Mid-Century Modern Furniture

When asked what sort of furniture we create at IconByDesign, we reply that our furniture is inspired from a mix of Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian design, and the laid back Australian way of life. We make our Modern-inspired furniture from solid oak wood – it’s warm, it’s durable, it’s strong. Our modern pieces are perfect for your office, living or dining rooms with tons of storage ideas, seating and table options that all adhere to the mid century modern aesthetic.

But what exactly is Mid-Century Modern design?

As the name suggests, the Mid-Century Modern style gained prominence post-World War II, from the late 1940s to the 1960s. The furniture from this era was defined by simple sleek lines, organic shapes, minimal ornamentation and high functionality which makes it highly appealing even today. These well-designed objects have stood the test of time. Designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, Harry Bertoia, Arne Jacobsen and Isamu Noguchi created iconic furniture and lighting that are highly coveted and replicated to this very day!

At its heart, our mid century modern furniture is not only beautifully constructed and functional but also priced to be accessible and designed to make everyday living easy. Whether it’s your kids curled up on your Olivia sofa, you working from home at the Bastian Office Desk, or the entire family gathered round the Magnus Dining Table, and matching modern dining chairs to share food and company.

‘Form follows function’ is one of its guiding principles, which means that the shape of the furniture should relate to its intended function or purpose. Our modern style furniture is designed so that every piece serves a purpose and adds value to your home.

Today, more than ever, the mid century modern look is very popular. It sits very well in contemporary homes and suits modern living by melding the past with the present with its clean lines, organic curves, mix-and-match materials and multifunctional designs.

But how do you furnish your home in the mid century modern style without going overboard? The simple answer? Less is best. Resist the urge to over decorate, let the elegance of these pieces have space to be appreciated. Look for pieces that tell a story and let it become part of your life as it unfolds. Don't be afraid to mix mid century modern with other styles. Choose a few key pieces and let the other furniture and accessories in the room work around it.

Browse our range of Mid Century Modern furniture available online with delivery to the Continental 48 states.

A Mid-Century Modern home doesn't have one uniform look—its eclectic mix of furnishings can incorporate Danish teak, Eames chairs, or George Nelson clocks—but it does follow certain principles: simple forms and bold shapes.

The movement was founded by a new generation of designers who were dissatisfied with how decorative arts had become detached from everyday life. They sought to return art to people's daily lives by creating functional, yet beautiful pieces of furniture that were also affordable.

What Is The History Of Mid-Century Modern Style?

Mid-Century Modern, or MCM, is a design philosophy that emerged in the mid 20th century. It blends smooth designs with highly varied textures, materials, and colors.

It was also influenced by Scandinavian designers of the period, with clean lines and simplicity being key features. At first glance, it may seem like these two are very different movements; however, they both share an appreciation for simple forms that can be easily reproduced through mass production. This means they're usually more affordable than other types of furniture—a plus if you're on a budget!

What Are The Key Elements Of Mid-Century Modern Design?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as mid century modern design can be quite eclectic. However, there are a few key features that often appear in MCM homes and furniture:

Smooth Lines

This is one of the most defining characteristics of mid century modern design—simple shapes and curves with little or no ornamentation.

Bold Colors & Patterns

A hallmark of the MCM style is using bright, bold colors to add visual interest. Patterns may also be used sparingly for the same effect.

Natural Materials

Wood, leather, metal, and glass are all commonly used in mid century modern furniture and décor, often in their most natural state.

Geometric Shapes

Triangles, rectangles, circles, and other basic geometric shapes are popular motifs in mid century modern design.

How Can I Incorporate Mid-Century Modern Furniture Into My Home?

Again, there is no one right answer to this question—MCM style can be adapted to fit any space or taste. However, if you're looking for some ideas, here are a few ways to get started:

Start With Basics

If you're new to MCM design, start by incorporating key pieces like a sofa or coffee table into your existing decor scheme. This will help give your home that signature MCM look without making too many changes.

Get Creative

Don't be afraid to experiment with different materials, colors, and shapes when choosing your MCM furniture. A simple chair or lamp can become a focal point in your space if you choose wisely.

Take The Old & The New

If you're not ready to commit to an all-MCM home, try mixing older pieces with newer ones for a more eclectic look. This will help keep your style fresh while still staying true to its roots.

No matter how you decide to incorporate it, mid century modern design is a great way to add some personality and character to your home. So what are you waiting for? Start browsing our collection of mid century modern furniture!