Mid-Century Modern era furniture pieces; like the womb chair, are characterized by its clean lines, gentle curves, and organic shapes. This style originated mid-20th century. Hence its name, but thanks to its elegant simplicity and timeless aesthetic, Mid-Century Modern furniture is still highly popular in contemporary interior design today. We would be taking you on a journey, as we reveal the 10 most popular mid-century modern era pieces.

History of mid-century modern era

While there is some debate over its exact year of origin, most can agree that this style dates back to the mid-1930s through to the mid-1960s. However, it wasn’t until 1983 that the label ‘Mid-Century Modern’ became a household phrase. Art historian and writer, Cara Greenberg; coined the term with the title of her book, ‘Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s’. Fast forward over 60 years, Mid-Century Modern is now widely recognized as a term and significant design movement by the general public, museums, furniture enthusiasts and scholars. As for the style itself, Mid-Century Modern was highly influenced by Danish Modernism and the German school of design, in Bauhaus. With the changes that World War II brought to Germany, America suddenly found itself with immigrants that were both trained and practiced in this style of design. This combined with the baby boom and the urgent need for housing with modern furniture birthed a new era of technological advances and exploration of new material in furniture and interior design. Materials like molded plywood, plastic, glass, metal, and fiberglass were suddenly commonplace. Designers, such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Arne Jacobsen, and Eero Saarinen, soon found a good use to these newfound materials.

Mid-century modern decor

Mid-Century Modern is a design philosophy that emerged in the mid-20th century, as mentioned earlier. It blends smooth and straight lines with highly varied textures, materials, and colors. In today’s market, you may also see Mid-Century Modern furniture labeled MCM for short. Some of the characteristics that define this décor style are:

Simplistic appearance: Ornate elements are used sparingly if at all.
Functionality: Abides by architect Louis Sullivan’s philosophy, Form follows function.
Organic shapes: Uses shapes found in nature that tends to lead to soft curves.
Geometric shapes: Utilizes basic shapes for clean lines and sleek edges.
Diversity: Embraces a large range of materials and colors.

10 most popular modern furniture pieces

Eames lounge chair and ottoman
The Eames lounge chair was part of the original Charles and Ray Eames collection for Herman Miller. It is one of the most iconic modern chairs and furniture designs of this era. It was created in the 1950’s with light brown/black leather and a black base. It is continually being produced today with many different materials such as molding fiberglass and recycled milk jugs. The original design was conceived using a 19th century club chair and a used baseball mitt.

Arco floor lamp
The Arco floor lamp by Flos was launched in 1962. This piece has made appearance in movies like Diamonds are Forever and The Italian Job. Not only does this lamp look good, it is the emblem of smart, practical and minimalist design. The Castiglioni brothers thought of every last detail when designing this lamp for Flos. Highlights include a smooth marble base with a hole for easy lifting as well as a spun aluminum reflector that provides indirect and direct light from the shade.

Wassily chair
The Wassily chair was inspired by the metal frame of a bicycle. Marcel Breuer schemed up this iconic chair while he was an apprentice at the Brauhaus. Breuer originally designed the Wassily chair in 1925—years before the mid-century movement started—but it has since become the epitome of sleek, modern era design. He originally designed the chair for himself, but made one for his classmate, painter Wassily Kandinsky. He named it after his friend when the chair was rereleased in 1960.

Saarinen dining table
The Saarinen dining table was part of the Pedestal Collection designed in 1957. Saarinen resolved the “ugly, confusing, un-restful world” underneath tables and chairs. The design principle is a circular base from which a stem extends upward to a large fiberglass top. The fiberglass top is 1″ in thick and heavy, giving balance to the unique table base. True to its original design the metal base is a perfect combination of function and form. Both the fiberglass top and metal base are coated with a scratch and chip-resistant finish. A velvet floor protection pad is attached to the bottom of the base to prevent it from scratching floors.

Barcelona chair
The Barcelona chair was inspired by the designs originally created for the International Exhibition in Barcelona, Spain. It is also referred to as the Pavilion Chair because it was entered in the German Pavilion, at the 1929 International Exposition. Each of its square leather is hand-selected, piped, tufted and individually sewn by expert leather craftsmen. The cushions rest upon a suspended network of black leather belt straps at the base. The 12mm solid core stainless steel frame is made using classic welding and bending techniques and hand buffed to obtain mirror-like shine.

Florence knoll sofa
The Florence knoll Sofa features a wonderfully sleek design. It’s a perfect place to rest and relax, or to provide plenty of seating. Its legs are polished stainless steel. The contemporary design includes three cushions with buttons creating a vertical and horizontal tuft. The steel reinforced frame gives way to its visible legs. With plenty of room for everyone, the sofa measures just over 80” long, and is 32” deep.

Lc3 Le Corbusier sofa
The LC3 Le Corbusier sofa is both sturdy and comfortable. The chrome plated tubular steel frame is both functional and aesthetic, complimenting and accentuating the rectangular shapes represented in the design. It’s deeply padded seat cushions and backrests allow surprisingly soft seating. The LC3 Le Corbusier sofa is available in cashmere and leather upholstery and is produced in a variety of colors.

Noguchi coffee table
The Noguchi Coffee Table was designed by Isamu Noguchi. It is an icon of modern classic furniture, originally designed for the President of the Museum of Modern Art in 1944. The Noguchi Coffee Table’s simple, yet beautiful design is made of only three pieces – a glass top, and two pieces of sculptured wood joining for the base. The two simple, smoothly shaped pieces interlock to form a tripod that supports a thick slab of transparent glass.

Marshmallow sofa
The Marshmallow sofa is another fabled design of George Nelson, who is famed as one of the fathers of Modern era furniture. The idea for this sofa arose when an inventor brought Nelson a cheap plastic disc which he insisted could be used as a seat. Nelson and an apprentice stuck 18 discs on a steel frame and the basic Marshmallow Sofa was born. It went into production in 1956. Upholstered in leather, the round seat and backrests, reminiscent of soft puffy marshmallows provide an amazing degree of comfort.

Arne egg chair
The Egg Chair was designed in 1958 by Danish designer Arne Jacobsen. The Egg chair has been a mid-century staple for decades for its uniqueness. The Egg chair was originally designed for the Radisson SAS hotel in Copenhagen, Denmark; along with many other furniture pieces that Jacobsen designed. Its refined curves provide comfort and a level of privacy for a full luxury experience. The Egg Chair swivels 360 degrees and tilts back by 45 degrees with the tilt resistance adjusted using the lever at the base of the chair.

If you’re looking to upgrade or remodel your space, we have all these furniture and more at Regency Shop. Our collection boasts of the most affordable top quality pieces you can find. We also have financing options for you, if you choose to pay in installments. Go on now and shop with us, you would be glad you did!

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Mid century modern chair

The modern chair is something perhaps taken for granted, but its evolution and development is a direct reflection of the social and economic status of society. In the 60’s, lives began to change with scheduling and demands in the work environment and a relatively sudden realization of more disposable income. With the increase in technology, new styles and materials were introduced.

Mid century

The mid century era dates back to the mid-1930s through to the mid-1960s. However, it wasn’t until 1983 that the label ‘Mid-Century Modern’ became a household phrase. Art historian and writer, Cara Greenberg; coined the term with the title of her book, ‘Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s’.

Mid century dining table

Many mid-century dining tables are made of wood. Marble or glass options are also available too. The design is very simple, and lines are straight or well curved. There aren’t too many unique decorative elements to these dining tables, and most variations will be in terms of wood tone or materials used. You can find square, round, and rectangular dining tables in the mid-century style. Tulip tables are one type of dining table commonly associated with the mid-century modern era.

Mid century modern decor

Mid-Century Modern is a design philosophy that emerged in the mid-20th century, as mentioned earlier. It blends smooth and straight lines with highly varied textures, materials, and colors. In today’s market, you may also see Mid-Century Modern furniture labeled MCM for short. Mid-Century Modern is a design philosophy that emerged in the mid-20th century, as mentioned earlier. It blends smooth and straight lines with highly varied textures, materials, and colors.

Mid century modern style

As for the style itself, Mid-Century Modern was highly influenced by Danish Modernism and the German school of design, in Bauhaus. With the changes that World War II brought to Germany, America suddenly found itself with immigrants that were both trained and practiced in this style of design.

Mid century modern interior design

Mid-Century Modern era furniture pieces are characterized by its clean lines, gentle curves, and organic shapes. This style originated mid-20th century. Hence its name, but thanks to its elegant simplicity and timeless aesthetic, Mid-Century Modern furniture is still highly popular in contemporary interior design today.

Modern furniture

Mid-century modern furniture is often very simple with sleek lines and gives more priority to functionality and uncluttered spaces. Chairs and tables will often consist of simple materials held up by wooden or metal pin-style legs.

Mid century modern furniture

Mid-Century Modern furniture pieces are characterized by its clean lines, gentle curves, and organic shapes. This style originated mid-20th century. Hence its name, but thanks to its elegant simplicity and timeless aesthetic, Mid-Century Modern furniture is still highly popular today.

Mid century modern

While there is some debate over its exact year of origin, most can agree that this style dates back to the mid-1930s through to the mid-1960s. However, it wasn’t until 1983 that the label ‘Mid-Century Modern’ became a household phrase. Art historian and writer, Cara Greenberg; coined the term with the title of her book, ‘Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s’.

Scandinavian furniture

Scandinavian furniture features simple silhouettes, clean lines and an emphasis on use of natural materials. Whenever possible, there’s also a focus on choosing carefully-made, artisanal products over mass-produced pieces.

Blending traditional and modern decor can be quite a challenge, since they’re on opposite ends of the design spectrum. For example, matching the Traditional Chesterfield sofa with a modern coffee table maybe a bit confusing, if you don’t know how to go about it. Not only are the lines and shapes present in modern and traditional spaces quite different—but the sheer amount of stuff in a traditional in contrast with modern space tends to be quite unusually opposite. While not always the case, modern spaces tend to have a more pared-back, minimalist bent, whereas traditional spaces lean more maximalist, with more going in appearance. One of the advantages of blending traditional and modern interior design styles is developing a personal style that you won’t see in other homes. Unfortunately, this interesting mixing of styles intimidates most people. It’s a big risk, but it is also a risk with a very high reward. Let’s discuss the basics of each interior design style so we can better understand how to mix the two for a more cohesive design.

Modern décor

When people talk about preferring a modern decor, they’re often referring to Mid-Century Modern. Not necessarily contemporary décor. This style is inspired by mid-20th century design and it combines natural wood with bold colors. Modern décor furniture pieces have clean lines and organic shapes with minimal ornament beyond the shape of the piece itself. It also tends to have tapered edges and rounded edges without hard angles. Colors in these spaces tend to be bold, with primary and secondary colors used a lot. Graphic or geometric patterns are also common in these spaces. Wood tones tend to be light [either a Scandinavian blonde finish or an acorn or teak coloring]. Though, a dark walnut finish wouldn’t be out place! When it comes to metal, chrome is the most common finish you’ll find in a mid-century space, though brass and black metal may be also used. For upholstery, leather, tweed, velvet, and vinyl are all common fabrics used on furniture. The popular modern décor designs of today feature heavy textures, ornamentation, and contrasting elements. One defining component of modern design is the minimalistic touch. Modern designs heavily rely on lack of fussiness. Clean lines, neutral colors, and boldly designed furniture… that’s what you see.

Traditional décor

Traditional decor often refers to older Americana styles of Colonial and Craftsman furnishings. But, as traditional décor ideas rise in popularity, designers are also pulling inspiration from British designs. Traditional spaces tend to feature dark wood furniture. Craftsman and Colonial furnishings have minimal ornamentation, while Victorian-era furniture pieces are a bit more ornate and detailed. Patterned and leather upholstery are both common in traditional style, as are wallpapered walls, slipcovered sofas, and finishing details like wainscoting and crown molding. In terms of color schemes, a blue and white palette is a classic traditional décor look. But for those who lean toward the British; their designs take on traditional, saturated, earthy colors. Brass is the most used metal finish you’ll find in a traditional space, due to its beautiful patina that takes on an antique vibe. Traditional décor is calm, orderly, and predictable. When you think about traditionally styled interiors, think of comforting and classic designs. Your family home growing up might have even been styled in traditional décor furnishings. Traditional homes are generally casual looking, with every piece going together. It’s all about functionality and ease.

Mixing Modern And Traditional Décor

Go Modern in Your Base Furniture

When it comes to traditional and modern décor furniture, modern is easier to have as a base because of its cleaner lines. And, since traditional pieces tend to have a bit more personality, they’re easier to use as accents. Mixing both styles this way, gives a very dynamic look to your space. For example, a traditional pedestal side table next to a modern sofa and coffee table creates balance and focus.

Use Color to Set the Tone

Traditionally styled spaces [especially those that lean toward that adorned British style] feature more warm and saturated color palettes. Meanwhile, modern color palettes are naturally more monochromatic and on the “cool” color spectrum. When mixing these two styles, there are two approaches you can take with color:

Pairing a modern, neutral color scheme with traditional furniture pieces is a way to go. This lets the rich wood tones and ornamentation of traditional furniture do the talking in the space.
However, pairing a warm and saturated color palette with modern-lined, neutral furniture is also a way to blend these styles into one space.

Mix Materials and Finishes

Mixing materials is another great way to blend traditional and modern decor styles together. The use of a chandelier is a more traditional move, but the minimalist style in a black metal finish could add a modern touch. Additionally, the mix of a brass mirror, seagrass bench, and hide rug could add a more eclectic and modern feel to the space, while still using more traditional materials and finishes. Warm, worn leather is a more classic material—but the form of the chair has to be clean lines and tapered legs, to gives it a more modern vibe. Textural fabrics like tweed can happily be used to tie together both styles as well. And think about wood tones as well. While Mid-Century furniture styles don’t tend to feature lighter wood tones, we mentioned that a dark walnut finish is sometimes used in these spaces—and walnut is a common finish in traditional spaces. However, mixing wood tones is a great way to bring in the heart of both décor styles! You can also mix darker woods (more traditional) with shiny metals (a total mid-century modern move) for an interesting material combo.

Pick Harmony Or Contrast

Another important thing to consider is whether you want to create harmony between the two décor styles or contrast. Each has its own benefit. However, balancing both creates a more calming look, while contrast creates visual excitements. By deciding which you want in your space, you can narrow down your décor choices.

Tie items together

You may want to find a way to tie pieces together to create an overall look and feel. While you could use contrast as your guiding light, you have to find a balance between the two styles. A few ways you can tie the two interior design styles together is by using the same color, textures, patterns, upholstery, or shapes.

Use accent pieces

Not everyone has the appetite or budget for creating large-scale drama with a splashy a traditional focal point. If you love traditional decor but feel intimidated by buying antique furniture, start with small furniture pieces such as end tables, accent chairs and wooden stools, or decorative pieces like antique French gilded mirrors, lighting fixtures, and rugs.

Needless to say, there are many more ways you can combine modern and traditional décor designs into one space. And if you need some ideas on how to style you space, Regency Shop has a wide variety of both traditional and modern furniture for you to choose from. Why not get started now?!

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Modern home decor

Modern décor furniture pieces have clean lines and organic shapes with minimal ornament beyond the shape of the piece itself. It also tends to have tapered edges and rounded edges without hard angles. Colors in these spaces tend to be bold, with primary and secondary colors used a lot. Graphic or geometric patterns are also common in these spaces. Wood tones tend to be light [either a Scandinavian blonde finish or an acorn or teak coloring].

Mid-century modern décor

When people talk about preferring a modern decor, they’re often referring to Mid-Century Modern. Not necessarily contemporary décor. This style is inspired by mid-20th century design and it combines natural wood with bold colors.

Aesthetic living room

To make your living room an aesthetic one; diffuse your favorite scents. You could add a wash of color to the walls with removable wallpaper. You could also bring in a plant or flowery décor. Add a mirror too. Go on and hang some wall art. You could also change up your lighting scheme. Finally, you could rearrange your furniture layout

Traditional home

Patterned and leather upholstery are both common in traditional style, as are wallpapered walls, slipcovered sofas, and finishing details like wainscoting and crown molding. In terms of color schemes, a blue and white palette is a classic traditional décor look. But for those who lean toward the British; their designs take on traditional, saturated, earthy colors. Brass is the most used metal finish you’ll find in a traditional space, due to its beautiful patina that takes on an antique vibe. Traditional décor is calm, orderly, and predictable. When you think about traditionally styled interiors, think of comforting and classic designs.

Decorated living rooms

A decorated living room refers to a living room designed with aesthetic components, used to make it more attractive and visually appealing.

Decor idea

Refers to design ideas that relate to the aesthetics of a space and its furniture, furnishings, surface finishes, lighting, and so on.

Traditional furniture

Traditional spaces tend to feature dark wood furniture. Craftsman and Colonial furnishings have minimal ornamentation, while Victorian-era furniture pieces are a bit more ornate and detailed. Patterned and leather upholstery are both common in traditional style, as are wallpapered walls, slipcovered sofas, and finishing details like wainscoting and crown molding.

Traditional living room

In terms of color schemes, a blue and white palette is a classic traditional décor look. But for those who lean toward the British; their designs take on traditional, saturated, earthy colors. Brass is the most used metal finish you’ll find in a traditional space, due to its beautiful patina that takes on an antique vibe. Traditional décor is calm, orderly, and predictable.