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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
1960s Mid-Century Modern Lane Rhythm Style Dining Chairs - Set of 4
Located in Charleston, SC
This listing is for a set of four Mid-Century Modern Lane Rhythm Dining Chairs. Featuring a ribbon back design, four side chairs, solid wood frames, newly upholstered seats, and a be...
Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Upholstery
Extra Large Jane and Gordon Martz Coffee Table / Bench for Marshall Studios
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Extra long rectangle coffee table by Gordon and Jane Martz for Marshall Studios. The table top is inlaid with olive and taupe square ceramic tiles and the frame and legs are solid wa...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Walnut
Paavo Tynell - Taito Oy - Impressive Commissioned Chandelier - 1950`s
By Paavo Tynell
Located in Helsinki, FI
Paavo Tynell - Taito Oy - Impressive Commissioned Chandelier - 1950`s
Huge 9 light Chandelier in perfect original condition.
Photos don´t do justice to this magnificent light , wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Finnish Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
Materials
Brass
Beautiful Ico Parisi '856' Leather Lounge Chairs, Cassina, 1957
By Ico Parisi
Located in bergen op zoom, NL
Lovely and important pair of original 1957 Ico Parisi “856” lounge chairs finished in high quality leather, manufactured by Cassina, Meda (Milan), Italy...
Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Chrome, Steel
Mid-Century Modern Armoire by Cor Alons for Den Boer Gouda, 1949
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Magnificent and ultra rare Mid-Century Modern armoire or wardrobe.
Design by Cor Alons for Den Boer Gouda.
Striking Dutch design from 1949.
Original birch plywood base with the curve...
Category
Vintage 1940s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Materials
Birch, Plywood
Wall Lights 'Zodiac' by Jacques Biny for Lita, 1950
By Lita, Jacques Biny
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pair of brass and black enameled wall lights by Jacques Biny for Lita with magnifying lens, handle to adjust angle and direction, provision for on/off pull switch, partially marked, ...
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces
Materials
Metal, Brass