Many of these pieces reflect what the Better Homes & Gardens Decorating Book of 1956 terms "easy-care materials for informal living." Lots of chairs crafted during this timeframe were produced of molded plastic that wipes clean with ease. Boxy upholstered furniture popular during this era featured very durable fabrics designed for family wear.
You might remember a recent review of the Collector's Compass series of books appearing here. One of the titles, '50s Décor, offers a glimpse at what attracts new collectors to these styles time and again.
"There's a certain amount of nostalgia about collecting '50s décor," according to the book. "Collectors are often drawn to an era that they connect with but didn't live through."
Looking at the accumulation of '50s decorative items in this light helps us understand why people now want all the "junk" original owners threw away 25 years ago. After an amount of time passes and styles come full circle, what homemakers shunned as old-fashioned in the past now looks fresh and appealing.
So what exactly are people seeking these days when it comes to Mid-Century Modern furnishings? It actually varies from coast-to-coast and town to country, but there are a few designers that seem to hold their own across the nation.
The names Eames and Herman Miller come up frequently in discussions of high-ticket Mid-Century Modern items. Some Eames pieces can sell for as much as $25,000, and possibly more, when the right customer comes along. Clocks designed by George Nelson in far out starburst designs can bring hundreds, if not thousands, in the right market these days. Knoll also manufactured '50s furniture now quite popular with collectors.
"Of course, high-end items in any field will always be in demand and command top dollar," said '50s Décor. And because they're high-end names, you won't run across Eames, Miller or Nelson designs on an everyday basis.
What you will find at estate sales will be less expensive designs in similar styles and materials. If these items are in good condition, they'll still be a good investment as long as you like the pieces. Why?
Prices will eventually go up on furniture and accessories produced by lesser known designers of the '50s, and "no-name" pieces as well, when new collectors jump on the Mid-Century Modern bandwagon. You'll be one step ahead by recognizing quality furniture and accessories from the era whether or not present day notables designed and produced them.
If you're saying, "Well, I'll be!" about now as you ponder changing American tastes, hold on to your hat. It's just a matter of time until all those Colonial furnishings and harvest gold appliances popular in the '60s work their way back into American homes.
Photo by Pamela Wiggins
Next page > Mid-Century Modern According to Better Homes & Gardens, Page 2
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