The Mid Century Modern style combines clean lines, functionality and elegant shapes. In this article, you will learn all about the typical features, colours and furniture pieces of this popular design and how you can use it in your home.

The most important facts at a glance

• The Mid Century Modern style is characterised by furniture with clear lines and organic shapes, created between the 1930s and 1960s.
• Typical colours are earthy tones combined with bold accents that create a lively atmosphere and have a harmonious effect throughout the room.
• Popular pieces of furniture such as the Eames Lounge Chair and the Noguchi Coffee Table are both functional and aesthetic and bring elegance to any home.
• Here you will find a selection of products that you might like

What is Mid Century Modern?

The Mid Century Modern style is a design movement that emerged between the 1930s and 1960s. During this period, the foundations were laid for many of today's iconic pieces of furniture and architectural designs, which are characterised by clean lines and organic shapes. The focus was on functionality without superfluous ornamentation, resulting in a minimalist yet inviting appearance that characterises the interior design style of this era. The mid-century style has had a lasting influence on today's design and is an example of the style of this period.

This style developed through the combination of modern Bauhaus design, functional requirements and the new materials of the time. The use of materials such as plastic and plywood allowed for innovative shapes and a new aesthetic that was very different from earlier, heavier designs. These materials gave designers the freedom to create pieces of furniture that were both stylish and practical.

The Mid Century Modern movement is not just a design style, but also an expression of an era characterised by new technologies and social change. This movement reflects the optimism and innovation of the mid-20th century and has lost none of its appeal to this day.

The typical colours of the Mid Century Modern style

The colour palette of the Mid Century Modern style is both versatile and characteristic. Earthy colours such as brown and beige form the basis and create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These basic colours are often combined with vibrant accents such as mustard yellow and turquoise to create interesting contrasts and a touch of freshness.

Warm earthy colours in combination with strong accents such as yellow or orange can be used to great effect with curtains and carpets. These colour combinations:

• bring life into the room
• give it depth and character
• blend harmoniously into the design (e.g. strong colours such as orange and rust red)
• create a balanced colour concept.

For DIY projects in Mid Century Modern style, muted natural tones and bold accent colours such as mustard yellow or turquoise are particularly popular. These colours make it possible to create individual yet stylish accents that perfectly capture the charm and aesthetic of the Mid Century Modern style, while also offering different nuances.

Popular Mid Century Modern furniture

Some of the best-known and most popular pieces of furniture in the Mid Century Modern style are true design icons. These pieces of furniture are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and comfortable. The Eames Lounge Chair is an outstanding example of this style. It is known for its high level of comfort and the use of wood and leather, which makes it a timeless classic.

Another iconic piece of furniture is the Noguchi Coffee Table. This table is characterised by its organic shape and is often seen as a work of art that combines functionality and aesthetics and pays homage to modern design.

The Saarinen Tulip Table is also famous for its curved, elegant shape, which visually lightens the space and at the same time looks stylish. These pieces of furniture are examples of the innovative designs that characterise the Mid Century Modern style. They fit seamlessly into various interior styles and bring elegance and comfort to any home.

Mid Century Modern armchair: elegance and comfort

Mid-century armchairs are a prime example of the elegance and comfort that characterise this style. These chairs combine clean lines with organic shapes, making them not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly comfortable. A particularly well-known model is the Womb Chair by Eero Saarinen, which is appreciated for its inviting shape and high seating comfort.

Many mid-century armchairs use high-quality materials such as leather and special textiles, which ensure a longer service life. This choice of materials not only contributes to durability, but also to the creation of a cosy ambience. A cosy living room is created by combining comfortable armchairs and clean-lined sofas, complemented by minimalist floor lamps.

These armchairs are more than just seating furniture; they are an expression of a lifestyle that values simplicity and functionality without sacrificing comfort and elegance, all in one base.

Mid-century modern style lighting

Lighting in the Mid Century Modern style plays a decisive role in creating the right ambience. Lamps in this style are characterised by:

• organic design
• clear lines that perfectly match the other pieces of furniture. Typical examples are
• the arc lamp
• Pendant lights with round or cylindrical shades that add an elegant touch to any room.

Recommended lighting elements in the Mid Century Modern style are lamps with simple, organic shapes such as arc lamps or globe lamps with brass details. This combination of simple shapes and fine materials creates a contemporary look that is both modern and vintage.

By skilfully combining modern and vintage elements, Mid Century Modern style lighting can be both functional and decorative and lend a special atmosphere to any room.

Wall murals and decoration in mid-century style

Wall murals and decorations are important elements to fully emphasise the Mid Century Modern style. Typical features and ideal decorative elements are:

• Use of bright colours
• Geometric patternstypical of the upholstered furniture design of this era
• Geometric mirrors
• Abstract works of art

These elements emphasise the style, especially in the living room interior.

The following elements can be used to create an authentic mid-century atmosphere:

• DIY murals with abstract patterns and geometric designs
• Sculptural elements
• Wall decorations, such as tapestries, help to create a unique and stylish ambience.

Furnishing ideas for your living room

A Mid Century Modern style living room is characterised by clear lines, organic shapes and slender furniture with tapered wooden legs. Suitable colours are neutral base tones such as grey, beige or white, complemented by strong colours such as mustard yellow, olive green, orange and petrol blue. This combination creates a balanced yet lively atmosphere that perfectly emphasises the living style.

Colourful accents in the decoration can be set by large-format works of art that bring the room to life. These works of art are not only decorative, but also reflect the creativity and innovative spirit of the Mid Century Modern style.

The use of nature motifs in art and decoration reflects a connection to nature that is common in mid-century design. Furniture such as sofas and armchairs with clean lines and comfortable upholstery complete the picture and create a cosy and stylish living room.

Mid-century dining room: Dine in style

A mid-century dining room is often characterised by the following features:

• Clean lines and functional furniture that create a pleasant atmosphere
• Various mid-century chairs that are easy to combine and provide additional comfort
• Bright, airy rooms, typical for this Style
• Furniture on legs that contribute to the airy effect

Glass pendant lamps are iconic elements of mid-century design that use either transparent or coloured glass. These lamps blend seamlessly into the overall look and provide pleasant lighting for dining.

Abstract pictures and geometric rugs complete the look in the mid-century dining room. These decorative elements bring colour and pattern into the room and create a stylish and inviting interior.

Materials and textiles in Mid Century Modern style

The materials and textiles used in the Mid Century Modern style are an essential part of this design. Typical materials are

• Plastic
• Glass
• Solid wood These materials give the designs a characteristic expression and are often combined to create pieces of furniture that look both traditional and modern.

Aluminium and chrome are used for asymmetrical designs and give the furniture a modern aesthetic. These materials contribute to the functionality and minimalist appearance of the style, especially when combined with other elements.

Wood, especially teak and walnut, and innovative materials such as plastic and plywood are particularly suitable for DIY projects in the Mid Century Modern style. These materials make it possible to create pieces of furniture and decorations that perfectly capture the charm and elegance of this style.

DIY projects in mid-century modern style

DIY projects in Mid Century Modern style are a great way to add a personal touch to your home. Projects with clean lines and organic shapes are particularly popular. A minimalist wooden side table with geometric shapes is an example of a simple and effective DIY project.

Such projects are not only creative and fun, but also allow you to integrate the Mid Century Modern style into your home in a personalised way. They provide the perfect opportunity to develop craftsmanship skills while creating a stylish and unique living environment.

Summary

The Mid Century Modern style is timeless and versatile, characterised by clean lines, functional furniture and a distinctive colour palette. From iconic furniture pieces to elegant lighting and DIY projects, this style offers countless ways to make your home stylish and inviting. Get inspired and discover the beauty and elegance of Mid Century Modern style.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Mid Century Modern style emerge?

The Mid Century Modern style emerged between the 1930s and 1960s. This is an exciting time for design and architecture!

What colours are typical of the Mid Century Modern style?

Typical colours in the Mid Century Modern style are earthy tones such as brown and beige, mixed with strong accents in mustard yellow and turquoise.

What are some iconic Mid Century Modern furniture pieces?

Some real classics of Mid Century Modern furniture are the Eames Lounge Chair, the Noguchi Coffee Table and the Saarinen Tulip Table. These pieces are not only stylish, but also timeless!

Which materials are frequently used in the Mid Century Modern style?

The Mid Century Modern style mainly uses materials such as plastic, glass, solid wood, aluminium and chrome. This combination creates a clear, functional look.

Which DIY projects are suitable for the Mid Century Modern style?

A minimalist wooden side table with clean lines fits perfectly with the Mid Century Modern style. Such pieces of furniture are easy to design and bring the characteristic look into your home.