Collection: Mid Century Modern Furniture

Mid century modern furniture is a design style that has stood the test of time. It emerged in the mid-20th century and was characterized by its clean lines, organic shapes, and focus on functionality over ornamentation. This style was influenced by various factors such as the Bauhaus movement, Scandinavian design, and the post-war economic boom.

One of the reasons why mid century modern furniture remains popular today is because of its timeless aesthetics and functionality. The pieces are versatile and can be incorporated into a range of interior design styles. Whether you have a contemporary or traditional home, mid century modern furniture will fit right in.

Some of the most iconic pieces include Herman Miller Chairs, Danish Coffee Tables, and Saarinen Tulip Chair. These pieces have become synonymous with mid century modern design and are still highly sought after today.

What is Mid Century Modern Furniture?

Mid Century Modern Furniture: A Design Style That Endures

Mid century modern furniture is a design style that emerged in the mid-20th century, roughly from the 1930s to the 1960s. This iconic style has been enduringly popular for decades and continues to inspire contemporary designers today.

In this section, we will explore what mid century modern furniture is and why it has remained so beloved over the years.

Clean Lines and Simple Forms

One of the defining features of mid century modern furniture is its clean lines and simple forms. This design style emphasizes functionality over ornamentation, with a focus on creating pieces that are both beautiful and practical. Mid century modern furniture often features sleek, straight lines and geometric shapes that give it a timeless appeal.

Knoll Eero Saarinen Swivel Tulip Chair

Natural Materials

Another hallmark of mid century modern furniture is its use of natural materials such as wood, leather, and metal. These materials were chosen for their durability as well as their beauty, giving each piece a sense of warmth and organic charm. Many mid century modern pieces feature richly grained woods like teak or walnut, which add depth and texture to the overall design.

Bold Colors

While mid century modern furniture tends to be characterized by its simplicity, it also incorporates bold colors into its designs. Bright hues like red, orange, yellow, blue, and green were popular during this time period and are still used today in contemporary interpretations of this classic style. These vibrant colors provide a pop of visual interest against the neutral backdrop of many mid century modern interiors.

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Enduring Popularity

Despite being several decades old at this point, mid century modern furniture remains incredibly popular among interior designers and homeowners alike. Its clean lines and simple forms make it an ideal choice for those who prefer minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired decor styles.

Additionally, because many pieces were designed with functionality in mind first and foremost (think modular shelving units or streamlined sofas), they can easily adapt to different spaces and needs.

Contemporary Designers Inspired by Mid Century Modern Furniture

Many contemporary designers draw inspiration from mid century modern furniture, incorporating elements of this iconic style into their own work. For example, the German architect and visionary designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe has created iconic furniture that still todays pays homage to mid century modern design while also feeling fresh and modern. Similarly, the American designer Jonathan Adler often incorporates bold colors and playful shapes into his pieces, nodding to the mid century aesthetic in a way that feels current.

Essential Midcentury Modern Furniture Pieces You'll Love

Iconic Lounge Chairs

Midcentury modern furniture is known for its sleek and stylish lounge chairs. These chairs are designed to provide maximum comfort while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. The Eames Lounge Chair is perhaps the most iconic example of midcentury modern lounge chair design. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1956, this chair has become a timeless classic that is still popular today.

Another classic midcentury modern lounge chair design is the Barcelona Chair, which was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich in 1929. This chair features clean lines and a simple silhouette, making it an ideal choice for any modern living space.

Mid century modern  Lounge Chairs

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Scandinavian-Inspired Sofas

Clean lines and minimalistic designs are hallmarks of midcentury modern furniture. A Scandinavian-inspired sofa with tapered legs and a simple silhouette can be the perfect centerpiece for your living room. These sofas often feature neutral colors like white, gray, or beige, making them versatile enough to match any decor style.

One popular example of a midcentury modern-inspired sofa is the danish executive sofa by Illum Wikkelsø. Designed in 1945 by Danish furniture designer Kristian Illum Wikkelsö, this sofa features organic shapes and minimalistic legs that give it a unique look and feel. You've probably seen it in a lot of classic movie without noticing!

Atomic Age and Eames Era Coffee Tables

The Atomic Age was a time of innovation and experimentation in design, and mid century modern coffee tables reflects this spirit. A coffee table with a bold, geometric design or a futuristic shape can add a touch of retro charm to your space. The use of wood and chrome characterized the upscale mid-century coffee tables found in executive workplaces and sophisticated interiors.

mid century modern coffee tables

One popular example of an Atomic Age coffee table is the Noguchi Table from Isamu Noguchi, which was designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1948. This table features an organic shape made from two interlocking pieces of wood that create a sculptural base.

Teak Sideboards

Midcentury modern furniture often features warm, natural materials like teak wood. A teak sideboard with clean lines and ample storage can be both functional and beautiful. These sideboards often feature simple designs that showcase the natural beauty of the wood.

One popular example of a midcentury modern teak sideboard is the Credenza by Florence Knoll. Designed in 1954, this sideboard features clean lines and a minimalist design that makes it an ideal choice for any modern living space.

Sputnik Chandeliers

Lighting is an important element of any interior design scheme, and midcentury modern furniture often incorporates unique and eye-catching fixtures. A Sputnik chandelier with multiple arms and a space-age aesthetic can add a playful touch to your home decor.

One popular example of a midcentury modern-inspired Sputnik chandelier is the 2003 Chandelier by Gino Sarfatti. This chandelier features multiple arms that radiate out from a central sphere, creating a striking visual effect. It has made around 1939, and is often cited as the first Sputnik-style chandelier.

Mid-Century Modern Sputnik Chandelier

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How to Incorporate Mid Century Modern Furniture into Your Home Decor

Choose a Focal Point

When incorporating mid century modern furniture into your home decor, it's important to choose a focal point. This could be one or two statement pieces that will serve as the centerpiece of the room. A statement sofa, unique coffee table, or bold accent chair are all great options for creating a focal point.

For example, a sleek and stylish mid century modern sofa in a light color can be paired with neutral accessories and accents to create an eye-catching centerpiece in your living room. Or, you could opt for a vintage mid century modern coffee table with interesting lines and shapes to anchor your space.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to mix mid century modern furniture with other styles. In fact, pairing vintage mid century modern pieces with contemporary accessories can create an eclectic and interesting look that is both timeless and fresh.

For instance, you might pair a classic mid century modern armchair with a contemporary side table or lamp to add some contrast and interest to your space. Or, you could mix different eras of furniture together by pairing a vintage mid century modern dining table with more contemporary chairs.

Use Color Wisely

Mid century modern furniture often features bold colors and patterns that can easily overwhelm a space if not used carefully. To avoid this problem, use these colors sparingly and balance them out with neutral tones.

For instance, you might choose one or two bold accent pieces in bright orange or turquoise to add some visual interest to your space without overwhelming it. Then, balance out these bright colors with plenty of white or beige walls and floors.

Embrace Minimalism

One of the hallmarks of mid century modern design is its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic. When selecting decor pieces to complement your furniture, keep this in mind by opting for simple and understated accessories rather than cluttered or ornate items.

For example, you might choose simple geometric prints for your throw pillows or curtains instead of busy floral patterns. Or, you could opt for a few carefully chosen pieces of art or sculpture to add some interest to your space without cluttering it up.

Incorporating mid century modern furniture into your home decor can be a fun and rewarding experience. By choosing a focal point, mixing and matching different styles, using color wisely, and embracing minimalism, you can create a space that is both stylish and functional. So why not give it a try today?

Mid-Century Modern Sofas, Loveseats, Armchairs and everything in between

Mid-Century Modern Sofas, Loveseats, Armchairs and Everything in Between

Sofas, loveseats, armchairs, lounge chairs, recliners, and of course swivel chairs are some of the most iconic seating pieces of the mid century modern design movement. The classic seating designs of that era have stood the test of time and remain popular today for their sleek lines, minimalistic style and timeless appeal.

Sofas

Mid-century modern sofas are known for their clean lines and simple shapes. They often feature low backs and thin legs that give them a light and airy feel. One of the most iconic mid-century modern sofa designs is the Florence Knoll Sofa. Designed by Florence Knoll in 1954, this sofa features a streamlined silhouette with a tufted seat cushion and sleek metal legs. It remains a classic design that is still produced today.

Another popular mid-century modern sofa design is the Eames Sofa Compact. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1954, this sofa has a compact size that makes it perfect for smaller spaces. It features a low profile with a wooden frame and upholstered cushions that create a comfortable seating experience.

Milo Baughman (1923-2003) was also a visionary in the modern design world and one of the most successful and respected modern furniture designers 20th century. His designs feature the 1960s Milo Baughman sofa, which artfully blends solid wood and lucite to emphasize modernism and minimalism.

Loveseats

Mid-century modern loveseats are similar to sofas but on a smaller scale. They are designed to seat two people comfortably while taking up less space than a full-sized sofa. One popular mid-century modern loveseat design is the Noguchi Freeform Sofa. Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1946, this loveseat has an organic shape that mimics natural forms found in nature. Its sculptural form makes it both functional and beautiful.

Mid-Century Modern Loveseat


Armchairs

Mid-century modern armchairs are designed with comfort in mind while maintaining clean lines and simple shapes. The Egg Chair designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1958 is one of the most iconic mid-century modern armchair designs. Its unique egg-shaped form provides both comfort and privacy while its swivel base allows for easy movement. The chair's sculptural form and high-quality materials make it a timeless design that is still popular today.

Everything in Between

Mid-century modern furniture is not limited to just sofas, loveseats and armchairs. There are many other pieces that fall under this category including coffee tables, side tables, credenzas and more. These pieces often feature similar clean lines and simple shapes as the seating options.

One popular mid-century modern coffee table design is the Noguchi Coffee Table. Designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1947, this table features a unique sculptural base made from two interlocking wooden pieces that support a glass top. Its organic shape makes it both functional and beautiful.

Credenzas are another popular mid-century modern furniture piece. They are designed to provide storage while maintaining a sleek profile. One iconic mid-century modern credenza design is the Eames Storage Unit. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1950, this unit features modular components that can be configured in various ways to fit any space or storage need.