Incorporating Mid-Century Modern Furniture into Contemporary Interior Design

The Beauty of Blend

When it comes to decorating our homes, we all want to make sure they look their best. While contemporary interior design is popular, it can often feel a little too modern or plain. One way to add a unique twist to a contemporary interior design is by incorporating modern mid-century furniture pieces. In this article, we’ll explore what modern mid-century furniture is, some great examples, how to choose the right pieces for a contemporary interior design, and tips for styling your furniture into your home.

Mixing Old and New Mid-century modern furniture is known for its clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. These pieces can bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to a contemporary space. The key to successfully blending these two design styles is to find pieces that complement each other.

What is modern mid century furniture?

Modern mid-century furniture is furniture designed and manufactured during the mid-20th century, from 1946 to 1964. During this period, furniture designers were experimenting with new materials, shapes, and forms. As a result, furniture from this era has become iconic and highly sought after, as it is often seen as the perfect balance between modern and classical design.

Modern mid-century furniture is typically characterized by its clean lines, organic shapes, and minimalist designs. It is also often made of high-quality materials, such as wood, metal, and leather. In addition, many of these pieces have a timeless quality, which makes them perfect for a contemporary interior design.

Examples of modern mid century furniture pieces

When it comes to modern mid-century furniture, there are many pieces to choose from. Some of the most iconic examples include the Eames Lounge Chair, the Noguchi Coffee Table, the Barcelona Chair etc.

The Eames Lounge Chair is a classic mid-century modern design, first introduced in 1956. It is made of high-quality materials, such as leather, molded plywood, and die-cast aluminum. The chair features a low-slung, lounge-style design, with a deep seat and curved back.

The Noguchi Coffee Table is another iconic mid-century modern piece. Designed in 1947 by Isamu Noguchi, it features a unique, organic shape and is made of a combination of wood, glass, and metal.

The Barcelona Chair is another classic mid-century modern piece, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in 1929. It is made of high-quality leather and chromed steel, and features a low-slung, lounge-style design.

The Le Corbusier LC4 Chaise Lounge is a great example of a lounge chair that can add a touch of mid-century modern style to a contemporary living room. Designed by Le Corbusier in the 1920s, the chair features a simple and elegant design with clean lines and a low profile. The combination of the metal frame and leather upholstery creates a sense of refinement and luxury, making it a great choice for more formal living spaces.

The Verner Panton Cone Chair is a great example of a chair that can add a touch of mid-century modern style to a contemporary living room. Designed by Verner Panton in the 1960s, the chair features a unique, sculptural design with a cone-shaped base and a single-piece shell. The combination of the plastic material and bright colors creates a sense of playful and fun atmosphere.

These are just a few examples of modern mid-century furniture pieces. There are many more, from iconic designers such as Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Mies van der Rohe.

How to choose the right furniture pieces for a contemporary interior design

When choosing furniture for a contemporary interior design, it is important to consider the size, shape, and material of the pieces. For instance, a large, bulky piece of furniture will look out of place in a contemporary space. Instead, opt for furniture that is sleek and minimalist in design.

In addition, it is important to consider the material of the furniture. For example, leather and wood are often seen as more contemporary materials, while fabric and metal are often seen as more traditional. Choosing furniture made of the right materials will help ensure your furniture fits in with the overall design of the space.

Finally, it is important to consider the color and finish of the furniture. For a contemporary design, it is best to choose pieces with a neutral color palette, such as black, white, or gray. It is also important to consider the finish of the furniture. For instance, a glossy finish will give a more contemporary look, while a matte finish will give a more traditional look.

Tips for incorporating modern mid century furniture into a contemporary interior design

When incorporating modern mid-century furniture into a contemporary interior design, it is important to remember that less is more. Start by adding one or two pieces of furniture and gradually build up the design. Too many pieces can quickly make a room look cluttered and overwhelming.

It is also important to consider how the furniture pieces will interact with the other elements in the space. For instance, if you are using a modern mid-century chair, it is important to consider the rug, artwork, and other furniture pieces in the space. Try to create a balance between the different elements in the room, so that the furniture does not look out of place.

Finally, it is important to remember that modern mid-century furniture is often quite expensive. To keep costs down, consider shopping for pre-owned pieces or vintage pieces. This can help you find unique, high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost.

Styling tips for modern mid century furniture

Once you have chosen the right pieces of modern mid-century furniture for your home, it is important to consider how you want to style them. Start by adding a few accessories, such as a throw blanket, pillows, or a floor lamp. This will help give the room a more inviting, comfortable feel.

In addition, consider adding vintage or antique pieces to the space. This will help give the room a more eclectic, unique look. For instance, an old-fashioned mirror or an antique rug can help add a touch of character to the room.

Finally, consider the placement of the furniture in the room. Try to create a focal point in the room, such as a fireplace or a piece of art. This will help draw the eye to a specific area, and will make the room feel more inviting.

Modern mid-century furniture is a great way to add a unique twist to a contemporary interior design. When choosing pieces, it is important to consider the size, shape, and material of the furniture. It is also important to remember to add accessories, vintage pieces, and to create a focal point in the room. With these tips, you can easily incorporate modern mid-century furniture into a contemporary interior design. In conclusion, incorporating vintage mid-century furniture, lighting, textiles and accents into contemporary interior design can bring a unique and interesting touch to the space. The key is to find pieces that complement each other and work in harmony to create a cohesive and visually stunning design.