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In the world of interiors, trends come and go — but one style that continues to stand the test of time is mid-century modern design.
It’s almost impossible to scroll through social media without spotting its influence. From Eames chair dupes to earthy geometric prints, the unmistakable fingerprints of mid-century modernism are everywhere.
Although the movement first emerged more than 70 years ago, the aesthetic still feels effortlessly current. With its clean lines, warm wood tones, and organic shapes, it strikes the perfect balance between contemporary cool and nostalgic charm.
Feeling inspired? Here are nine simple ways to bring a touch of mid-century modern style into your home...
Layers of sheepskin, bouclé and soft wool create an inviting space to hunker down with a good book. Midcentury modernism doesn't always scream cosy so be sure to introduce textures that soften the look. A throw or a large rug can do this beautifully.
Pictured: &Tradition Wulff ATD2 sheepskin lounge chair, Holloways of Ludlow. Brushed Bouclé throw in Olive; aluminium Gold vase, both Dunelm. Curvone Sage Green rug, Barker and Stonehouse. R2 Mk4 smart music system in Light Cream Lacquer, Ruark Audio. By.taban Smudged 05 print; frame, both Artists & Objects. White tealight holders, Next Home. Wooden Castlelaw bud vase, One Eyed Woodworker. Doughnut vase (with arms) by Lily Pearmain, Fodder.
Bold geometric prints that are packed with personality, such as retro checks and stripes in mustard and terracotta, will elevate your colour scheme. You can then layer on another pattern with a chic retro rug – the key to pattern mixing is combining large and small-scale prints.
Pictured: Loom rug, Heal’s. Ernest pouffe in Bundle by Donna Wilson, SCP. Oak on Ash Pebble coffee table, Ercol. Marzia Link Marble Square ornament in Green, Perch & Parrow. Mini vase by Aku Ceramics, Fodder. Blue leather A5 notebook, Not Another Bill. Dark Beige glass vase, Barker and Stonehouse. Timmy Turtle glass ornament, Graham & Green.
When it comes to nailing the mid-century modern look, you'll want to play close attention to the colours you're using. Earthy tones with pops of yellow are always a great place to start. Layer on greens and the occasional blue for a fresh, dynamic look.
Pictured: Epping Plush Brown Leather two-seater sofa; Zerina light acacia wood sideboard, both Barker and Stonehouse. On sideboard: Bowen candleholders in Moss, from Ivyline. &Tradition Momento vase, Holloways of Ludlow. Vasuko table lamp, 35cm dupion silk shade in Taupe, both Pooky. Oak on Ash Pebble coffee table, Ercol. HK Living Pistachio and Black woven throw, Rose & Grey. Cale woven check cushion by Made, Next Home. Yard Ribble rectangular cushion, Dunelm. Rothko Green framed canvas, Abstract House. Other items, as before.
Whether it's a softly curved chair, an angular bench or a geometric pattern, shape is important in mid-century modernism. This is why it's vital to consider your furniture's overall silhouette. We recommending picking pieces that allow your furniture to breathe; here, slim-legged chairs and simple set-ups are often the way to go.
Pictured: West Elm extendable wood dining table in Acorn, John Lewis & Partners. Beckingham dining bench; Novus dining chairs in Green; Bela ribbed vase in Olive, all Perch & Parrow. Seat pad in Dolmens velvet, Harlequin Fabrics. Curtains in Calgary sheer fabric linen, Prestigious Textiles. Tosca tufted square cushion, Dunelm. Oak Verso pendant, Tom Raffield. Juno wine glasses by Made, Next Home. Olive Bubble glass candleholders; Jessa ceramic vase, both Graham & Green. Dusty Deco marble sphere candleholder, Holloways of Ludlow. Chouseki ramen bowl, Sous Chef. Washed linen napkin, Toast.
When it comes to mixing materials, the technique is simple: it's all about layering. Warm woods make a great base for this look. Linens and velvets alongside rustic ceramics and tinted glassware lend a tactile, informal feel.
Pictured: Washed linen napkin in Ochre; Frances Savage slipware vase, both Toast. Serving platter by Lily Pearmain; ceramic cobalt spoon by Mae Ceramics; Celeste high bowl by Hoodmor, all Fodder. Blue Studio table forks; Blue Studio table knives, both John Lewis & Partners. Dusty Deco marble sphere candleholder, Holloways of Ludlow. Olive Green low wine glasses, Rose & Grey. Flower dishes, Sous Chef. Teak Tree salt set, Folk Interiors.
The key to a beautifully considered desktop or mantelpiece? Playing with height and avoiding cramming the space with objects for a calm, uncluttered effect. Choose pieces that come from the same colour family for a considered, harmonious look.
Pictured: Wood-effect Bubble vase, Barker and Stonehouse. Bottle bud vase; Blok bud vase, both Fodder. Dusty Deco marble sphere candleholder from Holloways of Ludlow. Onsen Check vase in Terracotta and Off White by De La Jardin, Artists & Objects.
From warm woods to rich leathers, mid-century modernism is no stranger to natural materials. This moss green desk from Ercol adds an unexpectedly modern twist.
Pictured: Treviso desk in Moss Green; upholstered Butterfly chair in Moss Green, both Ercol. About Face print by Jon Harvey for Paper Collective; frame, both Heal’s. Serax Seam table light; Pawn stool in Green by Marie Michielssen for Serax, both SCP. Orville rug; Oval Glass Tiger Jellyfish paperweight, both Graham & Green. Hollywood Hills mantel clock, Newgate World. Green vase by Rockett St George, Next Home. Gold Swingline stapler, Amazon. Olive wood dish, Sous Chef. HKLiving 70s Cove ceramic coffee mug, Folk Interiors. Twist Action brass pens; leather notebooks, all Not Another Bill. Retro wood acacia pear bowl, Rose & Grey. R2 Mk4 smart music system in Light Cream Lacquer, Ruark Audio. Wooden bud vase, One Eyed Woodworker.
The kitchen is a wonderful place for unexpected combinations. Here, the coolness of the chrome fridge contrasts the softness of the velvet chairs, creating a tactile, texture-rich environment.
Pictured: Rigby Velvet stools, Graham & Green. Bamboo paddle chopping board; Pebble dinner plate, both Dunelm. Jacquard tea towel, Sous Chef. Tortoiseshell cutlery, Truffle Tablescapes at The Roost. Bowen plate; Bowen candleholders, all Ivyline. Longpi seasoning pot; rounded Moroccan glasses, all Toast. Wiggle glass vase, Habitat. Dipped reactive glaze stoneware bowl; Leckford salt and pepper mills, both John Lewis & Partners.
At back: cast aluminium casserole dish; ribbed storage jars; oil and vinegar pourer, all M&S. Teak Tree chopping board, Folk Interiors. HKLiving Owl jar, Rockett St George. For similar pendant lights, try Hazelette, Pooky. Distressed fluted plant pot, Graham & Green.
Graphic ferns, sculptural flowers and large houseplants bring life, colour, gloss and curves to a mid-century interior. Houseplants are a great opportunity to play with scale, drawing the eye upwards and making a space feel bigger.
Pictured: The Halstock double bed; Superb double mattress, both Naturalmat. Zodiac Clove fabric on bedframe, Kirkby Designs. Dark Arc solid mango wood side table; Toadstool table lamp by Made; Rust Red Agda Cosy bouclé cushion, all Next Home. Vista Avocado cushion; Collage Blocks Multi cushion, both John Lewis & Partners. Elm Green Linen duvet cover; pillowcases; fitted sheet, all Piglet in Bed. Melin Tregwynt Welsh Rust/Topaz blanket, Toast. Reform polished brass bas-reliefs, Jonathan Adler. For a similar bowl (on side table), try Ogee mini spalted beech bowl, One Eyed Woodworker. Curvone rug in Sage Green, Barker and Stonehouse. Beatrice planter, Ivyline.
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