Mid-century modern is modern design’s cool little brother.
Modern design is interesting because it encompasses so many different styles – including contemporary, minimalist, Scandinavian, and mid-century modern. It reached its height in the early 1900s, right after the Victorian Age, and differed wildly from the heavy lines and theatrical elements people were used to. Instead, people began decorating in a more practical, minimalistic way. Although modern design includes elements of mid-century modern design, the two aesthetics are distinct. Check out our tips on mid-century modern vs. modern design.
Modern design is many things at once, and it is thought to be broken out into a few core styles. Typically a modern designer will use ideas from all looks, so there is definitely some overlap between them.
- Scandinavian: features playfully geometric designs, tailored upholstery, and blonde and painted woods.
- Minimalistic: comprised of clean-lined and boxy furniture with smooth leather and high-gloss finishes.
- Farmhouse: inspired by nature with faux fur, linens, cowhide, and blackened metal.
- Glam: values bold, oversize art, polished marble and metals, and statement-making accessories and textures.
- Bohemian: features relaxed upholstery, raw wood and woven rattan, and multiple layered patterns.
- Industrial: utilizes wire-based chairs, Edison bulbs, distressed woods, and raw steel or iron.
- Mid-Century Modern: Keep reading to learn more.
Learn more about modern design by checking out our guide, What Is Modern Design?
Mid-century modern is one of the most organically modern styles. Mid-century modern has a retro feel and utilizes bright and bold pops of saturated colors. In the 1950s, pop art (think Andy Warhol) and the Space Age (think The Jetsons) were both iconic, and their influences are heavily evident in mid-century modern design.
Mid-century modern is considered modern design because it still values function over form, but it adds its own unique twist. Mid-century modern uses dynamic decorative accents, unlike more traditional modern design, which favors keeping decorative items to a minimum.
This particular aesthetic originated in Palm Springs in the ‘50s. At the time, this was the place to vacation for celebrities. Houses were flat with low roofs and open floor plans. Living and dining rooms were designed for entertaining many people at once. You’ll notice a lot of big dining tables and bar carts in mid-century design.
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Mid-century modern furniture is elongated with bold shapes. Backs of chairs are often flared. Furniture is designed to look minimal, geometric, and retro. Mid-century modern chairs and bed frames are leggy and tapered. Lighting is cone-shaped. Woods are warm-toned. Molded plastic and other modern materials like fiberglass, steel, and plastic are go-to materials.
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One of the reasons mid-century modern decor has stuck around for so long is because many young people and families continue to move to urban areas. Decorating a smaller living space is easy when using the influences of mid-century modern design, and the simple and approachable decor is designed to be used by everyone. Throwing down a couple floor pillows, adding plants, and opening spaces up with low furniture and arched lighting are a few easy ways to make your home more mid-century modern.
Mid-century modern spaces look and feel more lived-in than traditional modern homes. Mid-century modern enthusiasts love abstract, atomic, and geometric patterns. Keeping floor space open, making seating areas comfy, and showing off your personality without adding clutter are a couple of things to keep in mind when decorating a mid-century modern home.
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Bohemian style is included in the mid-century modern brand because both share many of the same influences. Many bohemian furniture pieces are inspired by mid-century modern design but use raw or mixed wood instead of plastic or other materials.
Bohemian style values bold pops of color, eye-catching patterns, and layered textures. It’s more of a mix-and-match approach to decorating. It is characterized by its global accents, wall hangings, colorful textiles, and uses of natural elements like woven rattan and faux fur.
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Pro Tip:
For a deep dive into mid-century modern design, check out Everything You Need to Know About Mid-Century Modern Design.
Mid-century modern has been around for a while, but it continues to inspire fresh and new decorating ideas. Take one last peek at some of our favorite mid-century modern ideas.
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FAQs
Midcentury Modern: Embraces simplicity, functionality, and a connection with nature. Characterized by clean lines and organic shapes. Modern: Focuses on sleek aesthetics, technological integration, and a commitment to uncluttered spaces with clean lines and geometric shapes.
Is mid-century modern the same as modernism? ›
From a design perspective, modern and mid-century modern are highly similar. You could think of mid-century modern as a sub-category housed under modern design. Because of that, there is some overlap.
Can you mix mid-century and modern? ›
Lighting like the Ceto Lamps works effortlessly into a modern interior. They add a touch of something special to a modern design scheme with their metallic color palette and texture in the lighting. So no matter what modern interior your working with you can always use a few little mid-century accents to spruce it up.
What style is closest to mid-century modern? ›
Bohemian style is included in the mid-century modern brand because both share many of the same influences. Many bohemian furniture pieces are inspired by mid-century modern design but use raw or mixed wood instead of plastic or other materials.
Is 70s considered mid-century modern? ›
Mid-century modern (MCM) is a movement in interior design, product design, graphic design, architecture and urban development that was popular in the United States and Europe from roughly 1945 to 1970 during the United States's post-World War II period.
How do you know if something is mid-century modern? ›
It is characterized by its emphasis on clean lines, organic shapes, and modern materials such as wood, leather, and metal. Furthermore, mid-century modern furniture is often characterized by its functionality and practicality, as well as its attention to detail.
Is mid-century modern in style in 2024? ›
Mid-century modern interior design has certainly made a welcome comeback since its introduction in the 50s. Now a favorite worldwide, it's easy to incorporate the look with a few simple elements.
Is mid-century modern still in style? ›
Midcentury modern is a design style that arrived in the mid-20th century. Defined by simple, functional, and wooden furniture, midcentury modern still remains a popular interior design choice today.
Why is mid-century modern so popular? ›
Mid-century modern furniture is popular due to its clean lines, functionality, and timeless appeal. It represents a design movement that embraced modernity and simplicity, and its popularity has been further fueled by its association with popular culture, such as the TV series “Mad Men”.
Why choose mid-century modern? ›
Mid-century design values simplicity in both function and looks and values the striking contrast between natural shapes, abstract designs, and organic materials (think wood, hemp and wool) in a human-made environment.
Mid-century Modern vs Contemporary Design: How to Mix these...
- Muted tones or vibrant colors (avoid the in-between)
- Clean furniture lines.
- A mix of both natural and manmade materials. ...
- Geometric shapes or lines.
- Mixing indoor and outdoor themes (for example, a chaise lounge in the living room)
Scandinavian design vs mid century modern. The terms are often used interchangeably. The style known as mid-century modern was an American reflection of the Scandinavian and Bauhaus movements. So there is an overlap between the two, and they both use clean lines, organic and streamlined forms, and no embellishment.
What style compliments mid-century? ›
Because of its functionality, sleek lines, and no-frills designs, midcentury modern style pairs well with other styles. Scandinavian and industrial styles, in particular, are great matches, but mixing with rustic and farmhouse styles demands a certain confidence.
What styles mix with MCM? ›
Art Deco design exudes luxury, glamour, and ornate detailing. To seamlessly combine it with the timeless appeal of Mid-Century Modern, consider incorporating MCM furniture with clean lines and bold shapes. Accentuate the fusion with Art Deco elements through lighting fixtures, mirrors, and decorative accents.
What year homes are considered mid-century modern? ›
How Mid-Century Compares to Styles of the 1800s and 2000s
| Also Known As |
|---|
| 1880 – 1930 | Victorian |
| 1930-1970 | Mid-Century |
| 1970-2020 | Contemporary |
May 4, 2024
Characterized by flat planes, large glass windows and open space, these homes -- built from 1945 to the 1980s -- featured simplicity and an integration with nature, encouraging residents to explore the world in new ways.
Is there a difference between mid-century and mid-century modern? ›
There are some distinctions between the two, though: Mid-century modern furniture refers especially to furniture designs that are contemporary and utilitarian, with clean lines and basic shapes. Mid-century furniture often refers to furniture pieces that were developed and produced during the mid-20th century.
