What could arguably be one of the most popular interior design styles in history, today’s version of Mid-Century Modern boldly ventures into a revival of subtle-yet-futuristic look with clean lines and open layouts, coming together with muted tones with pops of retro-inspired colors.

Most popular in the 50s and 60s (hence the coining of “mid-century”), we’re seeing a revival of this look in the past five years, and it’s growing with a passion for elevating this style to a fresh, modern look.

What is Mid-Century Modern interior design?

Heavily influenced by the Bauhaus movement and the works of Mies van der Rohe and Le Corbusier, the Mid-Century Modern interior design style focuses on clean lines, sleek curves and angles, futuristic yet simple forms, pops of retro-inspired colors, and abstract art.

Mid-Century Modern interior design rose in popularity post-WWII alongside “tract” housing when the need for homes drastically rose when the soldiers returned home and wanted to start their families. 

Thanks to a shortage of wood during this era, the use of steel and other readily available materials made their way into design, lending further to the iconic futuristic feel of the Mid-Century Modern style.

With the rise of this need, there was also an explosive push toward modernizing the interior look and feel of the American home. Gone were the days of elaborate, ornate pieces – sleek and simple, futuristic-looking forms started to dominate the scene, combined with a fusion of indoor with outdoor through a mix of steel and natural materials, like wood and stone.

The names Jacobsen, McCobb, and Eames might come to mind when you think of the furniture associated with this design style – during this post-war era, these designers made epic contributions to the look and feel of this style through their designs.

Arne Jacobsen created the Egg chair (see above), Paul McCobb is the designer responsible for curved, spindle-backed wooden chairs (see below).

Charles and Ray Eames are known for the spoon-like Eames chair.

What are the main characteristics of the Mid-Century Modern interior design style?

Key elements of today’s take on the Mid-Century Modern style include:

• Taking a minimalist design approach by using simple forms, including curves and geometric shapes 

• Using shiny brass and metals, often in the form of small, gold details used in a modern way

• Mixing manmade and natural materials (mainly wood and stone)

• Combining natural hues with pops of vintage-inspired colors

What are some common misconceptions associated with Mid-Century Modern interior design?

When it comes to furniture related to this style, there are pieces that were made during that era that are authentic Mid-Century Modern pieces and are therefore considered vintage, or antique. 

Then there are the pieces that are influenced by this style and have been produced since the original MCM era ended that mimic the authentic pieces and are therefore inspired by Mid-Century Modern.

What are some ways people can bring the Mid-Century Modern interior design style into their home?

The most important thing when introducing any style into your home is balance, which is essentially the nature of Mid-Century Modern.

Find your statement piece.

Choose a Mid-Century Modern-inspired statement piece – perhaps that sleek-lined chair or standalone piece we mentioned earlier – and let that be the focus and inspiration when selecting other pieces for your space.

Explore Mid-Century Modern-Inspired Pieces from Scout & Nimble

Strike a balance.

Truly authentic MCM pieces are so versatile, they blend beautifully with any style. Whether pairing MCM chairs with your modern sofa or a vintage sideboard with your dining table and MCM-inspired chairs, you can use this style of furniture to make a unique statement, whatever your taste.

This style is all about showing your personality and adding interest to your space. You could splurge on an authentic piece to make quite a statement – for instance, a chair in the corner or a standalone piece in your entryway. Though with so many pieces available that are inspired by this style, you can now find new pieces with sleek and modern lines to replicate that look and still achieve the same “wow” factor for your design. The key is balance – no matter your style, you can bring in these sleeker lines in a way that compliments the rest of your space.

Incorporate elements of Mid-Century Modern.

Using minimal window treatments, incorporating simple forms, and leaning into retro-inspired colors, styles, or pieces, are all great ways to introduce the MCM style to any space.

If you are not ready to fully commit to bringing this style in with furniture, art is another excellent way to dab your foot into the Mid-Century Modern world.

Explore Mid-Century Modern-Inspired Art from Scout & Nimble

Explore options Mid-Century Modern-inspired lighting.

The playful chandeliers inspired by this style are a fun and interesting way to introduce a Mid-Century Modern-inspired feel into your home.

Bubble chandeliers are some of our favorite lighting options and can be blended in with many designs that lean Modern.

Explore Mid-Century Modern-Inspired Lighting from Scout & Nimble

It’s all about visual impact.

Ultimately, achieving this look for your home about creating visual impact with your selections. You can blend elements of Mid-Century Modern with several other styles; it’s all about intention with mixing styles so that you’re left with a compelling, interesting design.

Explore Mid-Century Modern Inspired Brands from Scout & Nimble

If you’re just dipping your toes into Mid-Century Modern, we suggest exploring some of the brands on our site that are inspired by this style and offer a wide range of pieces, big and small. Here are just a few!