Mid-century modern is more than just a design style - it's a timeless aesthetic that combines comfort, functionality, and art. From the 1950s to the 1960s, this style captured the hearts of many, and it continues to be just as popular today. If you're a fan of mid-century modern and want to upgrade your living room, here are some decor suggestions that will bring the essence of this era into your space.
Furnish with Low-Profile Pieces
Create a sense of spaciousness in your living room by opting for low-profile furniture like couches and chairs. These pieces not only allow more natural light to flow through but also promote relaxation and reclining. Remember to avoid high-backed couches, as they can visually block the room and cut off your view.
Make a Statement with Wallpaper
Add character to your living room by incorporating a bold, geometric wallpaper pattern as an accent wall. This is a great way to inject personality into the space while maintaining a neutral decorating style. If you're on a budget, consider using stick-on wallpaper for a cost-effective alternative.
Create the Feeling of Open Space
To create a more spacious feel in your living room, avoid cluttering the space with excessive furniture. Instead, opt for a few staple pieces with thin legs or a geometric coffee table. In true mid-century modern style, every item in the room should have a purpose, promoting functionality and a clutter-free environment.
Get Leather Upholstered Furniture
For a trendy mid-century modern look, consider incorporating leather upholstered furniture into your living room. The mix of materials, such as leather and wood, adds a touch of elegance that perfectly complements the earthy tones of the decor style.
Add Touches Of Glam
While mid-century modern style often leans towards simplicity, don't be afraid to add glamorous elements to your living room. Incorporate a faux fur rug, throw pillows, or touches of gold to brighten up the space and add a touch of luxury while staying true to the mid-century aesthetic.
Draw the Eye with a Geometric Area Rug
A key feature of mid-century modern decor is the use of geometric and abstract patterns. Consider adding a geometric area rug as the centerpiece of your living room to add a splash of color and tie the room together. Remember to keep other elements in the room low-key to prevent overwhelming the space.
Go Natural with Wood Furniture
Embrace the natural beauty of wood by incorporating different shades of wood furniture into your living room. From floors to coffee tables, the use of varying wood tones adds warmth and authenticity to the mid-century modern aesthetic. Be mindful of not going too dark, as it can overpower the sleek and airy vibe of the style.
Keep the Room Natural and Earthy
Stay true to the mid-century modern color scheme by incorporating neutral and earth tones into your living room. Shades of white, gray, brown, and dark greens or blues create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Add accents in silver metal or brass for a touch of sophistication.
Stick With A Certain Color
While mid-century modern design typically embraces earthy tones, don't shy away from adding pops of color. Focus on using a specific color consistently throughout the room to maintain a cohesive look. For example, incorporate gold and mustard yellow accents alongside warm wood tones for a modern twist on the classic mid-century vibe.
Mix Wood & Metallics
Mixing wood and metallic elements is a hallmark of mid-century modern design. The combination of metal and wood creates a harmonious balance, adding a subtle softness to the overall aesthetic. Look for furniture pieces that incorporate both materials, such as a side table with a wooden frame and metal accents.
Furnish with Tapered Legs
Tapered legs are a distinct feature of mid-century modern furniture. These legs angle outwards slightly and taper towards the bottom, giving the illusion of weightlessness. Incorporate furniture pieces with slender, rounded legs to enhance the airy and spacious feel of your living room.
Make it Lively with House Plants
Add a touch of nature to your mid-century modern living room by incorporating green, lush house plants. Opt for bountiful plants with bright green leaves to bring life to the space. Choose plant pots that align with the mid-century style, such as smooth curved vases or pots on hairpin legs. Remember to keep your plants well-maintained to prevent the room from looking cluttered.
Focus On Straight Lines
While a few circular accent pieces can add variety, it's important to primarily stick to straight lines in a mid-century modern living room. The clean and sharp lines of boxy furniture contribute to the overall appeal of this style. Avoid softening these lines too much with excessive accents.
Mix Different Materials
Embrace the eclectic nature of mid-century modern style by mixing different materials in your living room. Look for furniture pieces that combine elements such as leather, wood, glass, and metal. These materials, often in earthy tones, work together harmoniously, resulting in a diverse yet cohesive aesthetic.
Hang Up Some Abstract Art
Incorporate abstract art into your living room to complement the mid-century modern aesthetic. Look for pieces that emphasize style and color rather than traditional landscapes or portraits. Abstract art not only adds visual interest but also serves as a great conversation starter with your guests.
Add Some Jewel Tones
If you desire a departure from the typical earthy tones, consider adding jewel tones to your living room. Incorporate colors like emerald green, fuschia, and royal blue to add vibrancy. To further elevate the modern aesthetic, add velvet accents such as a purple throw pillow for a touch of luxury.
Soften The Room With Tufted Furniture
While mid-century modern furniture often features clean lines, you can soften the overall look by incorporating tufted furniture. The tufting adds a touch of comfort and coziness, complementing the sleek design. Pair tufted pieces with soft throw pillows and blankets for a perfect balance between style and comfort.
Mismatch (In A Coordinated Way)
While symmetry is often favored in mid-century modern design, adding a touch of character through careful mismatching can be visually appealing. Play with different patterns and angles, such as using patterned throw pillows, a funky rug, or art pointing in opposite directions. This creates an interesting and lively atmosphere in your living room.
Mix In A Second Design Style
Don't limit yourself to just one design style. If you love both mid-century modern and bohemian aesthetics, find ways to blend them together. Incorporate chairs with a mid-century profile but bohemian upholstery, mix green leaf throw pillows with a sputnik light, and create a unique look that combines the best of both worlds.
Play Up Your Natural Light
Natural light can make a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of a room. If your living room lacks abundant natural light, don't worry. You can still play up the available light by incorporating brighter colors, such as yellow or orange, or painting your walls in a crisp white. These tricks will help maximize the light in your space.
Brighten Up the Room with an Arc Lamp
Illuminate your living room in the evenings with a classic arc lamp. The smooth metal design on a sturdy base curves into the room, providing ample light. Choose a minimalist arc lamp or one that extends far into the room to add a curved appeal that complements the straight lines of your mid-century modern space.
Add Some Industrial Accents
Give your living room an industrial touch by incorporating elements like iron legs or wire baskets. The addition of iron, a substitute for traditional wood, adds a cool and masculine feel to the room. To strike a balance, soften the industrial accents with cozy throw pillows and colorful touches.
Don’t Be Afraid To Go Bold
While mid-century modern decor often embraces earthy tones, don't shy away from incorporating bold colors into your living room. Whether through furniture, throw pillows, rugs, or artwork, don't be afraid to make a statement. Embrace the vibrancy and energy of the era, making your living room truly unique.
Soften Up The Room With Some Fur
While mid-century modern design can sometimes feel cold and structured, you can soften the room and make it more inviting with fur accents. Incorporate a rug, throw pillows, or a cozy blanket to add a touch of warmth and comfort to your living room. Opt for faux fur to stay cruelty-free.
Use Table Lamps for Decoration
Table lamps not only provide lighting but also serve as intriguing decor pieces. Look for lamps in bold colors or with metallic and interesting bases to add style and texture to your living room. By utilizing table lamps in a decorative manner, you can further enhance the overall aesthetic of the space.
When In Doubt, Go With Black and Brown
If you find yourself unsure about color coordination and style, stick to the classic combination of black and brown. These neutral colors are synonymous with mid-century modern interiors. Incorporate pops of white to brighten up the space, and you'll have a stunning living room that exudes timeless elegance.
Think Minimal
If you prefer a minimalist approach to design, embrace the essence of mid-century modern style by keeping your living room decor minimal. Focus on functionality and clean lines, and avoid excessive wall hangings or accent furniture. By minimizing the clutter, you'll create a space that is both stylish and uncluttered.
Final Thoughts
Furnishing your living room in mid-century modern style is a fun and rewarding endeavor. Focus on decorating with earthy, neutral tones and seek out furniture pieces that are both functional and fashionable. Remember, creating the perfect mid-century modern living room doesn't have to happen overnight. Start with a few key pieces and build upon it as your budget permits. The most important aspect is to ensure that your living room feels comfortable and reflects your personal style, as it is a space where you'll be spending a great deal of time.