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 Modular Wall Unit
• Jens Risom Credenza
• Thomasville Mid-Century Modern Dresser
• Mid-Century Modern Teak Credenza
• Broyhill Sculptra Nightstand
• Eames Fiberglass Shell Chair
• Mid-Century Modern Pedestal Dining Table
• Mid-Century Modern Vanity Table
• Heywood Wakefield Rio Vanity
• Mid-Century Modern Kidney-Shaped Coffee Table
• Mid-Century Modern Two-Tiered End Table
• Mid-Century Modern Credenza with Hutch
• Broyhill Saga Credenza
• Lane Perception Record Cabinet
• Mid-Century Modern Rocker Recliner
• George Nelson Omni Wall Unit
• Mid-Century Modern Valet Chair
• Paul McCobb Planner Group Dresser
• Mid-Century Modern Slatted Coffee Table
• Mid-Century Modern Metal Chair