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What is the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?
1 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.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
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Shop for Mid-Century Modern Furniture on 1stDibs
Venini attr Iridescent Glass Murano Chandelier with brass, Italy 1950
By Paolo Venini
Located in DÉNIA, ES
Venini iridescent xl chandelier with large Murano glass with brass structure. The design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of Italian design.
This unique chandeli...
Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Milo baughman style tuxedo sofa in jack Lenore Larsen fabric
Located in Charleston, SC
The geometric pattern is amazing! I love the different shades of greens and pinks mixed throughout!
This sofa is in good vintage condition without any rips, tears, or stains. The fa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Materials
Velvet, Wood
De Sede 'DS-31' Swivel Armchair in Brown Leather
By De Sede
Located in Waalwijk, NL
De Sede, lounge chair model 'DS-31', leather, chrome-plated metal, Switzerland, 1970s
A design by De Sede that features a simple yet stately construction. A comfortable sitting expe...
Category
Vintage 1970s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Metal, Chrome
1960s Original Gorgeous Playing Cards Box by Piero Fornasetti. Made in Italy
Located in Milano, IT
1960s Original astonishing playing cards box by Piero Fornasetti in walnut wood . It's in excellent condition and includes two packs of vintage Dal Negro cards, 10 dices, one dice sh...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Games
Materials
Wood, Walnut
Stilnovo Pendant in Brushed Copper
By Stilnovo
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Stilnovo, pendant, model '1231', brushed copper-plated aluminum, chrome, Italy, 1960s
This exquisite pendant lamp by Stilnovo showcases a carefully crafted structure composed of cir...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Aluminum, Copper, Chrome
Vintage Light Blue Murano Glass Flower Table Lamp, 1950s
Located in Florence, IT
Vintage light blue Murano glass flower table lamp with brass squared base.
The hand-blown light blue Murano glass has an amazing opalescent effect from light blue to amber tones.
One...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Table Lamps
Materials
Brass