With its clean lines and eminently cool vibe, mid-century modern decor has been popular for about the last decade. The comfortable and stylish designs fit with today’s more casual lifestyle and open floor plans.
What’s mid-century modern style? It’s really a reference to developments from the middle of the 20th century – mainly after World War II – in architecture, furniture, materials and technologies that become popular after the end of the war. Most sources generally accept that the heyday was roughly 1945-1969. Mid-century modern has many of its roots in Germany’s Bauhaus style. Thanks to the migration from Europe after World War II, designers brought this type of interior décor o the United States, where it became extremely popular and still is.
The style is still popular today as it’s a perfect fit for today’s contemporary, modern and eclectic home décor styles. A connection to Scandinavian minimalism and the incorporation of natural materials is a core feature that fuels its following.
A light-filled and chic neutral bedroom done in mid-century modern style and refreshed with much greenery.
A chic mid-century modern nook with printed wallpaper and bright warm shades.
A mid-century modern bathroom with subway tiles, a wooden vanity and much potted greenery.
An airy mid-century modern entryway with an oversized round mirror and a cool bench.
A bright mid-century modern living room with mustard colored furniture and abstract paintings.
A welcoming mid-century modern bathroom with geometric clad tiles and penny ones on the floor plus a palm tree.
An inviting mid-century modern kitchen with plywood cabinets, open shelving and bright porcelain.
A colorful mid-century modern living room with geometry and various textures.
A mid-century modern dining room with emerald chairs with an oversized poster for a statement.
Characteristic Features
Clean Lines
The understated and versatile look of mid-century modern comes from its clean lines, curves, smooth surfaces. It is more about geometric minimalism, and excessive decor is not to be found in mid-century modern design. The design philosophy is about focusing on the basic elements and the function of the piece.
Clean lines and geometric shades characterize the space giving it the features of the style.
Mid-century modern lines and aesthetics are close to Scandinavian style and Japandi styling.
Clean and simple lines of the furniture and accessories are what you need for a mid-century modern space.
Materials
Plywood, plastic, metal, glass, vinyl, plexiglass and Lucite all made their appearance in furnishings of this era. Wood details are still a unifying element throughout mid-century modern design, which springs from the Scandinavian influence. Finished and unfinished wood is used for décor details like doors, knobs, ceilings and storage.
Wood in all shades and colors is a characteristic feature of mid-century modern decor style.
Leather, metal, plexiglass are other characteristic materials of mid-century modern decor style.
Rattan and plastic plus glass are perfect for a mid-century modern space.
A wooden desk, a leather chair and metal touches are great for decorating a mid-century modern space.
Colors
Clean lines and simple shapes leave plenty of room for color in mid-century modern design known for its bold pops of color. Don’t be afraid to rock various bold shades here and there incorporating upholstery, wallpaper, bright floors, rugs and other stuff.
Bright colors are what you need for a creating a mid-century modern space.
Don't forget to rock various jewel tones mixing them with muted ones and addign geometry.
Warm orange and coral are mixed with fresh greenery and calmed down with natural wood.
Discover super bright colors and abstract prints decorating your home in mid-century modern style.
Pattern and Texture
Textures are also important in mid-century modern design, as in any space that is modern and full of clean lines and minimalist shapes. Elements like shag rugs, rough stone fireplaces, smooth glass table, sleek ceramics, and textured upholstery come together for a more interesting room. Don’t forget abstract painting and pillows for polishing the look.
Printed geometric wallpaper and a printed rug help creating a cool mid-century modern look.
Bright geometric wallpaper takes over the whole space here.
Abstract pillows on the sofa make it bright and add a mid-century modern feel to it.
Abstract pillows and a rug are great for sprucing up the space and making it mid-century modern.
Mix up various patterns using bright textiles and rocking pillows and artworks.