Midcentury home decor and aesthetics boast some of the most well-renowned pieces in many interiors. This classic design scheme has become a staple for many homeowners and continues to inspire trends well into the 2020s. If you’re looking to add some midcentury modern flair to your space, we have some bold and exciting tips for a timeless aesthetic.
Furnish your home with wood
Wood is a classic in midcentury home decor. Hardwood floors are a staple of any design and are a great way to add a natural touch to your space. Wood paneling is also trendy, both for the walls and ceiling. You can go classic with dark wood paneling on a feature wall, like behind your TV console. Or, consider installing paneling on the ceiling for a fresh and inventive look.
Opt for hairpin and raised furniture
Hairpin furniture was everywhere in the midcentury. Today, it’s making a comeback, particularly in accent tables, side tables, and accent chairs. Raised furniture like platform beds and high barstools are also a must-have. We recommend opting for interior design additions like:
- Hairpin side tables in the living room
- Hairpin dresser in the bedroom
- Platform bed
- Barstools in the kitchen or dining spaces
- Hairpin legs on display cabinets and console tables
Go bold with lighting
Light fixtures are key focal points in midcentury modern designs. Often, you’ll notice gorgeous pendant lights above the kitchen island or dining table with a fun geometric shape. Large pendants and other oversized fixtures dominate spaces and create a nice feature. Oversized lamps propped in seating areas like the living room offer plenty of functionality and visual intrigue to the space.
Focus on geometric vintage pieces
When you think of midcentury modern design, thoughts of sleek, straight lines, bold squares, curves, and other geometric shapes likely come to mind. Search for vintage pieces in your local antique store or vintage market that showcase stunning shapes and geometric patterns. A large, blocky, square coffee table is perfect for a midcentury design. Alternatively, curved and rounded sofas and chairs or triangular side tables can make a statement.
Go for a classic midcentury color palette
Classic midcentury color palettes are often dark, but you can draw inspiration from them and incorporate these hues into a modern scheme. Dark brown, orange, blue, and green are great colors for a base or accent tone. Orange and brown are particularly trendy, but blue and green offer a tranquil, biophilic feel.
Consider adding cream, white, or pastels to your color palette to give it a modern lift. You might choose one or two bold colors like red or dark mocha and invite cream and taupe to your palette to give it a lighter feel.
A round dining table is a must
A classic tall, slim, rounded dining table is perfect for a cozy breakfast nook. These tables are super trendy and were popularized in the midcentury. Purchase a few modern barstools to create the ultimate brunch spot. Alternatively, you can get a classic round dining table with midcentury-style chairs for a fun, creative look.
Low and high-profile furniture adds dimension
Midcentury modern designs played around with height, shape, and dimension. This experimental era did not shy away from exaggeration. One way to incorporate more juxtaposition in your design is to use height. Low-profile furniture like a sofa and accent chairs can provide the same visual illusion as a sunken living room. Pair this with an oversized lamp, large artwork, or a hairpin console table.
In the bedroom, opt for a platform bed with miniature bedside tables. You might also consider a low-profile chair in the corner or some added poufs for a bit of vintage playfulness. Stacked side tables and layered ottomans can also impact the visual appeal of your space.
Use wallpaper
Wallpaper has returned to many interiors, offering a fresh perspective on a vintage aesthetic. Geometric and floral wallpaper is great for midcentury modern designs. Choose a minimal wallpaper with a subtle palette or simple pattern. Clean lines or muted polka dots are good choices.
Also, consider going bold with oversized asymmetrical shapes in vivid colors that suit your palette. Just be mindful of the other pieces in your design and opt for a feature wall if you don’t want to overwhelm your space.
Midcentury modern aesthetics have been trending in recent years and are presenting themselves as a classic design style that may be here to stay. Vintage decor, bold patterns, geometric shapes, and wood touches have been staples in many interiors. Be sure to follow our tips to pull off this stunning interior design style.
