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Mid-Century Modern Hanging Sculpture Mobile Wind Chime
Located in Miami, FL
Twenty-four discs hanging from a spiral, true midcentury sculpture.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Mid-Century Modern Brass, Copper and Enamel Mobile by Cesar Vasquez
By Cesar
Located in Waddinxveen, ZH
Hand crafted bronze, brass and enamel wall hanging or mobile by Chilean artist Cesar Vasquez.
Category

Vintage 1960s Chilean Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Copper, Enamel

Memphis Stabile Mobile
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Memphis stabile mobile by frederik Smits Handmade by the artist. Unique piece Perfect condition.  
Category

2010s Dutch Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Memphis Stabile Mobile
Memphis Stabile Mobile
H 14.57 in W 6.3 in D 6.3 in
Kinetic Mobile Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice piece of modern art. Studio made. One off. It rotates around the stem and moves side to side. Illegibly signed with the year 1969. Great as a decorative art object on a ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Kinetic Mobile Sculpture
Kinetic Mobile Sculpture
H 15.5 in W 10 in D 2.5 in
1970’s Balancing Mobile
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Balancing acrobats on a chair. Clever nice designed piece that functions and moves gently with a breeze.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Brass

1970’s Balancing Mobile
1970’s Balancing Mobile
H 22 in W 14 in D 5 in
Studio-Made Modernist Mobile, Small
Located in Dallas, TX
A studio-made modernist mobile; mustard yellow, blue, opium red. This innovative art form, rooted
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Joseph Burlini Kinetic Mobile Sculpture
By Joseph A. Burlini
Located in Chicago, IL
Midcentury Kinetic mobile sculpture by Joseph Burlini made of chrome and painted metal. Three rods
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1970s Caprice Shell Mobile Wind Chime
Located in Stow on the Wold, GB
Wonderful caprice shell mobile from the 1970s. The mobile makes a wonderful delicate sound when the
Category

Mid-20th Century English Hollywood Regency Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Shell

Glass 'Rondelay' Mobile Michael + Frances Higgins
By Michael and Frances Higgins
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A fun set of glass forms in wonderful pastel hues. No two are alike. Though the outer form is the same, round or square, the centers are always different with happy accidents that ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Glass

Michael & Frances Higgins Fused Art Glass Mobile, Signed
By Michael and Frances Higgins
Located in Dallas, TX
Exceptional 12 pieces fused multi-color glass mobile, signed Higgins.
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass

1960s Metal Hanging Mobile with Crown Fish and Birds
Located in San Diego, CA
1960s metal hanging kinetic mobile sculpture with crown, fish and birds elements. Could be used
Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Michael and Frances Higgins Multicolored Mobile, Fused Art Glass
By Michael and Frances Higgins
Located in Kansas City, MO
Art glass mobile designed and made by Michael and Frances Higgins, 1950s. Great color combination
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Nylon, Art Glass

Julia Condon, "Mercury" Mobile Sculpture, Edition of 15
By Julia Condon
Located in Chicago, IL
Counter-balanced mobile sculpture "Mercury" by British artist Julia Condon. Available in a limited
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Stainless Steel

Julia Condon, "Mars" Mobile Sculpture, Edition of 15
By Julia Condon
Located in Chicago, IL
Counter-balanced mobile sculpture by British artist Julia Condon. "Mars" is a limited edition of 15
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Crystal, Stainless Steel

Mid Century Cat Tail Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Pasadena, TX
20 copper cat-tail rods adhered and mounted on metal. Measures: 27" width x 6" depth x 41" height.
Category

Mid-20th Century Polish Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Mid Century Cat Tail Sculpture
Mid Century Cat Tail Sculpture
H 41 in W 27 in D 6 in
MCM Kinetic Painted Steel Mobile by C. Jere for Artisian House
By Artisan House, Curtis Jeré
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare and very difficult to find MCM kinetic painted steel mobile by C. Jere for Artisian House
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculpt...

Materials

Steel

Copper Mid century sailing ship - MCM
Located in Budapest, HU
Vintage Mid-Century Solid Copper Sailing Ship - Nautical Elegance from the 1970s Description
Category

Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Copper Mid century sailing ship - MCM
Copper Mid century sailing ship - MCM
H 5.91 in W 3.94 in D 0.99 in
Michael and Frances Large Glass Rondelay Mobile / Hanging in Pinks and Yellows
By Michael and Frances Higgins
Located in Kansas City, MO
Michael & Frances Higgins Fused Art Glass Rondelays, set of five, in the very large size. Each piece is 12 inches in diameter. One of the metal connectors has a well done previous re...
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Hanging Mid Century Fiber and Wood Kinetic Sculpture 1960s
Located in San Diego, CA
Hanging mid-century fiber and wood kinetic sculpture. Unsigned, 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Natural Fiber, Wood

Brutalist Abstract Welded Steel Pendulum Mid Century Modern Kinetic Sculpture
Located in Sarasota, FL
Purchased from fine estate in Ft Lauderdale. Beautifully hand made pendulum sculpture of a man in a ring. Swings beautifully, very well balanced.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Mid-Century Polished Chrome Kinetic "Tangle" Sculpture by Richard X Zawitz
By Richard X Zawitz
Located in New York, NY
This highly dynamic and brilliantly designed Mid-Century Modernist Kinetic "Tangle" Sculpture in
Category

Vintage 1980s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Chrome

Mid-Century Wooden & Metal Kinetic Ferris Wheel w/ Red, Blue & Yellow Cabins
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fun Mid-Century Ferris Wheel with red enameled metal frame and wooden cabins mounted on a wooden
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Asimmetrico 4-Arm Chandelier
By Silvio Piattelli
Located in Milan, IT
With a stunning design reminiscent of mid-century mobile sculptures, this chandelier features a
Category

2010s Italian Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Asimmetrico 4-Arm Chandelier
Asimmetrico 4-Arm Chandelier
H 39.38 in W 60.63 in D 26.38 in
Mid-Century Modern Brutalist Kinetic Balancing Man Sculpture by Strauss, 1970’s
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Curtis Jere style Brutalist tabletop or book shelf counter balance sculpture
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1960s Pinwheel Brazen Nail Table Sculpture Mid-Century Starburst as Curtis Jere
By Harry Bertoia
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful and delicate Mid-Century era welded tabletop kinetic sculpture, no signature can be found
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Iron

Mid-Century Replogle Globe on Wrought Iron Base in the Manner of Paul McCobb
By Replogle Globes, Paul McCobb
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-century Replogle globe on wrought iron base (N,S,E,W represented on stand) in the manner of
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wrought Iron

Early 20th Century Wood Water Wheel from Kerala, India
Located in Atlanta, GA
century. These water wheels where traditionally used in fields to redirect water flow from an underground
Category

20th Century Indian Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

19th Century Scandinavian Weather Vane
Located in High Point, NC
A metal weather vane created in 19th century Scandinavia. Resembling a spear-like pillar punctuated
Category

Antique 19th Century Scandinavian Country Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

19th Century Scandinavian Weather Vane
19th Century Scandinavian Weather Vane
H 74 in W 26.8 in D 15.7 in
19th Century Skein Swift
Located in Greenwich, CT
A handsome 19th century swift with beautiful fruitwood base on ball feet and matching turned acorn
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Brass

19th Century Skein Swift
19th Century Skein Swift
H 25 in Dm 27 in
19th Century French Provincial Carved Artists Model
Located in Middleburg, VA
19th Century French Provincial Carved Artists Model . Made of Beech with a rich color and deep
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French French Provincial Mobiles and Kinetic Sc...

Materials

Beech

Vintage Copper Sailboat Ship 38" Weathervane Hand Crafted Folk Art
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Copper Sailboat Ship 38" Weathervane Hand Crafted Folk Art. item features circa mid 20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Arts and Crafts Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Copper

Vintage Black and Chrome Schwinn Phantom Replica
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Built between 1949 and 1959, Schwinn Phantoms were the most bodacious, luxurious, and feature-filled bicycles on the road. There was the deluxe patented spring fork, built-in horn, s...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Vibrant Motion: Kinetic Sculpture - Iron, Paint, Movement
By Alexander Calder
Located in Barcelona, ES
pays homage to mid century modern art influence. Its original condition reveals minor age-related wear
Category

1990s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

1950's Wood Motorcycle Model
Located in New York, NY
Unique motorcycle model with moving parts, fully constructed in wood. New Hampshire, circa 1950's.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Wood

1950's Wood Motorcycle Model
1950's Wood Motorcycle Model
H 22 in W 40 in D 19 in
Laurent Martin Lo, Bamboo "Kinetic" Sculpture, France, circa 2000
Located in Nice, Cote d' Azur
Material, fishing lines and metal and ceramic weights. Like Calder’s mobiles, the sculptures follow strict
Category

Early 2000s French Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Bamboo

Rolling ball sculpture attribute to Allan Llewellyn
Located in Brussels , BE
Kinectic sculpture in metal attributed to Allan Llewellyn. The motor to lift the balls upwards is missing.
Category

Mid-20th Century Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Michael Cutler Hanging Kinetic Aluminium Sculpture
By Michael Cutler
Located in Ferndale, MI
Michael Cutler designed steel rod circle holding rotating three-piece mobile sculpture . Excellent
Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculpt...

Materials

Aluminum

Vintage Italian Hand Painted Ceramic Tile Decorative Wall Hanging With Cherub mo
Located in Seattle, WA
Makers mark on the bottom shows that this tile was made by Fratantoni Ceramiche, a tiling company based out of Italy. Beautiful Cherub motif adorns the Ceramic tile Blue and Yellow h...
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

Rotating transparent acrylic sculpture by Rogelio Polesello, Argentina 1969
By Rogelio Polesello
Located in Autonomous City Buenos Aires, CABA
Transparent acrylic sculpture by Rogelio Polesello, with a moving cubic center. This particular piece plays with optical illusion due to transparency and light bounces. A little abou...
Category

20th Century Argentine Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

Early Vintage Paolo Soleri Brutalist Cast Bronze Bell Wind Chime Arcosanti 1970s
By Paolo Soleri
Located in Troy, MI
Early cast bronze brutalist wind bell by Paolo Soleri for Arcosanti Circa 1970s Great form with uncommon modernist sun pattern exaggerated chain and original copper fin Signed Ov...
Category

Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Kinetic Spray Sculpture Style of Harry Bertoia
By Harry Bertoia
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This stylish and chic stainless steel kinetic sculpture takes its form from the mid 20th century
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Stainless Steel

Brionvega RR 126 FO-ST, giradischi Dual 1214- radiofonografo
By Brionvega, Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni
Located in Napoli, NA
Radiofonografo moderno italiano RR126 e giradischi di Castiglioni Brionvega, anni '60 Radiofonografo RR126 e giradischi con base rettangolare, in legno bianco . Ci sono due casse acu...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Modernist Gray Lucite Kinetic Sculpture Astrolabe, Italy 1970s
By Studio Italia Design
Located in Atlanta, GA
This stunning rotating kinetic sculpture was crafted in Italy in the 1970s. The six circles are made of Lucite in a smoke gray color and stand on a frosted clear Lucite base. The six...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic, Lucite, Plexiglass

Small ‘Mouse’ Stabile Sculpture by Margery Kahn 1950
By Margery Kahn
Located in Wiscasset, ME
the mid-20th century at the Met in NYC.
Category

Vintage 1950s North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Scul...

Materials

Metal

Helen Gilbert Contemporary Modern Op Art Kinetic Light Box Sculpture 1984
Located in Troy, MI
Licomos kinetic polarized light box sculpture by Helen Gilbert 1984 Titled Square Dance 1/1 An original work produced by Meissner Editions of Germany Comprised of three acrylic disc...
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Joseph Meerbott Kinetic Sculpture
By Joseph Meerbott 1
Located in Dallas, TX
Wonderful enameled metal kinetic sculpture by Joseph Meerbott. In two pieces, some minor loss to enamel.
Category

20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculp...

Materials

Metal

Joseph Meerbott Kinetic Sculpture
Joseph Meerbott Kinetic Sculpture
H 28 in W 33 in D 16 in
Large Bertoia Studios 10-Rod 'B-2700' Brass, Copper & Silver Sound Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 10-Rod 'B-2700' Brass, Copper & Silver Sound Sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

1970's Charles Taylor Large Modernist Kinetic Sculpture
By Charles Taylor
Located in New York, NY
Fabulous 1970's modernist large Kinetic aluminum sculpture designed by Charles Taylor Model #450 in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Aluminum

Invertible Cube Signed, Colored and Handmade by Paul Schatz, 1898-1979
By Paul Schatz
Located in Munster, NRW
councillor and owner of a small engineering works. The technological achievements of the new century, in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Paper

Large Bertoia Studios 24-Rod 'Star of Sound / B-2482' Copper & Brass Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 24-rod 'Star of Sound B-2482' copper & brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod 'Star of Sounds / B-2369' Brass Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod 'Star of Sounds / B-2369' brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and son of th...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Large Bertoia Studios 32-Rod 'Sounding Chess / B-2466' Copper & Brass Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 32-Rod 'Sounding Chess / B-2466' copper & brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Brass, Copper, Silver

Large Bertoia Studios 12-Rod 'Time-Change through Sound B-2348' Brass Sculpture
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in Glendale, CA
Large Bertoia Studios 12-rod 'Time-Change Through sound B-2348' brass sculpture. A lyrical and musical sound sculpture with certificate of authenticity signed by Val, the artist and ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Ki...

Materials

Silver, Brass, Copper

Art Deco WWII Military Strategy Chalk Teaching Globe on Stand by Denoyer-Geppert
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare art deco WWII military strategy chalk teaching globe by Denoyer-Geppert with period chrome stand, circa 1940s. The globe is in good condition with original paint; there are seve...
Category

20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Kinetic Sculpture of a Goldfish in Resin by Abraham Palatinik, 1960s
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in New York, NY
This Brazilian modern sculpture was designed by Abraham Palatinik and made in the 1960s. It is a part of the Artemis collection that features hundreds of different animals, each with...
Category

Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Resin

Abraham Palatnik. Elephant, c. 1960
By Abraham Palatnik
Located in PARIS, FR
Kinetic art - Beautiful and rare polyester resin sculpture from the HOME AND FARM collection representing an elephant signed in the base. c. 1960. This sculpture is part of the seri...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Kinetic Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Acrylic

Abraham Palatnik. Elephant, c. 1960
Abraham Palatnik. Elephant, c. 1960
H 3.15 in W 4.34 in D 1.19 in
Modernist Kinetic Table Sculpture by C. Jeré
By Curtis Jeré
Located in Skokie, IL
Modernist Kinetic Table Sculpture by C. Jeré An early and rare form 1960s fun and colorful kinetic table sculpture by Curtis Jeré. Brass and resin pieces mounted are on metal rods...
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Classic Alex Moulton 4-speed Bicycle, modernist design
By Huffy Corp.
Located in Buffalo, NY
Classic Alex Moulton 4-speed Bicycle, modernist design.. Amazing design,, All original,, Nice condition,,great riding bike,, probably can use a good tune up..
Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Scultura cinetica italiana modern in plastica gialla di Franco Costalonga 1970
Located in MIlano, IT
Scultura cinetica composta da un tubolare in plastica giallo senape e una sfera con all’interno una bacchetta di radio che genera fasci di colore giallo. Realizzata da Franco Costalo...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Art Glass, Plastic

1950s Asian Handcrafted Wood Burmese String Opera Marionette Wall Decor
Located in North Hollywood, CA
display it on your wall, use it as a mobile to bring color to a child's room, or incorporate it into your
Category

Mid-20th Century Thai Folk Art Mobiles and Kinetic Sculptures

Materials

Fabric, Wood

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Mid Century Mobile For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic mid century mobile available at 1stDibs. Each mid century mobile for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, brass and wood. There are 265 variations of the antique or vintage mid century mobile you’re looking for, while we also have 27 modern editions of this piece to choose from as well. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer mid century mobile, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. When you’re browsing for the right mid century mobile, those designed in Mid-Century Modern, Modern and Industrial styles are of considerable interest. You’ll likely find more than one mid century mobile that is appealing in its simplicity, but Jim Hunter, Curtis Jere and Paolo Soleri produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Mid Century Mobile?

A mid century mobile can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $3,000, while the lowest priced sells for $92 and the highest can go for as much as $95,000.
Questions About Mid Century Mobile
  • 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 ExpertOctober 26, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 17, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    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.
  • 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 ExpertMay 3, 2024
    The years between 1950 and 1960 are typically considered mid-century. Some people also include the 1970s in the definition. Remember that the term mid-century furniture refers to pieces produced during the middle of the 20th century. It is different from mid-century modern, the name for a furniture style that emerged primarily in the years following World War II and 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. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of mid-century furniture.
  • 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 25, 2024
    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.
  • 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 ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    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.
  • 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 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.

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