Ready to Revamp Your Home in Mid-Century Modern Decor?
Our experts show you how.
Mid-century modern decor works just as well in a small rented apartment as it does in a large, open home. Two things mid-century modern designers really value are simplicity and comfortability. Nothing should be overly ornate, and everything should feel livable and easy. Keep reading below for our favorite and simple mid-century modern decor style tips and ideas.
Mid-Century Modern Materials
Mid-century modern design has deep roots in both earthy and synthetic materials. Look for decor that can mix both: place wall art with warm-toned wood frames next to a lamp with an acrylic base. Layer a small sheepskin rug over a plastic dining chair. Place a brass cocktail shaker and bar tool set on top of a glass bar cart.
Neutrals are a big part of the mid-century modern decor colour palette. White and beige are perfect choices for large pieces of furniture, rugs and walls. Layer pops of bold colours like oranges, blues, and greens over neutrals to keep things interesting and textured. We suggest keeping the bursts of colour to home decor items like scatter cushions, wall art and decorative objects.
Mid-century modern design favours clean lines and purposeful functionality. Choose modern furniture with sleek, tapered legs and long, simple surfaces. You should be able to tell what a piece of furniture does just by looking at it: unfussy sofas, platform beds and leggy sideboards. If you opt for upholstered living room furniture, keep the tufting minimal but comfortable. The dining room table and coffee table should have curved corners.
Mid-century modern wall art is known for its bright colours and clean lines. Around the time when mid-century modernism really took off, artists like Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock were reaching their heights of fame. You'll notice mid-century modern wall art either nods to Warhol's bright, bold and saturated shapes or lends itself to Pollock's abstract splatters and whimsical lines. Whichever way you lean, choose wall art that best suits your aesthetic – and don't be afraid to pick something a little wild. A stunning piece of framed art is the perfect place to go a little overboard when it comes to mid-century modern decor.
Light fixtures are often one of the most iconic pieces in a mid-century modern home. Sputnik-style chandeliers are a great way to make a big statement because of their simple brass arms and large globe bulbs. You can also opt for drum pendants or cone-shaped wall lights. If your room needs a bit more light, add an overarching floor lamp. The oversized yet simple bend is an ideal finishing touch for a mid-century modern room.
Immersing yourself in the outdoors is a big inspiration when it comes to mid-century modern decor and ideas. If your living room windows face a lot of trees or greenery, keep that line of sight open. Use sheer or semi-sheer curtains to make the most of natural light and outdoor scenery available to you. If you're a city dweller or just prefer to cover up a little bit, choose modern curtains with clean lines in a bright colour. Mid-century modern interior design loves bright-hued and patterned curtains. Let your curtains (sheer or not) run all the way to the floor to create an illusion of a higher ceiling.
The easiest way to introduce a mid-century modern rug into your space is to choose a rug in a quintessential colour like mustard yellow, teal, brown, etc. Choose a rug with a bold print or stick to a simple jute rug. Flokati rugs are very popular among mid-century modern design. Originally from Greece, these rugs were once thought of as too precious to go on the floor. Flokati, shag and sheepskin rugs are the perfect small piece of cosiness to add to any room, and they'll look great in contrast with modern furniture's fine lines.
Tip: Enjoyed this article? Then why not also check out:
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