Mid-century modern design, it’s the style that has come back again and again in the decades since originally flourishing in the 1940s to 1970, and is now simply the aesthetic basis for many contemporary interiors.
And of course–who wouldn’t love the fun and functional shapes, minimal lines, and pops of bold colour found in icons like the Eames lounge chair or Panthella lamp?
Here’s how you can map the design details of iconic mid-century modern furniture into your very own living space, whether you’re looking to splash out on a statement piece or want some easy ideas.
Seek out sleek lines
When furniture shopping, you want to pick pieces with strong, sleek lines. Whether it’s got a dramatic curve like in the Arco lamp, the Bauhaus right angles of the Wassily chair, or the blocky sturdiness of a Florence Knoll sofa, it’s a bold silhouette that leads the way.
For a nod to the past with a contemporary ease, we join a massive crowd in being a fan of Article’s sofas. There’s a reason for the hype, too! Their throwback designs sport balanced proportions, complementary details and bold lines that draw the eye.
Mix your materials
Embrace mid-century modern’s eclectic mix-and-match of materials in a single space, and in single pieces. See the plastic, steel and wood Vitra shell chairs or the Artek tea trolley, which has been fabricated with cane and tile alongside solid and laminated wood.
Innovations in industrial design during these years meant designers were exploring new ways to shape everything from metal, wood, resin, natural stone, leather, and glass. Take a cue from these designers and play around with popular combinations.
Glass and Wood: Try glass tabletops on wooden tables for a modern touch that doesn’t overpower the natural warmth of wood.
Metal and textile: Incorporate wire mesh shelving or seating alongside soft textiles to create an interesting juxtaposition of materials.
Leather and metal: Integrate leather-upholstered furniture, like a sleek sofa or lounge chair, with chrome or stainless steel accents in the legs or frames.
Plastic and Wood: Pair moulded plastic chairs with wooden furniture for a playful mix.
Break up the space with cool curves
In contrast with sharp angles, many mid-century modern pieces have gentle curves or organic forms, like the Noguchi Coffee Table and the Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair. For a cheap and cheerful update, swap out a rectangular area rug for something asymmetrical and curved, or pick out a wall mirror in an irregular shape.
Choose clever storage
We’re not talking hollow ottomans here! Mid-century modern organisation is more about maximising space in fun ways instead of stashing everything out of sight.
Browsing for storage options like shelving, cabinets and caddies? Be on the lookout for pieces with multiple uses. Think floating wall units with both closed and open spaces you can use to display objects, modular units to divide spaces, and trolleys on castors you can use for books, toys, and to roll out as an additional side table–just add a portable LED lamp.
Go for bold, punchy colour
Because mid-century modern furniture is often only one to two tones, curating a home in this style feels like an exercise in colour blocking. To keep the colour palette cohesive, change up just one element in your current space with a new statement sofa slipcover.
This fall, we’ve offering a series of slipcover fabrics that will turn your home into a mid-century modern space.
Falling in in 13 beautiful colours, the fall fabrics include cream neutrals, bold burnt reds and dark velvets, which you can achieve a mid-century modern home with.
If you’re looking for covers built for truly living in – kids, pets, dinner parties and everything in between, go for our new Signature Velvet couch covers. They’re durable and have the capability to withstand little mishaps in your home, such as spills, pet fur and the likes.