Mid-century modern

Teak sideboards, walnut dressers, tapered legs, starburst clocks and lamps that look like they came off a spaceship. Furniture from the 1950s to the 1970s was built to last, and plenty of it is still sitting in basements.

Up for auction now

  1. Antique Serpentine Front Two Drawer Wood Dresser with Locking Drawers, opening bid $3.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  2. Mahogany Finish TV Stand with Swivel Top and Cabinet, opening bid $3.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  3. Vintage Swing Mirror with Carved Shell Crest, Wood Frame, opening bid $10.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  4. Round Wood Side Table with Inset Glass Top, opening bid $3.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  5. Round Glass Top Side Table with Wood Tripod Base, opening bid $3.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  6. Samsonite of Canada Vintage Train Case, Turquoise Tweed, opening bid $3.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  7. Hexagonal Wood Cabinet End Table with Double Doors, opening bid $3.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  8. Kroehler Corner Cabinet Hutch, Two Piece, opening bid $20.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  9. Ornate Oval Wall Mirror, Gold Rococo Frame, opening bid $3.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  10. Bulova Regulator Style Wall Clock with Pendulum, opening bid $3.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  11. Set of 3 Antique Glass Oil Lamps, opening bid $1.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  12. Mid-Century Upholstered Chair, Darkgrey, Timewell Auctions, Woodstock, ON
  13. Mid-Century Modern, Cream, Timewell Auctions, Woodstock, ON
  14. 5in pair of Vintage Rosewood Asian Carved, opening bid $5.00, TNT Auctions, Mississauga, ON
  15. 14in hand-blown Murano glass tulip pedestal, opening bid $5.00, TNT Auctions, Mississauga, ON
  16. Vintage 9in Murano-Style Cobalt Blue Art Glass, opening bid $5.00, TNT Auctions, Mississauga, ON
  17. Vintage 28in Parlour Table Lamp, opening bid $5.00, TNT Auctions, Mississauga, ON
  18. Bulova Regulator Style Wall Clock with Pendulum, price $35.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON
  19. Wood Bookshelf with Attached Scissor Arm Lamp, price $30.00, Auction Haus, St. Clements, ON

Questions

How can I tell if it's real mid-century?

Look for a maker's label or stamp, solid wood or real veneer, and dovetailed drawers. Canadian makers like Deilcraft, Kaufman and RS Associates are worth knowing by name.

Should I refinish it?

A light cleaning and some oil is usually fine. Sanding or painting a signed piece can take away most of what it's worth.

More finds