Sleek lines. Throw-back angles. Nostalgic feelings. These are just a few words to describe the ever-popular, mid-century modern style. Since its inception and rise to fame during the 40s to 60s, its popularity has never wavered.
What is Mid-Century Modern Furniture?
Mid-century modern design got its roots in Germany and expanded to America after World War II when designers migrated to the U.S. The war inspired change both in economics and technology and the demand for simplistic, quickly built, attainable designs emerged. New materials for building were a result of technological advances, and designers started exploring with things other than wood, such as malleable materials like plastic, fiberglass, foam and aluminum. These new materials opened the door to trying new techniques, new colors and new styles.
You can see these designs all over to this day, including in our two retail locations. Classic characteristics of mid-century furniture include:
- Simple, easy, minimal design with the lack of excess decorative features.
- The use of different and contrasting materials to create a unique piece.
- Melding the past with the future while still allowing for the piece to be functional.
What Makes it so Popular?
One of the biggest reasons mid-century modern has remained so popular is because it serves us in the same way it did back then. It’s still functional, comfortable, appealing and affordable. There are designs left to be imagined using the same techniques, making it a timeless furniture style. It takes us back and allows us to reminisce while still allowing us to dream of the future.
Another reason it is so popular is that it is readily available and fits well in smaller spaces, making it a popular choice for those newly starting out in their own place.
Adding Mid-Century Modern Decor to Your Home
One of the easiest places to start decorating your home in a mid-century modern style is in your dining room. This is especially true when you have a smaller dining room or a kitchen/dining combo. For example, tables often look sleek enough to be dining room furniture while functional enough to be a kitchen table for daily use. You can play down the design with plastic or wood chairs or spice it up with fabric chairs. With its minimal design profile, mid-century modern dining room sets won’t take up much room, which will allow you more space for entertaining. Adding a few decor items in this style is as easy as choosing a chandelier or bar cart.
No matter what furniture you decide to decorate your home with, the mid-century modern look is sure to appeal to your visitors as well as provide lasting comfort for you.
