Mid-Century Modern Furniture: What You Need to Know

Even if you don’t know the first thing about mid-century modern furniture, there is a good chance you have heard of this style in the past.

Generally speaking, mid-century modern furniture was designed from approximately 1933 to 1965. That being said, the term was first used during the 1950’s to describe this style of furniture.

At the time, it was obvious (to some) that mid-century modern design was a big deal, however, nobody could have known that this would eventually be considered such a significant movement.

If you are interested in adding this type of furniture to your home, there are several things you can do to get started. From online auctions to local stores to estate sales, if you keep an open mind you never know what you are going to find.

Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Over the years, furniture styles have ranged from good to bad to ugly. Mid-century modern furniture is definitely in the “good” category, thanks to the combination of beauty, functionality, and innovation. Here are a few characteristics that stick out:

·      Clean lines and sharp geometric shapes

·      Bright colors, including red, blue, yellow, and green, combined with black and white

·      The use of a variety of materials, including fiberglass, plastic, and Teak wood

Estate sales have long been one of the best ways to find and purchase high quality, unique mid-century modern furniture. Don’t be surprised if you come across pieces from top designers including:

·      Paul Evans

·      Charles Eames

·      George Nelson

·      Paul McCobb

·      Harry Bertoia

As you search for mid-century modern furniture, no matter if you are doing so at an estate sale or through another method (such as an online auction), make sure you answer the following questions before buying:

·      What is the quality of the piece?

·      Is it an original or a replica?

·      Who is the designer?

·      How rare is the piece?

What are you looking for?

Just the same as you would with new furniture, when shopping for mid-century modern style pieces you need to know what exactly you are looking for. From seating to tables to bedroom furniture, you will have plenty of options.

Chairs have always been popular among mid-century modern furniture enthusiasts, with some of the most coveted being:

·      Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen

·      Eames Lounge Chair by Ray and Charles Eames

·      Diamond Chair by Harry Bertoia

If mid-century modern furniture is on your mind, don’t delay in longer in shopping for that perfect piece for your home or office. Check out local estate sales and online auctions. From there, a world of opportunity awaits.

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