Anyone who has been online recently has picked up on the hold that the Mid-Century Modern design aesthetic has on interior design today. However, creating a space featuring mid-century style isn’t just about selecting the right furniture and calling it a day– it’s about capturing a style that balances nostalgic charm with the simplicity of modern design.
Below, we’ll dive into the origins of mid-century modern design, and how to transform your bedroom into a space that incorporates the style we know and love.
What is Mid-Century Modern Design?
Mid-Century modern design is characterized by its clean lines, gentle curves, and organic shapes. This style originated in the mid-20th century, hence its name, but thanks to its elegant simplicity and timelessness, mid-century modern style is still popular in interior design today.
The style is known to blend efficient design with varied textures, materials, and colors. While there is some debate over its exact year of origin, most agree that it dates back to the mid-1930s through to the mid-1960s. However, it wasn’t until 1983 that the descriptor “Mid-Century Modern” became the household phrase it is today.
So, how did mid-century style come about in the first place?
The style was influenced by Danish Modernism and the German school of design, Bauhaus. With the changes that World War II brought to Germany, America suddenly found itself with a population that was both trained and practiced in this style. This, combined with the need for housing brought about by the baby boom and modern furniture birthed a new era of exploration in design.
Bringing Mid-Century Design Into the Bedroom
Now that we’ve discussed what mid-century style is and where it originated, it’s time to get into the nitty gritty: implementing the design style in your bedroom. Let’s get into it.
Start with a Neutral Color Palette
Mid-Century Modern design is known to highlight simplicity and functionality, and a neutral color palette is an easy way to achieve this: by keeping the space feeling open and airy. Choose from shades of white, cream, or light gray as your base, colors that make the room look more spacious while serving as a backdrop for highlighting classic wood tones and accent pieces typical of the mid-20th century.
Choose the Right Furniture
While furniture certainly isn’t the be-all end-all when designing a mid-century modern bedroom, it’s a great place to start. Look for pieces that feature clean lines and organic forms, such as a bed with a simple, streamlined frame or nightstands and dressers featuring tapered legs and minimal ornamentation. These understated details highlight the simplicity of the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic and contribute to the overall harmony of the space.
Focus on Functional Decor
Mid-Century Modern decor revolves around functionality that doesn’t compromise on style– a philosophy we certainly love! When creating a mid-century style bedroom, choose lamps with geometric shapes and muted metal finishes, such as brass or matte black, that add character while providing essential lighting.
Additions such as a sleek, wooden bench at the foot of the bed or underbed storage serve as both visual appeal and practical accessories.
Add Textural Contrast
While maintaining a minimalist color scheme, textures are a simple way to add depth and interest to your bedroom. We always recommend elements such as a woolen rug in a geometric pattern, bedding with a subtle print, or accessories like velvet cushions or a chunky knit throw that add style while providing a cozy feel to the space. After all, it is a bedroom!
Incorporate Art and Greenery
Art pieces can transform a plain wall into a focal point of your bedroom. Choose artwork that brings simplicity and natural elements to the space, such as abstract prints or paintings featuring nature. For those with a green thumb, adding houseplants to the room brings the outdoors in while adding color as well.
Lighting Is Key
While we may be furniture experts, we wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we weren’t strong advocates of the power of good lighting as well. We recommend incorporating a mix of light sources that reflect the styles of the 1950s and 60s. Position your lighting to highlight the room’s best features, creating ambiance and warmth.
With questions about mid-century design and choosing the right furniture or lighting for your space, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts.
