How to recognise authentic mid-century furniture

Mid-century modern is popular, and so are imitations. A few simple checks will tell you much about a piece before you ever ask the price.

Look for the maker

Labels, stamps and metal plates are often found under the seat, on the back of the frame or on the base. Many pieces are signed, others are recognisable by design. If there is no mark, a trustworthy seller should explain how the piece was identified.

Be careful with the phrase in the style of. It is honest when it says what it is, and we use it that way ourselves, for example for a coffee table in the style of Ward Bennett.

Check the materials

Period furniture often uses solid wood or quality veneers such as rosewood, walnut and teak, natural leather, die-cast aluminium and chrome. Plastic parts, thin vinyl and modern foam point to a later piece or a reproduction.

Look at the construction

Joints that are glued, doweled or screwed with care, springs and webbing under the seat and proportions that feel intentional are good signs. Turn the piece over and look at the underside: that is where the story is.

Read the wear

Honest wear collects where hands and bodies touch the piece: armrests, seat edges, feet. Patina that is perfectly even or marks that look copied should make you ask questions.

Ask what was restored

Restoration is normal and often necessary. A good seller tells you what was done to the wood, the leather, the filling and the metal. Each Sofa Store listing states the maker, period, materials, condition and what we restored.

If you would like to see a piece in person, our Kyiv showroom is open by appointment.