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

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 15

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 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

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 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Mid Century Cubist

Mid-20th Century Paintings

Mid-century Cubist Portrait of Harlequin

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid Century Cubist Painting of an Industrial Building

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Luxe Mid-Century Cubist Chandelier by Sciolari

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Paintings

Mid-Century Cubist Figure Painting by Louise Pershing

20th Century French Fireplaces and Mantels

Mid-Century Cubist Fireplace

Vintage 1960s Turkish Mid-Century Modern Turkish Rugs

Vintage Mid-Century Cubist Handknotted Rug

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures

Mid Century Cubist Sculpture, Reclining Woman

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

Mid Century Cubist Copper Artwork ( Wall Art )

1950s Modern Still-life Paintings

Vintage Mid-Century Cubist Still Life Framed Oil Painting - Geometric Still Life, 1950s

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Midcentury Cubist Sculpture by Oronzio Maldarelli

1960s Cubist Figurative Paintings

LouyotMid Century Cubist Oil Painting of Woman with Flowers in Style of Jacques Villon, 1964

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Mid Century Cubist Lamps Marianna Von Allesch Style - a Pair

Mid-20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-...

Theo and Susan Harlander Brooklin Pottery, Mid-Century Cubist Plate

Mid-20th Century American Modern Figurative Paintings

1950s "Shapes with Figure" Mid Century Cubist Nude Gouache Painting, c. 1950

1950s Abstract Abstract Paintings

Vintage Mid Century Cubist Nocturnal Moody Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting, 1940

Mid-20th Century Cubist Still-life Prints

Fausto Maria CasottiFlowers by the Window, Mid Century Cubist Still-Life Limited Edition Lithograph, mid 20th century

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

Jorgen Mogenson Midcentury Cubist Figurative Sculpture for Royal Copenhagen

1950s Cubist Still-life Paintings

Bela De Kristo"Nature morte" Bela de Kristo, Mid-century Cubist Still Life Abstract Cello, circa 1956

1950s Cubist Figurative Paintings

Paula Melcher'Man Playing a Banjo', American Mid-Century Cubist-Derived Figural Oil, Fifties, 1956

Vintage 1950s Hungarian Modern Paintings

European Midcentury Cubist Painting 'Nude' by Koroly Glonczy, Hungary, 1957

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs

Midcentury Cubist Modern Club Chair in Baughman Style Grey Velvet Reupholstered

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Monumental Mid Century Cubist Modern Table Lamp or Floor Lamp by Marbro in Gold

Louise PershingCubist Figure with Broom, Mid-20th Century

Vintage 1950s American Paintings

Original Cubist Oil on Canvas by Artist: Vickers, 1953

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps

Pair of Mid-Century Cork and Table Lamps

Mid-20th Century Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid-Century Futuristic Cubist Cityscape., 1970s

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist Mid Century1950's French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs & Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

1950s Cubist Still-life Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolCafetiere Blanche - Mid 20th Century Cubist Modernist Oil on Board Painting, 1957

1960s Cubist Landscape Paintings

Mid 20th Century French SchoolParis Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French Cubist 1950'sLarge Mid 20th Century French Cubist Thick Impasto Oil Painting Abstract Shapes, 1950's

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French cubist1970's French Cubist Abstract Oil Painting Signed, Blue & White Flowers in Vase, 1970's

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting , C.1950's

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

Jean BesnardAmazing Mid 20th Century Cubist Abstract Cubist Oil Painting Listed Artist

1960s Cubist Still-life Drawings and Watercolors

SolterMid Century Modern Cubist Mandolin Abstract Still Life, 1966

Mid-20th Century Cubist Abstract Paintings

French SchoolMid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting Abstract Shapes & Colors

1970s Synthetic Cubist Still-life Paintings

E.A.BlakeMid-Century Modern Abstracted Cubist Table Still-Life

Late 20th Century Moroccan Bohemian Moroccan and North African Rugs

Vintage Moroccan Azilal Rug, Midcentury Cubism Meets Tribal Enchantment

1940s Cubist Abstract Paintings

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

1950s Cubist Abstract Paintings

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

1960s Cubist Abstract Paintings

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

Louyot
Mid Century Cubist Oil Painting of Woman with Flowers in Style of Jacques Villon, 1964

Fausto Maria Casotti
Flowers by the Window, Mid Century Cubist Still-Life Limited Edition Lithograph, mid 20th century

Bela De Kristo
"Nature morte" Bela de Kristo, Mid-century Cubist Still Life Abstract Cello, circa 1956

Paula Melcher
'Man Playing a Banjo', American Mid-Century Cubist-Derived Figural Oil, Fifties, 1956

Louise Pershing
Cubist Figure with Broom, Mid-20th Century

French Cubist Mid Century
1950's French Cubist Still Life Oil Painting Jugs & Ornaments Large Canvas, 1950

Mid 20th Century French School
Cafetiere Blanche - Mid 20th Century Cubist Modernist Oil on Board Painting, 1957

Mid 20th Century French School
Paris Rooftops - Mid 20th Century French France Cubist Oil on Canvas Painting, 1963

French Cubist 1950's
Large Mid 20th Century French Cubist Thick Impasto Oil Painting Abstract Shapes, 1950's

French cubist
1970's French Cubist Abstract Oil Painting Signed, Blue & White Flowers in Vase, 1970's

Jean Besnard
Amazing Mid 20th Century Cubist Abstract Cubist Oil Painting Listed Artist

Solter
Mid Century Modern Cubist Mandolin Abstract Still Life, 1966

French School
Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting Abstract Shapes & Colors

E.A.Blake
Mid-Century Modern Abstracted Cubist Table Still-Life

French School
Mid Century French Cubist Still Life Oil Mandolin Abstract Interior Scene

French School
Very Large Mid Century French Cubist Abstract Oil Painting - Color & Shapes

French School
Mid 20th Century French Cubist Abstract Signed Oil Golden Fields Provence

Michel Debiève
Blue Figure Sitting by Michel Debieve Mid-Century French Cubist Painting, circa 1960

Alain Mettais Cartier
French Cubist mid century 1950s Portrait of a young girl, 1948

Jacqueline Lardinois
Provence Landscape - Mid 20th Century Cubist South France Oil on Canvas Painting, c.1970

Oleg Zinger
Provence Landscape - Large Mid 20th Century French Cubist Oil Painting, c.1960

John Sutton
Mid 20th Century British Cubist watercolour drawing by John Sutton, 1942