The mid-century modern look, with its roots in Scandinavian design and the Bauhaus art movement, has been gaining popularity for years. It’s not difficult to see why. Defined by clean lines, unfussy styling, and organic shapes (to name just a few of the key features) it’s easy to achieve and looks timeless. Though the style incorporates elements of minimalism, the overall look is more classic and, in some ways, homely. Want to inject some mid-century style into your home? Our styling and shopping tips below will help you do just that.
Contrasting materials and textures
A mid-century modern house may look simple, but it’s never boring thanks to the use of contrasting materials and textures. Leaning heavily on this design element and styling trick brings dimension to any space, even when the colours are neutral and muted. In practice, this may look like a mix of wood, vinyl, boucle, and velvet. A shaggy or a berber-style rug could be styled with a velvet or boucle-fabric sofa. Or you could pick contrasting armchairs in a different fabric or a bold pattern. Group different cushions together and don’t pick the same style; instead mix different sizes to create an effortless look.
When shopping, look out for:
- Fabrics with interesting textures and materials like velvet and boucle
- Contrasting accents, they could be metal or glass
- Furniture with a wood grain
- Statement rugs
- Organic materials paired with more ‘glam’ elements
Geometric and organic shape
Another contrast channeled by the mid-century modern look is between geometric and organic shapes. A classic mid-century furniture pairing is that of a boxy looking sofa on legs with a ‘whimsical’ coffee table or chairs with organic lines, like the design classic Noguchi Vitra coffee table or the egg-shaped mid-century armchair. The idea behind this is to create a space that feels quite natural without matching too many pieces with each other. If your current furniture is very angular, then pick a piece or two to replace with something softer instead. Coffee and side tables tend to be easiest, but you can also inject different shapes through lights, sculpture, and soft furnishings.
When shopping, look out for:
- Curved lines
- Statement geometric shapes
- Interesting and unusually-shaped accents, like lights and lamps
- A mix of different shapes to combine in one room
Pairing neutral with bold colours
Unlike minimalism and even the Scandi look, mid-century modern style doesn’t shy away from colour - it uses it deliberately. Neutral can be the way to go if that’s your preference or you can keep the basics neutral, opting for bold colour accents. All kinds of colours work: yellow, green, blue, red, and monochromatic pairings too. Choose a colour or two that you like and inject it through accessories, rugs, curtains, and wall art. Don’t forget metallics; gold and bronze details can further elevate the mid-century look.
When shopping, look out for:
- Warm colours and metallics, overlook silver and cool shades
- Big, bold art - stay away from smaller pieces
- Invest in neutral pieces that you can restyle easily, like a sofa or bed
Nothing too ornamental
Being confident in your design choices and letting the furniture and styling speak for itself is all part of the mid-century modern look. Spend the time looking for great pieces, like a vintage or a mid-century inspired desk and let it do the talking in your study. Similarly, a statement TV stand or a dining table and chairs could be all the room needs to get that mid-century feel. Don’t feel like you need to overfill the spaces with too many accessories. Instead, invest in a few great pieces and inject life with a couple of plants.
When shopping, look out for:
- Design items that aren’t too fussy
- Quality pieces that’ll stand the test of time
- Thoughtful accessories
- Large plants and interesting planters
Functionality over decoration
The mid-century design philosophy centres the idea that form follows function. What this means is that furniture is rarely chosen for its decorative purposes only. Instead, every piece plays a role in the home, whether that’s storage or relaxation. Keeping the home spacious and free of clutter is key to achieving the mid-century modern look, so choose furniture that’ll maximise your storage capabilities where possible - all those drawers are practical as well as decorative.
When shopping, look out for:
- Stylish and smart storage solutions
- Mid-century bookshelves that are functional and can be easily styled
- Furniture that’s functional for your needs
Bring a timeless style to your home
The mid-century style, while undeniably trendy, also has the timeless quality to stand the test of time. A lot of the shapes and fabrics used will look good today and for decades to come. It’s easy to inject a few mid-century design elements into your home, without changing or spending too much. Remember, this style is all about creating a home that’s livable, functional, and stylish.
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