How to create a stylish mid-century modern living room
What is mid-century modern design?
Mid-century décor is all about effortless elegance. First gaining popularity in the 1940s, this iconic design movement embraced simplicity, functionality, and sleek silhouettes, completely transforming the world of interior design. And while other trends might come and go, mid-century modern design continues to stand the test of time – making it the perfect fit for your living room’s brand new look.
5 ways to decorate a mid-century modern living room
1. Opt for a symmetrical layout
Balance is key in mid-century modern interior design. That’s because this style thrives on clean, organised spaces – so a symmetrical layout can help create that sense of harmony. Position your sofa centrally, flanked by matching side tables or lamps to frame your living space. If your lounge is on the smaller slide, look to keep the floor plan open and uncluttered to allow light to flow freely.
Our expert tip: Try varying the height of your furniture – such as pairing a low-profile chaise sofa with a tall bookshelf. This adds depth and visual interest to your living room without disrupting the symmetry.
2. Establish a neutral colour palette
Mid-century décor colour schemes tend to lean towards warm neutrals – think earthy browns, soft beiges, and crisp whites. These shades help to create a timeless backdrop that lets your furniture shine. But don’t be afraid to play with brighter colours too. Retro-inspired pops of mustard yellow, burnt orange, or teal can add vibrancy to your mid-century living room.
Our expert tip: If you’re hesitant about bold colours, start with smaller accents like cushions or artwork, before committing to larger statement pieces, such as an accent chair or loveseat.
3. Choose furniture with slim silhouettes
Post-war design championed furniture that was both stylish and practical, leading to the rise of slim, streamlined silhouettes. When choosing key pieces of furniture, opt for sofas and armchairs with tapered wooden legs, sleek sideboards, and minimalist coffee tables. These designs not only embody mid-century elegance but also create an open, airy feel - perfect for helping smaller spaces appear bigger.
Our expert tip: Choose furniture pieces with exposed legs to maximise the open, inviting feeling of a space. This helps keep the room looking light and uncluttered.
4. Add in wood accents
No mid-century living room is complete without warm wood tones. Rich teak, walnut, and oak are all synonymous with the post-war era and bring a natural warmth to your space. Introduce these elements with a wooden coffee table, a retro-inspired sideboard, or stylish shelving units. The organic grain of real wood adds texture and depth, making your space feel both inviting and effortlessly stylish.
Our expert tip: Pair wooden furniture with soft, textured fabrics, like boucle or velvet, to balance the look and embrace a cosy aesthetic.
5. Finish with floral or geometric patterns
An expertly-picked pattern could be the finishing flourish that ties everything together, and mid-century modern design is renowned for its bold, yet balanced use of prints. We’re talking geometric shapes, abstract motifs, and classic florals that naturally draw the eye to statement pieces in your living room. Introduce these patterns with soft furnishings, such as rugs, scatter cushions, or curtains, or start with small accents, like patterned placements, to reinforce the theme without overwhelming the space.
Our expert tip: Stick to a cohesive colour palette when mixing patterns to ensure a stylish and harmonious look. If in doubt, match your pattern of choice to your sofa’s colour.
Can I mix mid-century modern design with other décor styles?
Yes – one of the main reasons why mid-century modern design remains so popular is that it blends seamlessly with many different décor styles. We’ve picked out a handful of our favourite combinations below.
Mid-century modern with farmhouse décor
Farmhouse décor is all about warmth and character, making it a perfect match for mid-century modern’s natural wood tones. To expertly merge these styles, pair modern quilting furniture with cosy textures. Think soft fabric sofas, rustic wooden coffee tables, and warm, neutral colour palettes.
Mid-century modern with industrial décor
Industrial design utilises metallic materials to create a more edgy, modern motif. To seamlessly combine with a mid-century living room, incorporate metal accents, exposed brick walls, and leather sofas into your décor. A mid-century-inspired sofa in black or brown leather will sit perfectly alongside industrial lighting and statement pieces of metal-framed furniture.
Mid-century modern with traditional décor
Traditional décor is often associated with timeless elegance - and the clean lines of mid-century modern design can offer a fresh contrast. Try mixing classic patterns, like herringbone or damask, with sleek furniture. You can also add a statement mid-century leather armchair next to a traditional fireplace to create a stylish and inviting focal point for your living room.
Ready to create your dream mid-century modern living room? Explore our mid-century sofas collection to complete your space. You can also find more interior inspiration, such as how to design an art deco living room, also on our Sofological blog.