The popularity of Mid Century Modern furniture has been increasing over time.

If this timeless (yet very era-specific) furniture sparks your interest, you'll want to learn how to spot fake from genuine pieces.

Mid-century modern furniture features quality materials, sleek lines, timeless design, and ergonomic attributes that are still valued to this day.  Although it is not difficult to recognize genuine Mid Century Modern pieces, there are yet a few pitfalls new collectors might fall for.

Read on to learn how to spot authentic mid-century modern furniture. 

What Defined Mid-Century Modern Furniture?

It is important to identify what is iconic about Mid Century Modern furniture.

This includes bright colours and geometric patterns, the sleek tapered legs, the minimal, clean construction, and the use of hardwoods such as walnut, teak, and rosewood. 

Hardwood and Open Grain Furniture

Shiny, laminate layers will generally tell you the piece is low quality.

However, designers did not turn their backs on veneer furniture, so you should not discard a piece as fake too rapidly. For a quick refresher, veneer is a thin layer of hard wood that is glued to a poorer quality wood underneath. 

The use of hardwood is a telltale sign when it comes to mid-century modern furniture. Hardwoods are more pricey than softwoods and are used by designers who prioritize quality.

The cost of hardwood is usually determined by the fact that the trees mature at a very slow rate, which makes hardwood extremely durable. Also, hardwood furniture also features open grain. 

Marking and Stamps on Furniture

Another way to figure out if a piece of furniture is original is to look for stamps or labels that can be made of metal or paper.

These generally include the model number, the manufacturer, and the address or city where it was built in. 

Nevertheless, do not discard a piece that is missing manufacturer marks, as some owners pull them off without a second thought. If you have a good feeling for the piece, give it a detailed inspection and look for the spot where the label would have been placed. 

Furniture Construction

Be sure to examine the joints and how the piece is being held together.

For instance, webbing, when fitted properly, is held in with dowel joints. Also, dovetails joins are a sign of true craftsman. If you find screws, nails or glue sticking out, it’s safe to assume the piece is not authentic. 

Tips to Avoid Buying Fake Mid-Century Modern Pieces

To ensure you’re getting an authentic piece:

• Research the designer name before purchasing

• Cross-reference photos with catalogues or museum archives

• Ask the seller for provenance if possible

• Beware of pieces labeled “mid-century style” — this often signals a reproduction

Trust your instincts, but also back up your choices with information. When in doubt, skip the guesswork and shop with Mostly Danish.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture in Ottawa & Across Canada

Finding original mid-century modern furniture is not an exact science, but if you don’t feel like taking risks, let the experts handpick the pieces for you.

At Mostly Danish, we pride ourselves on having the largest mid-century modern furniture inventory in Canada. We offer a great variety of furniture in Ottawa, that can be conveniently shipped to Toronto, Montreal and across Canada and North America. 

Our items were created by the greatest Danish designers of the time. At Mostly Danish, you are sure to find the perfect piece of mid-century modern furniture for your home.

Contact us today - and take your space to the next level with Mid Century Modern furniture!