50 terms to look for when buying vintage furniture online

Architect and industrial designer Eero Saarinen created quintessential curved and smooth furniture of the era. His Tulip chairs and table for Knoll were (and still are) incredibly popular.

Charles and Ray Eames designed some of the most enduring designs of the period, including their parlor and desk chairs.

Designed by Isamu Noguchi, these organically shaped glass cocktail tables have inspired countless other designs. Discover Noguchi’s iconic paper lampsalso.

Media consoles were a popular style of furniture of the time, often made from walnut or other woods.

This furniture company produces some of the most well-known mid-century designs – check out both their vintage pieces (on online marketplaces) and newly produced pieces (on their own website).

Another producer of many famous mid-century furniture designs, including Eames pieces like the famous chaise longue and these more classic desk chairs.

Former lead designer of Herman Miller, Nelson has created many famous designs. Her bubble pendant, which emits a soft glow, is adored.

Ettorre Sottsass was an Italian architect and designer best known for founding Memphis Milano (aka the Memphis Group) in 1980. You’ve probably seen his pink “Ultrafragola” mirror on Instagram.

This was the style and era of Memphis design; the group disbanded in 1987.

A composite material commonly used in Memphis Group designs consisting of chips of granite, quartz, marble or other stone.

Founding member of the Memphis group known for its geometric ceramics, furniture and lighting.

A joint creation of the Memphis group, the ceramic and glass fruit bowls perfectly sum up the playful spirit of the group.

A fabric or wallcovering pattern depicting a rich floral design. This Brunschwig & Fils model is perfect for chintz lovers.

Upholstered and upholstered furniture is the cornerstone of the Grandmillennial aesthetic. Club chairs, like this one from Cowtan & Tout, are an ideal chair shape to show off your favorite textile.

A basic accent piece for table decor, mantelpieces and, topped with a shade, bedside tables.

Seats, tablecloths and more can feature ruffled bases. Grandmillénaire classic.

From sofas to ottomans, tufted pieces have an exaggerated quilted effect on the surface and are both traditional and classic.

Short for “Toile de Jouy”, these fabrics depict repeated prints of pastoral scenes, often on a white background.

A decorative arts interpretation of East Asian motifs, used for fabrics and wallcoverings.

From the 1940s to around the 1960s, this era of furniture epitomized the classic Scandinavian look.

A common wood used in modern Scandinavian furniture.

A furniture designer whose work inspired the style of the Danish modernist movement, Wegner created iconic styles like the Wishbone chair.

A Danish architect and designer known for his contributions to modern Danish furniture.

Large shelves, especially in teak, were popular at the time.

This designer and light fixture is best known for his striking yet simplistic aluminum and glass pendant lights, such as the PH5 (pictured) and Artichoke.

Two common woods used in Regency pieces, plus a form of royal furniture (one can also choose to look for a “wardrobe”).

Large ornate gold-rimmed mirrors were typical of the era and are sure to cause a stir.

Complex designs where the brass integrates with the marquetry of the wood.

Often a victim of the misnomer “lounge chair,” the name for this “long” sofa shape is literally French for “chaise longue.”

This style of Regency desk may also be referred to as a “flat desk”.

Louis XV furniture often features curved wooden frames and ornate gilding; Bergères are traditional French-style padded armchairs of the time.

Look for whitewashed pieces (pine, birch, and oak are solid choices) for bright interiors that still feel lived in.

While the “live, laugh, love” signs look outdated, accents of the French countryside — from milk crates turned trays to old-fashioned coffee cans — add charm.

Table accents and kitchen accessories can get the “rustic” treatment for spaces that don’t want to feel so precious.

A classic rattan seat design, simple enough to work in a variety of spaces.

A master of sofas and armchairs, Paulin’s sleek style is still as popular as ever.

A nubby fabric used to upholster period furniture. (Search with and without accent!)

This shiny metal brings the space-age aesthetic to life and is often paired with glass for side tables.

Another iconic designer whose furniture is known for its curvy silhouettes.

A transparent, shiny plastic, lucite is also known as “acrylic glass”.

This plastic furniture supplier has given away its share of space-age designs.

Morris is best known for his textile designs.

An architectural style and furniture from the Arts & Crafts movement.

Synonymous with wooden furniture in the style of the movement.

This majestic wooden seat has a reclining backrest.

While not formally an Arts & Crafts ambassador (most of the architect’s home designs are considered “Prairie style”), Wright’s aesthetic has a connection to the movement.

Ornate window panels are an Arts & Crafts signature.

Stickley was a major manufacturer at the time.

Again, either a style of architecture or furniture synonymous with Arts & Crafts designs.

This iconic shape makes it a comfortable and striking lounge chair.

A natural textile style for outdoor living.

These styles of vintage Italian garden furniture are timeless.

Elegantly light the way for outdoor gatherings that last after the sun goes down.