Mid-century modern design by Decorilla

Mid-century modern interior design has made a welcome comeback since its introduction in the 50s. Now a favorite worldwide, it’s easy to incorporate the look with a few simple elements. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of some favorite mid-century home interior styles. Read on for serious inspiration!

Top Mid-Century Modern Interior Design Styles

Mid-century modern design in a laundry room by Decorilla
Mid-century modern design in a laundry room by Decorilla

Mid-century modern interior design comes from the mid-20th century, yet it is still relevant. It’s no wonder so many designers from this period created pieces that became unforgettable modern classics. With this in mind, we’re taking a look at mid-century modern design bringing elegance to present-day homes.

Not sure if mid-century modern interior design is the right look for you? Take our Free Interior Design Style Quiz to help discover your perfect style today!

1. Bring Vibrance to Your Space

Mid-century modern interior design style - Michelle B
Pops of color in a mid-century modern design by Decorilla designer, Michelle B.

While it’s easy to believe a mid-century modern living room is solely about neutral color palettes, this isn’t always the case. In fact, this style loves to see pops of color through blanket throws, artwork, pillows, and furniture. However, try to keep the interior balanced, or else it could look too busy.

2. Furniture Layout in a Mid-Century Modern Living Room

Living room inspired by mid-century modern design by Decorilla
Living room inspired by mid-century modern design by Decorilla

Experimenting with furniture configurations is important in a mid-century modern living room. With this in mind, consider arranging your furniture to promote conversation.  

3. Eye-Level Art Perfection

Artistic mid-century modern bedroom interior by Decorilla
Artistic mid-century modern bedroom interior by Decorilla

As a general rule, artwork placed at eye level will be 57 inches from the ground. This placement will certainly create a cohesive and polished look in your home.

4. Material Mix Mastery

Mixed materials for a mid-century modern interior design - Candis G
A mixture of materials in a mid-century modern interior design by Decorilla designer, Candis G.

Of course, mid-century aesthetics is neat, but it also mixes materials to blend aesthetics. Both manufactured and natural materials are present in mid-century modern design. You can use different mixes, like acrylic and leather, to create an intriguing combination.  

5. Accent Pieces That Really Pop

Mid-century modern living room by Decorilla
Mid-century modern living room by Decorilla

Mid-century modern decorations, like vases and sculptures, can add personality to your interior. These elements can also serve as conversation starters, add pops of color, or bring a sense of whimsy to a space.

6. Vintage Meets Modern Pieces

Mid-century modern interior design by Decorilla
Mid-century modern interior design by Decorilla

Mixing vintage and modern pieces is a great way to create an eclectic look in a mid-century modern design. Moreover, combining old and new can add depth and interest to a space.

7. Mirrors for Spatial Magic

Mid-century modern style staples in a living room by Decorilla
Mid-century modern style staples in a living room by Decorilla

Using mirrors as mid-century modern decorations is a style plus! Besides, you can create the illusion of more space and add glamour to a room. Choose mirrors with modern or Art Décor frames and add interest wherever you see fit!

8. Geometric Shapes for Visual Interest

Mid-century modern design influences in a bathroom by Decorilla
Mid-century modern design influences in a bathroom by Decorilla

A key element of mid-century modern interior design style is symmetrical shapes and patterns. Moreover, incorporating these elements into your design can add visual interest and a touch of retro style to your space.

9. Sleek and Stylish Furniture Legs

Mid century modern interiors sleek and elegant furniture legs - Lauren A
Mid-century modern interior design, by Decorilla designer, Lauren A.

Pieces with sleek legs are a definite for mid-century modern decorations. In short, furniture with tapered legs and a low profile can help to create a sense of lightness and airiness in a room. Altogether, it gives it a sophisticated, modern look.

10. Statement Mid-Century Modern Decorations

Mid-century modern interior design - Nourhan M
Mid-century modern dining room, by Decorilla designer, Nourhan M.

Using statement-making pieces in a mid-century modern living room design is key. These bold pieces can serve as the anchor for the space. In addition, they draw the eye in and create a sense of drama. 

11. Embrace Clutter-Free Living

Mid-century modern style staples in a living room by Decorilla
Mid-century modern style staples in a living room by Decorilla

Incorporating open space into your mid-century modern design can help create a clean, uncluttered look. Plus, by keeping the room minimal overall, you can highlight the beauty of individual pieces. 

12. Wallpaper: The Unexpected Element

Mid-century modern interior design style - Jamie M
Mid-century modern living room with wallpaper by Decorilla designer, Jamie M.

Using wall coverings, like wallpaper or murals, is a great way to add personality to a mid-century modern space. Besides these elements providing a backdrop for the room, they also help to tie the design together.

13. Rugs That Define Your Space

Mid-century home interior - Sarah R
Mid-century modern living room with a rug by Decorilla designer, Sarah R.

Area rugs are versatile design elements. Firstly, they can define different spaces within a room. Secondly, they add warmth and texture to a space. So opt for an unfussy design to complement your mid-century interior.

14. Light Up Your Mid-Century Modern Home

Lighting in a mid-century modern living room - Susan W
Mid-century modern lighting in a home by Decorilla designer, Susan W.

Create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in a mid-century modern space with lighting. Choose lighting fixtures with modern, sleek shapes. Afterward, mix ambient and accent lighting to create a well-balanced space.

15. Unexpected Furniture Finds

Unexpected mid-century modern interior design decorations - Decorilla
Mid-century modern interior design by Decorilla

Use furniture with unexpected shapes and materials. A curved sofa or faceted marble coffee table, for instance, can be just what your space needs.

16. Function-First Furnishings

Fucntion and form in a mid century modern interior - Michelle B
A bookshelf in a mid-century modern interior design hallway by Decorilla designer, Michelle B.

Beautiful in their minimalism, mid-century modern furniture highlights function over form. Often with a striking aesthetic as a result. Choosing pieces that serve more than one function can help to create a cohesive look in your home. Bookshelves, for instance, can hold display and storage space. They can even fold away a work desk. 

17. Wood Wonders

Mid-century modern living room - Sarah M
Mid-century modern home interior by Decorilla designer, Sarah M.

Timber is certainly a main feature in mid-century modern decorations and furniture. This can range from walls, ceilings, shelving, and to floors. Most wood is dark, durable, and of high quality – think teak, beech, elm, and rosewood. After all, functional, and sometimes curved, wooden furnishings reign supreme.

18. Storage Solutions with Style

Mid-century modern design in a laundry room by Decorilla
Mid-century modern design in a laundry room by Decorilla

Using hidden storage solutions can help to keep the look of a mid-century modern interior design space clean. Ottomans, for example, can look chic and neat while holding warm blankets out of sight. 

19. Harnessing Natural Light

Natural light in a mid-century modern living room - Amelia R
Mid-century modern living room by Decorilla designer, Amelia R.

A trademark of a mid-century home interior is the use of natural light. By fusing outdoor light with indoor aesthetics, natural tones are brought into your home. In addition to windows, mirrors nearby will open up the spa

20. Minimalist Magic

Mid-century modern living room - Jamie M
Simple, clean lines in an uncluttered space by Decorilla designer, Jamie M.

Furniture in a mid-century modern interior is usually simple with clean lines. Moreover, it focuses on functionality in an open, uncluttered space. At its core, a mid-century modern style juxtaposes organic shapes with sleek lines. For instance, skinny legs on a dressing table.

21. Sleek Lines, Timeless Design

Mid-century modern home interior - Jasmine T
Sleek lines in a mid-century modern dining room design by Decorilla designer, Jasmine T.

With sleek lines and simple shapes, mid-century interior design is undoubtedly without frills and bows. With tapered chair legs and common geometric shapes, this style depicts the perfect balance between form and function.

22. Dapper Light Fixtures

Mid-century modern interior paint colors - Sarah M
Mid-century modern dining room by Decorilla designer, Sarah M.

Hanging large light fixtures can add sophistication to a mid-century modern design. So, choose fixtures with sleek shapes and consider using them as the centerpiece of a room to draw the eye and create a focal point. 

23. Greenery for a Fresh Touch

Plants in a mid-century modern living room - Lorenzo C
Pops of greenery in a mid-century modern living room by Decorilla designer, Lorenzo C.

Incorporating green through indoor plants is key to mid-century modern design. Besides plants adding life to a space, they purify the air and create a sense of calm.

24. Mid-Century Modern Interior Paint 

Mid-century modern design in a laundry room by Decorilla
Mid-century modern design in a laundry room by Decorilla

Mustard yellow, olive green, and orange are characteristic of mid-century modern interior paint colors. Whether they are balanced with other colors or used on their own, they reflect the organic nature of this style. These hues can also uplift a living room or bring a peaceful air to the bedroom.

25. Playing with Scale

Mid-century interior design - Leonora M
Mid-century interior design by Decorilla designer, Leonora M.

Play with scale by using oversized artwork or small, dainty accessories. You’ll create a balanced and layered mid-century look accordingly.

Want your own mid-century modern interior design?

You’re one step away from your personal home transformation. Simply, schedule a Free Interior Design Consultation with our leading designers to learn more today!

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