20th Century

The 20th century period can be characterized by industrial as well as technological advancements - the invention of the airplane, the automobile, and the Internet. This ushered in a new way of living, which inspired the designers of the 20th century. Industrially influenced design became a new culture in the 1920s, also known as the Machine Age. 

While the second World War led to people embracing hand-crafted as well as natural items, 20th-century art & designs were fueled by mass-produced materials. Paving the way for today’s age of design, the later years of the 20th century saw experiments in various forms such as Postmodernism in the art world, the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) revolution, and more. 

Areas of Expertise

20th-century art & design is one of Bidsquare’s specialist areas as it leads auctions and valuations on a diverse listing of the mid-century modern furniture and design movements. Furniture sale feature mid-century chairs, sofas & Lounges, mid-century tables, mid-century mirrors, mid-century lighting, mid-century ceramics, and glass from the Arts and Crafts movement to Art Deco style, through works from the post-war years and on through contemporary design. 

Our vintage and antique 20th century Art & Design sale include works from Piero Lissoni, Marta Laudani en Marco Romanelli, Hendrix-Allardyce, Baccarat, Tiffany Studios, Louis Poulsen, Philippe Starck, Paul Ferrante, Charles Edwards, Fulvio Bianconi, and Martin Ballenat, among many others. Our online auction lots from around the globe include examples from the 20th-century style. Browse through Bidsquare to find mid-century modern furniture and design auctions on sale. 

20th century Furniture Quick Facts: 

• 20th century witnessed four major styles of furniture - Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Mission, and Modern.