What Is Mid-Century Modern Style?
Mid-century modern style is characterized by extensive use of glass, open design concepts and flat planes. The furniture has pared-down forms with an emphasis on contemporary, bold and elegant design patterns, and use of natural materials. The main purpose of installing open floor plans and glass sliding doors is to blend indoors and the natural world and to encourage people to go out. The full-length glass walls and doors also encourage people to embrace open-mindedness, stimulate the senses and spark creativity. (Image source:)
As is evident by the name, it refers to about 30 years from mid-1940s to 1970s. This style in architecture and home décor which followed immediately after World War II was defined as a futuristic style with emphasis on looking at the world from fresh perspectives. It has made an impressive comeback thanks to the popularity of TV shows like Mad Men.
How To Incorporate Mid-Century Furniture To Your Home?
*Open concept
Mid-Century furniture attempts to create a seamless flow and balance between indoors and outside world. Full-length windows, patios and sliding doors help to achieve this connection with nature. If you have time, money and resources, you can replace a wall with a wide glass window. The simpler way of doing it is installing skylights, placing wallpaper with natural motifs or keeping the windows bare.
*Rigorous lines and simple forms
Regular and rigorous lines characterize the floor plans of Mid-Century Modern style. Furnishings include bare essentials creating a sense of space and openness. Installing a striking centerpiece in an otherwise simple and minimalistic room also achieves the desired effect.
*Graphic Patterns and lighting
Geometric patterns and natural motifs render a striking resemblance to the elegant look of 1950s. Look for Mid-Century fabrics with heavy textures online. You might even end up getting the real thing. The big and bold lighting fixtures such as chandeliers and bubble lights are a striking addition to a simple room. Pair warm, earthy tones with classy saturated colors to complete the classic Mid-Century look.
*Furnishings
If you do not have the budget for an original piece of furniture from this era, there are tons of affordable reproductions available in vintage stores or online. Adding frameless models for cabinet doors, surfacing the floor with linoleum, or using striking laminate and colorful tiles are all important furnishing elements with Mid-Century charisma.
Why Mid-Century Furniture Is A Good Investment?
The significance of this modern style furniture stems from a specific period in history where people were attempting to reinvent and reimagine their lives after the World War. That is why original collectibles from this era are treated as important artworks.
It is becoming increasing difficult to find original pieces of Mid-Century furniture. Since they are regarded as rare and treasured pieces, they are appreciating in value as true connoisseurs are willing to pay a good price for it. This type of furniture was not cheap even back in the day. Skilled craftsmen used natural materials such as teak and fine equipment to create high-quality furniture that is both durable and functional.
Another reason why this furniture is a good investment is because it can be incorporated in any type of home because of its contemporary and chic look. It also goes well in 19th century apartment buildings with mantels and moldings.
Where To Find Mid-Century Furniture Stores Online And Offline?
*Reproductions
Design Within Reach and Room and Board carry reproductions of Mid-Century palette. With headquarters in San Francisco and Minneapolis respectively, these stores have retail outlets in many locations and they carry an assortment of good quality pieces of furniture from this era.
If you are looking to shop online, Hive Modern and Furniture.ca both have user-friendly websites with an impressive repository of reproductions with price range the same as retail. Furniture.ca also carries a wide range of upholstery options.
*The Real Deal
Home Anthology, Retro@Home and Reside are a collector’s paradise for the authentic Mid-Century pieces. These online showrooms carry interesting finds from different eras including Scandinavian and Danish styles as well. Their web catalog features home accessories, furnishings, art collectibles, fabrics and textures all original and in good condition.
The beauty of redecorating your home in Mid-Century theme is that it never goes out of style. You can also merge it with other styles and it blends in just as easily. Since the minimalistic style is making a comeback with many Scandinavian designers leading the home décor scene, Mid-Century is the North American way of reviving the past and blending it with the present.
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