An Introduction to Mid-Century Modern Design

By Audrey Lentz

If you’re confused about the difference between modern, contemporary, and mid-century modern, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of overlap between these styles. All three are fairly popular and borrow inspiration from each other. It’s no wonder that there are mix-ups, especially when these design terms are misused or used in conjunction. We’ve already discussed the basics of modern design in our Beginner’s Guide to the Elements of Modern Design, but there are major differences between modern and mid-century.

True mid-century modern design refers to styles of architecture and interior décor that gained popularity during the modernist period in the middle of the 20th century. Other design styles took precedence in the 1960s, but vintage mid-century design returned to fashion in the 1980s. Today, modern styles and elements from this period still reign in the design world, where you can find authentic vintage pieces from the original period or contemporary takes on the era.

Mid-Century Modern Inspiration

Some fashionable contemporary styles take a lot of inspiration from mid-century modern design, which creates overlap between the two styles and adds to the confusion. For example, contemporary rooms aren't furnished exclusively with vintage mid-century décor, but they may be outfitted with similarly constructed pieces with a subtle contemporary twist. Or, contemporary rooms can take elements that were first introduced by mid-century designers, such as minimalism, and base their design inspiration on that element.

In contrast, some mid-century enthusiasts are able to find vintage, restored, or imitation pieces directly from the time period, creating a more authentic mid-century modern décor. When considering modernist design, whether you choose to find inspiration from certain elements and incorporate them into a contemporary décor, or stick as closely to the original mid-century style as possible, it helps to understand the history and elements of the original movement.

Design Elements Overview

The mid-century modern aesthetic has a few key elements that make or break the overall look.

• Form follows function

Functionality is used as the primary inspiration for form. This means that unadorned, simple and useful designs are favored over ornate, “for decoration” bells and whistles. Comfort is also a major element when it comes to furniture.

• Sleek and simple

Geometric, organic shapes and designs rule this style. Larger pieces are made to look lighter by being lifted off the ground by feet, like this iconic platform bed, instead of resting heavily on the floor. Simple lines make up the majority of shapes, both in furniture and decoration.

• Organic influences with some untraditional mixes

Both natural and unnatural materials are juxtaposed in interesting ways to create the modern look. Designers make liberal use of wood and other organic composites, but also employ plastic for its own aesthetic, as well as glass, steel, and vinyl. This Neo Flair Chair is a perfect example of the combination of these materials.

• Minimalist and uncluttered

Many elements of modern design can be tweaked to fit your preferences and style, but no design is truly modern without a minimalistic approach, as it encompasses the functionality, simplicity, and organic elements altogether. When it comes to modern design, less is more.

Low, Light Furniture

Furniture is always an opportunity to create a statement and set the tone of any room, but this is particularly true when it comes to mid-century modern design. Modern furniture follows the “form follows function” element rule, with simple, sleek designs in sleek, organic shapes.

Some iconic original designs from the mid-century are the Egg Chair by Arne Jacobsen, the Wishbone Chair by Hans Wegner, and the Tulip Chair by Eero Saarinen.

Platform beds sit low to the ground with minimal headboard. Chairs like this Swell Dining Chair, couches, and coffee and end tables are lifted off the ground on thin legs for a light, simple look. Lines can be straight or curved, but all shapes follow a simple, unadorned design, unlike the claw-foot and button-tufted decorated pieces of traditional styles. This Inner Chair Fabric by Fine Mod Imports exemplifies these elements of organic form and comfort.

Neutral Color Scheme with Bright Pops

It’s hard to go wrong with a neutral color scheme, but pairing tans and brows with some popular colors from the period can add another layer to the modern look. Choose muted, vintage colors like olive, yellow, gold, burnt orange, pink, and blue. Depending on your boldness, one or two can be utilized in trim or a few key accessories or you can paint an entire wall in one of your chosen color pops or purchase a large furniture piece in the bright, eye-catching color like this Keaton Leather Loveseat for a real statement.

It’s important to keep in mind the minimalist aesthetic when planning colors, because choosing too many can create a busy, cluttered look. Try pairing just one or two with mostly neutrals. Orange or pink pairs well with brown and tan. For a contemporary take, try chartreuse with mostly gray, or teal and white paired together. For a true mid-century look, try pairing primarily wood elements with white.

Patterns & Accents Create Statements

Patterns and texture can be used to put the finishing touches on an otherwise simple and unadorned room. Geometric shapes and muted colors make up the quintessential look of the mid-century modern style. Patterns can be found on wallpaper for a big statement or employed on throw pillows, framed art, or other trim. Fabric presents another opportunity to utilize patterns, such as on a lampshade or blanket.

Modern doesn’t mean a complete lack of décor. There are plenty of opportunities to create interesting accents and statements throughout the room or home. Wall accents and art, as well as table pieces like this Spike Sculpture, can add interest to an unadorned wall, and textures and patterns can be mixed in infinitive combinations to create the perfect culmination of your favorite mid-century modern design styles.

Plastic, Steel & Man-made Elements

The post-World War II surge of new materials like plastics and metals inspired many of the artificial elements of the mid-century modern style. Designers combined natural and manmade materials for the iconic juxtaposition that is emblematic of modern design. Other materials like plywood, Plexiglass, metal, glass, and vinyl were combined in uniquely innovated pieces.

In contrast to other styles that might use plastic to resemble wood in an affordable take, mid-century employs it for its own aesthetic, creating organic and biomorphic shapes. You will often find pieces that utilize both wood and glass, plastic or steel, creating a unique texture and appearance. If you’re new to experimenting with pairing textures, take a look at Using Texture to Enhance Your Home Style for a brief introduction.