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Mid Century Modern Bookshelves

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Mid-century Chrome Bookshelves Etageres, Milo Baughman Style, Pair
By Milo Baughman
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-century Chrome Bookshelves Etageres, Milo Baughman Style, Pair Offered for sale is a pair of
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Modern Dutch Metal Minimalist Black Bookshelve, circa 1960
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Minimalist black metal bookshelves. By unknown manufacturer, Netherlands, circa 1960. In
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Minimalist Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Metal

Pair of Mid-Century Chrome, Brass and Glass Etagere Bookshelves
Located in Shippensburg, PA
PAIR OF MID-CENTURY CHROME, BRASS AND GLASS ETAGERE BOOKSHELVES In the manner of Maison Jansen
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass, Chrome

Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Double Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb Double high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Pair Mid century Paul McCobb Triple Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish Iron Base
By Planner Group, Paul McCobb
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb triple high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Newly Refinished - Pair of Danish Modern Teak Mini Adjustable Bookshelves
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Expertly Refinished With over 15 years of experience, our workshop has followed a careful process of restoration, showcasing our passion and creativity for vintage designs that can ...
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Set of Two Rotatable Bookshelves
Located in Brussel, BE
Nice set of 2 swivel bookcases. Ideal for show a collection, beautiful books or plants.
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood

Set of Two Rotatable Bookshelves
Set of Two Rotatable Bookshelves
H 60.63 in W 16.15 in D 16.15 in
Tall Vintage Bookshelves With Drop Front Cabinet & Drawers
By Drexel
Located in Trenton, NJ
of their own. This Pair of Tall Mid-Century Modern style Bookshelves offer the perfect blend of
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Walnut

Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk with Shelves, Style of Ico Parisi
By Ico Parisi
Located in Austin, TX
Mid-Century Modern glass top desk with rosewood veneered cabinetry in the iconic Italian styling of
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Steel

Decorative Mid-Century Modern Murano Bowl, Blue Sommerso Glass
Located in Milano, IT
present bowl, coming in medium size, is very well preserved and has a distinct Mid-Century vibe to it
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Glass

Materials

Murano Glass

Unique stainless steel bookshelves, Anonymous French production from the 80s
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
Very rare anonymous bookshelves designed and made in North of France, Limoges, circa 1980. This
Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Pair of Midcentury Paul McCobb Single Bookshelves #1516 Walnut Finish
By Paul McCobb, Planner Group
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
Pair of vintage midcentury Paul McCobb single high bookcases bookshelves #1516 original walnut
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Henry Link Wicker and Glass Illuminated Bookshelves Etagere Etegere
Located in West Hartford, CT
Henry Link wicker wrapped etagere with glass shelves on top. Has light at top to illuminate your collectibles from above. See our other listings for two more Henry Link etageres.
Category

Vintage 1980s Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wicker, Glass, Wood

Expertly Restored - Edward J. Wormley Night Stands with Bookshelves for Dunbar
By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Night Stands

Materials

Walnut

Finn Juhl Scandinavian Teak Brass Bookshelves for Bovirke, Denmark 1950s
By Finn Juhl, Bovirke
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian teak bookcase shelves or panel system designed by Finn Juhl and produced by Bovirke composed of 10 shelves and 1 container with sliding doors, both the shelves and the c...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

1960s Modular MCM Walnut Wall Unit with Drop Down Desk Bookshelves- 5 Pieces
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Madison, WI
them to stand. Details: Dimensions: 36"W × 18"D × 30"H Styles: Mid-Century Modern Does it
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Iron

Mid-Century Modern 1960 Extra Large Metal Tomado Shelving Wall Unit Dutch Design
By Tomado, Nils Nisse Strinning
Located in DE MEERN, NL
synonymous with quality and design excellence. Its reputation as a leader in the world of bookshelves is well
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Rosewood Desk by J. Svenstrup for A.P Mobler, 1960s
By Svenstrup Ap Mobler
Located in GNIEZNO, 30
Mid century desk designed by J. Svenstrup for A.P. Møbler, Denmark in the 1960s. Desk features six
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Vintage Mid Century GF Davis Allen Oak Desk with Stainless Legs and Trim
By Davis Allen
Located in Pasadena, TX
file drawers. This design includes credenzas as well as overhead bookshelves. Large quantity available
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Oak

Poul Hundevad Danish Modern Secretary Wall Unit on Hairpin Legs
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Miami, FL
Poul Hundevad Danish modern teak wall unit on hairpin legs Offered for sales is a Danish modern
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wrought Iron

20th Century Italian Pair of Walnut Shelves, Rosewood Cabinets by Vittorio Dassi
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian pair of slim bookshelves with a top rack made of
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Brass

Rattan and Wicker 3 Piece Etagere Wall Unit
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Mid century rattan wall unit or bookshelves feature wicker veneered arched tops and campaign style
Category

Mid-20th Century Organic Modern Bookcases

Materials

Brass

Modular Wall Unit in rosewood by Poul Cadovius for Cado, Denmark, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius, Cado
Located in Ranst, VAN
storage cabinet, two display cabinets, one desk shelf and eight bookshelves. Always adaptable and further
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Wood

Kai Kristiansen Model EP 401 Rosewood Executive Desk for Feldballes
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik, Kai Kristiansen
Located in Norwalk, CT
Sleek, elegant, and powerful, the EP 401 desk by Kai Kristiansen is a timeless piece of Danish Mid
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Aluminum

Modular Wall Unit by Rud Thygesen for Hg Furniture, Denmark, 1960s
By Rud Thygesen, HG Furniture
Located in Ranst, VAN
, one storage cabinet, three display cabinets and 17 bookshelves. The cabinets are marked by the
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Glass, Teak

Mogens Koch Bookcase Wall Unit
By Rud Rasmussen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
set is comprised of nine individual units, including 6 bookshelves and 3 base cabinets for hidden
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Teak

Mogens Koch Bookcase Wall Unit
Mogens Koch Bookcase Wall Unit
H 92 in W 90 in D 14 in
Credenza in Hardwood and Brass, Ernesto Hauner for Mobilinea, c. 1960s
By Ernesto Hauner
Located in New York, NY
Hauner, c. 1960s is nothing less than a beauty! This spectacular mid-century modern credenza is made
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas

Materials

Brass

Danish rosewood desk, 1960s
Located in Braga, Braga
Mid century rosewood desk. Denmark in the 1960s. Desk features three drawers on each side and one
Category

Vintage 1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks

Materials

Rosewood

Danish rosewood desk, 1960s
Danish rosewood desk, 1960s
H 29.53 in W 55.12 in D 28.35 in
Danish Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius with wine cabinet, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
has 10 bookshelves. It has a cabinet with 2 sliding door (with behind a glass shelve), a cabinet with
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Danish Modular Teak Wall Unit by Poul Cadovius, 1960s
By Poul Cadovius
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
has 8 bookshelves. It has a cabinet with 2 sliding door (with a shelve on the inside), a cabinet with
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak

Johannes Sorth Secretary Bookcase Desk
Located in Southampton, NJ
Danish Modern Brazilian Rosewood secretary desk by Johannes Sorth number 331 32. Multifunctional
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Secretaires

Materials

Rosewood

Johannes Sorth Secretary Bookcase Desk
Johannes Sorth Secretary Bookcase Desk
H 79.75 in W 39.5 in D 17 in
Wall unit by Willem Lutjens for Gouda den Boer, 1950s
By Gouda Den Boer, Lutjens De Boer
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
organic design! The bentwood ends are typical for these bookshelves, they are connected by poles. It is in
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Beech

Valirie Dubrocinskis Set of Three Space Age Bookcases by Rodier, France 1970
By Valerie Dubrocinskis, Rodier
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Beautiful and rare set of bookshelves by Valerie Dubrocinskis for Rodier, France 1970s. Could be
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Fiberglass

Kidney Desk Model 54 by Feldballes Møbelfabrik 1950s
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Handewitt, DE
with bookshelves.
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Incredible Design by Boris Tabacoff Fro M.M.M. 1970s, Chair Is in Original
By Valerie Dubrocinskis, Rodier
Located in Zandhoven, BE
Beautiful and rare set of bookshelves by Valerie Dubrocinskis for Rodier, France 1970s. Could be
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Fiberglass

Wall Unit by Willem Lutjens for Gouda Den Boer, 1950s
By Gouda Den Boer, Lutjens De Boer
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
organic design! The bentwood ends are typical for these bookshelves, they are connected by poles. The
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Teak, Plywood

Wall Unit by Tjerk Reijenga for Pilastro with Die Cut Magazine Shelve
By Pilastro, Tjerk Reijenga
Located in Appeltern, Gelderland
Vintage industrial wall system / bookshelves, designed by Tjerk Reijenga for Pilastro, Holland
Category

Mid-20th Century Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Metal

Pair of Tall Bamboo and Glass Bookcases, Room Dividers
Located in Chillerton, Isle of Wight
Darkened Bamboo Bookshelves, beautifully and sturdily designed with arched tops and 4 long glass shelves
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Screens and Room Dividers

Materials

Bamboo

Danish Vintage Walnut Desk by Kai Kristiansen
By Kai Kristiansen
Located in London, GB
spin when opened. The back of this is also nicely finished with open bookshelves. This sits on four
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Walnut

Danish Vintage Walnut Desk by Kai Kristiansen
Danish Vintage Walnut Desk by Kai Kristiansen
H 29.93 in W 55.91 in D 29.14 in
Set of three Congresso Bookcase by Lips Vago black
By Lips Vago
Located in Milano, IT
The trio of black Congress bookshelves by Lips Vago from the 1960s exudes an aura of timeless
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Metal, Steel

Bright Yellow Murano Sculptural Bowl , perfect to decorate your coffee tables !
Located in Milano, IT
Mid-Century Modern decorative bowl / vide poche in yellow Murano glass, beautiful hue of color and
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Franco Albini TL3 Table, Wood and Glass by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
the Veliero and Infinito bookshelves. In this instance, the legs serve as the vertical elements, solid
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Pair of Fritz Haller & Paul Schärer Style Etageres with Faux Marble Shelves
By Fritz Haller
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of vintage chrome étagères or bookshelves with faux marble shelves. There is visible
Category

Vintage 1980s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Chrome

Polished Brass Stylized Pelican Sculpture on Marble Base
Located in Miami, FL
desk or on bookshelves.   
Category

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

Materials

Marble, Brass

Noviembre X Coffee Table, Oak Wood Inspired by Brancusi, Design by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
the most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Center Tables

Materials

Oak, Wood, Hardwood

1950's Fully Restored Teak Executive Writing Desk from Feldballes Møbelfabrik
By Feldballes Møbelfabrik
Located in Knebel, DK
teak writing desk from the 1950s designed with soft curved lines, bookshelves on the backside, an
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Teak

Franco Albini Tl3 Table, Black Dyed Wood and Glass by Cassina
By Franco Albini, Cassina
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
the Veliero and Infinito bookshelves. In this instance, the legs serve as the vertical elements, solid
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Glass, Wood

Dominique Sofa by Hugues Chevalier
By Hugues Chevalier
Located in BREDA, NL
This Dominique sofa by Hugues Chevalier has a unique and luxurious design with bookshelves on the
Category

Vintage 1980s French Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Materials

Leather, Beech, Poplar, Sycamore

Dominique Sofa by Hugues Chevalier
Dominique Sofa by Hugues Chevalier
H 29.93 in W 94.49 in D 37.41 in
Cow Horn Chair by Tijsseling Meubelfabriek, Netherlands 1960
By Tijsseling
Located in DE MEERN, NL
interiors. Pair the Cow Horn Chair with a mid-century modern side table and a plush throw pillow to create
Category

Vintage 1960s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Faux Leather, Teak

Noviembre XVIII Wall Shelf in Burned Oak Wood, Floating Shelf by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
the most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Shelves and Wall Cabinets

Materials

Oak, Wood, Hardwood

Noviembre X Dining Chair in Oak Wood with Leather Seat by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and free
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Oak, Leather, Wood, Hardwood

Vintage Chrome Color Aluminum Wall Coat Rack 1950s
Located in Oostrum-Venray, NL
innovative storage system. He has designed many coat racks, shelving systems, bookshelves produced by
Category

Vintage 1950s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Coat Racks and Stands

Materials

Metal

Franco Albini TL3 Table for Cassina, Italy, new
By Cassina, Franco Albini
Located in Berlin, DE
design of the Veliero and Infinito bookshelves. In this instance, the legs serve as the vertical elements
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables

Materials

Ash, Walnut, Glass, Wood

Franco Albini TL3 Table for Cassina, Italy, new
Franco Albini TL3 Table for Cassina, Italy, new
H 29.53 in W 70.87 in D 33.47 in
Noviembre VI Side Table, Nightstand in Walnut and Marble Top by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
the most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Noviembre X Dining Chair in Burned Oak Wood with Leather Seat by Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
the most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Chairs

Materials

Leather, Oak, Wood, Hardwood

Set of 2 Noviembre VI Side Tables, Night Stand in Oak Wood and Marble Top
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and free
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Side Tables

Materials

Marble

Angelo Mangiarotti Italian Wood Bookcases Shelves Cavalletto Model for Agapecasa
By Angelo Mangiarotti, AgapeCasa
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
gravity joint, and whose special perimeter section can accomodate bookshelves on which closed containers
Category

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Shelves

Materials

Wood

Noviembre I Standing Sculpture Inspired in Brancusi in Solid Walnut Wood by Joel
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
the most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

Noviembre IX, Console Table in Walnut Wood Inspired by Brancusi, Sideboard
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and free of all
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Bookcases

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

Noviembre II Standing Sculpture Inspired in Brancusi in Solid Walnut Wood by Jo
By Joel Escalona
Located in Estado de Mexico CP, Estado de Mexico
the most influential artists of the twentieth century, who, through his highly simplified figures and
Category

2010s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Wood, Hardwood, Walnut

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Mid Century Modern Bookshelves For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of mid century modern bookshelves is available at 1stDibs. The range of distinct mid century modern bookshelves — often made from wood, metal and hardwood — can elevate any home. There are all kinds of mid century modern bookshelves available, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many kinds of mid century modern bookshelves to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian Modern mid century modern bookshelves are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made mid century modern bookshelves over the years, but those made by Arthur Milani-Wallis, Beaver and Tapley and Chapo Creation are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Mid Century Modern Bookshelves?

Mid century modern bookshelves can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $2,874, while the lowest priced sells for $375 and the highest can go for as much as $58,000.

A Close Look at Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, 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.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. 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. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, 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 — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

Questions About Mid Century Modern Bookshelves
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 22, 2019

    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.

    1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Mid century modern furniture refers to pieces designed during 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 15, 2019

    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.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

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

  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019

    Some of the most famous mid-century modern furniture designers were Alvar Aalto, Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Evans, Poul Kjærholm, Florence Knoll, George Nakashima, Giò Ponti, Hans Wegner, Charlotte Perriand, Sergio Rodrigues and Eero Saarinen.

  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
    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.

Read More

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