The mid-century modern look is in, and this style combines clean lines and organic shapes with a combination of function and magnificence. But turning your living quarters into a midcentury haven need not stop at the furniture. Wall decor has the ability to add a finishing touch to a room’s ambiance without overwhelming the space. From iconic geometric patterns to elemental wooden elements, these ten wall art ideas should bring a little of that lovely mid-century modern vibe into your house.
What Makes Mid-Century Modern Design So Special
Before we get to the tips, what is it about mid-century modern design that makes it so classic?
It’s an iconic design movement, having been in and out of fashion for much of the 20th century (roughly ’45–’69), characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and quality of materials. Key elements include sleek furniture, natural materials such as wood and metal, and bright pops of color juxtaposed with neutral palettes. Decorating walls by way of this design style provides the possibility for one to be creative with both flexibility and flair.Commanding Favorite NookThe distinctive appeal of chesterfield furniture is the fact that the pattern and texture in which it is done up, leaves you feeling simply awestruck!
Geometric Artwork
Geometric patterns and abstract shapes are common on these mid-century modern tables, another feature of this design style. Decorate your walls with artwork that takes bold, clean shapes and pairs them with arresting color combinations, such as mustard yellow, teal and burnt orange. Unfortunately prints in this style can be quite expensive, but you can get them quite easily online- you can alternatively commission a local artist or try your hand at creating something unique.
Pro Tip
To create a coherent vibe, coordinate the colors in your artwork with your room’s accents, such as throw pillows, curtains or rugs.
Starburst Wall Clocks
When it comes to mid-century modern, nothing says it quite like a starburst clock. These are statement pieces and obviously remind me of retro stuff but they are functional and stylish in our homes. Offered in materials such as gold, brass, and wood, these clocks add an air of elegance to your home and serve the purpose of a headset, simultaneously.
Placement Idea
Hang it in the dining room against a sideboard for interactive impact.
Wooden Wall Panels
One of the fundamental aspects of mid-century modern decor is wood. Wooden wall details add dimension and warmth. Consider midcentury wall panels or straightforward slatted designs in walnut, rosewood or teak for an arresting — yet natural — effect.
Tip on Style
If you’re looking to go minimal with the approach, don’t cover entire walls with paneling. Choose a half-wall accent instead.
Sculptural Wall Decor
Similar ultra-modern and abstract designs of wall mountable sculptures can upgrade a room in no time at all and become the focal point of any modern, fresh design. Think copper, aluminum or brass figurines that again celebrate the period’s passion for streamlined shapes and metal detailing.
Example
For classic mid-century vibes, try sculptures with atomic star designs or flowy organic shapes that mimic nature.
Sunburst Mirrors
Like the starburst clockie, the sunburst mirror is a quintessential mid-century modern accessory. Its reflective quality and radiating spokes of glistening gold, brass or bronze add a welcoming pop of personality to a blank wall.
Perfect Placement
They work well to add light to a hallway, living room or over a mid-century modern credenza as well.
Iconic Patterned Wallpapers
Transform a blank wall into a mid-century inspired focal point with patterned wallpaper that became popular in the ’50s and ’60s. Imagine bold geometric prints, atomic patterns or boomerang designs.
Bold yet Balanced
Although wallpaper can change the entire mood of a room, balance is essential. Apply it on an accent wall to prevent the pattern from taking over the space.
Mid-Century Knick Knacks On Floating Shelves
Wall shelves don’t have to be stuffy and heavy; when combined with carefully chosen items, casual floating wall shelves serve the same amount of function while reading much more clean and minimal. Model your fabulous mid-century modern ceramics, small sculptures, or vintage books on them.
Material Selection
Opt for shelves in natural wood finishes like walnut or oak for an authentic mid-century feel.
Oversized Vintage Maps or Abstract Murals
Add a bit of nostalgia with vintage map prints or bright, abstract wall murals. Frames big maps of vintage hot spots countries or cities loved in mid-century for a double dose of eye candy and nostalgia. However abstract murals bring a sense of creativity to a blank space.
Ideal Setting
Both of these little touches are a good fit in a home office or study.
Woven Wall Hangings
Macrame and woven wall hangings bring texture and softens featureless clean lines and hard angles that are typically associated with mid-century settings. Look for things with neutral, brown, and/or minimal patterns.
Where to Display
Place a woven wall hanging in the living room above your couch or next to a child’s desk to allow for a casually chic atmosphere Or between a piece of furniture and a mirror or in a narrow passageway.
Mid-Century-Inspired Lighting
You might not immediately consider wall sconces in the context of wall decor, but in midcentury design, sconces, and other mounted lighting, have a visual impact that’s hard to match. Choose adjustable arm, cone-shaped or brass options featuring clean, geometric silhouettes.
Functionality Bonus
Not only are these lighting pieces decorative, but they also provide useable mood lighting in a home office or a reading corner.
Injecting Personality into Your Midcentury Modern Home
These wall decor decisions not only ground your mid-century modern decorating concept, but also leave plenty of room for individual expression as you come up with your own way of incorporating these delightful elements. These design ideas are flexible and can be layered and combined to create the perfect individual look for your home.
When selecting items, marry your wall components alongside furniture, lighting, and accent pieces that echo mid-century mod design. It doesn’t have to be a full overhaul of your home overnight — start with a couple thoughtfully chosen items and build from there.
Design Inspiration Wanted? And be sure to check back for our next round of posts featuring famous mid-century furniture pieces, and how to complete a room.
FAQ
Q: How is mid-century modern design described?
Q: What is “mid-century modern design?” A: Mid-century modern design typically includes straight lines, organic forms, minimal ornamentation, and practical use. It tends to showcase natural materials, bright colors, and iconic furniture from the middle of the 20th century.
Q: How do I get the mid-century modern look in my home?
A: Begin by incorporating furnishings with tapered legs, as well as neutrals and pops of color, and stylish light fixtures. Concentrate on balancing the elements and keeping your design as simple as possible as you fill it with organic and geometric shapes.
Q: Can I mix midcentury modern with other design styles?
A: Absolutely! Mid-century modern looks great with modern, scandinavian and industrial style. Mixing styles in a room can make for a personal and unique environment, as long as the end result is in harmony.
Q:A: Where can I buy real, not fake, midcentury furniture?
A: Search vintage, online marketplace and specialty furniture stores. If you’re on a budget, or if you want to give a classic design a modern interpretation, reliable reproductions are easy to come by.
Q: What are the typical colors found in mid-century modern furniture?
A: You’ll often see earthy colors, including olive green, mustard yellow and burnt orange, balanced by neutrals like white, gray and beige. ContrAST can also be added by using accent colors such as teal or navy blue.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.