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This post will show you 18 ideas to help you design the perfect mid century modern living room!
Mid-century modern design is a timeless style that can help you create a home where functionality, color, and organic shapes come together effortlessly. If you are looking for a modern living room with clean lines and a sophisticated atmosphere, this style can be exactly what you need!
A mid century modern living room can lean into the nostalgia of vintage pieces and the more daring spirit of contemporary shapes and textures. From metal accents to a bright palette, we’ll see how to strike the perfect balance for an elegant space filled with personality in this post.
Get ready to create your very own modern retro heaven and let’s have a look at 18 stunning mid century modern living room ideas!
Mid Century Modern Living Room: The Basics of This Design Style
When choosing the perfect pieces for your mid century modern living room, it can be helpful to refer back to the core principles of this design style.
Before investing in any decor, always ask yourself whether the item you’re about to purchase meets the criteria below. This framework will help you save time and ensure you create a cohesive environment.
- Focus on functionality: usability and simplicity are important features that take priority over embellishments and aesthetics.
- Minimalist inspiration: hidden storage solutions, an organized space, and complementary but minimal accessories are must-haves.
- Clean lines and organic shapes: smooth curves and geometric shapes create a visually interesting space while, at the same time, achieving an understated look.
- Integration with nature: high-quality, rustic materials like solid wood, wicker, and leather help blend the outdoors and indoors, representing harmony with nature.
Now that you’re familiar with the basics of this design style, let’s jump into 18 ideas to help you create the mid century modern living room of your dreams!
18 Mid Century Modern Living Room Ideas To Inspire You
1. Include a Brown Leather Couch
Credit: @casasdenunez
A brown leather couch is a must-have for the perfect mid century modern living room.
The warm tones of the leather and the high-quality, vintage feel of this material represent the perfect combination of functionality and style.
Make sure to opt for modern lines, prioritizing lower couches with sleek, steel frames.
2. Don’t Be Afraid of Geometric Patterns
Credit: @clairedunninteriors via @jochrobak
Geometric patterns can be scary to include on a large scale. However, they can become a stand-out feature of your mid century modern living room.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and include geometric shapes across art and textiles in your space.
For instance, I love how an area rug can become a statement piece thanks to a fun geometric pattern, instantly elevating your design. This is a great solution if you are only looking to upgrade one piece in your current decor to start introducing some mid century inspiration.
3. Use Wooden Wall Slats
Credit: @lauraccrombie for @hayleylovina
Wood is one of the key materials used to design a mid century modern living room. It is the perfect way to incorporate an organic touch into your space, leaning into the connection with nature that characterizes this style.
A creative way to include wood in your living area is by using wood slats for your walls.
Even if you opt only for a few panels, this can help tie your wall decor with your flooring, giving the impression of a very cohesive design.
4. Hang a Sunburst Clock
Credit: @bowmanvintage
If you are looking for an iconic piece of wall decor for your mid century modern living room, look no further! Sunburst clocks are an incredibly fun way to honor the aesthetics and innovation of the design trends of the mid-20th century.
My recommendation would be to scour your local antique store for an original piece.
However, thanks to the recent popularity of boho design, you can also find great sunburst mirrors for a fraction of the price at most retailers.
5. Decorate Your Wall
Credit: @wallstargraphics
If you have researched mid-century modern design in-depth, you’ll know that wallpaper and decals were a cornerstone of those years’ homes.
Find a small empty corner of your mid century modern living room and replace wall decor with a painted geometric design. This will add a ton of character to your space, introducing also a great focal point in your room.
If you are not ready to commit to paint, consider using a decal. Similar results but easily removable in case you get tired of the design with time.
6. Use Mirrors to Open Up Your Space
Credit: @rumabahagia
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A mid century modern living room should feel open and airy. However, this can be challenging to achieve if you are working with a very small space.
In this case, your best ally will be a well-placed mirror.
Mirrors, especially full-size ones, are not only functional but also a great way to reflect the natural lights coming in from your windows. In return, this will help to viably open up your space, giving the impression of a larger living area. I love a win-win solution!
7. Include Patterned Details
Credit: @lifeatlivingroom
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- Mustard Mid-century Couch
- Patterned Decorative Pillows (Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3)
Patterns are a staple of mid-century modern decor. They introduce personality and color into your space, especially when used in unexpected details.
For the ultimate sophisticated touch, combine patterns with elegant textures like embroidery. Decorative pillows, lampshades, or a sofa throw are all great candidates for pieces that can go from basic to elevated thanks to patterns.
Don’t be too afraid to mix and match! As long as the space looks visually balanced, the variety will only help to make your design choices more interesting.
8. Choose Neutrals for a More Organic Result
Credit: @lindsayschuette
If are a fan of neutrals, it may seem impossible to create an authentic mid century modern living room. However, I believe there is some flexibility in how this design style can be interpreted.
For a more organic and modern design, make sure to complement your neutral palette with a great variety of high-quality materials and interesting textures.
For instance, small leather details, sleek metal frames, and an accent floor lamp can help you reinforce the theme without sacrificing your love for neutrals. Simply make sure to select pieces that perfectly capture the principles of mid-century design even if in more understated colors.
9. Make A Statement with Wall Art
Credit: @savagehouse1970
We can’t design a mid century modern living room without including stunning wall art.
From bright colors to fun, abstract pictures, mid century modern art is sure to have something that will meet your taste.
Opt for a few, large pieces if you are looking for a more minimalist look. Otherwise, a gallery wall can be a perfect solution to fill out your walls, giving the space a more finished feel.
10. Include Metal Accents
Credit: @mollyculverphotography via @inkprgroup
Metals can be used in a mid century modern living room as a great accent material.
The shiny finish can help give a more expensive look to your space, often adding a more modern twist even to very retro pieces.
The key in this case will be to find a good balance between more traditional fabrics and materials and the high-contemporary look of your accent pieces.
Frames are an easy bet when it comes to incorporating metals into your decor in an understated way.
11. Choose an Iconic Chair
Credit: @design_at_nineteen
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If you are looking to include in your mid century modern living room an icon of design, then look no further than the Chandigarh chair by Pierre Jeanneret.
While the original may be out of reach from post pockets, in recent years similar models have become widely available.
This piece represents the very best traits of mid-century design: simplicity, elegance, quality, and functionality. I promise it will transform your space by simply being there!
12. Style Your Bookshelf
Credit: @rachaelsmithphotographyltd for @homes_antiques/@projekt_26
A bookshelf can be a beautiful way to decorate an empty wall in your mid century modern living room.
Opt for a sleek, airy design favoring floating wooden shelves rather than a closed set-up.
This will help your space feel more open, giving you the possibility to display your favorite books and mid century decor pieces. Nothing makes for a great design project than refreshing your bookshelf styling a few times per year!
13. Include a Curved Floor Lamp
Source: @jandsdesigncompany
Another staple of a modern mid century living room is an arched floor lamp.
These pieces are a perfect example of taking a functional object and transforming it into an iconic piece of design.
Bonus tip: be careful with the placement. Given its large size, make sure this piece can work with the layout and dimensions of your space before investing in it.
14. Use Color Blocks
Credit: @raw.home.interior via @belartestudio
Color blocks are a fun feature of mid century modern design that can help you give a playful twist to your living room area.
Be daring and try out new color combinations, letting them compensate for the more neutral nature of white walls and traditional wooden flooring.
The result will be a joyful mid century modern living room filled with colors and personality!
15. Include a Low Sideboard
Credit: @cationz
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If you have been reading the blog for some time, you know that I am always on the lookout for a gorgeous way to display a TV. I find it so challenging not to make it the focal point of the room.
Luckily, mid century design provides a great way to include a TV stand in your decor. Enter the low sideboard.
This piece is an icon of mid century design, and for a good reason. It looks sleek, and elegant, and provides plenty of storage options making it extremely functional. An item you should consider investing in!
16. Create a TV Corner
Credit: @the_mod_fox
If you are working with a small space, a TV corner may be a great solution for your mid century modern living room.
This can help make your TV feel a bit more separated from the center of the room, making it easier to create a different focal point.
This setup is also a fun reference to how TVs used to be included in decor when they first became popular in the 1950s. They were not as central to daily life as they are for us today, and this was reflected in their location in the space.
17. Embrace Bright Colors
Credit: @robertogarcia.photography for @lalareimagined, @carawoodhouseinteriors
Bright colors are used in mid century modern design to complement the neutral tones of wood.
Make sure to spend some time choosing a great color palette for your mid century modern living room before investing in any piece of furniture or decor.
18. Forgo Curtains
Credit: @lindsayschuette
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If you’re lucky enough to have your living room look into a closed-off area or garden, consider forgoing curtains altogether.
This small adjustment can help brighten up your space and create a more organic transition from the outside to the inside, integrating nature into your decor.
To Conclude
This post showed you 18 ideas for the perfect mid century modern living room!
From fun patterns and bright colors to metal accents and leather sofas, mid-century modern design effortlessly combines functionality and style.
Remember to be bold with your design choices, relying on the very defined principles that sit at the core of this style. The result will be a home filled with timeless character and understated elegance!
