architectural, interior, product, and graphic design of the mid-20th century

California_Mid-Century_Modern_Home_with_open-beam_ceiling_1960.jpg
Eames Lounge Chair by Charles and Ray Eames
Mid-century modern (MCM) is "a style of design popular in the mid-twentieth century, characterized by clean, simple lines and lack of embellishment." The style was present throughout the world, but gained most … Wikipedia
Factsheet
Additional media
Years active 1945–1970
Location All the world. Mainly in North America, Brazil and Europe
Factsheet
Additional media
Years active 1945–1970
Location All the world. Mainly in North America, Brazil and Europe
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Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Mid-century_modern
Mid-century modern - Wikipedia
3 weeks ago - Mid-century modern (MCM) is "a style of design popular in the mid-twentieth century, characterized by clean, simple lines and lack of embellishment." The style was present throughout the world, but gained most popularity in North America, Brazil and Europe from roughly 1945 to 1970 during the ...
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Appalachian State University
guides.library.appstate.edu › mid-century-modern
Overview - Mid-Century Modern Design - Research Guides at Appalachian State University
Mid-Century modern is a term first used by Cara Greenberg in the 1950s to describe a style of architectural, interior, industrial, and graphic design that emerged after World War II. Today mid-century modern is often used to refer to the period from the early 1930s through the mid-1970s.
Discussions

I think we need a lesson on what Mid Century Modern actually is
Mid Century Modern is an aesthetic, a style. Just because something was produced post-WWII through 1970's doesn't automatically classify the item as MCM. This video explains the style better than I could here with my limited typing and grammar skills. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DsIkNuqj-U&ab_channel=JoanaAlmeida More on reddit.com
🌐 r/Mid_Century
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May 16, 2024
Favorite design books for Mid-Century Modern (and other) design style? : InteriorDesign
What are your favorite books on interior design/interior decorating? I've been looking for a really great book on mid-century modern interiors,... More on old.reddit.com
🌐 r/InteriorDesign
Reliability of Mid-Century Modern Furniture Stores
I'd put them in order of 1 Room and Board - Significantly better then the rest in terms of quality. One the best values in the market. Solid mid tier furniture. It will last for several years Ok quality, but this is really lower mid tier2 Crate and Barrel3 West Elm4 Article - Similar but slightly lower quality then the others 5 Wayfair - in some cases worse then IKEA... basically the same quality as amazon. Thuma - No experience. If you want mid century modern, the look at DWR as well. It can be pricy, but it is authentic. R+B is similar in that they also re-sell some authentic MCM pieces. Also check out Hay, Blu Dot, Mash, Ethinicraft, and of course all the OGs like Herman Miller, Vitra, Steelcase etc. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/BuyItForLife
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October 10, 2023
Unpopular opinion: I hate mid-century modern
I like Scandinavian and transitional. It's a lot easier to find pieces once you know the name of the style you prefer. https://havenly.com/blog/interior-design-types More on reddit.com
🌐 r/InteriorDesign
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October 20, 2020
People also ask

How do mid-century and mid-century modern designs differ?

"Mid-century" often refers to the period itself and its broader design trends, while "mid-century modern" is more specific, denoting a distinct design movement characterized by its clean lines, organic shapes, and innovative use of materials.

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huset.com.au
huset.com.au › home › the fascinating history of mid-century modern design
The Fascinating History of Mid-Century Modern Design - Huset
Is there a connection between Scandinavian design and mid-century modern?

Yes, there's a significant connection. Scandinavian design, characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, had a substantial influence on mid-century modern design. Both styles emphasize clean lines, organic forms, and a seamless blend of form and function.

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huset.com.au
huset.com.au › home › the fascinating history of mid-century modern design
The Fascinating History of Mid-Century Modern Design - Huset
How do modern and mid-century modern styles contrast?

While both modern and mid-century modern emphasize clean lines and functional design, the latter often incorporates more organic forms, earthy colours, and a distinct nod to the 1950s and 1960s aesthetic. "Modern" design can be more encompassing, referring to a broader range of design trends from the 20th century onwards.

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huset.com.au
huset.com.au › home › the fascinating history of mid-century modern design
The Fascinating History of Mid-Century Modern Design - Huset
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Herman Miller
store.hermanmiller.com › features-buying-guides-mid-century-modern-home-furniture-guide.html
An In-Depth Look at the Mid-Century Modern Home – Herman Miller Store
First, a brief look at the history of the now-ubiquitous modern style: Mid-century modern (often abbreviated “MCM”) is a design movement that was popularized in the United States post-World War II, gaining traction during the mid-20th century—from the mid-1940s to late 1960s.
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Huset
huset.com.au › home › the fascinating history of mid-century modern design
The Fascinating History of Mid-Century Modern Design - Huset
December 19, 2023 - Its minimalist yet warm approach to aesthetics, characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and the use of natural materials, continues to inspire and influence our modern sensibilities.
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Cranbrook Art Museum
cranbrookartmuseum.org › home › exhibitions › exhibitions › eventually everything connects: mid-century modern design in the us › eventually everything connects: mid-century modern design in the us
Eventually Everything Connects: Mid-Century Modern Design in the US | Cranbrook Art Museum | Exhibition
September 2, 2025 - This large-scale survey of one of the most important and persistent movements of modern design in the United States in the twentieth century shines a light on Cranbrook’s pivotal role in its development and the contributions of additional women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and designers of color during this period.
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Quora
quora.com › Are-you-burnt-out-on-mid-century-modern-design-and-decor
Are you burnt out on mid-century modern design and decor? - Quora
Answer (1 of 4): Heavens no. I absolutely adore MCM 1950s aesthetics for the home. I love charming colorful enamel kitchen appliances in cherry red, candy pink,and robins egg blue. I adore the retro futuristic look of Sputnik lamps and atomic starburst motif dinnerware. Even those silly Kit-Kat c...
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The Spruce
thespruce.com › things-you-should-know-about-mid-century-1391827
What Is Midcentury Modern Style? Here's What You Should Know
February 3, 2025 - The midcentury modern style originated during the middle of the 20th century and embodied the needs and wants of the population of that time. "Midcentury modern design is rooted in functionality, clean lines, and simplicity, which reflected ...
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ELLE Decor
elledecor.com › design + decorate › room ideas › 45+ midcentury modern living rooms that put retro back on the map
These Midcentury Modern Living Rooms Put Retro Back on the Map
March 17, 2023 - The modernist aesthetic is defined by clean lines, organic forms, a less-is-more approach, and high functionality (think of design icons like Florence Knoll, Herman Miller, and Arne Jacobson).
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Nicole Bozzani
nicolebozzani.com › blog › 2023 › 10 › 4 › the-timeless-allure-of-my-favorite-design-style-mid-century-modern
The Timeless Allure of My Favorite Design Style: Mid-Century Modern — Nicole Bozzani
January 28, 2024 - I love it so much that it’s just one of the aesthetics that you’ll find me screaming loudly about when an HGTV designer wants to tear it apart for some modern farmhouse bullsh*t. Mid-Century Modern design emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily between the 1930s and 1960s.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/mid_century › i think we need a lesson on what mid century modern actually is
r/Mid_Century on Reddit: I think we need a lesson on what Mid Century Modern actually is
May 16, 2024 -

It seems like so many people post here with the same old comments about how they’re wrong about something being mid century modern. At this point it seems like something can only be one of three well known brands or there’s arguments started in the thread. Is mid century modern not, by common definition, furniture produced from the end of WWII to the early 70s characterized by organic or streamlined furniture commonly made of wood, leather, or metal? So I’m asking the experts here what YOU consider mid century modern.

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Vermont Woods Studios
vermontwoodsstudios.com › pages › mid-century-modern-101
Mid-Century Modern 101: Everything You Need to Know – Vermont Woods Studios
Notice how the smooth curves of the wooden lounge chair and dining table legs meld seamlessly with the black leather sofa, white plastic chairs, blue cushions and colorful rug. This type of diversity in material, color, and texture is a hallmark of mid-century design. Mid-Century Modern, or MCM, is a design philosophy that emerged in the mid 20th century.
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IKEA
ikea.com › us › en › campaigns › shop-marketplace-styles-mid-century-modern-pub127ea010
Mid Century Modern Interior Design, Decor & More - IKEA
Mid-century modern interior design is all about balancing a simple and functional space with a modern and playful flair. Start with a neutral base and lots of warm woods throughout your space.
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Nda
nda.ac.uk › home › blog › history of interior design: mid-century modern
History of Interior Design: Mid-Century Modern
April 18, 2023 - Plastics, metal and fabrics were ... era made use of them. Mid-century modern is characteristically simple with clean lines and material choice came before fussy design elements....
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Emily Henderson
stylebyemilyhenderson.com › a-guide-to-modern-mid-century-modern
How To Do Mid-Century Modern The "Modern" Way RIGHT From A Famous Music Manager And His Wildly Talented Mother (A True Design Dream Team) - Emily Henderson
June 27, 2022 - And this is also a ‘universal design’ principle – children, persons using a wheelchair, older person with a walker can more easily access the countertop at the lower height, while still allowing for those standing to use the taller height. Very inviting and welcoming design! ... My dream home is a perfectly maintained mid century modern home like this that I could decorate with a mix of all eras of furniture.
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House Beautiful
housebeautiful.com › room ideas › living + family rooms › 47 midcentury modern living rooms that get the retro balance right
47 Midcentury Modern Living Rooms That Get the Retro Balance Right
January 6, 2025 - Dane Austin's more contemporary take on midcentury modern, seen here in the couch, side table, and stool, balances the more traditional aspects of this 19th-century home. Their soft, organic shapes also make the space feel more livable and inviting. ... When in doubt, look to the past. This kidney-shaped couch was inspired by furniture designer Vladimir Kagan, who focused on contemporary styles like these starting in the 1940s.
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HGTV
hgtv.com › home › decorating › design ideas
Midcentury Modern Style 101 | HGTV
July 28, 2025 - “Midcentury homes are characterized by minimal fuss and ornamentation, along with sleek lines juxtaposed by organic shapes. Its look was a complete departure from the century’s earlier ornate and extravagant design,” says Luke Caldwell, ...
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Phaidon
phaidon.com › home › product and furniture design › mid-century modern designers
Mid-Century Modern Designers | Standard Edition | 9781838669270 – Phaidon
An homage to the design pioneers who defined the Mid-Century aesthetic through their work in furniture, glassware, ceramics and textiles
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Homes and Gardens
homesandgardens.com › interior design
'Good design holds up' – 16 mid-century modern ideas that prove this design style will always be trending
July 30, 2025 - As for their interiors, mid-century modern homes are filled with details made to stand the test of time. From wood paneling and low-slung furniture to organic forms and an emphasis on nature, mid-century modern ideas are a prevalent interior design style, even almost 80 years later.
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Fireclay Tile
fireclaytile.com › homepage › blog landing - single › the essential guide to midcentury design
The Essential Guide to Midcentury Design | Fireclay Tile
May 20, 2025 - Midcentury modern design is a style with staying power. Revolutionizing the design world in the middle of the 20th century and revived with new energy in the 21st century with the help of iconic shows like Mad Men and a new generation descending on the midcentury mecca of Palm Springs, this sleek style isn’t letting up.