WHY IT’S HOT The 1940s and 1950s ushered in streamlined furniture
and accessories, along with an enduring design motto: “Form follows
function.” Top-shelf architects, artists, and industrial designers—such
as Ray and Charles Eames and George Nelson—got into the furniture
game, and the powers of mass production made their refreshingly
clean pieces accessible to postwar homemakers eager for a fresh
slate. Many credit the style’s newfound popularity to television’s
Mad Men, a renewed yearning for simplicity, and mid-mod’s timeless
ease in getting along with other looks. Some dealers think the time is
simply ripe. “Often we see a category heat up because the right
amount of time has passed for collectors of a certain age to be
interested again,” says David Lamberto, owner of Hertan’s Antique
Shows at the Brimfi eld Antiques Market in Massachusetts.
HINT Flea markets and thrift stores are the perfect spots to treasure
hunt for bargains—especially in retirement communities. People who
love the category know its value, but those who don’t, just see
Grandma’s castoff s. Because the category is broad and many
reproductions exist, it pays to study the era.
COST Though iconic furnishings command thousands at auction,
accessories (clocks, lamps, and pottery) and furniture by lesser-
known makers are still aff ordable at less than $100. The market for
Danish modern pieces made of teak, such as those by Hans Wegner,
is just now heating up; fi nd pristine examples for $200 or less.
RESOURCES, SEE PAGE 110.