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40 Of The Most Interesting And Beautiful Old Things That These People Have The Pleasure Of Owning
Interview
Mid-century modern style refers to the design movement of mid-20th-century interior, product, graphic design, architecture, and urban development. Today, MCM is recognized as a significant design movement by scholars and museums around the globe, and it’s impossible not to see its appeal.
There’s even a whole community on Reddit that introduces itself as “a community for enthusiasts of mid-century modern design. From Charles and Ray Eames to Paul McCobb and Adrian Pearsall.”
Created 11 years ago, back in 2011, the "Mid Century" subreddit is an online destination for examples of mid-century modern design, from furniture to interiors that take our breath away.
Below we wrapped up some of the most interesting examples, so pull your seats closer!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Before And After Lane Acclaim First Edition Cocktail Table, From 1959! This Poor Thing Survived 6 Decades Of Abuse Before It Found Its Way To Me. That's Twice As Long As I've Been Alive. Crazy!!
RELATED:
#2
I’ve Spent Years Collecting Pieces And Moving Them Around From Rental To Rental Or Hiding Them In Storage. They’re All Finally Together In My First House
#3
Thoughts On The New End Table I Made?
To find out what an expert thinks about the mid-century modern style that has been gaining a lot of popularity lately on Instagram, we reached out to Dr. Lori Verderame, a Ph.D. antiques appraiser who’s an internationally syndicated columnist and an author with 30 books to her credit.
Dr. Lori explained that the mid-century modern style is the characteristic look in design of the late 1940s through the 1970s, so basically it is the design of the 1950s and 1960s. “Mid-century modern design, known as MCM, has become more popular and valuable over the last 20 years,” she said.
#4
It’s In And It Works And It’s Perfect!
#5
Vintage Radio I Bought Today. Looks Perfect With My Thrifted Horse Figure
#6
Been A While Since I Un-Painted A Piece! Fully Restored Brasilia II Petite Buffet With New Tapered Legs. What A Glow Up!
“It features space-age forms, new state-of-the-art materials, the fusion of natural and manmade elements, organic and geometric shapes, bright and bold textile designs, and bright colors. Materials like lucite, chrome, bakelite, and fiberglass are integrated in our homes and fashion,” Lori told Bored Panda.
#7
I Snagged This Edwardian Dress Yesterday. It’s Just Too Stunning Not To Share
Reenzy Bennington 2 years ago
I hope you also enjoy sharing your home with the ghost of the original owner... <.<
#8
My Vintage Cycling Outfit And The Vintage Bicycle (1958) That I Restored Myself
VonBlade 2 years ago
Apart from the killjoys in the comments, I'll take anything that isn't a lycra-clad loon with wraparound shades and a carbon frame. Anachronistic or not, it's still cool.
The Blinking Duck 2 years ago
Lycra clad loon is the best thing I've read today!
Load More Replies...
Rebecca Phillips-Partridge 2 years ago
A scene straight out of Yorkshire pre-war..... I applaud you, your style, and your passion!
Shaunn Munn 2 years ago
Beautiful restoration. Cycling rig is the creme de la creme. You could rent yourself out as a movie extra. Show 'em true authenticity!
James Twong 2 years ago
While I applaud anything that keeps people fit there are so many Mamils (middle-aged men in lycra) around now who seem to think they are competing in the Tour de France on the work commute.
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
A hipster parade would be fun to watch! On their old timey bicycles and unicycles. 💕
Load More Replies... #9
My Wife Found This Coffee Pot At The Thrift Store. Yes, That's A Candle Heating It
We asked Dr. Lori if furniture and design items from the MCM period are valuable, and she confirmed that it’s definitely the case. “Furniture by big names in the mid-century modern movement like George Nakashima, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames, and others continue to bring big money from collectors,” Dr. Lori explained.
Moreover, the antiques appraiser argues that mid-century modern furniture and design accessories will only increase in value over time, “as long as these vintage pieces are kept in good condition and are free of damage.”
#11
I Drove Five Hours To Pick Up This Beautiful Hot Pink And Chrome 1950's Table & Chairs
Zelda Blue 2 years ago
We had a table like this growing up, the chairs were red though. Very cool
#12
Mandatory Isolation Finally Gave Me Time To Get My Living Room Sorted
#13
Finally Getting Around To Showing Off My Dream Home. I Grew Up Driving This Neighborhood Saying Someday I’ll Live Here. Dream Come True
#14
So Cool
#15
Easy Like Sunday Morning
#16
Found My Dream Desk Last Week! Peter Løvig Nielsen For Dansk Flip Top Partners Desk
ISeeWendiGo 2 years ago
While the desk is gorgeous, I want to talk about that lamp! I love it!🥰
#17
Ge Fridge From Early '50s. Still Going Strong!
#18
My Luck Has Truly Been Bananas. Broyhill Brasilia Set. Couple Bought A House, Previous Owner Left It, It “Wasn’t Their Style”, They Wanted It Out. $100 For The Set
#19
60 Years Of Nicotine Buildup Goes Bye-Bye! Fully Restored Dixie Petite China Cabinet. Thing Thing Was So Gross, Tarred, And Rough To The Touch I Didn't Even See It Has That Great Vertical Cherry Veneer On The Top Drawer!
#20
!960's Fender Rhodes "Student Piano"
#21
My Grandfather's Coat
#22
After Finding This Chair On The Curb Almost 4 Years Ago, I Finally Had The Means To Have It Reupholstered! Made In Denmark By Madsen & Schubell, It Reclines :)
#23
Found This Set Of Giovanni Travasa Eva Chairs From The 1960’s And Had Them Transported To Portland. I Can’t Find Another Vintage 3-Piece Set In The World. I Paid $500 And Now I’m Afraid To Sit On Them!
#24
Hers And Hers Lounge Chairs
#25
Trying To Convince My Husband To Put An Offer On This 1952 House (Minnesota)
Echidna learns extreme ironing 2 years ago
In this situation, just ask forgiveness not permission.
#26
Fully Restored Teak Chest! I Don't Know Who Glopped 2 Thick Layers Of Paint On This Beauty, But It Wasn't "Mint" To Be!
#27
Picked Up The Keys Today For This Beauty, I Can't Believe This Is Our House!
#28
Purchased In 1962 And Packed Away In An Attic Until Now
#29
Bought This Ladderax, With 3 Drop Down Desks, Brass Finishes, Glass Cabinet, And A Drawer For The Shocking Price Of $40. I'm Screaming And Will Never Be This Lucky Again
LillieMean 2 years ago
I scream too, out of jealousy and now excuse me, I go to a quiet corner to sob.
#30
Any Info On This Beautiful Pool Table?
#31
Goodbye To This Beautiful Home My Grandpa Built
#32
Just Picked Up This Drexel Playpen Sofa, $249
#33
My Cool $10 Midcentury Lamp From Marketplace! One Of My Favorite Finds
#34
Wife And I Just Moved Into Our Dream House A Couple Months Ago. Things Are Coming Together
#35
I Am In Love With This Dress. I Can’t Wait To Be Able To Wear It Out More In The Spring/Summer. From The 1970s
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
Gunne Sax - they made about 90% of all dresses worn to every 1980 prom in the US.
#36
1950s Dior By Bulova Watch
#37
My Old Lamp Sitting Atop Of My Old Radio Sitting Atop Of My Old Dresser
#38
A Few Weeks Ago I Posted My Thrifted Broyhill Sofa- Here’s The Final Result With All My Retro Finds!
#39
In-Laws Were Planning To Give This To Goodwill
#40
I Grew Up Going To My Grandmothers House Until The Hoarding Got Too Bad. She Just Passed Away And My Family Has Been Cleaning Up - I Just Saw This Room For The First Time
#41
This Is Easily My Best Estate Sale Find Ever! I Bought A Vintage 1963 Drexel Secretary From Their Declaration Line With Perfectly Working Tambour Doors. Also Cat Approved
#42
When You Spend 2.5 Years Of Your Lives Meticulously Designing And Constructing A 'Mini Modern House' And It's Stunning - Annie Kampfe And Cliff Donnelly
#43
A Weekends Worth Of Work On My Paoli Platform Rocker, Gonna Make A Matching Footstool Later
#44
Scored This Beauty Today! Howard Miller Model 622237
ROSESARERED 2 years ago
I have a stardust clock similar to the one behind. A weeding present given to my parents
#45
Just Look At My Free Roadside Find Today!
#46
Since You Guys Liked My Good Friday Look, Here's My Easter Sunday Vintage Look, Complete With Straw Hat Graciously Gifted By My Boyfriends Grandma!
#47
After Years Of Loving Mcm Design, I’m Happy To Finally Have A Living Room That Reflects It In My First Home
#48
My Real Eames Lounge Found For $50
#49
Johnson Carper Ronda Saved From Teal Spray Paint
#50
Recently Refinished This Dixie High-Low Dresser
#51
I Saw The A. Quincey Jones’ Smalley Residence On Ig And Had To Share
#52
Scored This Super Fun Desk Today!
#53
Reversed The Pinterest Job On This 1960s Platform Sofa. Built New End Tables, All New Straps, Foam And Upholstery
#54
Scored This Contour Lounge Chair For $15 On Marketplace. Has The Original (Faded) Receipt Of Sale Stuck On The Bottom
ISeeWendiGo 2 years ago
I can feel the comfort just looking at it! A blanket and a great horror novel? See y'all in a couple of days!
#55
Found The Person That’s Been Buying Up All The Clocks 😂
Firstname Lastname 2 years ago
For daylight savings, I'd sooner post a "clocks are one hour ahead of schedule" sign than change them all back.
#56
Teak Built In Wall Unit In Abandoned Home
#57
Saw This Subreddit And Thought ‘These Are My People’ So Here Goes :)
#58
Found This Beauty For Sale In My City. Built In 1965 And Kept Almost Original
#59
I’m On A Mid Century Roll! 2 Weeks Ago I Found A Starburst Clock And Today This Gorgeous Table Lamp!
#60
Client Were Working For Has This Functioning Washing Machine From The 60s, An Absolute Gem
Echidna learns extreme ironing 2 years ago
My mum had one of these - I just had an image of her putting bed sheets through the mangle before hanging out on the clothesline.
#61
I Made A Reproduction Of Pete Campbell’s Triptych Giraffes From Mad Men Out Of Birch And Burlap (I Hope Replicas Are Okay Here)
#62
Mid-Century Furniture Stores In La. Is This Even Real? Kind Of Wishing Nicholas Cage Discovered This As The Treasure Cave At The End Of National Treasure Instead. Unreal. All I Want For Christmas Is To Browse This Store Uninterrupted For A Day
#64
Old Boss Wanted To Throw It Away, I Said I’d Take It!
#65
Just Bought My Mid Century Dream Home
#66
My Boyfriend Found This Vintage Sofa On Facebook Marketplace For $100 - We Were The Second Party To Inquire But Luckily The First People Never Showed Up To Pick It Up! We Deep Cleaned It And Restuffed The Seat Cushions. Crossposted On R/Thriftstorehauls :)
OMGhonestly 2 years ago (edited)
You absolutely scored with this. I can beat it though. We were second to enquire about my dog and as the first people never showed up, we got her. Your sofa is divine but my dog is even better!
#67
Thoughts On The First End Table I Designed And Built?
#68
**lamp Update** Thank You To Everyone Who Gave Me Advice On Changing The Inside Bulb On This Bad Boy!! The Result: A Three-Way Lamp. I Love Lamp
#69
Hello Fellow Enthusiasts!
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
I’m 62, and this looks like the homes of a lot of my friends back in the day. My parents were older, so were still into post WWII colonial style. So I grew up with that instead of MCM, many pieces of which I inherited, including the solid cherrywood Lane dining room set—-60” round table with 2 extra leaves, pedestal legs, and extra thick original custom table pad, 6 matching captain’s style chairs, china cabinet, and hutch they bought from Strawbridge and Clothier in Philadelphia after my father got out of the Army in 1946—and have in my own home right now.
#70
Picked Up This 1956 Kopenhavn Wall Unit For Free Today. Once In A Lifetime Score!
#71
My Pa Repaired This Clock That Used To Be In My Great Granny’s House When I Was A Kid, And Gave It To Me For Christmas!
#72
Hey Friends! Check Out This Rad Mcm Sectional Sofa We Picked Up! Great Color!
#73
When Mid Century Meets Embroidery 😍
#74
Got This Washer For 50 Dollars And It Still Works :)
Bruce Robb 2 years ago
You may want to consider replacing the electric cable. Things this age tend to have brittle cable covering.
#75
My Fiance And I Finished The Remodel Of Our Bathroom In Our First Home! Featuring A Beautiful Credenza We Converted To A Vanity
PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago
I don't usually well receive drilling holes in things, but this is nice!
#76
The Kuba Komet Was Made From 1957 To 1962 In Wolfenbuttel, West Germany - A 23-Inch Black And White Television, 8 Speakers, A Telefunken Phonographs And A Multi Band Radio Receiver
#77
Best $50 I've Ever Spent
#78
I Travelled All The Way To Dorset From London By Train To Pick This Up
#79
My Office Was Going To Get Rid Of These, So I Asked To Take One Home
#80
Hubby Upgraded Our Mail Box
#81
Airbnb My Boyfriend And I Are Staying At! The Vibes Are *chefs Kiss* Immaculate
#82
My Grandpa Has Lived In The Same House Since It Was Built In The Mid 60’s. While He’s Done Some Updating, He’s Never Gotten Rid Of The Original Intercom System
#83
Check Out My Vintage Outdoor Furniture
#84
Thought You All Might Like My Italian Made Gramophone
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
I have been looking for a nice bell Victrola for years. When I was a child, they were common as dirt nd unappreciated, so could be picked up for pennies. Never could get my parents to buy one. Once I was old enough to work and had my own money, their price had skyrocketed. I do have a circa 1925 suitcase Victrola I picked up for pennies, which works perfectly, and loads of era-appropriate records. Still would love to have a bell Victrola, though.
#85
My Favourite Score In 2+ Years Of Collecting Is This Lamp I Got Today
PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago
Reminds me of the Forward Look..... a tidbit for the fellow car people
#86
Thought You Guys Would Like My Ranch House Circa 1956
#87
Bought This 1954 Mcm House After Years Of Diving By And Sending “Sell It” Vibes At The Property
#88
I Was Told To Crosspost: Our Family's Living Space
#89
Hot 🔥 Af Atomic Bar Credenza I Restored Recently. How Killer Are Those Brass And Bakelite Pulls?
#90
A Facebook Friend Had Posted A Picture Of Their Living Room. With Their Permission, I Present To You This Gem!
#91
Mid-Century Time Capsule, Designed And Built By George Kerr
#92
$300 For The Lot. How Did I Do?
#94
It’s My Birthday & I Just Scored This Adorable Cabinet Off An Online Marketplace 🥳 I Love The Sliding Doors!
#96
Just Finished Mounting This Poul Cadovius ”system Cado” Unit
#97
This Was Supposed To Be A Close-Up Of The Funky Swag Lamp I Just Picked Up But Then I Thought The Room Was Looking Clean Today. So...funky Swag Lamp Close-Up In Comments
#98
Our Rare Stilnovo Chandelier Picked Up For $100
Marie Dahme 2 years ago
Omg ! I just googled for this ! You stole it practically for that price…. It ranges from $1500 to $5500 for one like this.
#99
10 Years Collecting To Fill My Tri-Level House Choc O Block Full Of Vintage Goodies
#100
Just Scored This Fully Functioning Admiral Alarm Clock / Radio After Helping My Friend Clear Out His Mom’s House
Let’s Be Kind 2 years ago
Oh my gosh. With the push/pull button thingy to set the clock and alarm!
#101
My Grandpa Hooked It Up
#102
Birthday Gift For The So. Hooker Mainline
#103
Came With The New Home!
#104
Vintage Sage Green Living Room Set
#105
A Few Photos Of My Grandparents’ Living Room
#106
Rainy Day Office Vibes
#107
Somebody Pinch Me
Marie Dahme 2 years ago
These were uber popular back in the late 50’s and 60’s during the space race days. I think this was called “atomic “ something. This is a charming set.
#108
Found This Lane Table In A Dumpster!
#109
Merry Mid Century Christmas! 🎄
#110
Is $600 For This Set A Good Deal?
#111
Was Clearing Out My Late Grandad's House And Came Across This. Thought I'd Share It Here :)
Bruce Robb 2 years ago
Hope you don't do what my father did. Made a console TV into just a cabinet.
#112
My Family’s Clock Since The 1960s. Just A Lil Sunburst For The Vibes
#113
My Kitchen Is Starting To Come Together! Just Put Up Wallpaper Today That I Personally Designed And Am Really Excited About!
#114
Got This Beauty For Free Last Weekend! The Owners Wanted To Throw It Out - Now It’s The Centerpiece Of My Living Room!
PolymathNecromancer 2 years ago
Wtf on the trashing and landfill stuffing ? Just wtf. Give them to me instead
#115
And.... It's Ruined 😂 Was Nice For One Day
#116
Hope You Like Our Ever Changing Mid Century Inspired Living Room!
#117
Ready For The Holidays!
Karen Grace 2 years ago
I don't see a color wheel that usually went with the silver trees. We had one when I was a kid and it looked so beautiful at night.
#118
Do They Worship Mid Century? New York, NY
#119
Recently Found This 1953 Wallpaper Sample Book At An Estate Sale
#120
My Living Room Set Up Is Finally Finished!
#122
I Just Scored This Green Beauty
#123
Stayed At This Amazing Home In Jefferson, Tx. It Was An Absolute Dream
#124
Got This Boy For $172 At An Estate Sale Today!
#125
Smoking Isn't Cool Anymore But This Ashtray Still Is!!
#127
Picked This One Up For The Price Of The U-Haul To Haul It. I Haven't Found Any Info On It, But Refinished It Anyway
Hugh Walter 2 years ago
I bet there's some beautiful wood grained veneer under that paint, wait till the summer, get it outside and strip-it . . . you can always repaint if you don't like it bare!
#128
Another One Of Today’s Pick UPS
#129
Found A Lane Coffee Table At Goodwill For 15.99 And Brought It Back To Life
#131
Refinished A Buffet I Got For $25
#132
My Mid-Century Backyard Reno ~design And All Work (Except Concrete) By Me~
Add New Image
What do you think ?
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
There are some younger people, with really good eyes for quality, picking up some quality furniture at thrift shops and online marketplaces that is just being thrown out by people who have no idea or appreciation for its quality. I’m glad it’s being rescued, repaired, and refinished—-and, as someone who was born mid-century, so was around all these styles of decor when they were new, I know what I’m talking about when I say these younger folks are assembling some very authentic-looking period rooms. Plus, a lot of what they’re buying and restoring are investment pieces, many of which will only appreciate in value, that they can pass on to their own children.
Mike Fitzpatrick 2 years ago
These are cool to look at but I grew up looking at this style of decor and I find I don't miss it at all. Tons of pearl clutching about the painted pieces but folks got very tired of looking at the same thing for so long. "Back in the day" we kept furniture until it was beyond use before we replaced it so if you grew weary of seeing a credenza in the original wood you simply repainted it. I'm working on a small chest of drawers that served all 4 of us as infants (nearly 70 years) and I have no intention of taking down to the bare wood as we (surviving sis and brother) only knew it as "the little white chest of drawers".
Will Cable 2 years ago
So many beautiful items and decor. I'd like to think that some of those who posted also have an old classic Volvo P1800 out in the drive to compliment the look.
Mark Karol-Chik 2 years ago
I love vintage finds. Here is a shot of my '57 Ford F-100. POPSSTREET...f262af.jpg 
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 2 years ago
I grew up seeing this type of furniture everywhere. When I look at it, I feel like I've gone back in time - which isn't necessarily a good thing. I wish I could see it through the younger generations eyes.
Mimi M 2 years ago
Thanks for this post, it was quite nice.
I once picked up this exact mid-century modern Danish teak gateleg table on the street. Fancy neighborhood, someone had just put it out. It was dusty but gorgeous after I cleaned and oiled it: vintage-19...e_orig.png 
Beruthiel45 2 years ago
I grew up with these styles and colours and we had a few items like these. Beautiful designs and vibrant colours, they really lifted my spirits and took me back, nostalgia. Thanks for sharing. 🤗
Little Wonder 2 years ago
i'm in the middle of clearing out my late Aunt's house and am now slightly miffed the only old furniture is a wildly uncomfortable couch from the early 80s. Everything else is Ikea, damn it!
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
With sites like marketplace and craigslist there's no excuse for tossing this stuff. If it's worth anything, someone will come take it off your hands.
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
There are some younger people, with really good eyes for quality, picking up some quality furniture at thrift shops and online marketplaces that is just being thrown out by people who have no idea or appreciation for its quality. I’m glad it’s being rescued, repaired, and refinished—-and, as someone who was born mid-century, so was around all these styles of decor when they were new, I know what I’m talking about when I say these younger folks are assembling some very authentic-looking period rooms. Plus, a lot of what they’re buying and restoring are investment pieces, many of which will only appreciate in value, that they can pass on to their own children.
Mike Fitzpatrick 2 years ago
These are cool to look at but I grew up looking at this style of decor and I find I don't miss it at all. Tons of pearl clutching about the painted pieces but folks got very tired of looking at the same thing for so long. "Back in the day" we kept furniture until it was beyond use before we replaced it so if you grew weary of seeing a credenza in the original wood you simply repainted it. I'm working on a small chest of drawers that served all 4 of us as infants (nearly 70 years) and I have no intention of taking down to the bare wood as we (surviving sis and brother) only knew it as "the little white chest of drawers".
Will Cable 2 years ago
So many beautiful items and decor. I'd like to think that some of those who posted also have an old classic Volvo P1800 out in the drive to compliment the look.
Mark Karol-Chik 2 years ago
I love vintage finds. Here is a shot of my '57 Ford F-100. POPSSTREET...f262af.jpg
Mandy Delaforce (PC Girl) 2 years ago
I grew up seeing this type of furniture everywhere. When I look at it, I feel like I've gone back in time - which isn't necessarily a good thing. I wish I could see it through the younger generations eyes.
Mimi M 2 years ago
Thanks for this post, it was quite nice.
I once picked up this exact mid-century modern Danish teak gateleg table on the street. Fancy neighborhood, someone had just put it out. It was dusty but gorgeous after I cleaned and oiled it: vintage-19...e_orig.png
Beruthiel45 2 years ago
I grew up with these styles and colours and we had a few items like these. Beautiful designs and vibrant colours, they really lifted my spirits and took me back, nostalgia. Thanks for sharing. 🤗
Little Wonder 2 years ago
i'm in the middle of clearing out my late Aunt's house and am now slightly miffed the only old furniture is a wildly uncomfortable couch from the early 80s. Everything else is Ikea, damn it!
Kraneia The Dancing Dryad 2 years ago
With sites like marketplace and craigslist there's no excuse for tossing this stuff. If it's worth anything, someone will come take it off your hands.
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