It’s not uncommon for design styles from other eras to come back into fashion and then go back out. And also for some to become classics never to date. The iconic style of ‘Mid-Century Modern’ is one of them. We see many replicas of midcentury modern furniture on the market, but the real deal is still sought-after despite its increasing value. So where did this design style come from and why does it still influence design and style in our homes today?
The term Mid-Century Modern originated immediately after the end of the second World War by Cara Greenberg. She used it to describe a particular architectural and furniture design style that was prominent in the US at the time.
Just as the name suggests, it spanned a period of around two and a half decades in the middle of the 20th century, from the mid-1940s to 1970.
Mid-Century Modern Architecture
During this time when American soldiers were returning home, the population and economy boomed. Suburbs of newly constructed homes grew quickly as many young families bought and furnished their first homes.
They wanted their post war homes to be different to those built a century before. They used new materials and technology and were more efficient and functional in design. The houses boasted more windows and open areas for family gatherings.
Mid-century modern homes created a connection with the natural world. They brought the outdoors in and vice versa with the use of wide windows, sliding doors and patios.
Space needed to be used wisely as new homes were generally small. However, they often came with an added garage or car port in order to house a vehicle. Gone were the days of stuffy, overfilled rooms. They were replaced by décor with clean lines and minimal fuss.
Interiors were all about organic style, simple lines and ease of living. Functionality was paramount and every room needed to have a purpose.
Iconic furnishings
The furniture reflected the same look of clean, simple designs as the architecture. There was an emphasis on curves and geometric shapes. Natural materials such as leather, metal and wood were in high demand.
The most authentic midcentury modern furniture is made from teak. This wood was chosen for its durability and richness is colour but Oak and Rosewood were also commonly used, especially for furniture items such as tables, storage cabinets and chairs.
Wood was by no means the only material used during the midcentury modern period. With limited resources, designers were creative and began to bend plywood and mold fibreglass using new technology. Furnishing in curved and geometric shapes were created. Plexiglass was formed to create clear coffee and end tables. Tubular steel and leather strapping were popular in the designs of cantilevered chairs. Everything was more paired-back with less detailing.
Furniture items that nested, stacked or folded were popular. They were multipurpose and conserved space. Tables were no longer just for eating.
Famous furniture examples of mid-century modern style include the Egg Chair created by Arne Jacobsen and the Eames Lounge Chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames. Other furnishing examples include the shell chair, marshmallow couches, sling lounge chair, tulip table and womb chairs.
What about accessories?
As well as buildings and furniture, household accessories such as clocks, artwork, kitchenware and lamps also took on more simple styles and designs.
The Arco Floor Lamp designed by Achille Castiglioi and Pier Giacoma in 1962 is an iconic design of mid-century modern style. It was designed to solve a specific lighting problem to have overhead or high lighting without any ceiling installations. The body of the lamp and its super elongated arm was balanced against a heavy base made of marble.
The lighting of this era made a statement! They were functional but also provided an artistic and sculptural element to a room. Classic lighting of this time, other than the Arco Floor Lamp, are Sputnik chandeliers and Bubble lights.
Mid-century Modern kitchens were streamline, simple and cutting edge (for their time). The introduction of time-saving gadgets and accessories (such as toasters) helped to create a more effortless and relaxed living environment.
Mid-Century Colours
The best thing about Mid-century modern Colours was that there weren’t a lot of rules!
Bright or saturated colours emphasised particular design elements. Cobalt, poppy and mellow yellow were popular during this time. Warm and earthy colours were also conducive to the Mid-century palette. Often seen with pops of colour in order to keep things interesting.
Bold geometric patterns and strong curved motifs were widely used along with heavy textural fabrics, such as chunky knits and burlap.
Still Popular Today?
No other era produced the same number of famous artists and designers as this period of time. Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Charles Pollock and Arne Jacobsen all created iconic furniture or lighting that are still recognisable to this day.
The era of the Mid-century modern style was fading fast by the mid 1960s. The new generation combined with more modern materials and technology led to construction of larger homes resulting in new fashion tastes and design styles.
Bold prints, pops of colour and the iconic Eames chair give this space its mid-century mode
Mid-century Modern still remains popular today, especially in cities with small apartments where space is precious. The simple, multi-functional objects of this era remain timeless and are necessary to complement a fast-paced lifestyle and incredible minimalist abodes.
Decorating With Midcentury Modern Furniture
Firstly, let those beautiful wooden pieces shine and take centre stage in your space. Make sure any other woods you select for your room work harmoniously with your retro teak or rosewood pieces. You don’t want to introduce an ebony piece for example, as this will create a contrast and will clash.
Additionally, be picky about your choices and don’t overcrowd your space with too many old pieces. A modern take on the design style gives a much better feel to your home over one that feels like walking into a museum. Which of course then leads to functionality. Make sure those beautiful midcentury modern chairs that you so lovingly purchased are actually strong and sturdy enough to handle daily use. Afterall, functionality is what lays at the heart of the whole midcentury modern movement.
Lastly, be mindful that the pieces of yesteryear were not made to accommodate todays households needs and wants. Repurposing a midcentury modern credenza as a tv unit may not fit all your technical equipment and leads.
Midcentury Modern is an era that has passed but certainly has not been forgotten!
To read our blog on the Art Nouveau style click here or here for Neoclassical architecture.
Hi! Useful article!