Go Mod! Part 2: Mid Century Modern Furniture

Classic elements of Mid Century Modern home decor have crept into the contemporary design consciousness. The nostalgic shapes and styles we love are blending with of the moment trends to form a brand new hybrid look. We already told you how to find the perfect mid century modern window treatments, read on to learn how to style mid century modern furniture today.

Midcentury Living Room by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Niche Interiors

Here are the pieces that are essential to any mid century look today:

Eames Furniture

Then:

These futuristic silhouettes and shapes are what made mid century homes and workplaces iconically mod. New technologies allowed furniture to be made from molded plastic and formed into organic or space age shapes. Snag a vintage model or modern reproduction to give your home a nostalgic feel.

Via Tumblr

Now:

A light palette creates openness that was lacking in the low-ceilinged, wood paneled spaces of the 60s and 70s. A neutral space with strategic accent colors allows these iconic chairs to really stand out.

Image via Houzz

Space Age Lighting

Then:

Jetsons-like shapes drew out of the nation-wide fascination with space travel during the age of sputnik and the lunar landing.

Image via Retro Renovation

Now:

Sputnik style tripod shapes and hairpin legs are making a huge comeback. This floor lamp speaks the the simplicity of mod design but incorporates the current exposed-bulb trend.

LumiSource Tripod Lamp

Tulip Tables

Then:

Futuristic curves began showing up in egg-shaped chairs, “UFO” pendant lighting, and of course the iconic tulip table. These tables are sturdy, kid- friendly, easy to clean, and not to mention beautifully curvy. If you’re shopping vintage, look for a Saarinen or Burke tulip.

Image via Retro Renovation

Now:

Merge this look with contemporary style by pairing the tulip’s organic curves with more angular chairs in a bright color.

Eclectic Kitchen by Cambridge Architects & Designers LDa Architecture & Interiors

Heywood Wakefield Furniture

Then:

Simple, birch furniture swept the scene in the 50s and 60s with its roots in Scandinavian design. The organic curves and angular legs are what make Heywood Wakefield furniture easy to spot.

Image via Mid Century Home Style

Now:

Scandinavian simplicity is back in full force. Make vintage or reproduction pieces look contemporary by pairing them with stark industrial design.

Image via Houzz

Iconic birch Heywood Wakefield Furniture is still in production and is all made in the USA.

Broyhill Brasilia Furniture

Then:

More iconic curves can be found in this knockout 60s collection, inspired by the architecture of the City of Brasilia, the capital of Brazil.

Image via Brasilia Connection

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In the 60s Brasilia was often seen in complete room collections. Today a stand alone piece allows the detailing to stand out without making your home look like too much of a time capsule.

Image via Design Sponge

Shop vintage at Brasillia Connection, or find reminiscent pieces from Room and Board.

Mid Century Color Palette

Decorating in this era centered around nature inspired colors. Green, gold, yellow and orange were popular for decades and could be found in clothing, home decor and even cars. In the 1960s this same palette was amped up to psychadelic brights and neons.

Via Retro Planet and Kohler

Then:

Mixing brights, metallics and stark black and white were employed in decorating to create the maximum contrast.

Image via Retro Renovation

Now: 

Keep the palette largely neutral and choose a few mid century colors to incorporate in a single piece of furniture or accessories. This look stays true to mid century construction, but in a toned down palette.

Photo via Design within Reach

Where to Shop For Mid Century Modern Furniture:

With the resurgence of Mid Century style, many stores are releasing collections that give you the vintage feel, and no restoration needed. Room and Board has furniture in mod style, but with contemporary quality and features. They even have the complete Eames chair collection. West Elm also has a great collection of low slung furniture and beautiful bent wood pendant lighting.

Want Vintage? Check out Lushpad, Fab.com, One King’s Lane, Ebay, and Craigslist

Huge thanks to Retro Renovation for many of the archival photos featured in this post. If you liked this post, you’ll go crazy for their extensive archival articles and active forum full of other mid century-lovers.