse Drawing

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Posters

Trafalgar Square Contemporary Lithograph Reproduction by Piet Mondrian

Mid-20th Century French Modern Prints

Georges Braque "Violin Melodie" Cubism H. Deschamps Lithographic Reproduction

Antique Late 19th Century British Mid-Century Modern Books

Vintage Folio, Civil Architecture, English, Sir William Chambers, Reproduction

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Books

Vintage Reproduction Folio, Chinese Design, English, William Chambers, C.1969

Mid-20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Books

4 Vols Vintage English Maps, John Speed, Cartography Folio, Reproduction, C.1953

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Prints

Vintage Print, At The Seaside, LS Lowry, English, Framed Art Reproduction, 1990

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Posters

Collection of 7 Karel Appel 1970's Period Reproduction Posters on Chipwood

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Chaise Longues

Chaise Lounge, 100 Colors of Ultra Faux Leather, Made In USA, Reproduction

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Sofa, Reproduction by Area ID, Custom Sizes, Built In USA, 100 Faux Leather

Vintage 1970s Unknown Mid-Century Modern Posters

A rare reproduction of the Coca Cola umbrella girls in a rustic red frame

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Antique Barovier & Toso Wedding Cup Reproduction Grand Tour Cobal Blue w. Enamel

1960s American Modern Portrait Prints

James JebaryOriginal Los Angeles United Air Lines, Charlie Chaplin, vintage travel poster, 1967

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Mid-Century Modern Spago Cone Chandelier

Vintage 1970s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Early Reproduction Left-Arm “Steltman” Chair by Gerrit Rietveld

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Pair of Art Deco Reproduction Leather Arm Chair in Macassar Ebony

2010s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Reproduction of Famous Swiss Outdoor 'Spaghetti' Lounge Chair from the 1950s

Vintage 1960s European Mid-Century Modern Side Chairs

Mid-Century Modern Reproduction Jacobsen Fritz Hansen 12 Molded Side Chairs

20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables

Mid-Century Modern Black Mica Laccio Coffee Table, Marcel Breuer Reproduction

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid Century Museum Reproduction Sculpture Fragment of a Grecian Style Head

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

American Mid Century Bust Reproduction by Austin Productions by Aristide Maillol

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Club Chair, Reproduction

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Club Chairs

Club Chair, by AREA...ID, Reproduction

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Women with Pears. Pablo Picasso Painting Reproduction

Early 2000s American Mid-Century Modern Posters

Richard Avedon Framed Digital Reproduction, circa 2005

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Prints

Pair of Serigraph Reproductions of an Andy Warhol Design USA 1984

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Loveseats

The Marshmallow sofa by George Nelson for Herman Miller, reproduction 20th c.

Late 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Pair of Original 1978 House of Scott Ltd Reproduction Regency Dwarf Bookcases

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Plaster Lamps A Reproduction of a Giacometti Design Circa 1975 American

21st Century and Contemporary American Dining Room Tables

Custom Made Modern Brass & Onyx Dining Table

Vintage 1950s English Desks

James Jebary
Original Los Angeles United Air Lines, Charlie Chaplin, vintage travel poster, 1967