Looking for a quick intro to mid-century modern design? We've got you covered.
You're busy, so we'll keep it brief. In less than five minutes, learn everything you need to know about mid-century modern design. Keep reading for design basics and simple swaps you can make to update your space.
There's something about mid-century modern design that outlasts simple trends. Think sleek lines, natural lighting, and furniture with a focus on function. Mid-century modern decor is geometric and often features a bold pop of color.
There are many similarities between modern design and mid-century modern design, but you will find that mid-century design is full of new textures and colors. Even though it has been around for decades, the popularity of both vintage and new mid-century modern pieces shows that this style is here to stay.
Function Over Form
Mid-century modern design is all about function. Choose furniture and decor that has a clear purpose and can easily be used for more than one function. For example, a C-shaped table has slim, sleek, angled legs that scream mid-century modern design while giving you a cozy space on the couch to enjoy a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine).
Uncluttered Look + Sleek Lines
Mid-century modern design is all about eliminating visual clutter for a clean, fresh look. Goodbye, oversized sofas and frilly curtains. Hello, slim legs and simple upholstery. Think clean lines, elongated proportions, and curved corners. Opt for geometric shapes and slim, sleek designs.
Natural Materials
Mid-century modern design mixes earthy fabrics and walnut-finished wood with modern materials like molded plastic, acrylic, and vinyl for an interesting look.
Neutral Base + Pops of Color
Mid-century modern design is all about neutrals with a pop of color. White and beige are go-to colors because they act as a neutral backdrop. For a pop of color, try out olive, mustard, orange, yellow, pink, grey, turquoise, or black
When designing your home, let your creativity run wild. We know you want a unique space but may not know how to get it. These are our go-to, easy tips to get your space feeling more mid-century modern.
Go Slim
A quick way to feature mid-century modern design in your home is by swapping your furniture for something with clean, simple lines. Remember, slim and sleek are your go-to looks.
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Your furniture doesn’t have to match exactly. As long as the colors and designs complement each other, they’ll look cohesive while feeling unique and eclectic.
Keep Layout in Mind
Keep the layout of your home in mind when choosing your furniture. To keep it feeling minimal, let negative space be a part of the design in your office. Don’t feel like you need to have something occupying every space in the room.
Showcase a Focal Point
We know you love the simple and minimal look, but try creating a focal point in your space with one of your favorite pieces. Treat yourself to a geometric chandelier or that retro wall art you’ve been eyeing – your productivity levels will thank you.
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Neutral with a Pop of Color
Embrace color and patterns through abstract paintings, throw pillows, and accessories while keeping the rest of the space more neutral and simplistic, letting the color pop. For a subtle look, choose a more saturated or muted tone.
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Want to know more about where the design came from? We’ll make this quick. Mid-century modern design started in the mid-to-late 1940s and continued into the late 1960s, particularly popular in the 1950s to 1960s. After World War II, new technologies helped manufacture new fabrics and colors, making the mid-century modern design possibilities endless and allowing the style to take off. It is heavily inspired by the Bauhaus, an art school in Germany that was running until 1933.
The term mid-century modern design was coined in 1984 by author Cara Greenberg. She wrote about mid-century modern design in her book, Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s, where she codified the signature looks of the style.
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FAQs
At its most basic level, midcentury modern designs are known for juxtaposing sleek lines (think: skinny, peg legs on dressers and tables) with organic shapes, using new materials and methods to reimagine traditional pieces. The looks were futuristic, but they weren't a total departure from the past.
What are the elements of mid-century modern art? ›
Geometric patterns, earth tones, primary colors or soft pastel shades characterize these works of art. Mid-Century Modern abstract art partakes in these general tendencies to abstraction, while retaining straightforward, fundamental forms and shapes.
What is the mid-century modern design theory? ›
The MCM design aesthetic is modern in style and construction, aligned with the Modernist movement of the period. It is typically characterized by clean, simple lines and honest use of materials, and generally does not include decorative embellishments.
What is mid-century modern pattern? ›
Key Traits of Mid-Century Modern Interior Design
Clean Lines: This design style prioritized clean and straight lines, often with gentle curves to create a sleek look. Geometric Patterns & Shapes: Furniture pieces often include geometric shapes, such as the use of ovals, triangles, and other non-traditional forms.
What are 5 key elements of MCM decor? ›
5 Key Elements of a Cozy Mid-Century Modern Living Room
- Embracing Minimalism with Style. The heart of mid-century modern design is simplicity. ...
- Natural Materials and Textures. ...
- The Role of Color and Patterns. ...
- Lighting: A Blend of Function and Form. ...
- Integrating Technology Seamlessly.
Mid-Century modern allows Millenials to personalize with unique pieces to fit their lifestyle. And, want to know the best part of all of this? Guess where else you can design a space that is unique and tailored to your lifestyle?
What defines mid century art? ›
Characteristic features of Mid Century Modern Design are clear lines, simple organic and geometric forms, and bold and simple designs.
What Colours were used in mid-century modern? ›
White, gray, dark, and olive greens, browns, deep browns, and muted, mustard yellows and oranges are often featured in midcentury modern designs as well as natural wood tones. When it comes to patterns, go for geometrics, block style, curves, and marble.
What are the types of mid-century modern art? ›
Sculptural silhouettes and a clean aesthetic define Mid-Century Modern art. While all art and design made in the mid-twentieth century are considered mid-century, it's the addition of influences such as minimalist, modernist, abstract, and atomic that add the modern aspect.
Who is the father of mid-century design? ›
One of the founding fathers of American modernism, George Nelson was part of a generation of architects who revolutionised product, graphic and interior design, transforming everyday objects into works of art.
Clean Lines and Geometric Shapes
Straight lines and right angles are essential to midcentury modern architecture. Although many modern ranch-style homes feature gabled roofs or asymmetrical exteriors, most midcentury modern homes have flat roofs with straight lines.
What is the difference between art deco and MCM? ›
Some might call art deco a “dressed up” version of mid-century modern. Art deco is glamorous, sophisticated and bold where mid-century modern is more streamlined, minimalist and purely functional.
What's the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern? ›
There are some distinctions between the two, though: Mid-century modern furniture refers especially to furniture designs that are contemporary and utilitarian, with clean lines and basic shapes. Mid-century furniture often refers to furniture pieces that were developed and produced during the mid-20th century.
How do you know if something is mid-century modern? ›
It is characterized by its emphasis on clean lines, organic shapes, and modern materials such as wood, leather, and metal. Furthermore, mid-century modern furniture is often characterized by its functionality and practicality, as well as its attention to detail.
What is the difference between modern and mid-century modern design? ›
As a whole, modern architecture is recognized for its no-nonsense minimalism. By that I mean it doesn't have a big reputation for being flashy or overwhelming. In contrast, mid-century modern doesn't mind a decorative accent. Even in its décor, mid-century modernism has a starkness to it that still feels uncluttered.
What is the difference between modern and mid-century modern? ›
Midcentury Modern: Embraces simplicity, functionality, and a connection with nature. Characterized by clean lines and organic shapes. Modern: Focuses on sleek aesthetics, technological integration, and a commitment to uncluttered spaces with clean lines and geometric shapes.
