Mid-century Modern Furniture Value & Price Guide

Mid-century modern furniture represents a revolutionary era of design spanning roughly from 1945 to 1970, characterized by clean lines, organic curves, and a focus on functionality. This category remains highly collectible due to its timeless aesthetic and the enduring influence of iconic designers like Charles and Ray Eames.

Price Range: $500 - $600 based on recent sales

History of Mid-century Modern Furniture

The mid-century modern movement emerged in the post-World War II era as designers sought to bring modernism into America's growing suburbs. Influenced by the Bauhaus and International styles, designers utilized new materials like molded plywood, fiberglass, and plastic to create mass-produced furniture that was both affordable and sophisticated. This period saw a shift away from the ornate, heavy styles of the past toward an 'organic modernism' that emphasized a connection to nature and the human form. Iconic pieces like the Eames Lounge Chair, introduced in 1956, became symbols of status and comfort, blending industrial production with handcrafted luxury. Today, these pieces are celebrated not just as furniture, but as functional art that defines the mid-20th-century lifestyle.

Value Factors for Mid-century Modern Furniture

The typical price range for Mid-century Modern Furniture is $500 - $600 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Designer and Manufacturer: Pieces attributed to famous names like Eames, Wegner, or Saarinen command premium prices compared to generic 'in the style of' items.
• Condition and Originality: Original upholstery and well-preserved wood patinas are highly valued by serious collectors.
• Material Rarity: Items crafted from exotic woods like Brazilian Rosewood, which is now protected, often see higher valuation due to scarcity.
• Completeness: Matching sets, such as a full dining suite or a lounge chair with its original matching ottoman, are significantly more valuable than individual components.

Tips for Buying Mid-century Modern Furniture

• Inspect the underside of chairs and tables for original manufacturer labels from brands like Herman Miller or Knoll to ensure authenticity.
• Check for structural integrity in tapered 'pencil' legs and joinery, as repairs to these minimalist designs can be difficult to hide.
• Prioritize pieces with original finishes or high-quality professional restorations, as poor DIY refinishing can significantly decrease the market value.
• Verify the materials used, looking for authentic teak, walnut, or rosewood veneers which are hallmarks of high-end mid-century production.

Items in This Collection

• Mid-Century Modern Cabinet
• Mid-Century Modern Platform Bed Frame
• Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
• Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair
• Mid-Century Modern Dining Chair
• Mid-Century Modern Dining Table
• Mid-Century Modern Nightstand
• Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman
• Mid-Century Modern Dinette Set
• Mid-Century Modern End Tables
• Mid-Century Modern End Table
• Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools
• Mid-Century Modern Recliner
• Mid-Century Modern Bookcase
• Mid-Century Modern Credenza
• Nesting Side Tables
• Mid-Century Modern Side Tables
• Mid-Century Modern Bar Cabinet
• Eames Lounge Chair
• Mid-Century Modern Plant Stand