There’s a reason mid-century modern design continues to stand the test of time — and is currently trending in a big way. This classic aesthetic is effortlessly chic, wonderfully functional, and brings such a warm and welcoming feeling to a home — making it one of my favorite interior design styles.
With that in mind, in today’s post I’m sharing some thoughts on what makes mid-century modern decor so special, easy ways to bring a touch (or a whole room!) of this timeless style to your own home, and some beautiful inspiration photos I think you’ll love.
Melanie Burstin – Style by Emily Henderson
First, What Is Mid-Century Modern Design?
Influenced by Bauhaus and Scandinavian interior design, mid-century modern design first became popular in post-WWII America during the mid 40s to late 60s. (To get an idea of what this style looked like in its early years, the TV show Mad Men offers a great depiction of MCM design!)
Although this aesthetic is now decades old, its clean lines, warm wood tones, and connection to nature make it as beautiful and relevant today as it was in the 1950s.
Bone Made – similar dining chairs – similar sofa
In fact, mid-century modern is still one of the most popular interior design styles today. For more on the top interior design styles, see my post, 2025 Interior Design Styles and Trends.
You might also be interested in my post on 2025 Interior Design Trends and Home Decor Ideas.
Features of Mid-Century Modern Style
Some of the characteristics of mid-century modern decor include:
- Clean lines and sleek silhouettes.
- Organic and geometric forms, including a mix of soft curves and strong angles.
- Natural materials and rich wood tones like walnut and teak, along with leather, stone, and glass.
- Rich, retro-inspired colors, including mustard yellow, avocado green, burnt orange, aqua, and earth tones.
- Tapered legs on sofas, chairs, sideboards is an iconic signature characteristic of this style.
- Functionality — typical MCM pieces are not only beautiful but practical.
How Does Mid-Century Modern Differ from Other Design Styles?
Compared to Scandinavian style, mid-century modern is warmer, with bolder colors and more variety in materials.
Lindye Galloway Studio – wall art
Compared to contemporary style, mid-century modern decor features more vintage and retro elements, while contemporary design is more minimalistic and dependent on trends.
Compared to traditional style, mid-century design is more streamlined, less fussy, and less ornate.
How to Decorate Your Home in Mid-Century Modern Style
Here are a few easy ways to bring a touch of this classic design style to your home:
- Add in a mid-century style sofa or accent chair with tapered legs.
Pure Salt Interiors – chairs – counter stools
- Add a wood credenza or sideboard in walnut or teak.
- Incorporate statement lighting — perhaps via a globe pendant or sputnik chandelier.
- Use geometric or abstract art and vintage-style mirrors.
- Layer in some interesting textiles, including patterned rugs, throw pillows, and curtains.
- Use plants in simple ceramic pots to soften the impact of straight-lined MCM furniture.
- Shop for vintage or MCM-inspired pieces at places like West Elm, World Market, Design Within Reach, or local antique stores. (See more places to shop for mid-century modern decor below.)
Mid-Century Modern Decor Ideas
Since mid-century modern design has evolved over the years, most of these spaces include elements of other styles blended with mid century features for a more personalized and unique look.
Mid Century Living Room Ideas
For a midcentury modern look in the living room, consider incorporating iconic silhouettes like the Eames lounge chair, walnut coffee tables, and streamlined sofas and sectionals.
Studio McGee – Eames chair and ottoman
Furniture with tapered legs, minimalistic designs, and a mix of natural and man-made materials are key elements of mid-century modern design.
Warm wood tones and a statement globe and brass light fixture give this chic living room a mid-century modern feel. For more luxurious spaces like this one, see my post, Quiet Luxury Interior Design Ideas for 2025.
Studio McGee – photo by Lucy Call
from my post, Restoration Hardware Style: How to Bring the Look to Your Home
our living room – similar chairs
our living room – rug – similar sofa
Mid-Century Modern Bedroom Ideas
When designing a mid-century bedroom, look for platform beds, teak nightstands, and earthy color palettes combined with brass or wood accents.
from my post, Restoration Hardware Style: How to Bring the Look to Your Home
from my post, Restoration Hardware Style: How to Bring the Look to Your Home
Although our master bedroom isn’t decorated in mid-century modern style, we do have a bed with tapered wood legs, for a decidedly MCM look.
our master bedroom – bed – rug
Mid Century Modern Kitchen Ideas
Mid-century modern kitchens often incorporate slab-front cabinetry, simple hardware, colorful tile backsplashes, globe pendants, and/or retro barstools.
David Frazier Interiors – counter stools
Pure Salt Interiors – counter stools
Jean Stoffer Interior Design – pendants
Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Ideas
Mid-century modern style bathrooms continue to be a favorite, characterized by warm wood cabinetry — often with slab fronts, organic materials, and a combination of timeless style and functionality.
House and Home – Lisa Liev Design
Whether you want to fully embrace the mid-century modern aesthetic or simply add a few touches here and there, there are so many beautiful ways to make this timeless style your own — and I hope these ideas and inspiration photos spark your creativity and help you bring a bit of classic midcentury charm to your home.
Please let me know if you have any questions about mid century modern decor and how to incorporate it in your home. Have a wonderful day! xo Jane
Where to Shop for Mid-Century Modern Decor
Decorating with mid-century modern style doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few places to shop for MCM home decor, furniture, rugs, lighting, and more in 2025:
West Elm: sleek sofas, credenzas, and lighting with a cozy mid-century vibe
Rejuvenation: beautiful mid-century lighting, hardware, and decor
Target (Project 62 line): affordable MCM style pieces and decor
CB2: bold, modern pieces with clean lines
World Market: unique mid century modern decor and accents
Crate & Barrel: modern furniture with a streamlined, minimal look
Design Within Reach: authentic designer classics by Eames, Nelson, and Saarinen
1stDibs: vintage originals and designer pieces
Etsy (vintage section)
Facebook Marketplace
Local antique shops and flea markets
mid century modern decor
Looking for more interior design styles, home decor trends, and decorating ideas? Here are a few related posts from Jane at Home:
2025 Interior Design Styles and Trends
2025 Interior Design Trends and Home Decor Ideas You Will Love
2025 Bathroom Trends, Ideas and Inspiration for Small and Master Bathrooms
2025 Kitchen Design Trends and Decorating Ideas
Color of the Year 2025 + Top Home Color Trends
California Casual Style Decorating Ideas for Your Home
2025 Living Room Trends and Decorating Ideas
Modern Coastal Decorating Ideas for Your Home
Beautiful Coastal Bathroom Ideas and Trends
Modern Coastal Bedroom Ideas and Trends
Beautiful Coastal Dining Room Ideas and Trends
Quiet Luxury: How to Bring the Trend to your Home
Transitional Style Decorating Ideas for Your Home
Modern Coastal Entryway Ideas and Trends
Coastal Farmhouse Style: How to Bring this Chic, Timeless Aesthetic to Your Home
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Bathroom
A Simple Guide to Mixing Metals in the Kitchen
My Favorite Nancy Meyers Interiors
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