It’s time to delve into Mid-Century Modern! It’s surprising that we haven’t discussed this beloved style before on here, considering its one of the most iconic styles still used in today’s interiors. So, without further delay, here is an overview of this style along with our insights.
History of Mid-Century Modern:
Mid-Century Modern (MCM) is an iconic style of both interior design and architecture, though our focus today will be on the interiors. The mid-century modern style originated in the mid 40’s to early 60’s (hence the name midcentury!) where we start to see a push towards functional, clean, and simplified spaces in contrast to the more formal styles of years past. The Bauhaus and Modernist movements significantly influenced the characteristics of MCM, especially the “less is more” mentality. However, MCM focused on form AND function contrasting the modernist saying, “form follows function”. Also, during this time in the early to mid-1900’s, furniture items were beginning to be mass-produced, meaning the style was more accessible to the public, and it spread like wildfire.
This continues to be a favorite style for designers and homeowners alike. MCM frequently appears in the set designs of films and tv shows to this day. Notable furniture pieces from this era include:
- Eames Lounge Chair (Charles and Ray Eames) – perhaps the most recognizable of all the MCM furniture pieces. Exceptionally comfortable and timeless in its design.
- Tulip Chair and Table (Eero Saarinen) – reproductions of this table almost everywhere. The popularity of these chairs has waned, but nowadays they’re still known for their “space age” look.
- Egg Chair (Arne Jacobsen) – this chair continues to be popular for its sleek design. Many people believe this chair is inspired by Eero Saarinen’s Womb Chair.
Style Characteristics:
Mid-Century Modern design is characterized by clean lines, organic forms, and a prioritization of function. Ornate details and traditional elements are set to the side in favor of sleek, curved shapes and the use of man-made materials used in combination with wood in furniture.
- Functionality is key. The design is intended to be simple and practical, catering to the needs of the average family unit.
- Geometric and curved lines are prevalent in everything from architecture to furniture and patterns.
- Materials like glass, metal, vinyl, and plastic were commonly used alongside wood. Teak was the most common, but rosewood and oak were also popular choices at the time.
- Nature- inspired color schemes featuring shades like olive green, khaki, rust, brown, and yellow, is what most people associate with MCM, but bright pastel schemes were also prevalent.
- Solid colors and simple geometric patterns were a staple, steering clear of florals and other ornate patterns.
Our Thoughts:
For many, mid-century modern represents the pinnacle of style and luxury. We’ve done quite a few interiors inspired by this era and frequently incorporate mid-century elements into our designs. We love the style’s minimalist layouts, sleek lines, and emphasis on functionality. However, our main critique of mid-century style is that due to its enduring popularity, we see it absolutely everywhere! While we appreciate the style’s accessibility, we wish that is used in moderation.
Mid Century Modern looks great when paired with other styles. Which means that you can use your MCM pieces and mix in elements from other styles to get a curated yet harmonious look. Mixing and matching styles better showcases your personality and makes your spaces look less like a showroom. Some of our favorite styles to mix with MCM are transitional, rustic modern, and industrial, but you can experiment with a multitude of other styles as well.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this iconic style. Are you a MCM fan?
Stay Inspired!
The MWI Team