Mid-century design style is commonly performed today. There are many ways to create a mid-century style home. But what exactly is “mid-century”? This term is used to describe a style that emerged in the mid-1970s. The style is inspired by the functional and simple designs of many architects and designers of that era.
Some mid-century furniture pieces are easier to spot than others. While designing your living room, we first have to distinguish what makes a piece of furniture “mid-century” versus just “modern” and what that middle area is.
Characteristics of mid-century modern design
According to Vogue magazine, there are five characteristics that sum up mid-century design style, specifically mid-century modern style.
Function: Emphasis on practicality over style. Mass production: Pieces that can be manufactured democratically without compromising craftsmanship. Connecting with nature: Designs that prioritize indoor-outdoor living or simply reference natural elements. Rich colours: deep colors used in a playful way – usually as an accent juxtaposed with more neutral tones – to communicate an idea – Innovative materials: man-made materials such as glass, plastic and formica combined with natural materials such as warm wood, stone and linoleum – always a combination of the two
Mid-Century Style Living Room Inspo
This small living room area is a great reflection of what mid-century is like. The rich blue color of the velvet sofa catches the eye. It stands out even more when placed on a light, neutral wall, like the white and wood wall seen here. The wood wall also matches the small side table at the end of the sofa as well as the tray on top of the small coffee table.
Here’s a more modern look at the style. The uniquely shaped glass coffee table leans towards modern design style. However, the curved chairs balance the modernity by bringing in some of that vintage style. The bright colors of the decor and wall art bring mid-century style back to life.
Here’s another, more recent shot. There are a lot of neutral colors in this room but the style of the furniture and decor keeps the room with character and still stands out. The liveliness of the orange sofa helps bring this living room space to life. The variety of colors here is what this interior design style is all about. Mid-century furniture and style pieces are usually brighter or more vibrant. They help bring some dimension to a space that would otherwise be flat.
You can also go more contemporary and artistic by designing a mid-century living room. Take this living room for example. Every piece of furniture here feels like a piece of art. However, the artistic choices of these pieces also do not detract from any function they have.
Here’s another look at a mid-century modern living room. The designs and style of this living room definitely leans modern, but it still has some mid-century touches. The chairs and coffee table are a combination of both styles. The bright orange rug has a mid-century feel to it, helping to brighten up the space. And with big windows like this house, it looks so beautiful during the golden hour.
There are many ways to embrace mid-century modern style. This living room has some contemporary pieces that help balance each style. The neutrality of the entire space also plays a role in doing this. White furniture pieces can also help highlight “modernity.” However, sometimes, the design of the piece makes it become modern and mid-century.
Shop the mid-century look
To help you get started on designing the living room of your dreams, we’ve rounded up some furniture pieces that fit the “mid-century modern” aesthetic. Mid-century interior design style is a spectrum, you can either lean more towards the vintage side or the modern side. You can incorporate more or less of this style into your living room.
Design within reach – Moses sofa
Pottery Barn – Airy Sectional Sofa
Maiden Home – Kenmare Chair
Karima style – Sorin chair
Maiden Home – Weston Seat
Design Within Reach – Noguchi Coffee Table
Anthropologie – Frida Vase
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