What Is Mid Century Modern Style?

Modern mid-century furniture usually the preferred interior design choice for people who are well-informed However, when the television program Mad Men hit our screens 2007, a whole new generation of viewers became enthralled by its enticing style. Since then, it’s become an all-time favorite in commercial and residential settings all over the world.

If you’re wondering about this popular interior design style precisely, it began as a movement in design, that originated in America and its furniture design is distinguished by straight, clean edges, tapered leg along with the usage of natural and artificial materials. The palette of colors is cool, with teals blues and greys with pops of color like the burnt orange, and olive green. Geometric prints give a stylish and strong swath of pattern.

What is the era that mid century modern furniture have its roots in?

It’s generally believed that it spans from late 1920s through the mid-1960s. Some condense it down to a much smaller period of 1947 through 1957, however this leaves out the iconic pieces like Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe’s Barcelona chair as well as many of Eames’s iconic designs (more on these later). The movement, however, really was born in the post-war period.

The conclusion of World War II coincided with an array of innovative ways in which wood was utilized, and manufacturers and designers turned to their advantage , transforming furniture from the practical to more practical comfortable, comfortable, and visually appealing. The modern style seemed fresh without being ostentatious or slick without looking dull. It took advantage of the optimistic spirit of the moment and provided a means that people could express this feeling within their home.

Who are the major designers of furniture from the mid-century?

One of the first designers to start the modern design movement of the mid-century is Ludwig Mies van Der Rohe. his most famous piece is the Barcelona chair, which was designed by him in 1929. He was primarily an architect but his drive in ensuring structural strength and purpose to be as crucial as his aesthetics were incorporated into design furniture.

More as sculptures than furniture Harry Bertoia’s furniture instantly identifiable because of its fluid lines, flowing designs and the chairs which honestly, don’t look like chairs. The Diamond chair is probably his most famous creation and is still made by Knoll in the present. According to Knoll historical expert Brian Lutz once said: “Bertoia’s painting was better than his sculptures. Also, his sculptures were more impressive over his furnishings. His furniture was amazing.’

When we imagine midcentury contemporary furniture they are likely to think of Charles as well as Ray Eames, the husband-and-wife couple who wanted to design and create comfortable chairs that were priced at a reasonable price. They invented such iconic pieces like the DCW chairs, and their style is recognizable by its plywood molded construction and the use of vibrant hues.

Danish designer Arne Jacobsen was a different architect who shifted into furniture design. He was also involved in creating his own SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen and all the details inside was the first time anyone could see his futuristic Egg footstool and chair in 1958. It was followed by the Swan as well as the Ant chairs followed, and are a staple in hotels, homes, and commercial areas ever since.

What’s the difference between midcentury and modern mid-century?

Mid-century modern and Midcentury modern are commonly employed to describe the world of interior design However, there is a distinct distinction. Mid-century modern is a reference to the trend that was popular following World War Two in 1945 and Mid-century refers to an earlier style that was popular in the 1930s.

Although the two are alike in terms of their shapes and designs, the primary differences are in the way they use colors. Before the war and in the years that followed furniture was mostly practical, the shapes were selected to make use of the least amount of wood and colors were a practical choice, which is why you will see all the dark greens and browns employed in those times. Post-war , the necessity of functionality continued, however, designers began to play with fabrics and colors, and took inspiration from Danish as well as Scandinavian countries.

Are mid-century modern furnishings still in fashion?

Yes, modern mid-century furniture and the overall style continues to be one of the most popular designs for interiors to this day.

Modern mid-century furniture appeals to the masses because of its flexibility and ability to mix style and purpose. The perfect balance of style, comfort and practicality has been the crucial to maintain mid-century design’s popularity.

The forms of mid-century contemporary furniture are timeless and it can be paired with any style. There’s nothing that will clash with other styles of decor and its clean gentle curves and gracefully tapered lines are elegant enough to blend with any style.

The fact that mid-century modern furniture is simple to locate and is available at all prices is another indication of its popularity. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for original antique pieces like those of Eames, Ercol, and Arne Jacobsen, authentic contemporary items from reputable retailers, replicas or fresh takes on classic designs, they’re simple to find.

What wood is used to make furniture that is mid-century modern?

The wood that is most associated with the mid century modern style of furniture is teak. Dark, rich, and durable and regarded as a mark of high quality, teak went perfectly with the vibrant colors of the era and was commonly used to make tables as well as desks and storage.

Oak is another popular wood, and, just as teak is, too, strong and long-lasting. Its lighter shade makes it appear less imposing than teak and , as a result, it blends well with cooler, lighter shades of mid-century modern design.

It is lighter than oak, but not as heavy as beech, which is used most commonly to build the frames of sofas and chairs because of its strength and its shock resistance. Because it is a lighter wood, it is used in the mid century modern furniture is a distinct acknowledgement of the movement’s Scandinavian influence.

Many chairs, including Eames’s Lounge chair were constructed with molded plywood, an extremely new technique in the early days. This allowed designers to design iconic shapes that were connected to mid-century modern furniture while keeping furniture pieces at a reasonable price.

1. Choose colors that complement mid-century modern furniture

Selecting a standout piece of mid-century modern furniture like an armchair with a yellow color (probably the most popular mid-century modern hue) is the fastest and most striking way to get this look. If a bold decision isn’t your thing, accent with yellow bottles and vases and make sure to keep the rest of the color scheme neutral to let the yellow shine.

2. Select bold art

Artwork that is eye-catching and abstract that matches the hues in your design will help tie the entire scheme together. Setting it off from the center of the wall will add another level of intrigue while hanging the artwork against a white backdrop makes sure that it stands out and attracts the interest it deserves.

3. Create texture by rugs

Bring out the flowing, clean lines of your mid-century furniture by adding subtle touches of texture. Rugs under a table or coffee table can give a warm and more cozy feel to your space that’s also practical. Simple and clean to not hinder your furniture’s stunning style.

4. Mix various woods

The combination of mid-toned and dark wood creates a casual living-in look to your decor. Keep the decor and walls soft to let the various kinds of wood to leave their own mark.

5. Make cushions interesting by bringing them to life

The choice of a sofa that is colorful is a major decision So, choose something neutral if you feel it is too intimidating and then add some color with colorful cushions. Geometric patterns paired with plain colors in mid-century blues, yellows and greens can do the trick. They’re also easy and affordable to alter often if you’re looking for an upgrade.

6. Accentuate the lighting

Pink Maximimalist living space with a pattern couch, rug and starburst lighting

Starburst lighting is a crucial element of mid-century modern design It is therefore a must to create the wow factor to your table for dining or a coffee table by adding a striking shade. If your furniture is made of metal components that are high in quality and is mostly cool in appearance, opt for a silver finish on the lighting. If the furniture is mostly wood and has warmer hues within the upholstery, select gold to match your decor.

7. Use wallpaper to incorporate pattern

Geometric patterns are the hallmark of mid-century modern style, therefore frame your favorite item of furniture by using an eye-catching wallpaper. Reduce your accessories so that you furniture, walls and even your walls be the the center stage.

8. Pick funky vases

Alongside abstract art Modern design of the mid-century was a fan of funky vase. The designs that are mixed in colors, or with abstract designs, might be an unexpected, but fun element to a design. Pick a mixture of different dimensions and then add an uncluttered side table to get the most impact.