Mid-Century Modern furniture is characterized by its sleek lines, soft curves and organic designs. The style first appeared in the mid 20th century, hence the name however, due to its elegant simplicity and timeless design Mid-Century Modern furniture remains a huge hit in modern interior design.
What exactly is Mid Century Modern?
Mid-Century Modern, or MCM is a style of design that was developed in the middle of the 20th century. It blends modern design with a variety of textures materials, colors, and textures.
Take note of how the smooth curves of the mid century dining table and lounge chair legs blend effortlessly together with the leather black sofa plastic chairs in white blue cushions, and the vibrant rug. This sort of variation in materials, colors, and pattern is the hallmark of mid-century modern design.
Today there are also Mid-Century Modern furniture labelled MCM for short. Some of the traits that define this style include:
Simple: Ornate elements are used in small amounts, if ever.
Functional: Applies to the philosophy of architect Louis Sullivan. Form is the first thing to be considered.
Organic: Make use of shapes that can be found in nature, which can lead to soft curves.
Geometric: Employs basic geometric shapes to create clean lines with smooth edges.
Diverse: Appreciates a broad selection of colors and materials
The History of Mid-Century Modern
There is some debate about the exact date of its birth, the majority be sure that the style is from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s. It wasn’t until 1983 when the term Mid-Century Modern became a household expression.
Writer and art historian, Cara Greenberg, coined the term in an article in the book Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s. In the past sixty years later, Mid-Century Modern is now widely accepted as a term and a significant design trend by people of all ages museum curators, scholars, and museums.
For the design itself, MCM was highly influenced by Danish Modernism and the German style of design or Bauhaus. The changes that World War II brought to Germany, America suddenly found its own population of immigrants who were educated and trained with this type of style. This, along with the boom in baby births and the pressing demand for housing that was modern furniture brought about a new age of technological advancement and exploring new materials in design.
Materials like molded plywood glass, plastic and fiberglass became all the rage. These materials were used as the foundation of famous furniture designs from designers like Charles as well as Ray Eames, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Arne Jacobsen and Eero Saarinen to name just several.
Mid-Century Modern Vs. Modern Industrial
With both styles taking over the design scene following World War II, modern in both their names and their ubiquity on the market today There are certain similarities between Mid-Century Modern and Modern Industrial. But, there are several key differences you must be aware of.
Mid-Century Modern
Edges that are clean and polished with a smooth appearance.
It comes in a variety of colors, including vibrant shades
Elegant style, that is free of imperfections
Not overly elaborate
Modern Industrial
The material is embraced in its rough and unfinished state.
Most often, neutral tones are employed and colors that are monotone
A modern style that is edgier and embraces natural traits such as live edges and burls
Accents are embellished with contrast material
When designed by skilled craftsmen, mid-century as well as modern industrial furniture is built to endure for generations.
Mid-Century Design Colors
The Mid-Century design style is recognized for its use in vibrant colors that soften the embracing hues such as watermelon yellow olive green, tangerine along with Fire engine red. But, these eye-catching colors aren’t enough on their own. The shades of gray, brown and white are essential to create a calming effect to contrast the bright accents, and create MCM’s unique style.
One easy way Mid-Century interior design makes use of earthier colors is by using wood furniture and other finishings. Wood can not only create the perfect balance within the room, but also wooden Mid-Century Modern furniture is available in a wide range of woods, each offering unique style and benefits.
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