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What years are mid century modern?
1 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.
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.
1stDibs ExpertApril 25, 2024
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Shop for Mid-Century Modern Furniture on 1stDibs
American Mid Century Triad Skyscraper Floor Lamp by Koch & Lowy, USA 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural triad skyscraper floor lamp rendered in three anodized aluminum tubes at alternating heights creating an undulating skyline appearance each with an internal light bulb giv...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
Materials
Aluminum
Classic Modernist walnut and leather desk by GUILDHALL CABINET SHOPS
By Guild
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Modernist walnut and leather desk by GUILDHALL CABINET SHOPS / Toronto,, Beautifully crafted,, nice simple ,elegant design,, one center drawer,, Retains original brown leathe...
Category
Vintage 1950s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
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Leather, Walnut
Vanessa red metal bed by Tobia Scarpa for Gavina 70s
By Gavina, Tobia Scarpa
Located in Padova, IT
Born in Venice in 1935, Tobia Scarpa is the son of the famous architect Carlo Scarpa. Together with his wife Afra, Tobia began working in the Venini glass factory in Murano in the 19...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
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Metal
Pair Leather Milo Baughman / Thayer Coggin Lounge Scoop Chairs
Located in Buffalo, NY
Stunning Pair of Milo Baughman / Thayer Coggin Lounge Scoop Chairs,, Professionally reupholstered in a butter soft white leather, Original chrome frames,, Super stylish and extremely...
Category
Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Extraordinary Lounge Chair in Ash and Off-White Upholstery
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lounge chair, ash, fabric, metal, Europe, 1970s.
Unconventional lounge chair that features an outstanding design. The seating contains multiple tube-shaped cushions attached togeth...
Category
Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal
Upholstered Swedish Modern Daybed with Matching Accent Pillow, Sweden ca 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Pieces from the mid-century era - like this daybed - are characterised by clarity in design, impeccable craftsmanship, and high-quality materials. The perfectly balanced proportions ...
Category
Vintage 1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Daybeds
Materials
Fabric, Alpaca, Wood