IT’S TIME FOR: Mid-Century Modern Antiques—1940s Glamour & 1970s Chrome
As the market for 20th-century antiques continues to grow, definitions evolve, says longtime dealer Michel Hurst of Full House (www.fullhouse20.com), an Easton, Pennsylvania, shop.

“Fifteen years ago, when we said mid-century, we meant the 1950s and Bauhaus objects,” says Hurst, who with Robert Swope founded Full House in 1985 in New York City. “Today, the mid-century market has evolved to favor two particular decades and objects: 1940s Hollywood Regency, and 1970s chrome and Lucite,” says Hurst.

Hollywood Regency refers to objects featuring such rich materials and surfaces as snakeskin, mirror, and gold leaf. “This distinctive style was all about having something glamorous,” says Hurst.

For the 1970s objects, it was “lots of shiny things, and chrome and Lucite.” Mid-century modern chairs, end tables, and lamps—always in pairs—were good sellers at The Modern Show in New York City in early March, says Hurst. “The show had lots of decorators coming through, and we sold 90% of our stuff to professionals,” says Hurst. “The public should realize these shows are a great place to buy things of quality at a good price. Just do your homework and know what you’re looking for, and you can really get some good deals.”