Mid-century modern interior design

Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Contemporary and Classic

11.07.2022

Mid-Century Modern Furniture: Contemporary and Classic

In the world of interior design, few styles have seen enduring popularity like that of mid-century modern architecture. The classic design aesthetic celebrates simple forms and natural materials and has been influencing homes and businesses for decades. Whether furnishing a new space or refreshing your current design, mid-century modern furniture is always a chic choice. Follow along as we delve into this popular style and how you can incorporate mid-century modern design into your own space.

mid-century modern interior design

What Is Mid-Century Modern?

Mid-century modern is a design style originating in the middle of the 20th century, formulated from a rebellion against the ornate decorations of previous styles. Mid-century modern style emphasized functionality and simplicity instead, including elements with clean lines, organic shapes, and natural materials. 

Throughout the years, the mid-century modern aesthetic gained popularity due to the flexibility of its style and quickly diverged from residential architecture into furniture, graphic design, and even fashion. 


Today, mid-century modern remains one of the most popular styles for both homes and commercial spaces, exuding streamlined elegance with a universal appeal that transcends trends. Because of this, mid-century modern furniture is one of the best choices for those who want their pieces to stand the test of time.

Elements coffee table

How to Incorporate mid-century Modern Into Your Space

One of the greatest aspects of mid-century modern furniture design is that it can be easily adapted to fit any space—from cozy cottages to mansions to bespoke bungalows—with endless ways to infuse timeless style into your home. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Start With The Basics

When creating any type of design, it's important to start with the basics. That means finding pieces that you absolutely love and that reflect your personal taste.

When it comes to mid-century modern furniture, look for pieces made from natural materials like wood or stone. Also, choose furniture with clean lines and simple silhouettes—avoid anything too fussy or elaborate. Once you have your foundation pieces in place, you can begin adding accent pieces and accessories to complete the look.

mid-century modern dining table

Don't Be Afraid Of Color

One of the hallmarks of mid-century modern design is bold color choices. Suppose you’re not used to incorporating color into your home décor. In that case, this might seem like a daunting task, but remember, you can always start small by adding pops of color here and there until you're comfortable with a more vibrant palette. Try using colorful throw pillows or art prints to inject some life into your space without going overboard.

Embrace Nature


As we mentioned before, one of the key elements of mid-century modern design is its focus on nature. To truly capture this aspect of the style, try incorporating nature-inspired elements throughout your space. Add indoor plants to your furniture or place them outdoors on your patio or balcony (if weather permits). You can also bring the outdoors inside by hanging nature-themed artwork or displaying collectibles like shells or stones.

Industry West x Studio UNLTD
Cane Storage Bed

A Mid-Century Modern Bedroom

While you may be excited to refresh your living space with mid-century modern design, the bedroom is the perfect place to try out your new furniture and get a feel for how mid-century modern design fits with your personal style. 


When furnishing a mid-century modern bedroom, look for a low-profile bed made from natural materials. A solid wood bed is a great option that incorporates organic materials and contemporary design into your space. If your bedroom feels smaller than it looks, a bed with built-in storage is a great way to free up wall space from large dressers or sets of drawers.

Cane Dressing Cabinet
Cane King Bed

Once you’ve chosen the bed, the rest of the room should fall into place easily. Explore mid-century modern furniture options that complement your bed frame, playing off colors, textures, and size. Focusing on clean lines and simple shapes will really accent that mid-century modern feel you’re hoping to achieve, and can also leave room for your personality to influence your choices. Dressers and nightstands with tapered or angled legs are the quintessential mid-century modern choice but don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone to find pieces that work for your space. If you love your furniture but think it needs a personal touch, add some décor that accentuates your style. 

Tahi Sofa + Malibu Coffee Table

The Mid-Century Modern Living Room

The living room is often the heart of the home, so it's the perfect place to really show off your mid-century modern style. Start by finding a sofa with clean lines and a simple silhouette. You could also try an armchair, lounge chair, or loveseat if you're tight on space.

Next, choose a coffee table that best fits your needs. If you entertain guests often, you might want a large table that can accommodate plenty of drinks and snacks. Or, if you prefer a more minimalist look, opt for a small, round table instead.

Catch Coffee Table

As for décor, go for items that are both stylish and functional. A floor lamp is a great way to add some light to the room, while also serving as a piece of décor. You could also try adding a few throw blankets or pillows to make the space feel more inviting. And don't forget about storage! A mid-century modern bookshelf would be a great way to store all of your favorite books and knick-knacks.

Whether you're furnishing a new home or simply looking to refresh your current space, mid-century modern furniture is always a chic choice. This timeless style combines form and function to create spaces that are both beautiful and practical. And thanks to its flexibility, mid-century modern can be easily adapted to fit any type of space—regardless of size or budget! We hope this guide has given you some helpful ideas for incorporating this classic style into your own home décor.

Malibu Wood Ball Set
Kangaroo Lounge Chair
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