Midcentury-modern design is still revered as one of the greatest influencers of modern interiors, and the Mad Men nostalgia has had such a resurgence in the past couple of years that we have decided to launch our Midcentury-Modern Living lookbook! There you'll find clean lines, geometric shapes, tapered silhouettes, and other beautiful pieces that bridge the gap between comfortable living and aesthetic perfection.
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Allen Tufted Velvet Chaise
Mathias Pedestal Side Table
Ulandra Patterned RugThe Midcentury-Modern Color Palette
The color palette for a midcentury-modern look is flexible, which is great for incorporating hues you enjoy into your designs. Start with a base palette that is modern and neutral: white or taupe walls, brown wood furniture, grey or blue sofas with wood legs, and metal light fixtures. Then, slowly add in brave pops of color. Think shades like avocado green, bright teal, or mustard yellow!
The Midcentury-Modern Style Checklist
1. Lots of Wood
Creating a bridge between the indoors and the outdoors is a common interior design tip today, but in the 50s, the idea was revolutionary. Teak wood took the center stage with understudies including rose, walnut, and oak. Because of its clean lines and sleek simplicity, midcentury wood furniture has a timeless appeal and will show up in almost any midcentury-modern design.
2. Earthy Accents
The midcentury connection to nature goes well beyond wood furniture. Midcentury-modern designs became iconic because they successfully combined urban decor with natural materials. Exposed wood, earthy hues, and natural light are all vital. In modern design, live greenery is also incorporated. Add leafy plants and chic terrariums to your design, and it will breathe life into any space..
3. Statement Lighting
Every home needs a little wow factor. In a midcentury-designed home, it’s often the lighting that makes that standout contribution. Metal finishes with actual sheen take the lead (think brass and chrome), and don’t be afraid to update the midcentury-modern style with a glam-inspired twist. When thinking about shape, starbursts, sputniks, orbs, and other chic geometric lighting are great choices.
4. Sleek Silhouettes
Nelson, Noguchi, Eames, Saarinen, Warhol, Hockney, Pollock, Calder, Lichtenstein… the list goes on. The midcentury era is most famous for its household name designers and artists. It’s important when designing a midcentury-modern room to incorporate these defining pieces. And if an original is out of the budget, capturing the spirit with similar silhouettes will do the trick. Find pieces with clean (but innovative!) lines and tables and chairs with tapered legs.
The Midcentury-Modern Living Room
The midcentury-modern living room should feature inviting colors and low-profile furniture. Quintessential pieces such as an Eames chair, sculptural coffee table, or our statement light fixtures are often included in midcentury-modern living rooms.
Midcentury design ideas also mix well with other styles, especially industrial, regency, or Scandinavian. To make your midcentury living room look like it belongs in the present, don't be afraid to blend in a few eclectic pieces!
The Midcentury-Modern Living Room Checklist
1. Mixed Materials
Textured upholstery, wood, acrylic, and metal are all welcome. Bold colors and funky patterns can live side by side. Enjoy the diversity the midcentury style allows, and don't be afraid of putting different materials together.
2. Low Profile
Choose sofas and living room chairs that are low to the ground for a relaxed look. Remember that midcentury homes are meant to look livable. Low profile seating, accent tables, and coffee tables create a look that is easygoing and uniform.
3. Iconic Furnishings
Whether it's the famous lounge chair or another iconic silhouette, the designs by Charles and Ray Eames at the height of the midcentury-modern design movement are something to aspire to. These pieces are ergonomically designed for comfort.
4. Pop of Color
You choose the medium. Whether it's the in throw pillows, decor, upholstery, or maybe the shade you paint the walls! Regardless, a burst of color is encouraged in a midcentury-modern space.
Shop Midcentury-Modern Living Room Furniture
Ailyn Velvet Armchair
Ayra 2-Tier Coffee Table
Maddux Pedestal Side Table Set
Emilie Cane Media Console
Zander Steel Armchair
Leah Green Velvet SofaThe Midcentury-Modern Dining Room
The midcentury dining room is focused, first and foremost, on function. Each piece you select should allow for plenty of movement and easy mingling—this means a thin table and chairs with tapered legs. (Alternatively, round tulip tables, like our Perry Industrial Brass Tulip Table, also work wonders.)
Remember that midcentury design flourished around the same era as the housewife and "the art of dinner parties," so you want to create a space where you can both eat and entertain with plenty of storage and ample space for foot traffic.
The Midcentury-Modern Dining Room Checklist
1. Sputnik Chandelier
This type of pendant lighting is aptly named after the famous spacecraft that holds a significant place in the 1950s and 60s. Unsurprisingly, the piece makes for a simple but exciting focal point in a midcentury design.
2. Tapered Table Legs
The beauty of midcentury-modern furniture lies in its sleek, lightweight look. Tapered table legs and chair legs are an easy way to achieve this tailored modern elegance in the dining room.
3. Bar Cart
The midcentury era was known for dinner parties, so no proper dining room was without a bar cart. Not only is it convenient for cocktails, but a bar cart allows you to roll the fun from room to room. Get more bar cart tips on the blog here.
4. Open Space
Dining room tables are sometimes too bulky for their own good. Slim down and de-focus the dining table in a midcentury dining room to make opportunity for movement that'll help you socialize and entertain guests.
Shop Midcentury-Modern Dining Room Furniture
Sean Wishbone Dining Chair
Camila Oak Dining Table
Kashton Cane Sideboard
Mona Tulip Dining Table
Mia Oak Sideboard
Antonio Dining ChairThe Midcentury-Modern Bedroom
Minimal and cozy, an ideal midcentury-modern bedroom channels energy and personality without any of the clutter. Neutral hues, comfortable seating, and soft lighting should be used to create the perfect atmosphere for settling down at the end of the day. And, of course, keep the sheets white and crisp for a light and bright look!
The Midcentury-Modern Bedroom Checklist
1. Platform Bed
Nothing says midcentury bedroom like a no-fuss platform bed. Just like with living room furniture, choose woods like teak, oak, or walnut.
2. Natural Light
Choose window treatments that allow natural light to pass inside and give your space a warm glow. On lighting, choose pieces with thin silhouettes and sleek metal finishes.
3. Neutral Palette
Unlike the living room, midcentury bedrooms tend to lose the bright colors in exchange for calming hues. Your goal is to create an environment that's simple and relaxing.
4. Minimal Decor
The midcentury-modern bedroom is the perfect style for those who like things neat. Declutter by investing in shelves and storage, and keep surfaces tidy and wall art minimal.
Shop Midcentury-Modern Bedroom Furniture
William Platform Bed
Florence Oak Nightstand
Mark Bench
Roswell Oak Double Dresser
Tola Channel Tufted Bed
Brooklyn Teak Nightstand
