There was a time when vintage spaces, antique ornaments, and furniture pieces were considered hallmarks of opulence and sophistication.
Following World War II, the excessive use of embellishment in interiors and furniture went completely obsolete. What came after was a design revolution that put emphasis on function over form.
The mid-century modern movement was unprecedented. It seems that it arrived just in time when everyone needed a fresh start. Hence the introduction of new materials, manufacturing technologies, concepts, and ideals. It encouraged a collective optimism that gave a new approach to minimalism.
Midcentury modern design was essentially an expression and reflection of the fuss-free living everyone craved in the postwar era. It provided a fresh, vintage touch that would be adored and coveted even today. The mix of elegant design, comfort, and practicality makes it timeless. It boasts a universal appeal that continues to be in vogue.
In this post, we’re going to talk about all things midcentury modern style: its history, characteristics, and how to incorporate it into your space.
What Is Mid-Century Modern Design?
Mid-century modern is an American classic. It’s a design movement that emerged after the Second World War. This design style shaped architecture, interior, industrial design, urban developments, and graphic arts that we all still appreciate today.
A classic style from the 1940s and 1960s, Mid-century modern style stemmed from a passion to integrate comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. With a more positive outlook for the future, architects and designers at the time were keen to mix materials, exploring new concepts, combining mass manufacturing and technology.
It was a time when basic, practical teak items with curved shapes were (and still are) prevailing.
To date, the enduring power of this movement can still be observed in many homes, apartments, and outdoor living spaces. You’ll also find the dominating feel of the postwar style in many famous landmarks and museums.
Brief History
The Bauhaus school of design and arts had a significant influence on mid-century design. Its ideals place a strong emphasis on clean lines, organic and geometric shapes, function, and a timeless aesthetic.
European architects such as Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe fled Nazi Germany to the United States and introduce the style.
When they moved to the US, they continued the movement along with American Frank Lloyd Wright as one of the most notable pioneers of simplicity and organic shapes—stylistic elements that define mid-century modern.
Retro-futuristic design became popular in American design early in the mid to late 1950s. From then, there’s a mass production of furniture from a wide range of materials and colors. The movement created a large quantity of furniture with aesthetic value but contemporary appeal.
The movement not only became popular in the US but also in Scandinavia. Many influential designers and architects followed suit. Arne Jacobsen, Charles and Ray Eames, Hennan Miller, Eero Saarinen, and Geroge Nelson are just a few names. Their iconic mid-century modern designs were made accessible to the masses.
If you look at homes and structures built during the 1940s through 1960s, you’ll find key elements of the movement. Homes and facades were more linear back then, with open-plan spaces and a focus on simplicity. Furniture pieces were stripped of ornate decoration. They were designed to function for their intended use.
Defining Features of Modern Design
Despite being a design movement over 80 years ago, the universal appeal of mid-century modern has withstood the test of time. If you want to incorporate some mid-century style into your space, read on to learn about the typical features of modern design to help you achieve this aesthetic.
Minimalist Decoration
Minimalism is almost synonymous with mid-century modernism. It’s often relatively basic, with clean lines and an emphasis on efficiency and clean interior design..
As with Scandinavian design, it is free of clutter and extraneous embellishment. There are no visible knick-knacks; just a few statement pieces like a sculpture or plants.
In the kitchen, for example, there are chairs and tables which are usually crafted from basic materials supported by metal or wooden pin-style bases. And in the living room, you’ll find the essentials like a coffee table and sofa or chairs. Those served as statement pieces that have a purpose.
Organic and Geometric Shapes
A good mix of organic and geometric shapes is common in mid-century modern design. Again, simplicity is the key here. This is why curving, crisp lines are also the focus of furniture designs.
Think of angular chairs with curves like tulip tables and long and low sofas. We find armchairs and padded seats the most elegant, though. And most of them don’t even require extra paddings to be comfy and cozy.
Most mid-century modern furniture pieces have tapered and splayed bases to reflect the clean lines. Some have hairpin legs as well. They may look skeletal, but they provide very solid support.
Contrast of Materials and Textures
Wood materials like teak and beech were common during the 20th century. However, many designers also experimented with fresh materials. A few of them are man-made like plastic, vinyl, Lucite, Formica, acrylic, and fiberglass. Other natural materials like glass, metal, and marble were also used.
Mid-century modern style design incorporates a variety of materials and textures, and don’t be hesitant to try out new looks by combining organic and synthetic materials. It is a great way to achieve a mid-century modern style.
Puts Function Over Form
This is one of the most important aspects of mid-century modern design. It’s the core principle of the movement.
We already know that mid-century modern furniture and homes are beautiful and vibrant. But they’re also designed to be functional. The movement adheres to the form-follows-function idea, which allows some ornamentation as long as it has a purpose.
Such a strong focus on practicality is why a mid-century modern lounge may look different from a dining chair. It is also why vintage objects from the 20th century are still coveted today.
Neutral Palette With Pops of Bold Colors
Yes, we’re passionate about minimalism here, which explains the popularity of neutral color schemes in many interiors—they never go out of style!
But your home doesn’t have to be too austere. The movement encouraged optimism and energy. And it makes sense that many mid-century modern interiors feature splashes of color here and there.
MCM used bright colors in the 1950s and went for muted and earthy tones in the 1960s. The varying colors allow freedom for creativity. Vibrant fall oranges and yellows, browns, ochre, sea blue-greens, and reds are common, too. These colors are in line with the notion of blending indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Incorporating warm neutral tones with some pops of color, such as a colorful vintage clock or accent chair helps achieve a contemporary look.
Blurred Lines Between Indoor and Outdoor
Mid-century modern fosters a more fuss-free living. This is why homes built in the 1940s through the 60s have open-plan spaces. They have large, flat-paneled windows that harmonize seamlessly with their environment. Oversized windows offer a visual flow that stretches the indoor connection to the outside.
Introducing natural elements like chairs made from raw materials and indoor plants are also an excellent approach to bringing the outdoors in. Large glass doors in open plans also encourage openness and airiness in the space.
Design Tips To Achieve a Mid-Century Modern Space
Adopting the mid-century modern approach is a great way to update your home. By following our design tips, you can make your bedroom cozier, your living room more inviting, and your bath more relaxing!
Use statement pieces.
You can start by picking midcentury modern pieces on which to base your design. Go for something as simple as a vintage desk clock or a metal sunburst. Panton Chairs are also a great accent to both indoor and outdoor spaces. But if you don’t mind splurging, an Eames lounge chair would be an elegant focal point.
Once you’ve chosen your statement pieces, allow the remainder of your design elements (color palette, artwork, etc) to compliment and accent them. So if you can find a vintage piece, you may design the concept of the space around it and you won’t have to buy an entire ensemble.
You need to learn the intricacies of that era and infuse its character in a decor that interacts with its mood. Make sure you don’t use too many clashing patterns and stay within the core concept.
Experiment with colors that work.
Here’s another way to explore your creativity and you can get as playful as you want. You can put the focus on your furniture using a bright carpet, accentuated dining room chairs, or artwork.
Keep in mind that, while minimalism is an important characteristic of MCM, adding pops of color allows you to balance the aesthetics.
You can use bolder colors like neon to make the space cheerful and energetic. Retro shades like sage green and butter yellow are great colors to add, too. Moody colors like orange, brick red, or rust also look good in mid-century spaces.
If you can integrate vibrant colors into your space without smearing it around the room, you can achieve a perfect balance of neutrals and bright shades.
Maintain a natural look.
You can do so by incorporating nature into your approach. Going for floor-to-ceiling windows will give you a view of your backyard or patio. If you want, you can keep them open to allow fresh air in.
You can also include hints of earthy greens into the design, and choose light wood and cool fabrics like cotton to keep the space airy and open. Placing some potted plants is another excellent way to bring nature into your home.
FAQs
What’s the difference between mid-century and mid-century modern?
In interior design, the term mid-century modern is sometimes used interchangeably with mid century design. Though they are the same, there’s a slight difference between the two. Mid-century is a style that existed in the early 1930s. Mid-century modern is a design movement that emerged in 1945 after World War II.
What is the difference between modern and mid-century modern?
What defines the modern interior design and mid-century modern styles is the use of decorative elements. The modern aesthetic is well-known for its sensible elegance. This design style isn’t known for being lavish or excessive. Mid-century modern, on the other hand, doesn’t mind some decorative accents.
How do you know if something is mid-century modern?
Clean lines, smooth curves, and organic forms. These are the key characteristics of mid-century modern furniture. Although most of them were made in the 1940s to 1960s, their elegance, simplicity and timeless look makes them still quite popular. They are still featured in many contemporary interiors.
Spruce Up Your Space!
Recreating a mid-century modern design in its entirety can be a little challenging and intimidating, considering that authentic designs can cost an arm and leg. But you can start with artworks, colors, and midcentury modern furniture that go well with your space.
You don’t have to be a color theory expert or an interior designer to bring that postwar vibe into your home. What you need are items that make you comfy and life easy.
You can check out our selection of the best mid-century modern art and pieces to get you started!
Good luck!
