7 Mid Century Modern Decor Ideas

When clients ask me if I know how to design a Mid Century Modern home, I have to smile because not only did I grow up in this era, but our home was designed in what they called “Danish Modern” style.

The Danish Modern style was inspired by the famed architect and designer Arne Jacobsen, born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1902, and who built an international reputation for his contributions to functionalism and modern Scandinavian design.

Other designers and architects, such as the American-born Charles & Ray Eames and the Finnish-born Eero Saarinen, followed with their sleek, timeless designs.

Our home was impressive! I remember my friends coming over and being surprised to see our sleek style. Most of our neighbors had Colonial or Spanish Revival. Both were busier and didn’t have the streamlined look we had.

The style and quality of the furniture we had are still enjoyed by my siblings and me, and some grandchildren who have at least a piece of the Mid-Century Modern Decor we enjoyed growing up.

Of course, we know that the TV series “Mad Men,” set in the 60s is what has popularized this look once again.

how Should You Start Creating Your mid Century modern look?

There are many components that determine your style, but with Mid Century Modern, simplicity makes it easy to have an impact by making smart investments to create your Mid Century Modern Decor.

Here are 7 mid century modern decor ideas to help you get started

1. The Eames Chair

The iconic Eames chair was designed by Charles & Ray Eames in 1956 and is produced by Herman Miller, who still makes it in a variety of woods, leathers, and fabrics. It’s a great investment and will be an heirloom piece to pass on.

The Eames Chair is a Classic of Mid Century Modern

It’s an investment in a timeless piece of furniture.

2. Molded Fiberglass Chair

Our kitchen had a built in white & gold Formica table with a teak base and an elevated cooktop that had 6 burners, a griddle, a grill, a broiler and a fry basket. I don’t know the exact size of the custom table, but it was surrounded with 7 bright orange molded fiberglass chairs with chrome legs. I can still remember my oldest brother leaning back against the wall in his chair and my Father warning him to stop before he hurt himself…the chair was indestructible. These were sturdy chairs, yet sleek and streamlined enough to fit all of us in a kitchen of the ’50s and ’60s.

Although you can find these online in plastic, if you can afford them in fiberglass, I highly recommend it. These are also designed by Eames and produced by Herman Miller, but you can also find authentic options on eBay and 1stDibs at a great value.

The Molded Fiberglass Chair is another classic of the Mid Century Modern Era

Another legendary design by Charles & Ray Eames for Herman Miller in 1950

3. teak or Walnut Wood Furniture

The wood species used in what we called Danish Modern design were teak, walnut, and rosewood. Our home had teak furniture, which you don’t see as much now as you do walnut. The beauty is in the grain and the tone. The style was simple with no carving. My Mother would use lemon oil to keep it looking beautiful.

Even if you start with one piece, such as a TV console or a dresser, it will have a great impact in adding a Mid Century Modern look to your home. Before shopping on retail sites, I would consider shopping reseller websites like Chairish and 1st Dibs, where you will find authentic pieces that will be a great investment.

For taking care of your investment be sure to read my earlier blogpost How to Refresh Wood Furniture

4. Colored Glass Vases

We had a collection of boldly colored glass vases that were displayed on 3 glass shelves mounted to a beveled edge wall mounted mirror. It separated our dining room and living room. It was the pop of color to complement our geometric modern artwork. It was a statement piece that I always enjoyed looking at as I passed from our bedrooms through our living room and dining room, heading to our kitchen in our modern ranch-style home.

Brightly colored glass vases are a great way to compliment the simplicity of your Mid Century Modern furnishings

5. Geometric Art & Rugs

Your art and rugs should have simple geometric designs. Whether you go bold in color or simple and neutral, both will complement the sleek lines of your Mid Century Modern style. Look into art by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko or Willem de Kooning and see what inspires you. Art and quality area rugs are an investment, so don’t be rushed to choose something. Find pieces that speaks to you that you will never want to part with.

6. Streamlined Lighting

Lamps and fixed lighting should be simple and modern. The lighting of this era was defined by sculptural, geometric and space aged shapes. An Arco floor lamp suspending over a sofa, a Nelson bubble lamp on a side table, or the layed Louis Poulson Danish modern fixture. Keep it simple! Lightolgy is a great source for all these.

Our kitchen had recessed lighting that was way ahead of its time, as well as Amias Orange Pendants similar to these which were suspended over the dining area of our built-in table.

7. Modern Streamlined Kitchen

Growing up in this era, our kitchen had slab-style teak cabinets with 2.5” chrome, round concave knobs you could see yourself in. We had built-in, industrial-style stainless steel appliances made by Chambers, a quality appliance line that existed from 1912-1988. The stainless steel built-in fridge was very much like my current Viking refrigerator, with a large fridge on top and a pull-out freezer drawer on the bottom.

Our friends used to call our kitchen the “Jetson Kitchen” (a popular space-age cartoon sitcom from the 60’s). It had everything except “Rosey the Robot”. But we had an ambitious Mom who cooked and baked every day for us, 5 children, and my Dad.

We had a double oven and a ceiling-mounted teak wood showcase with sliding glass doors, storing and displaying a variety of bourbons and other liquors on one end and cake plates and cookie dishes filled with Mom's baked goods on the other.

With a family of 2 boys and 3 girls, the baked goods didn’t last long. We were too young to be interested in the booz, yet ;) Although I loved admiring the Black & White Scotch Whiskey bottle with the Black Scottish Terrier and White West Highland Terrier, because we had one of each, plus a rare White Scottish Terrier. I adored all 3 of them.

Our kitchen was always immaculate because it was easy to clean, unlike a traditional-style kitchen.

A Mid Century Modern kitchen is designed for efficiency. It’s the heart of the home that brings the family together.

Simple Cabinetry in Teak & Walnut are my favorite for an authentic Mid Century Modern style

You don’t have to implement all of these ideas. Choose the ones that feel right. Mix & match. Add & take away. Just keep working at it until you create a Mid Century Modern home that lives up to your dreams. Enjoy!

If you need more direction on getting started consider my Local or Online Design Services! I’m here to guide you!

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