The mid-century design style is commonly executed today. There are many ways to create a mid-century-styled home. But what exactly is “mid-century”? This term is used to describe a style that emerged in the mid-1970s. The style was inspired by the functional and minimalist designs of many architects and designers in that era.
Some mid-century-esque furniture pieces are easier to spot than others. While styling your living room, we first have to discern what makes a piece of furniture “mid-century” versus just “modern” and what is that middle ground area.
Mid-century modern design characteristics
According to Vogue, five characteristics sum up the mid-century design style, specifically, the mid-century modern style.
- Functionality: emphasizing practicality before style
- Mass production: pieces that could be made democratically without diminishing craftsmanship
- Connection with nature: designs that prioritize indoor-outdoor living or that simply reference natural elements
- Rich colors: deep hues used in a playful way — usually as an accent juxtaposed against more neutral tones — to communicate an idea
- Innovative materials: manmade materials like glass, plastic, and Formica juxtaposed against natural materials like warm woods, stone, and linoleum — always a mix of the two
Mid-Century Style Living Room Inspo
This small living room area is a great reflection of what mid-century is. The rich blue color of the velvet sofa is an eye-catcher. It stands out much more when placed against a lighter, neutral-colored wall, such as the white and wooden wall we see here. The wooden wall also matches the little side table at the end of the sofa as well is the tray on top of the small coffee table.
Here is a more modern take on the style. The uniquely shaped glass coffee table leans towards the modern design style. However, the curved chairs balance the modernity by bringing in some of that vintage style. The bright colors of the decor and wall art bring the mid-century style back out.
Here is another more modern take. There are a lot of neutral colors in this room but the style of the furniture pieces and decor keep the room on theme and still stand out. The vibrancy of the orange sofa helps bring this living room space back to life. The pop of color here is what this interior design style is all about. Mid-century pieces of furniture and style are usually brighter, or more vibrant. They help bring some dimension into a, what would’ve been flat, space.
You could also go a bit more contemporary and artsy with styling a mid-century living room. Take this living room for example. Every piece of furniture here looks like a piece of art. However, the artistic choices of these pieces also don’t take away from any functionality they have.
Here is another look at a mid-century modern living room. The designs and style of this living room definitely lean more modern, but it still has some mid-century touches to it. The chairs and coffee table are a mix of both styles. The bright orange rug leans more mid-century and that helps brighten the space up. And, with big windows like this home, it looks super beautiful during golden hour.
There are many ways to pull off the mid-century modern style. This living room has some more contemporary pieces to it that help balance out each style. The neutrality of the whole space also plays a part in doing so. The white furniture pieces can also help bring out the “modern-ness”. However, sometimes the design of the piece makes it so it becomes both modern and mid-century-esque.
Shop The Mid-Century Look
To help you start designing your dream living room, we’ve gathered some furniture pieces that fit into the “mid-century, modern” aesthetic. The mid-century style of interior design is a spectrum, you can either lean more into the vintage side or the modern side. You can incorporate as much or as little of this style into your living room.
Design Within Reach – muse sofa
Pottery Barn – gideon bumper sectional sofa
Maiden Home – the kenmare chair
Gracious Style – soren chair
Maiden Home – the weston stool
Design Within Reach – noguchi coffee table
Anthropologie – freda vase
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