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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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40 Iconic Mid-Century Modern Living Room Ideas

Every item on this page was curated by an ELLE Decor editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Sleek, simple, and iconic.

By Lucia Tonelli and Danielle Fox

Larry Lederman/Richard Powers

The mid-century modern style of interior design was popularized during the 1940s, and has yet to leave the mainstream gaze—for good reason. Defined by clean lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation, and high functionality, the style has an undeniably timeless appeal. Icons like Florence Knoll and Arne Jacobson—both of whom were prominent designers during the mid-century modern period—remain a strong part of the design conversation to this day, and their work still serves as inspiration for some of the world’s top creatives. While some homeowners will commit to a fully mid-century modern home, anyone can easily infuse this look into their living rooms with a few simple tweaks.

Below, see 40 mid-century modern living rooms that will take you back in time (and you won't want to come back).

Michael Biondo

1 of 40

Statement Sculpture

In this Philip Johnson-designed "Wiley House" in New Canaan, Connecticut, a striking sculpture creates an organic focal point in the home's double-height glass pavilion-style living room.

Stephen Kent Johnson

2 of 40

Mid-Century Contemporary

Inspired by Philip Johnson’s Glass House and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth house, design firm Drake/Anderson fashioned this upstate NY home with mid-century modern furnishings that play into the home's contemporary architecture.

Larry Lederman

3 of 40

Curved Lines

The living room in jazz pianist Dave Brubeck's Connecticut home features natural stone for the interior stairs, with original mid-century modern light fixtures and furnishings, all of which boast an organic curvature.

William Waldron

4 of 40

Upstate Style

Consummate dealer and collector Benoist Drut of Maison Gerard weaves in mid-century modern style in the living room of his upstate New York retreat, with a cherry red shelving unit by Guy Roisse, a cocktail table by Karl Springer, and a 1940s American daybed.

Simon Upton

5 of 40

Updated 1920s Penthouse

Interior designer Alisa Bloom brings mid-century modern touches to this 17th-floor apartment living room, including 1970s chairs from Revival, and a vintage cocktail table from Martin La Brocante.

Michael Biondo

6 of 40

Floating Fireplace

This mid-century modern home, which was carefully restored by Roger Ferris + Partners, features a striking geometric fireplace, providing a place to cozy up by without sacrificing style.

Patrick Cline

7 of 40

West Village Elegance

In the living room of this Nicole Fuller-designed pied-à-terre, the prewar architecture was given a contemporary twist with mid-century modern furnishings and decor—in a calming palette of blues and purples—bringing a sense of serenity to the space.

Thomas Kuoh

8 of 40

Elevated Bachelor Pad

When interior designer Emilie Munroe was tapped to transform a modern bachelor pad, she furnished the living room in mid-century modern pieces, including two COUP swivel club chairs, which, according to Munroe, have strong wood bases, but also the softness of deep tufting in the upholstery.

R. Brad Knipstein

9 of 40

California Cool

When Jennifer Jones was commissioned to redesign a 1950s San Francisco home in a way that “evoked Mad Men,” she chose low profile pieces and played with geometry, as is apparent in the cozy family room.

Michael Biondo

10 of 40

Unique Pieces

A neutral mid-century modern living room in this Philip Johnson-designed home is elevated with a pink and purple set of human-shaped lounge chairs.

Courtesy of Marriott

11 of 40

Contemporary Take

The lounge area of Le Méridien Chicago—Oakbrook Center, is a lesson in the timelessness of mid-century modern, with its graphic art and iconic furniture pieces.

Douglas Freidman

12 of 40

A Lacquered Look

In Andy Cohen's West Village duplex, a Frank Lloyd Wright-esq custom staircase leads to a verdant seating area; the doors are painted in a custom green lacquer and the French club chairs are from Blackman Cruz.

Max Zambelli

13 of 40

Laid Back Brooklyn Townhouse

In the living room of designer Kate Reynolds' Windsor Terrace townhouse, a Timothy Oulton chaise, Danish cocktail table, and wooden media console infuse the airy space with nods to traditional mid-century modern style.

R. Brad Knipstein

14 of 40

1950s East Bay Loft

In a mid-century modern California home, designer Jennifer Jones applied a contemporary twist on the iconic style, with crisp white walls, floating shelves, and signature rounded furniture.

Courtesy of Scott Frances for Related-Oxford

15 of 40

High Saturation

In a Hudson Yards model apartment designed by Neiman Marcus' Senior Vice President and Fashion Director, Ken Downing, an abundance of color, texture, and pattern were grounded in a contemporary take on the mid-century modern aesthetic.

Stephan Julliard

16 of 40

Mid-Century Glamour

In a colorful London pied-à-terre, designer Irakli Zaria keeps the cloudy skies outdoors by infusing the home with bold pops of color, favoring shades of blue and gilded finishings. The seating area features three 1960s armchairs, rounded mid-century coffee tables, and custom Galerie Glustin screens.

Richard Powers

17 of 40

Art-Inspired Spaces

The living room of this Alex Papachristidis-designed Manhattan apartment is swathed in bright whites, with indulgent blue art and sculptural mid-century modern furniture. A pair of 1960s chairs from John Salibello is in a Manuel Canovas fabric, the custom sofas are covered in Holland & Sherry fabrics, and the Karl Springer cocktail table (foreground) is from Mantiques Modern.

Francis Amland

18 of 40

1970's Monaco Living Room

In a Monte Carlo apartment decorated by Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet, the living room balances sophistication and restraint with mid-century velvet chairs, pale blue walls, and brass-and-alabaster pendants.

Simon Upton

19 of 40

Black And White Living Room

In a home belonging to designers Kevin Roberts and Timothy Haynes, the black and white living room showcases 1950s armchairs by Joseph-André Motte, upholstered in a Holland & Sherry fabric. The 1960s cocktail table is by Tommi Parzinger.

William Waldron

20 of 40

Whimsical Living Room

The living room of fashion designer Erin Beatty and filmmaker Lex Sidon’s West Village duplex, which was designed by Lara Apponyi and Michael Woodcock of Work + Sea, features a leather sofa by Michael Felix, a love seat by Pinch, and Marcel Breuer chairs from Knoll; the marble cocktail table is a custom design, the stool by Reinaldo Sanguino is from the Future Perfect, the floor lamp is by Noir, the rug is by Aelfie, and the paintings are by Jimmy Lee Sudduth, left, and Willie Jinks.

William Abranowicz

21 of 40

A Contemporary California Ranch

In a cabin on Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres' Santa Monica Mountain ranch, the living room features a 1960 Illum Wikkelso sofa and a 1965 Ib Kofod-Larsen armchair; the 18th-century postal desk is Swedish and the floor lamp is by Alison Berger.

Luke White

22 of 40

Contemporary Farm Restoration

An artist enlisted the help of a London architecture firm to help transform a dilapidated farm building. In the newly restored living area, you will find Gia Ponti chairs with a view of the River Stour.

Simon Upton

23 of 40

West Village Living Room

Richie Jackson and Jordan Roth's apartment in Manhattan has a living room with a 1940s club chair by Jean-Michel Frank and a 1970s Maison Jansen circular banquette upholstered in shearling and leather by Edelman. The artwork is by Julian Opie.

Joshua McHugh

24 of 40

Linen Sofas and Leather Lounge Chairs

In the living room of a house in Sag Harbor, New York, which was decorated by architect David Mann of MR Architecture + Decor, the custom sofa is covered in a Nobilis linen, the lounge chairs are by BassamFellows, and the cocktail table is by Soraya Ltd. The ceiling’s wood-veneer wall covering is by Maya Romano, the lamp is by Isamu Noguchi, and the abaca rug is from Mark Nelson Designs.

Bjorn Wallander

25 of 40

Mid-Century With A Parisian Twist

In the living room of fashion designer Andrew Gn's Paris apartment, 1950s wing chairs by Melchiorre Bega, upholstered in a Lelievre fabric, face armchairs by Emiel Veranneman and a cocktail table by Fredrik Schriever-Abeln, both from the 1960s. The custom-made floor lamps are by Didier Bazille, a painting by Philippe Garouste de Clauzade hangs above an Art Nouveau wood mantelpiece, the stools are late-19th-century and the kilim is Turkish.

Photography by Simon Upton

26 of 40

Shades Of Blue

In this master suite, the sofa is upholstered in an Osborne & Little fabric, the 1950s armchairs are by Gianfranco Frattini, the resin-top cocktail table is by Jean Brand, and the 1960s daybed is by Geneviève Martineau-Dausset. The photographs are by Rineke Dijkstra, the painting is by Friedrich Kunath, and the carpet is by Beauvais.

Douglas Friedman

27 of 40

Mid-Century Brazilian

This living room holds mid-century Brazilian rosewood chairs, stools purchased at auction, armchairs found on eBay, and a sofa by Classic Sofa upholstered in a Manuel Canovas fabric. The side tables are from Prime Gallery in Palm Springs, California, paintings by José Parlà flank a South African wall hanging made from cowrie-shell-embellished aprons, and the rug is Moroccan.

Richard Powers

28 of 40

Modern Tree House

A family room's sofa and ottoman are by Ligne Roset, the Saarinen side table is by Knoll, and the chairs are by Hans Wegner. The Arco lamp is by Flos, the pillows and rug are custom designs, and the tapestry was created from a traditional Bhutanese man's robe.

William Waldron

29 of 40

A Mid-Century Renovation

In the living room of Evan and Ku-Ling Yurman's TriBeCa apartment, which was renovated by Richard Moschella and Steven Roberts of Moschella + Roberts, the mid-century furnishings include a pair of Nanna Ditzel chairs, a Hans Wegner armchair, and a cocktail table by Hendrik van Keppel and Taylor Green, purchased at auction.

William Abranowicz

30 of 40

Monochromatic With A Pop Of Color

The living room of television producer Ellen Rakieten's Los Angeles apartment was designed by Anne Coyle. A Louis XV-style desk by Baker is paired with a side chair by Jonathan Adler.

20 Living Room Wallpaper Ideas

Lucia Tonelli Assistant Editor Lucia Tonelli is an Assistant Editor at Town & Country, where she writes about the royal family, culture, real estate, design, and more. 

12 Cool Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Ideas

The simple lines, industrial materials, brilliant use of color, and the impeccable craftsmanship of some of the best furniture designers who have ever lived are just a few of the good reasons mid-century modern design inspires many. If you are one of those people who are ready to make your 1950s bathroom renovation dreams come true, then you have come to the right place. Here are 12 ways to bring some vintage retro magic to your bathroom design. nine0003

1. Atomic star formations are required.

You can't think of mid-century modern design without conjuring up images of the iconic atomic star. Because of its popularity, lighting designers soon began using this asymmetrical shape for concealed fixtures, chandeliers and pendants. Jenny Komenda of the Little Green Notebook blog opted for a stunning chandelier above her vintage clawfoot tub for a little retro glamour.

2. Don't be afraid to use bold colors. nine0007

Many mid-century designs feature vibrant colors from time to time. While there are several color palettes typical of the design era, cooler hues allow designers to have fun. The subway-style white tile in this bathroom serves as a neutral backdrop against a bright orange clawfoot tub.

3. Wooden furniture should play a major role.

Wooden washbasin cabinets are the perfect opportunity for you to bring a mid-century vibe to your bathroom. Look for options with simple lines, pointed legs, and minimal ornamentation, like this vintage dressing table that Bre from Brepurposed was lucky enough to find on Craigslist. nine0003

Minimal embellishment, quality materials and unique shapes are all hallmarks of mid-century design. Bathroom fixtures like this toilet paper holder from Ferm Living are perfect.

5. Implement asymmetrical shapes.

Mid-Century Design introduced many of the curvaceous asymmetrical shapes commonly associated with the design era. Designer Kelly Westler, in typical bold fashion, shows us how to get this design trend right. She chose a gorgeous, organic silhouette cosmetic mirror for the bathrooms of the soon-to-be-opened Downtown Proper Hotel. nine0003

6. Look for simple lines even in pendant lights.

Simple lines and the use of honest materials are hallmarks of mid-century design, as are these mini pendant lights designed by Sara Sherman Samuel for Cedar & Moss. While the design movements that preceded the Mid-Century Modern era emphasized overly decorative elements, Modernist design brought a simplicity to the design world that we just can't get enough of.

7. Use industrial materials.

As it is today, the use of industrial materials such as glass, concrete, steel and brass were quite common during the mid-century design era. The Bright Design Lab did a great job of incorporating gorgeous brass details throughout this contemporary bathtub. The result is a sophisticated dressing room that is sure to be endorsed by Mad Men's Don Draper.

8. Add playful pop art accents. nine0007

The pop art movement was on the rise at the same time that mid-century modern design was becoming an established style. Inspired by pop art, this bathroom accessories set from Seletti is a whimsical way to pay homage to the artists of the time, while adding some pop of color.

9. Not all wall sconces are the same.

Vintage lamps, while beautiful, are not the most sustainable options on the market. Don't worry, you can still enjoy your adorable vintage look while being a friend of the environment. We just love these hand blown glass brass wall sconces from Cedar & Moss that will fit seamlessly into your mid-century inspired bathroom. nine0003

10. Teak accents needed.

Trade in your fluffy bath mat for a simple yet elegant teak wood bath mat. Crate & Barrel has a great option, and the bonus is that it's eco-friendly too.

11. Mix and match simple patterns.

Choosing a pattern combination can be tricky, but the end result is worth the effort to get it right. Half the battle is finding the perfect patterned backdrop that works well with other patterns without making your bathroom design too busy or hectic. nine0003

12. Emphasize nature with stylish ceramics.

In the mid-20th century, ceramics were everywhere, from pre-millennial pink toilet paper holders to biomorphic toothpaste holders. Not only do they make stylish accessories, ceramic planters are also a cost-effective way to bring a bit of freshness into a room, which was a key element of mid-century modern design. This beautiful vertical planter from West Elm is perfect for the bathroom. Tip: Choose plants that will thrive in a humid environment. nine0003

Russian residential interior of the 19th - early 20th centuries

When you visit the Pavlovsk Palace, be sure to visit exposition "Russian residential interior of the 19th - early 20th centuries" - a reconstruction of the interiors of the living rooms of the upper class of Russia. It is located on the III floor of the central building, a ticket for it is bought separately at the box office.

♦ Subject: A selection of excursions around St. Petersburg, the palace suburbs and the Leningrad Region76 year. Based on literary and documentary sources, paintings, drawings and photographs, typical interiors of that era were recreated. In 2000, the exposition was reopened, with changes and additions. Moving from hall to hall, as if moving in a time machine, a whole century passes before your eyes. Through the interior, the way our ancestors equipped the living space, you better understand the psychology and philosophy of the people of that time, their attitude and worldview.

17 rooms are divided into 3 semantic blocks:

Interiors of the 1800-1830s

At the beginning of the 19th century, a manor house or city mansion was a typical dwelling of the nobility. Here, as a rule, lived a large family and numerous servants. The ceremonial halls were usually located on the second floor and consisted of a suite of living rooms, a boudoir and a bedroom. The living quarters were located on the third floor or mezzanines and had low ceilings. The servants lived on the first floor, there were also service premises. If the house was two-story, then the living rooms, as a rule, were on the first floor and ran parallel to the service premises. nine0003

The end of the 18th - the beginning of the 19th century was the time of the dominance of classicism, which implies a clear rhythm and a unified style of placing furniture and art. The furniture was usually made of mahogany and decorated with overlays of hammered gilded bronze or strips of brass. From France and other European countries, interest in antiquity penetrated into Russia. Therefore, in the interior of this time we will see antique statues and the corresponding decor. Under the influence of Napoleon, the Empire style, created by the architects C. Persier and P. Fontaine, with its spirit of luxurious imperial residences of the Roman Empire, comes into fashion. Furniture in the Empire style was made of Karelian birch and poplar, often painted green - like old bronze, with gilded carved details. Clocks and lamps were made of gilded bronze. The walls of the rooms were often painted in pure colors - green, gray, blue, purple. Sometimes they were pasted over with paper wallpaper or imitated paper wallpaper, smooth or striped, with ornaments. nine0003

The enfilade of rooms in the exposition is opened by Kamerdinerskaya (late 18th – early 19th century). In such a room there could be a valet on duty. Mahogany furniture with brass overlays is made in the style of "Jacob".

Kamerdinerskaya

The model for Portrait (1805-1810s) was the corresponding room in the estate of Count A.A. Arakcheev in Gruzino. Unfortunately, the estate itself was completely destroyed during the Great Patriotic War. The portrait room is decorated in the early Russian Empire style, the walls are painted like striped wallpapers. nine0003 Portrait, 1805-1810s

Cabinet (1810s) was an obligatory attribute of a noble estate. In the interior presented in the exposition, the furniture set is made of Karelian birch, the desk and armchair are made of poplar wood. Wall painting imitates paper wallpaper.

Cabinet, 1810s

Dining room (1810-1820s) - also made in the Empire style.

Canteen, 1810s-1820s

Bedroom (1820s) is functionally divided into zones: the actual bedroom and the boudoir. There is a kiot in the corner. The bed is covered with a screen. In the boudoir, the hostess could go about her business - needlework, correspond. nine0003 Bedroom, 1820s Bedroom, 1820s

Boudoir (1820s) was located next to the bedroom. If conditions allowed, it was a separate room in which the mistress of the house went about her business.

Boudoir, 1820s

The prototype of Living room (1830s) was the living room of P. V.Nashchekin, a friend of A.S.Pushkin, from a painting by N.Podklyushnikov.

Living room, 1830s Living room, 1830s

Young man's study (1830s) was created based on Pushkin's "Eugene Onegin" (it is interesting to compare it with the Trigorskoye estate, which became the prototype of the Larins' house from this novel). Here you can see the desire for convenience and comfort, decorative fabrics are actively used. The conciseness inherent in the Empire gradually disappears. nine0003 Young man's study, 1830s

Interiors of the 1840s-1860s

The 40s-60s of the 19th century - the time of the dominance of romanticism. At this time, historicism was popular: pseudo-Gothic, second Rococo, neo-Greek, Moorish, and later - pseudo-Russian styles. In general, historicism dominated until the end of the 19th century. The interiors of this time are characterized by a desire for luxury. The rooms are full of furniture, decorations and knick-knacks. Furniture was made mainly of walnut, rosewood, and sacchardwood. Windows and doors were covered with heavy draperies, tables were covered with tablecloths. Oriental carpets were laid on the floors. nine0003

At this time, W. Scott's chivalric novels became popular. In many respects, under their influence, estates and dachas in the Gothic style are being built (I already wrote about one of them - Marfino). Gothic cabinets and living rooms were also arranged in the houses. Gothic was expressed in stained-glass windows, screens, screens, in decorative elements of room decoration. Bronze was actively used for decoration.

The end of the 40s and the beginning of the 50s of the 19th century were marked by the appearance of the "second Rococo", otherwise called "a la Pompadour". It was expressed in imitation of the art of France in the middle of the 18th century. Many estates were built in the Rococo style (for example, the now dying Nikolo-Prozorovo near Moscow). The furniture was made in the style of Louis XV: rosewood sets with bronze decorations, porcelain inserts painted in the form of bouquets of flowers and gallant scenes. In general, the room was like a precious box. This was especially true for the premises of the female half. The rooms on the men's side were more laconic, but also not without elegance. Often they were decorated in the "oriental" and "Moorish" style. Ottoman sofas came into fashion, weapons were adorned on the walls, Persian or Turkish carpets lay on the floors. There could also be hookahs and incense burners in the room. The owner of the house dressed in an oriental robe. nine0003

An example of the above is Living Room (1840s). The furniture in it is made of walnut, Gothic motifs can be traced in the decorative finish.

Living room, 1840s Living room, 1840s

The next room is Yellow Drawing Room (1840s). The set presented in it was made for one of the living rooms of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, presumably, according to the drawings of the architect A. Bryullov.

Yellow Drawing Room, 1840s

Dressing young girl (1840-1850s) is made in the walnut rococo style. Such a room could be both in a capital mansion and in a provincial estate.

Dressing room for a young girl, 1840-50s

In Cabinet-boudoir (1850s) in the "second Rococo" style, expensive furniture "a la Pompadour", veneered with rosewood, with inserts of gilded bronze and painted porcelain, is presented.

Boudoir study, 1850s

Bedroom of a young girl (1850-1860s) is striking in its splendor, it is also an example of the "second Rococo". nine0003 Bedroom of a young girl, 1850-60s

Interiors of the 1870s-1900s

This period is characterized by smoothing out the differences between noble and bourgeois interiors. Many old noble families gradually became poorer, yielding influence to industrialists, financiers, and people of mental labor. Interior design during this period begins to be determined by the financial capabilities and taste of the owner. Technological progress and industrial development contributed to the emergence of new materials. So, machine-made lace appeared, windows began to be decorated with tulle curtains. At this time, sofas of new forms appeared: round, double-sided, combined with bookcases, shelves, jardinieres, etc. Upholstered furniture appears. nine0003

In the 1870s, under the influence of the World Exhibition in Paris in 1867, the style of Louis XVI came into fashion. The “boule” style is experiencing a rebirth, so named after A.Sh. Boule, who worked under Louis XIV - the furniture was decorated with tortoise, mother-of-pearl, bronze. The rooms of this period are decorated with porcelain from Russian and European factories. Numerous walnut-framed photographs adorned the walls.

The main type of dwelling is an apartment in an apartment building. Its design was often characterized by a mixture of styles, a combination of incongruous things only by the commonality of color, texture, etc. In general, the interior of this time (as well as architecture in general) was eclectic in nature. The rooms were sometimes more like an exhibition hall than a living space. nine0003

Pseudo-Russian style is coming into fashion. In many ways, this was facilitated by the architectural magazine "Architect". Country dachas were often built in this style (for example, Abramtsevo near Moscow). If the family lived in an apartment, one of the rooms, usually the dining room, could be decorated in the pseudo-Russian style. The walls and ceiling were sheathed with beech or oak panels, covered with carvings. Often there was a massive buffet in the dining room. The motifs of peasant embroidery were used in the decoration.

End 1890s, the Art Nouveau style (from French moderne - modern) is emerging, expressed in the rejection of imitation, straight lines and angles. Modern is smooth curved natural lines, new technologies. The Art Nouveau interior is distinguished by the unity of style, careful selection of items.

Crimson living room (1860-1870s) impresses with its pomp and luxury of the Louis XVI style, combined with the desire for convenience and comfort.

Crimson Drawing Room, 1860s Crimson Drawing Room, 1860s nine0002 Office (1880s) is eclectic. Here are collected different, often incompatible items. A similar interior could be in the house of a prestigious lawyer or financier.

Cabinet, 1880s

Dining room (1880-1890s) is made in the Russian style. An obligatory attribute was the chair "Arc, ax and mittens" by V.P. Shutov (1827-1887). After the All-Russian Exhibition in St. Petersburg in 1870, they gained immense popularity. Soon other craftsmen began to make similar pieces of furniture with various variations. nine0003 Canteen, 1880s-90s

Maple living room (1900s) is a fine example of Art Nouveau.

Maple living room, 1900s Maple living room, 1900s

Thus, the entire 19th century passed before our eyes: from the Empire style with its imitation of ancient culture at the beginning of the century, through the fascination with the styles of historicism in the middle of the century, eclecticism of the second half of the century and the unique, unlike anything modern at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries .

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