Decorating
5 Style Shortcuts to Get the Midcentury Look
Master the pared-back aesthetic of the post-war period with these must-have home buys
Many of the ideas associated with the midcentury modern movement of the mid-1930s to 1960s represent designs that still feel fresh and relevant today. The mixture of organic elements, abstract prints and shapes, craftsmanship and clean lines has an enduring appeal that continues to inform contemporary décor.
Whether you’re looking to begin building your interior style around midcentury concepts or itching to incorporate a few design classics, these are the five key pieces you need to nab, with two ways to work each style into your scheme.
Whether you’re looking to begin building your interior style around midcentury concepts or itching to incorporate a few design classics, these are the five key pieces you need to nab, with two ways to work each style into your scheme.
…or pick a pair of chairs
To switch things up, consider making a pair of armchairs the centrepiece of your living room. It’s possible to find interesting originals from the period that can be reupholstered in contemporary fabric for a unique finish.
Again, home in on trademark peg legs – whether plain wood or, as here, black lacquered and metal-tipped – along with a boxy shape and buttoned back. Alternatively, wingback chairs are very reminiscent of midcentury style, as are wooden-framed Ercol armchairs.
To switch things up, consider making a pair of armchairs the centrepiece of your living room. It’s possible to find interesting originals from the period that can be reupholstered in contemporary fabric for a unique finish.
Again, home in on trademark peg legs – whether plain wood or, as here, black lacquered and metal-tipped – along with a boxy shape and buttoned back. Alternatively, wingback chairs are very reminiscent of midcentury style, as are wooden-framed Ercol armchairs.
2 Store with style
Snag a streamlined sideboard…
Do your home a handsome favour by getting your hands on a midcentury-inspired wooden sideboard.
Perfectly placed in a living room or bedroom, this classic piece will add a generous dash of retro flavour all by itself, as well as providing useful storage and extra display space.
Discover the experts’ secrets to successful second-hand furniture hunting
Snag a streamlined sideboard…
Do your home a handsome favour by getting your hands on a midcentury-inspired wooden sideboard.
Perfectly placed in a living room or bedroom, this classic piece will add a generous dash of retro flavour all by itself, as well as providing useful storage and extra display space.
Discover the experts’ secrets to successful second-hand furniture hunting
…or create a custom-made credenza
If you’re struggling to find a piece with the right proportions, consider fashioning your own credenza for a contemporary nod to the era. This elegant (and economical) take on a midcentury sideboard is composed of three shop-bought cabinets mounted on a wooden plinth.
If you’re struggling to find a piece with the right proportions, consider fashioning your own credenza for a contemporary nod to the era. This elegant (and economical) take on a midcentury sideboard is composed of three shop-bought cabinets mounted on a wooden plinth.
3 Elevate your illuminations
Score a statement ceiling light…
Eye-catching lighting is a must when creating the midcentury modern look. Make a beeline for ‘futuristic’ designs, such as UFO-shaped paper pendants or satellite-themed ceiling lights, like this one.
Score a statement ceiling light…
Eye-catching lighting is a must when creating the midcentury modern look. Make a beeline for ‘futuristic’ designs, such as UFO-shaped paper pendants or satellite-themed ceiling lights, like this one.
…or unearth an outré accessory
Make it your mission to find an unusual vintage floor lamp. A key piece of midcentury kit, original lighting, such as this abstract wooden lamp with integral side table, will give your home a hint of 1950s flair.
To ramp it up from flavour to theme, simply combine with a midcentury armchair or two (see this living room) and a plectrum-shaped coffee table.
Make it your mission to find an unusual vintage floor lamp. A key piece of midcentury kit, original lighting, such as this abstract wooden lamp with integral side table, will give your home a hint of 1950s flair.
To ramp it up from flavour to theme, simply combine with a midcentury armchair or two (see this living room) and a plectrum-shaped coffee table.
4 Beef up your bedside style
Try a creative reproduction…
Give your boudoir a midcentury makeover by swapping in some retro-inspired bedside tables or storage units. Shop for boxy designs with slim drawers and tapered legs.
Explore more ways to give your bedroom some midcentury style
Try a creative reproduction…
Give your boudoir a midcentury makeover by swapping in some retro-inspired bedside tables or storage units. Shop for boxy designs with slim drawers and tapered legs.
Explore more ways to give your bedroom some midcentury style
…or root out an original
For an authentic slice of midcentury style, hunt down some original 1950s bedside tables. There are many specialist sellers who cater to the midcentury furniture market, or scour online auction sites and car-boot sales for a bargain.
For an authentic slice of midcentury style, hunt down some original 1950s bedside tables. There are many specialist sellers who cater to the midcentury furniture market, or scour online auction sites and car-boot sales for a bargain.
5 Master nostalgic dining
Reinstate retro vinyl chairs
Go for impact at the dinner table with midcentury-style, open-backed dining chairs in era-appropriate vinyl. Classics came from the likes of Thonet, Finn Juhl and G Plan.
If you can’t stretch to a designer original, pick up no-name styles at flea markets, in second-hand shops or online.
Reinstate retro vinyl chairs
Go for impact at the dinner table with midcentury-style, open-backed dining chairs in era-appropriate vinyl. Classics came from the likes of Thonet, Finn Juhl and G Plan.
If you can’t stretch to a designer original, pick up no-name styles at flea markets, in second-hand shops or online.
…or covet a classic
Choose an iconic midcentury design, such as the Eames DSR chair, pictured. Its petite proportions and small footprint make it a smart choice when space is limited. Partner with contemporary pieces for a modern look or go for a decisive midcentury statement, pulling your Eames chairs up to a round, Tulip-style table, as seen here.
TELL US…
Do you have – or want – a midcentury piece in your home? Share details or photos in the Comments below.
Choose an iconic midcentury design, such as the Eames DSR chair, pictured. Its petite proportions and small footprint make it a smart choice when space is limited. Partner with contemporary pieces for a modern look or go for a decisive midcentury statement, pulling your Eames chairs up to a round, Tulip-style table, as seen here.
TELL US…
Do you have – or want – a midcentury piece in your home? Share details or photos in the Comments below.
Snap up a stylish sofa…
A midcentury-style sofa or chair is a keen investment and one that will set the tone for the rest of your décor.
Key midcentury details to look out for include simple designs with straight arms, firm foam seats, timber bases and tapered wooden legs.