Midcentury modern is now an iconic fashion with timeless allure. It blends so well with different styles that I feel every room may use one midcentury modern bit. While furniture from the 1950s and 1960s remains the most identifiable, you can find the appearance with accessories in the atomic fashion at the local antique store for less than $100. These suggestions can help you get started.
Related: So Your Style Is: Midcentury Modern
Amy Lau Design
Midcentury modern design is excellent on its own or mixed in with more contemporary pieces. Here the furniture is classic midcentury, the room is open, and the designer countered the kitschy accessories to keep the appearance from feeling dated.
Urban Outfitters
Midcentury Sofa – $479
Leg shape is an important detail when discovering midcentury-style furniture on wooden bits the legs are often small and have an elongated cone shape.
Most furniture edges will have a softness rather than a 90-degree angle. By looking for details like these, there are more affordable pieces that evoke the midcentury modern fashion.
Resources:
• Urban Outfitters gets the sofa shown along with other cheap midcentury-style furniture.
• Danish Design Store offers many beautiful wood bits.
• Scandinavian Modern
Design Within Reach
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman | DWR – $4,499
Of course, if your budget allows, you can still buy the original iconic bits fresh, like this Eames recliner. If you’d like your piece to have a small background, then search on Craigslist or eBay for designers like Eames, Nelson, Mies van der Rohe or Saarinen, or only attempt “Mad Men style.”
Resources:
• Find the Eames recliner shown along with other legendary midcentury modern designs at Design Within Reach.
• Room & Board
• Hive includes tulip tables along with other legendary designs.
1stdibs
Eames Time Life Chair
Office furniture has been in its prime during the mid-20th century, and it’s still possible to find original pieces by Nelson and Eames through Herman Miller. Since lots of the layouts were created to be mass produced, you’ll spend roughly the same as you want a new high tech office chair or desk but find a whole lot more style. Costs vary dependent on condition and rarity. Upholstered pieces like this one can be a bit more.
Resources:
• Discover original Eames and other one-of-a-kind classic pieces at 1stdibs.
• Herman Miller Store
• Design Within Reach includes Nelson desks and much more.
HORNE
Atomic Living Layout – Sinatra Bar – $4,800
Of course, you can not overlook the “modern” part of “midcentury modern,” since the design is greatly affected by the atomic age and space exploration. Atomic bits will frequently feel a bit more kitschy and evoke rocket or star shapes, like this pub.
Resources:
• Find this at Horne.
• CB2 has contemporary pieces with atomic influences.
Etsy
Midcentury Lamps, Royal Haeger, Retrosymphony – $419
For only a dose of midcentury design, you can not beat the light. Buy vintage (on Etsy or at the regional antique store) and you’re going to save yourself a little money. (If rewiring is necessary, you can grab a cheap DIY kit at the hardware shop) But there are great reproduction options too.
Resources:
• Browse midcentury-style light on
• Noguchi has newspaper lamps.
• that I really like some of those low-cost metal options at Ikea.
Etsy
Midcentury Silver Rim Barware Set, Cheeky Chic Vintage – $138
If you are a lover of Mad Men or other period shows or movies, you’ll be aware that the clink of ice in the glass is ubiquitous to midcentury style. Ensure that your pub cart is stocked and ready to serve with a handsome set of barware.
Resources:
• Browse barware on
• Hunt Etsy and Craigslist with the terms “mad guys,” “tumblers,” “highball,” “pub set” and “drinkware.”
• For artistic and unique glasses, I enjoy the choices at MoMA.
Books:
Atomic Ranch Midcentury Interiors, by Michelle Gringerie-Brown
Charles and Ray Eames, by Gloria Koenig
More inspiration on midcentury-modern design:
Add a Modest Midcentury Modern to Your Mix
Guest Picks: Colorful Midcentury Modern
Modern Icons: Eero Saarinen’s Executive Chair
Tell us : Is your home decorated in midcentury modern design? Share images below!
