- Introduction
Mid century modern design is a style that originated in the 1950s and 60s, and it has since become one of the most enduring design styles in history. Its sleek lines, clean angles, and timeless appeal make it a popular choice for interior design enthusiasts around the world. Vintage furniture is also becoming increasingly popular due to its unique design elements and environmentally sustainable nature.
II. Why Buy Vintage Furniture?
Buying vintage furniture has many benefits. For one, it is environmentally sustainable. Instead of purchasing newly manufactured furniture that requires resources and energy to produce, vintage furniture gives existing pieces a new life. Additionally, vintage furniture often has unique design elements that are not found in modern furniture. Vintage mid century modern furniture, in particular, has a distinct aesthetic that is difficult to replicate.
III. Popular Mid Century Modern Brands and Designer
a. Lane Perception
Lane Perception is a popular brand of mid century modern furniture that is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and unique designs. The brand's furniture pieces are characterized by their sleek lines, organic shapes, and use of natural materials
b. Broyhill Saga
The Broyhill Saga collection is a highly sought-after line of mid century modern furniture that was produced in the 1960s. The collection features pieces made of walnut and rosewood, with tapered legs and sculpted drawer pulls.
c. John Stuart (Janus Collection)
The Janus collection by John Stuart is a standout line of mid century modern furniture. The collection features a unique, sculptural design that is both eye-catching and functional. The pieces are made of rich, warm woods and have a distinct organic feel.
d. Helen Hobey Baker
Helen Hobey Baker is a lesser-known mid century modern designer who created beautiful, sculptural furniture pieces. Her designs feature clean lines and geometric shapes, and she often used metal accents to add visual interest.
e. The Eloquence Line by Kent Coffey
The Eloquence line by Kent Coffey is another popular line of mid century modern furniture. The pieces feature elegant, sculptural lines and a rich, warm wood finish. The collection includes dressers, nightstands, and beds, all of which have a timeless, classic feel.
f. Young Manufacturing
Young Manufacturing is a mid century modern furniture brand that is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and unique designs. The brand's furniture pieces are characterized by their sleek lines, organic shapes, and use of natural materials.
g. George Nelson for Herman Miller
George Nelson is a well-known mid century modern designer who worked for Herman Miller, a popular furniture brand. Nelson is known for his innovative, functional designs that incorporate clean lines and geometric shapes.
h. Barney Flagg for Drexel Parallel
Barney Flagg is a mid century modern designer who worked for Drexel Parallel, a popular furniture brand. His designs are characterized by their sleek lines, use of natural materials, and innovative use of space.
IV. Vintage Mid Century Modern Bedside Tables
Vintage mid century modern bedside tables are a great addition to any bedroom. They add a touch of style and sophistication, while also providing a practical storage solution. Some popular mid century modern bedside table designs include the Kent Coffey Eloquence Nightstands, the Kent Coffey Perspecta Nightstands, the Broyhill Brasilia nightstands and Brutalist nightstands by Lane Furniture and Tobago Furniture.
V. Mixing Old and New Furniture
Mixing old and new furniture is a popular trend in interior design. Combining vintage mid century modern furniture with modern pieces can create a unique and eclectic look. When mixing old and new furniture, it's important to consider the color scheme and overall aesthetic of the room to ensure a cohesive look.
VI. How to Get a Mid Century Modern Look
If you're looking to incorporate mid century modern design into your home, there are a variety of ways to do so. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with a neutral color palette: Mid century modern design often features a neutral color palette, with shades of white, black, and gray dominating the space. Consider using these colors as a base and adding pops of color with accent pieces.
- Incorporate vintage furniture: To truly capture the mid century modern aesthetic, consider incorporating vintage furniture pieces from some of the popular brands and designers mentioned above. Look for clean lines, geometric shapes, and natural materials like wood and leather.
- Use statement lighting: Lighting is an important element in mid century modern design, with iconic fixtures like the Sputnik chandelier and George Nelson Bubble Lamp often used in these spaces. Look for unique and eye-catching lighting fixtures to add a touch of drama and interest to your space.
Experiment with pattern and texture: Mid century modern design often features bold patterns and interesting textures. Consider incorporating patterned wallpaper, graphic prints, and textured fabrics like shag rugs and velvet upholstery to add depth and visual interest to your space.
Accessorize with retro decor: Vintage decor items like record players, rotary phones, and retro artwork can add a fun and playful touch to your mid century modern design. Look for unique pieces that add personality and nostalgia to your space.
Overall, the key to achieving a mid century modern look is to keep things simple, sleek, and streamlined. By incorporating vintage furniture, statement lighting, bold patterns, and playful accessories, you can create a space that captures the essence of this iconic design style.
VII. Mixing Vintage and Modern Furniture
One of the great things about mid century modern design is its versatility. It can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of interior design styles, from contemporary to traditional. In fact, many designers and homeowners are now choosing to mix vintage and modern pieces to create a unique and eclectic look.
When it comes to mixing vintage and modern furniture, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, you'll want to consider the style of your existing furniture and choose mid century modern pieces that complement it. Second, don't be afraid to mix and match different styles of mid century modern furniture to create a cohesive look. Finally, be sure to balance your vintage pieces with modern accents to avoid an overly retro or dated feel.
VIII. Achieving the Mid Century Modern Look
If you're looking to achieve a mid century modern look in your home, there are a few key elements to keep in mind. First, focus on clean lines and simple shapes. Mid century modern furniture is characterized by its minimalist design, with an emphasis on functionality and form over ornate details.
Next, choose furniture and decor in natural materials like wood, leather, and metal. Mid century modern designers favored these materials for their durability and timeless appeal. Additionally, incorporating bold patterns and colors is a hallmark of mid century modern design, so don't be afraid to mix and match different prints and hues.
Finally, consider the lighting in your space. Mid century modern lighting fixtures are often characterized by sculptural shapes and organic forms, and can be a great way to add interest and dimension to your space.
IX. Conclusion
Mid century modern design continues to be a popular and enduring style, thanks in large part to its timeless appeal and functional design. Whether you're a collector of vintage furniture or simply appreciate the look and feel of mid century modern pieces, there are a variety of brands and designers to choose from, each with their own unique style and vision.
Whether you're a fan of Danish modern, Brutalist furniture, or sleek and minimal designs, there's a mid century modern brand or designer out there to suit your style. By incorporating vintage mid century modern pieces into your home, you can add a touch of history and character to your space, while also enjoying the functional and sustainable design that mid century modern is known for.
By incorporating vintage mid century modern furniture into your home, you can create a look that is both stylish and sustainable, while also adding a touch of history and character to your space. So whether you're in the market for a new bedside table or simply looking to update your decor, consider adding a piece of mid century modern furniture to your collection.