Mid-century furniture is very on trend nowadays, with a resurgence in appreciation for retro aesthetics and interior design. And with everybody looking to hop on the mid-century furniture bandwagon, finding good pieces for an affordable price can be a challenge. This is where Potteries Auctions comes in!
We regularly see many fabulous mid-century pieces pass through our salerooms which often sell for much cheaper than you’ll find in expensive interior design boutiques or antique stores, offering you the chance to own original mid-century furniture without breaking the bank.
Not only is buying vintage furniture at auction better for your bank account, but it’s better for the planet too. Buying your mid-century furniture at auction is the more sustainable and eco-friendly option than buying pieces brand new, giving old pre-loved furniture a second lease of life in a new space and potentially saving it from landfill.
What is mid-century furniture?
Mid-century furniture refers to a style of design that emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily between around the 1940s and 1960s, though its influence continued into the 1970s. It’s closely associated with the broader mid-century modern design movement, which also influenced architecture, interiors and graphic design during that time.
Why is mid-century furniture so popular?
Mid-century furniture has a timeless appeal and versatility, balancing simplicity with functionality in a way that fits right at home in both modern and eclectic interiors. Many consider it a reaction to the ornate, maximalist designs of previous decades, bringing a modernist, streamlined sensibility to living spaces.
Key features of mid-century furniture
Simple and clean lines
Designs typically features sleek, minimalist lines, and furniture pieces often have smooth, geometric forms that are free from unnecessary details.
Organic and natural shapes
Inspired by modern art and nature, many mid-century pieces incorporate soft, organic shapes, especially in seating.
Functionality and practicality
Mid-century furniture is often designed with usability in mind. Pieces are practical and crafted for comfort but without compromising aesthetic value.
Innovative use of materials
Designers of the era experimented with new materials like plywood, plastic and fibreglass, alongside traditional materials like wood and metal. Many iconic chairs from this period used these materials in groundbreaking ways.
Contrasting textures and materials
A common practice was to mix materials like wood, metal and glass. For example, a fabric sofa might be paired with a sleek wooden frame.
Bold use of colour
Pieces often incorporate vibrant, bold colours such as mustard yellow, teal or olive green, along with more muted and natural tones. Fabrics like leather, velvet and wool were frequently used to enhance texture.
Leg design
Tapered legs, often made of wood and set at an outward angle, are a hallmark of mid-century furniture. These “peg legs” give the pieces a light, airy feel, raising them off the ground.
Check out just some of the recent pieces of mid-century furniture that have passed through our saleroom over the past few months below for some inspiration.
This Mid-Century Long Sideboard sold for £420 in our Cobridge saleroom back in August.
A real bargain if you’re on the hunt for cheap mid-century furniture, this Mid-Century Telephone Seat with Stool, together with Single Drawer Hall Table sold for just £10!
This G plan teak nest of 3 tables sold for £45 back at our May 2024 auction.
Another steal of a piece from our Cobridge saleroom, this mid-century dark oak bedside cabinet sold for just a fiver back in April.
If you’re lucky, you could even bag a larger piece for a bargain price, like this mid-century Danish-made chest of four drawers that found a new home for just £5!
This mid-century teak and walnut drinks cabinet with metamorphic top sold for £45 at March 2024 Cobridge auction.
Ercol is a very popular name in mid-century furniture, so when we get Ercol pieces passing through our salerooms we know they’ll be a hit with our bidders. This Ercol mid-century kitchen table with six chairs found a hammer price of £220 at our April Silverdale auction.
Part of the same auction, this Ercol blonde three-piece suite sold for £150.
Another sought-after name in mid-century pieces, this WK Möbel tambour fronted record cabinet sold for £45.
Where to buy second hand mid-century furniture
For all your second hand mid century furniture needs, our Cobridge saleroom is the place to be. We host monthly auctions there that include plenty of furniture and other household goods just waiting to be snapped up. Our upcoming Cobridge auction on September 29th features many fine examples of mid-century craftsmanship, so be sure to check out the full catalogue and get bidding. Or check out our other upcoming auctions and scroll through the online catalogues we have available to see if something catches your eye.
If you have any questions, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team who are more than happy to help. Email us on enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100 Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.