How To Embrace Mid-Century Modern Design [5 Style Tips!]

At first glance, the mid-century design style can seem like an overwhelming mix of lines, curves, colors and abstracts. It’s hard to know how to begin bringing the style into your home or whether it will fit in with your existing decor. Typically, when you encounter the mid-century style in a home today it has a modern spin on it.

Mid Century Modern Abstract — Mid-century modern style combines patterns, textures, organic shapes and natural materials. Image via ElleDecor.

Most designers (both amateur and professional) choose to combine a curated blend of traditional and contemporary pieces to accomplish a mid-century modern style that blends seamlessly into their home. The following sections will breakdown this classic design trend, and highlight 5 of the key rules to follow to successfully add stylish mid-century modern decor to your own home without overdoing it.

So what exactly is Mid-Century Modern Decor?

The mid-century design phenomena peaked in the early 40s and maintained a presence in most middle-class American homes through the mid-60s. Rightly named for its place in history in the middle of the 20th century, the trend started to gain prominence post World War II. Many Europeans used this time to emigrate to North America and rebuild their lives, they brought with them preferences for open interiors, clean lines, geometric shapes, and natural materials. These design principles became well-renowned trends in the interior design world and remain relevant among design lovers everywhere to this day – talk about timeless!

The Big Lebowski Mid Century Modern Design — Mid-century modern interior design used in The Big Lebowski, organic lines and geometric shapes (1998). Image via The Observer.

Architects and home designers took into account people’s increasing desire to live a quiet suburban life as well as the demand for homes to be completed swiftly and affordably. The result was a style of homes characterized by functionality and simplicity in decor that was gaining popularity. For a brief moment in time, it was the most modern design approach available, exciting people with it’s quirky, futuristic vibe. The style encompassed everything in both the interior and exterior of the home, ranging from the landscaping to the carpeting.

Mid Century Modern Design in Mad Men — Mid century interior design on the set of Mad Men (set in 1960s). Image via InteriorDesign.net.

Heavily influenced by the Bauhaus movement, which was founded by the former German art school of the same name, the mid-century design approach combines unique artwork with elements of functionality. This is reflected in the combination of both organic and geometric forms, the use of symmetry, and vibrant pops of color.

Mid Century Modern Design in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel — Mid Century Modern Design on the set of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (set in the 1950s). Image via ElleDecor.com.

As you can see, the trend draws heavily on curved furniture contrasted against clean lines, accented with a bold centerpiece. It relies on the principle of minimal decorative ornamentation and lack of clutter. Now that you’re familiar with the basics of mid-century modern design, follow these 5 rules to begin adding a mid-century modern flair to your home.

1. Introduce a furniture centerpiece to build your aesthetic around. All great mid-century spaces have one statement piece of furniture that sets the tone for the space. Usually, the piece is organic in shape and serves to break up the straight line minimalism of the rest of the decor. Check out some of the more popular mid-century furniture, inspired by organic curves and bold colors:

Eames Lounge Chair Mid Century Modern Style — The Herman Miller collection is highly coveted in the mid century modern style. Pictured here is the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in a mid century living space. Image via TheDesignFiles on Pinterest.

Shop a similar (but more affordable) lounge set with the Baxton Studio Felicite Armchair at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Herman Miller Mid Century Modern Ottoman — Girard Color Wheel Ottoman. Image via Herman Miller.

Shop oversized statement ottomans like the ForestGate Coffee Table Ottoman at Bed, Bath, and Beyond.

2. Embrace natural materials; natural and organic materials include clays, stone, brick, and most commonly, well-crafted wood. Only use non-traditional materials such as metals, glasses, and vinyls sparingly as accents.

Mid Century Modern Design Natural Materials — This mid century modern space is composed mostly of natural materials, mixing different wood grains with clean lines. Image via TheDesignFiles on Pinterest.

Love these dining chairs? Shop a similar style with the Mid Century Molded Arm Chair at Lowes.

3. Introduce some bold colors, don’t be shy! The trick to placing color in the mid-century modern trend is to pick one or two bold tones and let them do the rest of the work. Mid-century rooms rely on bold pops of color in isolated spots, while the symmetry of the rest of the space balances out the boldness.

Mid Century Modern Color Couch — A bright green curved sofa is the statement color piece in this mid-century modern living space. Image via Bocadelobo.com

Colourfoam Sofa Mid Century Modern Red — A bright red sofa is the statement color piece in this mid-century modern living space. Image via Herman Miller on Pinterest.

4. Decorative art is essential in the mid-century modern trend. Mostly abstract, it serves to amplify the artsy aesthetic of the geometric shapes and various textures. There is a tendency to use graphic black and white art in these spaces, and a few well-placed pieces will tie a room together.

Abstract Artwork in Mid Century Modern Space — Large abstract graphic artwork adorns the walls of this room to complete the mid-century modern vibe. Image via ElleDecor.com.

Abstract Art in Mid Century Modern Home — Colorful abstract art compliments Elsa Hosk’s mid-century modern SOHO loft. Image via ArchitecturalDigest.com

5. Statement lighting completes a mid-century space. Often in a pendant light design, the hanging lights of a mid-century modern space are credited for bringing necessary texture to each room, casting intriguing shadows, and providing a gentle lighting in open spaces.

Mid Century Modern Lighting Elsa Hosk Apartment — These giant paper lantern lights are a classic trait of the mid-century modern trend, pictured here in Elsa Hosk’s SOHO apartment. Image via ArchitecturalDigest.com

Mid Century Modern Chandelier — A floating sconce and artistic Sputnik-style chandelier offer soft lighting options for this mid-century modern space. Image via ElleDecor.com

If you love this lighting, check out the various mid-century lighting options at Bed, Bath, and Beyond – starting with the Rogue Decor Company Chandalier.

If you follow these 5 design rules you should be well equipped to begin your mid-century modern makeover!