5 Key Ingredients for Mid-Century Style
There are a essential pieces of mid-century modern style that will help you get the look for less. Find out what they are with this guide
Many of the ideas associated with the mid-century modern movement of the mid-1930s to the 1960s represent designs that still feel fresh and relevant today. The mixture of organic elements, abstract prints and shapes, craftsmanship and clean lines has an enduring appeal that continues to inform contemporary decor.
Whether you’re looking to begin building your interior style around mid-century concepts or itching to incorporate a few design classics, these are the five key pieces you need to nab, with two ways to work each style into your scheme.
Whether you’re looking to begin building your interior style around mid-century concepts or itching to incorporate a few design classics, these are the five key pieces you need to nab, with two ways to work each style into your scheme.
… or pick a pair of chairs
To switch things up, consider making a pair of armchairs the centrepiece of your living room. It’s possible to find interesting originals from the period that can be reupholstered in contemporary fabric for a unique finish.
Again, home in on trademark peg legs – whether plain wood or, as here, black lacquered and metal-tipped – along with a boxy shape and buttoned back. Alternatively, wingback chairs are very reminiscent of mid-century style, as are wooden-framed Ercol armchairs.
To switch things up, consider making a pair of armchairs the centrepiece of your living room. It’s possible to find interesting originals from the period that can be reupholstered in contemporary fabric for a unique finish.
Again, home in on trademark peg legs – whether plain wood or, as here, black lacquered and metal-tipped – along with a boxy shape and buttoned back. Alternatively, wingback chairs are very reminiscent of mid-century style, as are wooden-framed Ercol armchairs.
2. Store with style: snag a streamlined sideboard …
Do your home a handsome favour by getting your hands on a mid-century-inspired wooden sideboard. Perfectly placed in a living room or bedroom, this classic piece will add a generous dash of retro flavour all by itself, as well as providing useful storage and extra display space.
Do your home a handsome favour by getting your hands on a mid-century-inspired wooden sideboard. Perfectly placed in a living room or bedroom, this classic piece will add a generous dash of retro flavour all by itself, as well as providing useful storage and extra display space.
… or create a custom-made credenza
If you’re struggling to find a piece with the right proportions, consider fashioning your own credenza for a contemporary nod to the era. This elegant (and economical) take on a mid-century sideboard is composed of three shop-bought cabinets mounted on a wooden plinth.
If you’re struggling to find a piece with the right proportions, consider fashioning your own credenza for a contemporary nod to the era. This elegant (and economical) take on a mid-century sideboard is composed of three shop-bought cabinets mounted on a wooden plinth.
3. Elevate your illuminations: score a statement ceiling light …
Eye-catching lighting is a must when creating the mid-century modern look. Make a beeline for ‘futuristic’ designs, such as UFO-shaped paper pendants or satellite-themed ceiling lights like this one.
Eye-catching lighting is a must when creating the mid-century modern look. Make a beeline for ‘futuristic’ designs, such as UFO-shaped paper pendants or satellite-themed ceiling lights like this one.
… or unearth an outré accessory
Make it your mission to find an unusual vintage floor lamp. A key piece of mid-century kit, original lighting – such as this abstract wooden lamp with integral side table – will give your home a hint of 1950s flair.
To ramp it up from flavour to theme, simply combine with a mid-century armchair or two (see this living room) and a plectrum-shaped coffee table.
Mid-century marvel for a modern family
Make it your mission to find an unusual vintage floor lamp. A key piece of mid-century kit, original lighting – such as this abstract wooden lamp with integral side table – will give your home a hint of 1950s flair.
To ramp it up from flavour to theme, simply combine with a mid-century armchair or two (see this living room) and a plectrum-shaped coffee table.
Mid-century marvel for a modern family
4. Beef up your bedside style: try a creative reproduction …
Give your boudoir a mid-century makeover by swapping in some retro-inspired bedside tables or storage units. Shop for boxy designs with slim drawers and tapered legs.
Give your boudoir a mid-century makeover by swapping in some retro-inspired bedside tables or storage units. Shop for boxy designs with slim drawers and tapered legs.
… or root out an original
For an authentic slice of mid-century style, hunt down some original 1950s bedside tables. There are many specialist sellers who cater to the mid-century furniture market, or scour online auction sites and car-boot sales for a bargain.
For an authentic slice of mid-century style, hunt down some original 1950s bedside tables. There are many specialist sellers who cater to the mid-century furniture market, or scour online auction sites and car-boot sales for a bargain.
5. Master nostalgic dining: reinstate retro vinyl chairs …
Go for impact at the dinner table with mid-century-style with open-backed dining chairs in era-appropriate vinyl. Classics came from the likes of Thonet, Finn Juhl and G Plan. If you can’t stretch to a designer original, pick up no-name styles at op-shops, in secondhand stores or online.
Icons of mid-century design explained
Go for impact at the dinner table with mid-century-style with open-backed dining chairs in era-appropriate vinyl. Classics came from the likes of Thonet, Finn Juhl and G Plan. If you can’t stretch to a designer original, pick up no-name styles at op-shops, in secondhand stores or online.
Icons of mid-century design explained
… or covet a classic
Choose an iconic mid-century design, such as the Eames DSR chair, pictured here. Its petite proportions and small footprint make it a smart choice when space is limited. Partner with contemporary pieces for a modern look or go for a decisive mid-century statement, pulling your Eames chairs up to a round, Tulip-style table.
TELL US
Do you have – or want – a mid-century piece in your home? Share details or photos in the Comments below.
MORE
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Choose an iconic mid-century design, such as the Eames DSR chair, pictured here. Its petite proportions and small footprint make it a smart choice when space is limited. Partner with contemporary pieces for a modern look or go for a decisive mid-century statement, pulling your Eames chairs up to a round, Tulip-style table.
TELL US
Do you have – or want – a mid-century piece in your home? Share details or photos in the Comments below.
MORE
So Your Style Is: Mid-Century Modern
Bring Palm Springs Mid-Century Modernism Into Your Home
5 Essential Pieces for a Mid-Century Mood
A mid-century-style sofa or chair is a keen investment and one that will set the tone for the rest of your decor. Key mid-century details to look out for include simple designs with straight arms, firm foam seats, timber bases and tapered wooden legs.
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