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Mid century contemporary living room


30 Mesmerizing Mid-Century Modern Living Rooms And Their Design Guides

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Design enthusiasts praise the mid-century modern style – but what is it, exactly? Coined by author Cara Greenberg in her 1984 collection, mid-century modern refers to pieces from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s which pushed the limits of engineering. Desperate for creativity after World War II, famed designers took war materials and molded them into iconic chairs, tables, and lights – goods still sought after and replicated - furniture whose design was never bettered. Follow our detailed guide and links on how to incorporate mid-century modern pieces – and the style’s philosophy of good living – into your own inspired living room full of 50’s wonder.

Make mid-century modern look effortless. Fit your lounge with the high, wooden windows typical of the style, using a tilter to afford fresh air. By using wooden-legged furniture, here a peach accent chair, nested coffee tables and long three-seater, your interior can offer difference without one piece dominating. Light a swing arm wall lamp like this, beside a Bell table lamp by Tom Dixon to pair matching metallics. Sprigs of poppies could add focus behind your couch, as ferns pop up in planters across your living room. By matching a leather floor pouf to your wooden joinery, you can provide a place to read books surrounding the TV.

Imagine mid-century modern away on holiday. Use shades of white, turquoise and gold beside an artificial Areca palm to create an everyday getaway. Stretch a Jute rug beneath your couches to add a dash more colour, and tie metallic end tables, each featuring three rounds of glass, into hues for leaf-patterned pillows. Prism coffee tables can further catch the eye with triangular legging, as a large arc floor lamp bends over the scene. Light up a wall of windows with the day’s incoming sun, finishing with turquoise tunes in a tufted floor pillow, couch cushions and table ornaments.

As day sets, settle for something warmer. Heat up a more masculine scene with a ceiling-held fireplace beside a white Wegner-style shell chair. Sit a wood and metal coffee table on a Jute rug to centre the space. Two Wegner Papa Bear-style chairs can cuddle up beside a monochrome ottoman, while a couch in the same hue can offer more snuggling. Polish off your interior with grass views through glass panes.

Grey and light wood are classic mid-century modern hues. Keep warmth in your living room with wooden walls on either side, while grey hues in your floor, seating and Jackson Pollock painting (here the number 14 in Gray) keep it spacious. Use the style’s ceiling-height windows to bring in light, and an Axis floor lamp to bring a focused glow to seating. With the Axis’ golden base harking to the seat and square coffee table’s legs, it’s easy to add glitz to this relaxed scene.

Think outside the square when designing inside. House trees in hand-blown glass, a table in spotted driftwood and a Jute rug in natural weave. Insert wooden-frame lounge chairs and floors to make it more modern, and two spiralling wall ornaments to match their tone. Ceramics in jade and lots of white – here shown in the lounges, walls and chaise longue – create breathing space for your outdoorsy interior.

Create the look with different materials and textures. To design an eclectic, yet not overpowering, living room, coat your seating brown in leather Barcelona-style chairs, mid-century modern classic chairs, and a blue metal accent chair in the Platner style. Join together a marble coffee table, metallic standing lamp and tulip-style end tables to create a lounge that looks ever so put-together.

Mid-century modern was originally created for smaller spaces. Use a brown leather sofa like the room above, but create your own vibe with a lightbulb pendant and dreamscape surfing photography. Let geometrics linger in a pentagon-legged coffee table and grey patterned rug. A range of potted plants, most notably here the Boston fern, can sit with your objects and photos to tie the look in.

Looking a little larger, this living room uses brown as an accent for notable pieces. To achieve this look, sit a demure mid-century sofa upon a varnished floor in the hue. Face two chairs in the style towards the couch for conversation, letting a sofa cushion, framed print and turntable box match them in colour. By using classic mid-century modern pieces, here a geometric-legged coffee table and standing swing lamp, you can add nature in potted ferns and an artificial ZZ plant. Lie a red Turkish rug upon your floor to suggest travel and avoiding jarring colours.

The mid-century look can look super-modern – although its pieces have never changed. Make like this sloped-roof living room and use a couple of masterpieces, such as the Verner Panton S-style chair and cheeky Ray Eames elephant. Other interesting finds, like the tortoise with the elephant, or red shell couch to the back, can add character. Build ceiling-height windows and rows of long wooden bookshelving to cement your interior’s mid-century modern influence.

Metallics are not just for the 21st Century. Employ them as feature pieces, by hanging a convex wall round and sitting a large copper floor lamp on your floor. Add hints of blue in a Myers sofa and rug to match patterned wallpaper, lending the blue to more knitted poufs. Finish with a few florals in a vase full of snapdragons, printed cushion and leaning stamen painting.

Create an entertaining area the 50’s greats would’ve been proud of. If decorating for a large, high-windowed space, scale up its walls with widely-spaced wooden panels, a series of white pendants and a large abstract artwork. Cover the floors and fireplace with red brick, keeping it warm with a large faux fur rug. Create a space for a chaise longue, Tom Dixon Wingback and school chairs, letting a rounded coffee table meet another in a triangle. Complete the look with a wistful baby grand and standing lamp for company.

Don’t be scared to have colour at your centre. Draw in the eye with a psychedelic piece beside a relaxed leather sofa set and geometric marble coffee table. Use light wood to softly cover your chair legs, shelving and wood stack, a potted tree to add nature.

Keep it classic in black, white and brown. Signal an eclectic style with dotted framed abstracts, abstracts like these or these. Employ a range of seating styles to populate your area, such as the Arne Jacobsen-style Egg chair, and a golden floor lamp to match your coffee table. Woollen textures can get cosy in fluffy ottomans, rugs, throws and cushions, whilst plants, such as the natural or artificial Fiddle Leaf Fig, can be presented for show.

Baby boomers will remember this decor of their parent’s style. Get nostalgic with a white and wooden frame, centred by a blue wall featuring a bookcase. Place two white sofas beside many smaller windows, and two tripod plant stands to bring the outside in. Draw in guests with a mid-century modern coffee table holding a Russel Wright pitcher full of roses, adding a geometric console in the 50’s style. A bookcase can stand as your final relic, full of vases and picture frames below a George Nelson-style ball clock spreading out its rays.

Get cosy with 50’s-style colouring. Relax your orange and grey room in three types of seating amidst mid-century style table lamps, available here and here. Hang two rectangular framed prints mirroring the shape of the windows. Design your furniture in light wood to keep it cohesive. Use a modern chair to drive in the accent color.

Grey and orange couldn’t look more different in this open plan rendition. Break colour dominance in your living room with two berry chairs and the Noguchi glass coffee table by Herman Miller, now available as an original or replica. Match its shine with a Flos Arco-style lamp gleaming silver in the corner, adding a hint of life with wooden plant stands. We recommend a simple grey rug and shelved ornaments to finish.

Heavily influenced by 30’s painter Mondrian, this living room uses mostly geometric shapes, shapes that Mondrian believed were of a higher nature. Open your living room to a bold feature wall almost copied from his pieces, falling to a triangular-patterned rug and chairs in block colouring. Allow breathing space by decorating with simple windows, white walls and a wooden table, console and floor.

Lucky enough to be surrounded by windows? Clothe your interior in charcoal, like this unique space. Showcase a ceiling-high feature fireplace amongst wooden accent chairs, adding small pops of colour in couch cushions, magazines, and two pieces of abstract art.

After more muted hues? Colour your furniture in teal and taupe, bordered by white walls and patterned floors. Matching wooden legs and a stone bookcase provide a good background for an Orient pendant looping over your wall.

Make your living room warmer, with a floor and half-wall in the polished wood of the style. Wrap a stone-coloured L-sofa around your windows, complementing the look with a white lined rug. Play with iconic pieces such as a Platner-style coffee table, black Swan-style chair and Serge Mouille floor lamp peeping over your sofa. Offer a spot by the fire with an Eames-style walnut stool. Splash turquoise about in hued watercolours and cushions.

Keep it warm yet light with wood and orange tones. Carve a wooden roof with rafters over a stark white floor, diffusing your bright orange wall with a rug in brown checkers. Opt for an Eames lounge chair, available as an original or replica, to tie your TV and orange hues together. A suite in taupe could look out to a Noguchi table, whose Herman Miller original and now-available replica are iconic of this style. Complete the look with a fireplace, cushions and vases.

Make the most of a beautiful outdoor view, with a few mid-century modern pieces. Wind a cream L-sofa beside a unique end table, here the iconic Platner side table, whose oscillating bands reflect the midday sun. Adding a lower side table, ball lamp and classic fluffy rug can make this look last a lifetime.

Decorate your living room a la Mad Men. Make the most of your high windows with a marble centre, brown leather seating and unique ceiling fans shown here. Pepper your lounge with standing lamps and an olive green armchair, for a perfect place to relax and watch the show.

Design like the Eames’ – using their own Pacific Palisades living room as inspiration. Take cues from their contemporary Mondrian, and build double-height windows and high wooden bookcases with his rectangular forms. Nest amidst a bevy of indoor plants, using the Eames’ chair designs and iconic bird, available as an Eames Bird replica. Fill vases with flowers, lean a ladder to the ceiling and add hanging paper lanterns to complete your homage.

Designed by architect Eero Saarinen for the industrialist J. Irwin Miller, this also-famous home was the beginning of a once-burgeoning trend – the conversation pit. Get inspired by Spanish and Middle Eastern influences, and construct a pink-couched depression in the middle of your floor, offering a space for focused chat. Scatter differently-coloured cushions to complement an iron table, figure and pot. A few roses in and out of the pit can also pretty up the scene.

Centre your mid-century modern living room around a rug. Take a bright-coloured Cubic rug and set it upon a wooden floor, inviting companionship with black chairs in the style. Accent the look with a marble standing fireplace and retro-style floor lamp.

White and wood mixes with grey and blue in this mid-century modern interior. Light its décor with a modern fireplace illuminating pockets of wood holding ornaments and frames. Starburst wall décor can act as your headline piece, while a shaggy rug, gold-rimmed table and geometric cushions create your home’s rested guests.

Looking for more modern adaptations of the mid-century modern style? These last three interiors should yield inspiration. This particular look, blessed with the décor’s high windows, can be achieved using more muted shades of wood to cover your floors and walls. Replace the style’s characteristic floor lamps with LEDs lighting each wall. Place a rug in the centre, and stand a plethora of chair styles in more recent materials. A low marble table can act as your room’s pivot point.

Use the classic mid-woods of the mid-century modern style, but throw distressed floorboards and charcoal into the mix. Go for the classic look with wooden window joinery, a Wegner-style Shell, mid-century style console and voluptuous bookshelf. Make it more modern with framed prints, not paintings; a rug that’s neat, not shaggy; and a central couch and ottoman that match a modern pendant.

Make mid-century modern work with a sunny veranda. Employ the starburst wall décor and laden bookshelves of old, adding a lime couch and black-painted floorboards. Add a central fireplace and rug to show evolution of the style. A Noguchi-style coffee table and faux sheepskin pillows can further twist the classics.


Recommended Reading:
58 Mid Century Modern Furniture Selections to Help You Recapture the Era
Ultimate Guide To Mid Century Modern Chairs
36 Stylish Mid Century Modern Coffee Tables
51 Mid Century Modern Dining Tables for a Timeless Dining Room Refresh

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15 expert ways to introduce this timeless trend |

(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)

Timeless and stylish, mid-century modern living room ideas are enduringly popular. Characterized by clean lines, a pared-back palette and sinuous, biomorphic forms, the mid-century-modern look pairs well with many other styles and remains contemporary today.

Whether you're seeking to create a sleek, mid-century interior design or update your living room ideas with a few iconic mid-century pieces, we've rounded up some beautiful schemes and advice from the experts to get you inspired.

Mid-century modern living room ideas

Looking to create a mid-century modern living room? Spanning the decade between the Thirties and the Seventies, with roots in earlier design movements such as the Bauhaus, the midcentury-modern movement championed the principle of purity in design and sought to push the boundaries with innovative use of materials and technologies.

Advancements in manufacturing allowed furniture designers to experiment with new materials, such as injection moulded plastics, with resulted in sculptural, sleek pieces of furniture in new colors, textures and forms.

Although mid-century modern style was driven by advances in technology, it was also inspired by the natural world, and wood is the most widely used material for furniture.

1. Invest in wooden furniture

(Image credit: Future / James Merrell)

Despite the development of innovative new materials such as plastic, fibreglass and laminates, timber sustained popularity throughout the mid-20th century. Furniture designers favored durable hardwoods, such as teak, cherry, maple and beech. 

Oozing warmth and character, and famed for its timeless beauty and durability, wood is still one of the most popular materials to use in an authentic mid-century modern living room. 

For true mid-century appeal, opt for streamlined timber pieces with tapered legs.  

2. Create the illusion of space – with slimline furniture

(Image credit: Future / Alexander James)

If there’s one thing that’s going to create the illusion of more space in a small living room, it’s investing in the right furniture – it can actually make a room feel wider in seconds. 

Mid-century modern was the unfussy, utilitarian style that defined interior design for the post-war generation. Now its functional, fluid furniture with slimline legs has been adopted by the masses – especially those wanting small living room ideas that will give the illusion of space.

3. Base your scheme around symmetry 

(Image credit: Future / Anna Stathaki)

Symmetry in interior design is introduced to create balance and a feeling of calm – ideal for enhancing a space in a mid-century modern living room. 

If the 1950s architecture of your home is strong and distinctive, a symmetrical layout will ensure that your scheme remains stylish yet cozy. Get the symmetry right and you can create harmony in every room in your house – and make small spaces feel bigger and tidier.

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside )

Scandinavian decor shares many design elements with mid-century modern: pared-back, unfussy, uncluttered spaces and a winning combination of form and function create aesthetically pleasing, yet practical, interiors. 

Like Scandinavian design, the main purpose of mid-century modern style is to improve daily life. Furniture is therefore not only about stylish elegance, but also about functionality – it should serve a purpose and stand the test of time. 

With its streamlined furniture, subtle prints, and Scandi influences, 1950s style is the perfect choice for 21st century living. What's more, the timeless appeal of this style lends itself to more recent design styles and trends such as the Retro Revival trend, or Modern Organic trend, offering new looks enduring qualities and endearing charm.

5.

Decorate in a primary color palette

(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee / Sally Denning)

Using primary colors in a mid-century modern living room can be done subtly and elegantly to create bright – but understated – space. The primary colors are red, yellow and blue. These colors are called primary colors because they cannot be created by combining any other colors. 

As well as living room paint ideas , another simple and effective way of introducing color into a mid-century modern living room is through accessories. It is a joyful way of adding to and altering the feel of a room, without committing to redecorating whole spaces. 

Here, the warm neutrals used as the main structure for this living room color scheme are very much back in vogue. Earthy naturals, pale plaster pinks and natural weaves all set the scene elegantly, and provide an ideal backdrop for the addition of a few joyful primary colors. 

6. Devise a contemporary take on the mid-century modern living room

(Image credit: Future / Anna Stathaki)

Bring a classic mid-century look into the 21st century with modern materials and a soothing color scheme.  

Gray living room ideas are hugely popular, and they can turn a retro scheme into the modern era with aplomb. Gray is the most wanted color after white, and the hue has secured its position as the modern neutral. 

Use gray to create a harmonious look that will make a great impression in a 1950s living room. Whether it's pale or slightly darker, gray is a great all-rounder. 

You can dress it up with a unfussy, functional furniture, concrete elements and houseplants to pay homage to a bygone era.

7. Bring warmth with wood panelling

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Wood is a key material choice for a mid-century modern living room – and if you want to replicate a true Mad Men aesthetic, look no further than wall panelling. 

When designing a living room , fitting wall panelling horizontally will make a room feel wider or longer, making it a great trick for small spaces. 

Plus, panelling for walls can be a work of art in itself – it needn't be solely architectural.

8. Go for a retro color scheme

(Image credit: Future / Damien Russell)

Bring out your fun side with this free-spirited living room trend that takes its inspiration from the abstract expressionist art of the Fifties and Sixties, with flamboyant wallpaper ideas , bold geometrics, cut-outs and playful blocks of color.

Unsure whether this look is right for you? Choose this scheme if you’re young at heart and into bold patterns and punchy colors, and take a more playful, irreverent approach when it comes to decor. 

While not for everyone, abstracts have a timeless appeal and versatility that can add impact in a contemporary setting, or edge in a more traditional scheme. 

9. Go bold with oversized florals

(Image credit: Future / Polly Wreford)

Mid-century modern living room ideas do not have to be devoid of color or pattern. Beautiful blooms are an exquisite and easy way to add life and color to your 1950s interiors. 

The radical, stylised Starflower print, dating to 1967, has a kaleidoscopic quality undoubtedly influenced by the Op Art movement popular of the time.  

However, if you are after a modern interpretation, look no further than a palette of clashing florals, like in the stunning living room picture above. The bigger – and blowsier – the better.

10. Mix and match styles and eras

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside )

With an emphasis on simple lines and purity of design, combined with the enduring beauty of wood, mid-century modern living room furniture has a timeless appeal, which sits well with other styles both old and new.

Here, we have married 50s utilitarianism with 70s retro extravagance for a truly inspiring clash of styles. Furniture with a striking geometric form will be bold enough to hold its own against fabrics in uplifting vivid shades. 

This trend gives the traditional mid-century modern look a contemporary overhaul with a peppier color palette, lighter woods and practical, functional pieces designed for modern living. 

(Image credit: Mary Wadsworth / Future)

If there's one piece that a mid-century modern living room should not be without it's arguably a designer armchair. From the slimline Wassily chair made from tubular steel, to the sumptuous Lounge chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames, designer armchairs have become iconic features of the midcentury interior and there's certainly plenty to choose from.

Characterised by sinuous lines and boasting beautiful sculptural silhouettes, these Boucle Jagger armchairs, inspired by a 1970s design, are perfect for bringing presence to this simple living room without dominating it.

'We chose these Boucle Jaggar armchairs from Pure White Lines upholstered in a classic duotone houndstooth to introduce visual interest and nuance to the space,' says Katie Lion, senior interior designer at Kitesgrove . 'Houndstooth is a bold yet timeless pattern, and the fabric’s jagged geometry works well on the armchair’s curved mid-century design, helping to define the layered and distinctive character of the space.'

12. Showcase mid-century art against a neutral palette

(Image credit: Andrew Suvalsky Designs)

If you love decorating with art from the mid-century era then opting for an all-white scheme for a living room will allow it to double as a beautiful gallery space, perfect for showing off your prized collections says interior designer Andrew Suvalsky .

'Midcentury modern design, characterized by clean and architecturally sensual lines, allows you to easily incorporate elements from other periods. A neutral palette, a hallmark of this style, makes it possible to layer in different patterns, materials and finishes,' he explains. 

'The residents of the Park Avenue apartment are avid art collectors who also inherited special pieces of artwork acquired from the 1950s to present. The renovation of the home and living room was intentionally designed to highlight the robust art collection.'

'The prior design was dark and muted, with colors that pulled away from the art rather than allowing its beauty to shine. The new design brings a mix of modern gallery meets vintage classic. The residents are always interested in adding new pieces to the collection and did not want a design style that would dedicate the future placement of new pieces.'

13. Keep furnishings minimal

(Image credit: Interior design by Jamie Nesbitt-Weber / photograph by Regan Wood)

The mid-century modern period is celebrated for its designer furnishings in a mix of streamlined and biomorphic shapes. If you're planning to furnish with these iconic pieces, be sure to give them the space they deserve by opting for a minimalist living room layout which really shows them off their form, as done here by interior designer Jamie Nesbitt-Weber .

'I love the clean architectural lines of my brownstone living room in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. The vintage Arne Norell Sirocco chairs from Sweden and George Nelson slat bench paired with the new modern Striad Lounge chair and Matter Made 3-legged stool give the room a mid-century vibe,' says interior designer Jamie Nesbitt-Weber.

'The bright primary colors in the art and accessories are a wonderful contrast against the white walls and black slate floor. The room is a timeless example of Midcentury and new modern design.'

(Image credit: Brent Darby)

If you're looking to bring a contemporary twist to a more traditional living room consider adding in a statement Mid-century living room ceiling light.

‘A light is a good way to throw surprise in a room, to merge modern with traditional,’ says Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin . ‘Putting an industrial style lamp or a graphic mid-century form in a traditional stucco setting injects excitement, equally an Art Deco chandelier in a stark, modern plan.’ 

'Lighting is so important and an excellent way of playing with scale,' adds interior designer Kelly Wearstler . 'Oversized chandeliers are a great place to begin, then I love sconces and lamps on a table uplighting a sculpture or piece of art.'

Don't be afraid to use bold color

(Image credit: Andrew Suvalsky Designs)

While mid-century modern pieces look great in a white living room with a gallery feel, but sometimes these spaces can feel quite stark. To add personality and depth consider combining sleek mid-century design with bold accents of color, metallics and personal touches as Andrew Suvalsky has done in the design for his own living room at his home in Montclair, New Jersey.

'I did not want to create a time-capsule of the 1950s,' says Suvalsky, 'but rather to infuse my modern take on various elements from the 1950s to the 1970s. ' For Suvalsky that meant adding layers of various patterns, materials, and finishes that tell a new narrative. 

'The mission was to blend the clean lines of a 1950’s California style-home with a rich and dense decor but to also play with – even upend – preconceived notions of what a mid-century ought to be,' he notes.

'I incorporated patterns, colors and objects that tell a story and are meaningful to myself and my husband so that our home would be a seamless reflection of our lives. I wanted our house to be a unique emanation of our personalities, highlighting our love for music, art, travel and hosting.'

How do you style a mid-century modern living room?

To style a mid-century modern living room, invest in unfussy, utilitarian-style furniture. Opt for functional, fluid furniture and abstract prints based on natural shapes – rediscovered and reinterpreted for today’s modern interiors and lifestyles. 

For ideas, look to icons like Florence Knoll and Arne Jacobson for inspiration – both of whom were prominent designers during the mid-century modern period. Their work still serves as design inspiration for some of the world’s top creatives.

What style goes well with mid-century modern?

Mid-century modern design goes well with many other styles, which makes it a popular design era among interior designers. 'Mid-century modern design, characterized by clean and architecturally sensual lines, allows you to easily incorporate elements from other periods,' says Andrew Suvalsky.

'I am a firm believer that in every era there is incredible design and I pull from lots of different periods – I love mixing deco, Bauhaus, mid-century; sticking to one era can be a bit one note,' adds interior designer Kelly Weastler.

'If you buy all your furniture new it’s going to start to look dated quickly, but if you take the time to curate and shop in a variety of places, you end up with a much more timeless room.'

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

Mid Century Modern Classic Living Room

by Alex

what the result will be. However, when it comes to mid-century modern, there is some debate about what the term means or represents. The "mid-century" aspect of this design style draws inspiration from trends and styles that have been popular since the 19from the 30s to the 1960s, blending them with contemporary minimalist design for the 21st century.

Why is mid-century modern design popular?

Mid-century modern design includes a wide range of styles and elements, which is one of the reasons for its popularity, as there is so much variety, there is something for everyone. It is also a widespread design style that contributes to its popularity. You might not even realize that some items in your home will fall into the mid-century modern design category! Another reason this is a popular design choice is because it values ​​functionality. As more people move to big cities and live in smaller spaces, they want a home that meets their needs without wasting space. A Mid-Century Modern Classic living room optimizes space no matter how small the square footage is, yet the space feels simple and comfortable. nine0007

Focus on functionality

When it comes to mid-century modern living room design, the focus is on functionality that follows form. This design style is not about frills. Every piece of furniture or element that you have in your living room should serve a specific purpose with as few accessories as possible. The pursuit of this style of design in the post-war period focused on the needs of the average family, which resulted in many pieces of furniture being stackable, stackable, or interchangeable. It also meant that comfort was the main element of this design style. Mid-Century Modern means you have functionality and comfort in every form. nine0007

Artwork is a great way to add color to a modern living room interior. [Source: Wayfair]

Matching elements

The most prominent aspect of mid-century modern design is the juxtaposition of traditional and non-traditional materials, as well as clean lines against organic curves and shapes. When looking at a living room decorated in a mid-century modern classic, you would expect to see items like chunky coffee tables with sleek thin legs or chairs in contrasting materials. nine0007

Console on the back wall - nods to the style of the 50s. [Source: Balodemas Architects]

Mixing Materials

There is no one specific material to use when decorating a mid-century modern classic living room, in fact, the more different materials you use, the better. The style encourages the mixing of traditional and non-traditional materials, resulting in a room featuring metal, plywood, plexiglass, or lucite alongside more traditional materials. Not only the use of more unconventional materials, but also the use of materials in unexpected ways. Plexiglas can be used to make an end table with a clear geometric shape, and plywood can be used to make a comfortable chair. nine0007

Floating furniture like this fireplace is a common design choice when modern and mid-century blend. [Source: Studio Aiko]

Trying out new textures

While you're trying out furniture materials like plexiglass or lucite with more traditional materials like wood, you can also play around with different fabrics. Raw materials such as wool, linen and cotton are common in mid-century modern design, blending with less traditional furniture materials to create a juxtaposition between frame and upholstery. nine0007

Mid-Century Modern style calls for a juxtaposition of textures seen in the chairs, table and sofa. [Source: Federico Cedrone]

Adding some curves

Classic modern design calls for a clean and sleek design to give it the clean, minimalist aesthetic it's known for. To turn your contemporary living room into mid-century modern, you can add a few pieces or pieces with curved lines or rounded edges to break up the straight edges. You can use curves in your living room by looking for kidney or boomerang shaped pieces, sofas with a slight curve, or coffee tables that are more rounded than a table with sharp corners and edges. nine0007

This living room is the epitome of mid-century modern style with its variety of shapes and materials. [Source: Modsy]

Adding Color

While many modern-style homes or rooms tend to have a neutral palette, color and mid-century interior design go hand in hand. Bold, saturated colors were popular at the time the style originated, and they weren't supposed to go out of style! Bright hues of orange, earthy brown, mustard yellow, sky blue or turquoise or baby pink are all possibilities if you're looking for a bit of mid-century style to add to your living room. If you feel like you're in a time capsule and transported back to the 60s when you look at the color palette, you've made the right choice. nine0007

This room makes good use of the classic mid-century color palette without looking dated. [Source: Jessica Brigham]

Playing with prints bold geometric patterns or retro prints. Geometric patterns should be included in your mid-century modern living room in items such as rugs or cushions, or you can opt for geometric designs for pieces of furniture such as kitchen cabinets, bookcases, or shelving. Bold retro prints are another option for small items like wall art or rugs. Intersecting lines and geometric shapes are the main elements of mid-century interior design. nine0007

This living room combines leather with wood and metal to allow patterns to show through rugs and cushions [Source: AB Curated Interior Design] century, you can start with one or two parts as a focus. Having a bright sofa or geometric lighting and a set of unique curved chairs adds drama to the room without having to put in too many things before you decide which piece of style you want to include in the living room or another room in the house. nine0007

A unique geometric rug is the centerpiece of this living room. [Source: TeroDesign]

Lighting a room

Choosing the right lighting is an essential aspect of mid-century modern design. Adding mid-century style lighting to a modern room helps to soften it up and add a unique element. In the 50s and 60s, dome lamps were common, and in the 21st century, they can give a futuristic, sleek look to an end table. You can even pick up era-inspired lamps at flea markets or antique sales. The bold industrial chandelier is a popular mid-century modern design element, as are lamps and fixtures made from materials in their organic form. Geometric shapes are also often used in mid-century design-style lighting elements. nine0007

Note that the credenza in this room is carved with a subtle geometric pattern. [Source: Isabelle Feliu via Bed Threads]

Source: decoist.com

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  8. sculptural furniture
  10. 2023 Hottest Trends: Mushrooms
  11. Imposing Dark Wood
  12. Contemporary Wood Tables
  13. 9 Trending Living Room Colors in 2023
  14. Sage green in the spotlight
  15. Skyline blue: the color of the year
  16. Yellow is more energetic and popular
  17. Pink for a very soft touch
  18. Cognac color and its masculine imprint
  19. Beige and nude shades: give way to calmness 080802 still unavoidable
  20. Red only needed in carmine or burgundy tones
  21. Eternal gray always present

when it comes to shape, size and color, 2023 is all about brand new shades with strong personalities, unusual shapes, design concepts inspired by bold styles and limitless creative freedom. nine0007

Even if you're not planning a complete living room makeover, a single accent of 2023 trends is enough to update your interior. We have come up with a number of such features that must-haves in the living room of 2023.

Living Room Interior Design Trends 2023

Impressive Arches

Trendy living room 2023 draws inspiration from timeless Renaissance architecture with amazing arches that evoke grandeur, security and a sophisticated transition from modern to classic. You can make the most of this architectural decor in the recreation area by applying it to a door frame, window or large mirror. Even the ultra-modern living room will adopt design features whose timeless effect blends seamlessly into any style setting. nine0007

Artful curves

It's no secret that the new season must have a rounded edge. Curves don't just stop at the couch. They are literally everywhere. Soft rounded shapes, redefining a picture that has long been dominated by sharp lines, are designed to emphasize the sophistication and inviting charm of living rooms.

Living Room Color of the Year 2023: Lavender

We've been writing about design trends for a while and noticed that lavender is the color of 2023 on different levels, whether it's bed linen trends or curtain trends. This is definitely the perfect shade in a space where you want to relax, as the protagonist of the 2023 color trends hides traits such as calmness, well-being, self-expression and reflection. nine0007

Multifunctional spaces

The open floor system is one of the top design trends for 2023. If other rooms have certain restrictions, it is easier to combine the living room with other functional areas. You can choose a combination of living room + dining room, living room + dining room + kitchen, living room + home office, living room + bedroom, or all at once if it is a studio apartment interior.

This trendy feature can be seen in the individual design projects of professional designers below. The first masterpiece is a Mid-Century Art Nouveau open-floor living room design project that combines a seating area with a polished bronze dining area and showcases a harmonious play of colors and shapes between two different functional spaces. nine0007

The second work is a rustic-industrial design project for an open plan living room that shares space with a modern dining area in the interior of a country cottage. Despite the different functional areas, the living room and dining room are united by a love of rigor and elegance.

Sleek, stylish, trendy: sounds like Mid-Century Modern

The beloved style that took the design world by storm in 2022 is still relevant in the new season. In 2023, designers are opting for a reimagined Mid-Century Modern, especially adapting it to a more understated aesthetic, which means it’s great for lovers of minimalism, as minimalist solutions themselves are being replaced this year by maximalism. Clean lines, a neutral palette, natural wood, functional use of space and comfortable seating are your must-have design elements. nine0007

Mid century modern style

Oversized and very comfortable furniture

Fashionable living room in 2023 is equipped with large sofas, armchairs and accent tables with spectacular textured textiles and natural materials. The characteristic of a large and majestic appearance gives the space a dimension and makes it safer and more comfortable.

Sculptural furniture

Designers now for visually interesting furniture that steals the show as soon as you enter the room. In their opinion, architecturally designed sofas, chairs, tables, bookcases and simple accents carry more meaning and conceptual value, making any living room look like it was designed by a designer, although this is not always the case. nine0007

Black furniture

We are not ready to give up stylish light sofas, cabinets, shelves and chairs. But we also want to gradually embrace the upcoming black furniture trend. By “we” we mean us interior design lovers in general, and by upcoming trends we mean the predicted trend with black standout items that are thought to be gaining momentum in 2023. By the way, black objects contrast beautifully with usually light ones. colored background and give an unusual drama that would otherwise be impossible with light-colored furniture. nine0007

The hottest trends of 2023: mushrooms

Spreading like mushrooms, the main design trend of the season - fashion mushrooms, which started a little earlier, in 2021-2022, in 2023 become a reality. designer lamps in white or black. We just love the modern take on a recurring trend that promises to stay for a while.

Impressive dark wood

It is said that it is time for the light wood to leave the stage for the dark wood. And that's what's happening in the new season. As one of the hottest materials in 2023, wood comes in a new range of colors and breathes fresh air into well-defined styles. It feels especially comfortable in the recreation area during the warm season and impressively welcoming in the cold season. nine0007

Contemporary Wood Side Tables

Stealing a touch of Art Deco charm, a tiny splash of sleekness from Mid-Century Art Nouveau, and alluring naturalness from rustic style, austere side tables with narrow wood paneling will be a must in any modern living room in 2023. it’s better to use sustainably sourced natural wood to cover another favorite of the season – eco-friendly materials.

9 trendy living room colors in 2023

In decor, as in fashion, every year paint manufacturers set the tone and present their flagship colors. Among the color trends for the living room for 2024 are shades of blue and green, which are very different from previous years. Sophistication and glamor are once again striking, along with very natural tones that remain popular.

Sage Green in the spotlight

Sage green is back in our interiors, soft and unobtrusive, it is happy to appear in your living room. You can easily combine it with anthracite gray to sublimate it, as well as dark wood, powdery pink or a more vibrant pink hue that makes a very noticeable return to our decor. The first to jump on this trend were Dulux Valentine paints in Olive Branch, which is actually a soothing and comforting sage green that has quietly settled into our living room. nine0007

It is reminiscent of the sweet scents of plants and the freshness and softness of aloe. This is a universal shade that gives the living room a lot of liveliness.

This is a soothing color that is ideal for renaissance style with calm and rich tones. Prosperity remains, despite these last months, lulled by uncertainty and isolation. This shade can easily give a second life to a forgotten and obsolete piece of furniture.

Green living room

Horizon Blue: Color of the Year

The color of 2023 is blue. Soaked in softness, it reconciles you with nature and brings a real breath to your space. This is the perfect color to start a new life and update your daily life. It marks a real renaissance in the world of decor.

It pairs well with other hues such as a deep characteristic brown for the perfect balance. This pale blue balances out the bolder hues for a refreshing look. As such, your living room walls are decked out in pastel colors, but they offer a kind of welcome update during this period. nine0007

Yellow is more energetic and popular

Yellow in 2023 is brighter, more mature, livelier and sunnier. This is a really big return of colors with vivacity and vibrancy. Lemon yellow is especially needed in our interiors. He enters salons in small notes so as not to risk becoming aggressive. These explosive shades are almost fluorescent and very bright. You sublimate it with anthracite grey. It's part of a bolder trend, part of a pop trend. It replaces the mustard yellow that has invaded our interiors in recent years. These shades are found in almost all colors such as pink, carmine red, acid green, etc. These very sparkling colors fit perfectly in our current living rooms and are softened slightly by a shade of grey, for example. nine0007

Pink for a very soft touch

This new version of pink with a high content of yellow pigments is perfect for bringing a lot of warmth and calmness into your living room. This subtle shade gives a beautiful frame to your furniture and decorative items. It is so gentle that it can be applied to walls and ceilings. This allows for a very soft and cozy universe and a very welcoming and relaxing living room.

Cognac color and its masculine imprint

Cognac is a must in the world of jewelry in 2023 for a very masculine touch that is not without 60s inspiration. If he was already present in the ready-to-wear collections of recent years, then he fits perfectly into our interiors. It is a very warm and interesting shade, whether in touch or on the wall. It pairs perfectly with neutral colors like off-white, as well as noisy materials like leather, light wood furniture, linen, cotton, etc.

Beige and nudes: give way to calmness

While some colors are great for our interiors, others remain in this 2023 collection, such as beige and nude.

These warm and cozy tones will brighten up your living room with a softness that pairs well with chic, modern or more classic ethnic décor. You can play with two different shades to delineate volumes or different spaces without risking overwhelming the room. This is a beautiful option that retains a certain natural and subtle charm. nine0007

Nude shades, heavily inspired by cosmetics, are also synonymous with softness and bring that cocoon aspect we need in our living rooms. The various shades often contain a hint of pink for an understated feminine touch.

The advantage of these shades is that they remain very present without being intrusive in your living room. They are warm and very cozy, but very natural.

Camaye still unavoidable

If you are not comfortable with colors, monochrome is the easiest choice. This one is very easy to get from one color, which reduces the risk of making the slightest mistake. In the same color scheme, you juggle different tones to bring sophistication to your living room. This allows you to play with volumes and bring rhythm to your space. You do not risk anything, but get a stylish and harmonious living room! nine0007

Red is needed only in carmine or burgundy tones

Reds have been looking for their place in our decoration for several years, but have not found it. They even tend to gradually disappear. However, if you like this color, in 2023 choose from carmine or burgundy shades. These are the only two that will be popular in our interiors. Deep burgundy adds character to your space, while carmine is more suited to contemporary and contemporary decor. These two hues then return to compete with the earth tones that were still dominant last year and are present today, but in a more subdued way. nine0007

Timeless gray is always present

Whether it's because of its softness or the sublimation of another shade, gray has always worked well in our interiors. It is desirable to choose it in a slightly sophisticated tone containing a shade of blue or green. We love its elegance and restraint, perfect for highlighting the colors that are part of the 2023 trend. If gray is rarely mentioned, it is nonetheless essential and timeless in our decor. Contrary to popular belief, it displays a true personality, as in the case of greenery. Gray is a color that tells a story and is not as neutral as we tend to think.

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