The timeless appeal of mid-century modern design has remained strong since its inception. Originating in the 1930s and lasting through the 1960s, this style continues to influence contemporary interior design. While some enthusiasts may seek out original mid-century pieces, there are plenty of modern furniture options that capture the essence of this iconic style. Interior designer Jenn Todryk has curated a selection of pieces that perfectly embody the mid-century modern aesthetic for a living room. From a wood sideboard with metal inlays to a petal table with a gold base, Todryk's choices showcase the classic features of traditional mid-century modern furniture.
Mid-century materials and shapes
Jenn Todryk's stunning statement piece for a mid-century-inspired living room is the Dustin Spiced Wood and Brass Inlay Cabinet from World Market. The dark-toned wood of this sideboard cabinet embodies the way original mid-century pieces utilized natural elements in their design. Plus, the decorative metal inlay with sleek linear designs on the doors is an example of mixing materials. Teak, oak, and beech are common varieties of wood used in mid-century modern furniture, beloved for their durability and rich colors. Using furniture in these wood varieties can also help give your home a mid-century look. This sideboard would be great storage for a living room, allowing you to store games, DVDs, and other items you want to keep out of sight.
Get inspired by original mid-century pieces
The Leilani White Marble Top Tulip Table is another of Todryk's picks. This table also mixes materials by using a brass base with a white marble tabletop. But it's the shape of the table that's truly evocative of the era. Tulip tables were created by Eero Saarinen in 1956 and quickly became an icon of the mid-century aesthetic. Though the Leilani table is meant for the dining room, it's small enough to use as a tall accent table, styled with a lamp and potted leafy plant. The Drum Storage Coffee Table from West Elm, another of Todryk's picks, has a sleek shape and mixes a brass finish with a walnut table top, creating a statement piece.
The simple and sleek Clayton Upholstered Sofa from Wayfair may seem like a standard choice. But Jenn Todryk showed that this pick has a mid-century influence, making it perfect for adding that style to your home. You can see the inspiration from the designs of Florence Knoll, which featured a slim platform and legs supporting a sleek, boxy sofa. While the original Knoll designs used a metal base, the Clayton sofa has a dark wood base, which is still very mid-century. Though the Clayton sofa has fluffy cushions, another way to add a mid-century style would be to choose a design with tufted cushions, similar to Knoll's designs.
Add mid-century in the small details
Lighting is a must-have element in any well-designed room. Jenn Todryk chose the Newport 12 Sputnik Modern Linear Chandelier from Wayfair. The angular light fixture takes inspiration from the original Sputnik chandelier designed by Gino Sarafatti, which has a star-like shape created by arms of various lengths jutting out from a central base. The Sputnik chandelier Todryk picked out has a similar geometric shape as well as a mixed-metal base and globe-shaped bulbs, which are also common in mid-century modern design. The Brightech Montage Modern Floor Lamp from Amazon that Todryk selected for this mid-century-inspired room has the sleek profile of many original mid-century modern lighting fixtures and a brass finish that calls back to the era.
The Beige Fading Herati Medallion Rug: A Touch of Color and Pattern
Introducing the Beige Fading Herati Medallion area rug from Rugs USA, a stunning piece that will breathe life into any room. This rug features a blend of earthy tones such as reds, oranges, and greens, all complemented by neutral colors. The design of this rug embodies mid-century aesthetics by incorporating elements of nature, making it a perfect addition to any modern living space.
Accessorizing with Style
To further enhance the room, Todryk pairs the rug with a set of decorative throw pillow covers featuring geometric prints. These pillow covers, along with a pillow adorned with fringe accents, add a touch of sophistication to the space. The neutral color palette of the pillows ensures that they seamlessly blend in with mid-century modern or contemporary decor styles.
Finishing Touches
To complete the look, Todryk selects a range of gold and wood accessories to accentuate the room. These include a sleek geometric wall shelf and a rounded, rectangular mirror, adding a touch of elegance and refinement to the overall design.
