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Mid-century modern design is ubiquitous for good reason: it celebrates simple forms and natural shapes, making for rooms that feel airy and inviting. The key with this look, popularized from about 1933 to 1965, is not to over-stuff it, but to let each stick of furniture stand on its own. To really go retro, opt for throwback hues such as olive green and dirty orange. Need inspiration? Keep clicking!
Living Rooms
15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to Copy
September 16, 2019
Mid-century modern design is ubiquitous for good reason: it celebrates simple forms and natural shapes, making for rooms that feel airy and inviting. The key with this look, popularized from about 1933 to 1965, is not to over-stuff it, but to let each stick of furniture stand on its own. To really go retro, opt for throwback hues such as olive green and dirty orange. Need inspiration? Keep clicking!
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The Right Mix
1/15The Right Mix
1/15Photo Credit: Jessica Brigham Source: www.jessicabrigham.com
A plush velvet <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/sectional-sofas-that-will-transform-your-living-room-1927154/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sofa</a> and a duo of armchairs with an airy profile make for a stellar mid-mod combo in this living room by Jessica Brigham — even the cat approves! Oversized plants add a natural element that softens the scene. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/modern-living-rooms-1911160/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Modern Living Rooms Spilling with Style</a>Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyThe Right Mix
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -A plush velvet <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/sectional-sofas-that-will-transform-your-living-room-1927154/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sofa</a> and a duo of armchairs with an airy profile make for a stellar mid-mod combo in this living room by Jessica Brigham — even the cat approves! Oversized plants add a natural element that softens the scene. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/modern-living-rooms-1911160/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Modern Living Rooms Spilling with Style</a>Photo Credit: Jessica Brigham Source: www.jessicabrigham.com
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The Highs of Being Low
2/15The Highs of Being Low
2/15Photo Credit: Tracey AytonSource: www.traceyaytonphotography.com
Low furniture is a trademark of mid-century modern sofas. Here, a low <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/sarah-baeumler-coffee-table-tips-1918465/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">coffee table</a> — almost Japanese in feel — and a stash of pillows is the epitome of relaxation.Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyThe Highs of Being Low
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -Low furniture is a trademark of mid-century modern sofas. Here, a low <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/sarah-baeumler-coffee-table-tips-1918465/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">coffee table</a> — almost Japanese in feel — and a stash of pillows is the epitome of relaxation.Photo Credit: Tracey AytonSource: www.traceyaytonphotography.com
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Go Green
3/15Go Green
3/15Photo Credit: Lincoln Barbour Source: www.lincolnbarbour.com
Teak Danish armchairs (with signature swooped arms) and a coordinating couch and lounger are a serene sight in this lovely living room by interior designer Jessica Helgerson. Green glass vases are ethereal choices that complement the furniture. After all, natural flourishes are customary of mid-century modern design. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/plant-filled-living-rooms-1912351/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Plant-Filled Living Rooms for Serious Decor Inspiration</a>Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyGo Green
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -Teak Danish armchairs (with signature swooped arms) and a coordinating couch and lounger are a serene sight in this lovely living room by interior designer Jessica Helgerson. Green glass vases are ethereal choices that complement the furniture. After all, natural flourishes are customary of mid-century modern design. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/plant-filled-living-rooms-1912351/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Plant-Filled Living Rooms for Serious Decor Inspiration</a>Photo Credit: Lincoln Barbour Source: www.lincolnbarbour.com
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Rich Tones
4/15Rich Tones
4/15Photo Credit: A & B Curated Source: www.abcurated.com
Geometric art is a mainstay of mid-century modern design, as seen in this living room by A&B Curated design studio. A tufted sofa and leather armchairs are anchored by a Turkish rug. Note the rich browns and reds that are emblematic of MCM design. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/boho-chic-living-room-decorating-ideas-1930279/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">13 Boho-Chic Living Room Decorating Ideas You'll Want to Copy</a>Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyRich Tones
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -Geometric art is a mainstay of mid-century modern design, as seen in this living room by A&B Curated design studio. A tufted sofa and leather armchairs are anchored by a Turkish rug. Note the rich browns and reds that are emblematic of MCM design. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/boho-chic-living-room-decorating-ideas-1930279/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">13 Boho-Chic Living Room Decorating Ideas You'll Want to Copy</a>Photo Credit: A & B Curated Source: www.abcurated.com
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Colours and Shapes
5/15Colours and Shapes
5/15Photo Credit: Cynthia Prizant Source: prizantdesign.com
Orange and brown are classic MCM <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/mid-century-modern-home-1922043/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">colours</a>. Ditto olive green, royal blue and deep salmon. Matching the hues with dark wood keeps the interior earthy, like in this spectacular space by the interior designer Cynthia Prizant. That Mondrian wall is amazing against the geometric rug! So fun!Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyColours and Shapes
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -Orange and brown are classic MCM <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers/photos/mid-century-modern-home-1922043/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">colours</a>. Ditto olive green, royal blue and deep salmon. Matching the hues with dark wood keeps the interior earthy, like in this spectacular space by the interior designer Cynthia Prizant. That Mondrian wall is amazing against the geometric rug! So fun!Photo Credit: Cynthia Prizant Source: prizantdesign.com
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Tuft Love
6/15Tuft Love
6/15Photo Credit: WayfairSource: www.wayfair.ca
Want to get that MCM flair? Check out <a href="https://www.wayfair.ca/furniture/pdp/langley-street-rachelle-coffee-table-lgly5044.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">this combo from Wayfair</a>. Blue and chartreuse makes an alluring combo. The dapper sofa is perfectly paired against the coffee table with its chrome hairpin-style legs — not too matchy-matchy! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-design-secrets-1919733/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Designer Secrets for Making Your Living Room Look Collected (Not Cluttered)</a>Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyTuft Love
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -Want to get that MCM flair? Check out <a href="https://www.wayfair.ca/furniture/pdp/langley-street-rachelle-coffee-table-lgly5044.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">this combo from Wayfair</a>. Blue and chartreuse makes an alluring combo. The dapper sofa is perfectly paired against the coffee table with its chrome hairpin-style legs — not too matchy-matchy! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-design-secrets-1919733/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">12 Designer Secrets for Making Your Living Room Look Collected (Not Cluttered)</a>Photo Credit: WayfairSource: www.wayfair.ca
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Sleek and Simple
7/15Sleek and Simple
7/15Photo Credit: Laure JolietSource: www.laurejoliet.com
From the bulbous lamp to the armchair with the zippy profile, this living room by <a href="https://bestorarchitecture.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Bestor Architecture</a> is oh-so very mid-century modern. And yet, though the millwork is contemporary, it all feels like a gorgeous throwback to the <em>Mad Men</em> era.Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopySleek and Simple
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -From the bulbous lamp to the armchair with the zippy profile, this living room by <a href="https://bestorarchitecture.com/" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Bestor Architecture</a> is oh-so very mid-century modern. And yet, though the millwork is contemporary, it all feels like a gorgeous throwback to the <em>Mad Men</em> era.Photo Credit: Laure JolietSource: www.laurejoliet.com
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Pastel Palette
8/15Pastel Palette
8/15Photo Credit: OverstockSource: www.overstock.com
Orange crush, alert! Layering the peachy hue throughout this charming space — from the rugs to the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/tiffany-pratts-diy-heart-pillow-is-the-cutest-and-easiest-valentines-day-gift-1912849/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pillows</a> and books — is totally on point. We love the dainty peg legs on the couch and the way they're echoed in the Noguchi-esque coffee table and armchair. Talk about cohesion!Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyPastel Palette
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -Orange crush, alert! Layering the peachy hue throughout this charming space — from the rugs to the <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/blog/tiffany-pratts-diy-heart-pillow-is-the-cutest-and-easiest-valentines-day-gift-1912849/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pillows</a> and books — is totally on point. We love the dainty peg legs on the couch and the way they're echoed in the Noguchi-esque coffee table and armchair. Talk about cohesion!Photo Credit: OverstockSource: www.overstock.com
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Natural Selection
9/15Natural Selection
9/15Photo Credit: Twenty20Source: www.twenty20.com
Bertoia and Eames were stalwarts of MCM design. Here, the Diamond chairs are iconic Bertoias and the lounger is an Eames. The forest setting is fitting for the era that celebrates <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/a-designer-converts-a-dated-bc-home-into-a-nature-inspired-haven-1904620/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nature</a>.Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyNatural Selection
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -Bertoia and Eames were stalwarts of MCM design. Here, the Diamond chairs are iconic Bertoias and the lounger is an Eames. The forest setting is fitting for the era that celebrates <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/a-designer-converts-a-dated-bc-home-into-a-nature-inspired-haven-1904620/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nature</a>.Photo Credit: Twenty20Source: www.twenty20.com
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Stuck Up
10/15Stuck Up
10/15Photo Credit: Wallpaper SafariSource: www/wallpapersafari.com
Living room feeling bland? Turn heads with <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/bold-print-wallpaper-ideas-1923882/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bold print wallpaper</a>. Here, an abstract flower pattern is a punchy backdrop in this retro space. Note the simplicity of the lines in the MCM furnishing — it's all about function — and the rich brown tones.Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyStuck Up
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Living room feeling bland? Turn heads with <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/bold-print-wallpaper-ideas-1923882/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bold print wallpaper</a>. Here, an abstract flower pattern is a punchy backdrop in this retro space. Note the simplicity of the lines in the MCM furnishing — it's all about function — and the rich brown tones.Photo Credit: Wallpaper SafariSource: www/wallpapersafari.com
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Unimpeded Flow
11/15Unimpeded Flow
11/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Mid-century modern design champions introverted interiors, so to speak. Rooms like this one, where a rustic stone <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/the-gorgeous-fireplace-in-this-tiny-heritage-bungalow-will-have-you-saying-wait-what-1911220/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fireplace</a>, simple furniture and unadorned book shelves don't call attention to themselves. It's all about the view beyond the windows and the sight lines. Doesn't this room make you want to do a digital detox?Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyUnimpeded Flow
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -Mid-century modern design champions introverted interiors, so to speak. Rooms like this one, where a rustic stone <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/the-gorgeous-fireplace-in-this-tiny-heritage-bungalow-will-have-you-saying-wait-what-1911220/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fireplace</a>, simple furniture and unadorned book shelves don't call attention to themselves. It's all about the view beyond the windows and the sight lines. Doesn't this room make you want to do a digital detox?Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Think Walnut (or Teak)
12/15Think Walnut (or Teak)
12/15Photo Credit: WayfairSource: www.wayfair.ca
After that MCM look? You'll need to bring boatloads of walnut wood into your home. Case in point: this <a href="https://www.wayfair.ca/furniture/pdp/corrigan-studio-bustamante-chesterfield-sofa-c001900241.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">fun scooped sofa from Wayfair</a> that's perched on walnut legs. Side it with a walnut table and credenza and you're good to go! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-makeover-less-than-100-1923555/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Give Your Living Room a Makeover for Less Than $100</a>Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyThink Walnut (or Teak)
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -After that MCM look? You'll need to bring boatloads of walnut wood into your home. Case in point: this <a href="https://www.wayfair.ca/furniture/pdp/corrigan-studio-bustamante-chesterfield-sofa-c001900241.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">fun scooped sofa from Wayfair</a> that's perched on walnut legs. Side it with a walnut table and credenza and you're good to go! <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/living-room-makeover-less-than-100-1923555/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">How to Give Your Living Room a Makeover for Less Than $100</a>Photo Credit: WayfairSource: www.wayfair.ca
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Laid-Back Vibes
13/15Laid-Back Vibes
13/15Photo Credit: ArticleSource: www.article.com
Low-to-the-floor <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/14-tips-on-buying-pet-friendly-furniture-thatll-stand-up-to-your-furry-friends-1914524/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">furniture</a> evokes an uncluttered feel — nothing gets in the way of the sight lines. If you're after this vibe, Article's <a href="https://www.article.com/product/3225/sven-birch-ivory-left-sectional-sofa" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">birch sectional</a> may do the trick. A modern take on a mid-century classic, the sofa features gentle tufting, crisp lines and bolster pillows.Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyLaid-Back Vibes
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -Low-to-the-floor <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/decorating/photos/14-tips-on-buying-pet-friendly-furniture-thatll-stand-up-to-your-furry-friends-1914524/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">furniture</a> evokes an uncluttered feel — nothing gets in the way of the sight lines. If you're after this vibe, Article's <a href="https://www.article.com/product/3225/sven-birch-ivory-left-sectional-sofa" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">birch sectional</a> may do the trick. A modern take on a mid-century classic, the sofa features gentle tufting, crisp lines and bolster pillows.Photo Credit: ArticleSource: www.article.com
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Room With a View
14/15Room With a View
14/15Photo Credit: HGTV.com
<a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/search/?q=joanna%20gaines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joanna Gaines</a> doesn't disappoint in this living room, which has a decidedly mid-century modern feel, from the side table to the sofa. We like the designer's use of restraint when accessorizing so the focus is on the view.Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyRoom With a View
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -<a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/search/?q=joanna%20gaines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Joanna Gaines</a> doesn't disappoint in this living room, which has a decidedly mid-century modern feel, from the side table to the sofa. We like the designer's use of restraint when accessorizing so the focus is on the view.Photo Credit: HGTV.com
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The Real McCoy
15/15The Real McCoy
15/15Photo Credit: DWRSource: www.dwr.com
If you're a mid-century modern enthusiast with a decent budget, then you'll need the gold standard in your living room: count those iconic pieces! Congregating here are the Platner table, the Swan chair, Eames walnut stool and Serge Mouille floor lamp. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/minimalist-living-room-ideas-that-prove-less-is-more-1924527/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Minimalist Living Room Ideas That Prove Less is More</a>Living Rooms15 Mid-Century Modern Living Room Designs You'll Want to CopyThe Real McCoy
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -If you're a mid-century modern enthusiast with a decent budget, then you'll need the gold standard in your living room: count those iconic pieces! Congregating here are the Platner table, the Swan chair, Eames walnut stool and Serge Mouille floor lamp. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/living-rooms/photos/minimalist-living-room-ideas-that-prove-less-is-more-1924527/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Minimalist Living Room Ideas That Prove Less is More</a>Photo Credit: DWRSource: www.dwr.com
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