Your Guide to Mid Century Modern Interior Design

At its core, Mid-Century Modern (MCM) design emerged in the mid-20th century, spanning roughly from the 1940s to the 1960s. It was a response to a rapidly changing world—born from a post-war era that embraced innovation, functionality, and accessibility. Designers sought to create spaces and furnishings that were practical yet beautiful, rejecting excess ornamentation in favor of clean lines, organic shapes, and a seamless fusion of form and function.

Initially rooted in architecture, the movement quickly influenced furniture, decor, and even graphic design. The result? A style that remains as fresh and relevant today as it was decades ago. The enduring appeal of Mid-Century Modern style lies in its ability to balance retro charm with contemporary sensibility—perfect for those who appreciate timeless elegance with a modern edge.

Defined by its sleek simplicity and timeless appeal, this iconic design style blends form and function in a way that still feels fresh today. Favoring clean lines, organic shapes, and an emphasis on practicality, whether through furnishings or wallpaper, mid-century modern interiors offer a perfect blend of warmth, sophistication, and everyday usability. At its core, mid-century modern design follows four key principles:

One of the most recognizable elements of the style is the dark wood type. Teak, oak, and rosewood were associated with being durable and of high quality and were the preferred woods used by designers of the movement.

Another defining feature of Mid-Century Modern design is its distinctive use of shape and form across furniture and decor. The style embraces a balance of simplicity and sophistication, characterized by clean, unembellished lines, graceful curves, and bold geometric angles, as seen in our Compose wall mural—these shapes are essential to achieving the unmistakable MCM aesthetic.

Each piece is designed for practicality - items were made with function in mind and built to be used in everyday life; they were not heavily ornate or “saved for best”, as would have been the case in the previous decades. Popular pieces from the design movement are chairs, sideboards, display cabinets, and desks - all functional to home life in the 1960s.

Mid-Century Modern design strikes a perfect balance between muted tones and bold, vibrant hues. Earthy shades like mustard yellow, olive green, and burnt orange pair seamlessly with deep teals and rich blues, creating a warm yet dynamic palette. While the overall aesthetic leans toward simplicity, the style embraces bold color—especially when paired with geometric patterns.

Mid-Century and Mid-Century Modern are closely related design styles, but they’re not exactly the same. Both originated in the middle of the 20th century and share a timeless appeal, yet they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

Mid-Century design refers broadly to styles from the 1930s to the 1960s. It’s a transitional blend of traditional and modern influences, featuring a mix of natural materials like wood and leather alongside newer industrial materials like metal and glass. This style often incorporates organic shapes, curved lines, and richer color palettes with jewel tones or darker woods such as walnut and teak.

On the other hand, Mid-Century Modern is more specific and focuses on the minimalist, functional design principles of the 1940s through the 1970s. Clean lines, geometric shapes, and a streamlined aesthetic are central to this style, which Prioritizes function over decoration. Materials like fibreglass and tubular steel reflect the post-war innovation of the era, while color palettes tend to be lighter and brighter, often featuring playful pops of mustard yellow, teal, or orange.

While both styles share iconic furniture styles and a love for blending natural and industrial materials, their differences lie in philosophy and execution. Mid-Century design is more eclectic and transitional, whereas Mid-Century Modern embraces simplicity and the mantra of "form follows function."

So, we’ve considered the materials and form of the design style, but what are mid-century modern colors? The predominant palette consists of muted, warm colors such as taupes, browns, neutrals, grays, and off-whites, accented with bolder, brighter greens, oranges, navy blues, and mustard yellows. Again, this reflects the development of the modern home in interior design and new confidence in experimenting with color.

Otto and Jazz White are great examples of mid-century modern neutral tones, whereas Hairpin Dark shows that the design style can also handle moodier, darker colors.

A Mid-Century Modern interior design style can seamlessly blend into a contemporary home, adding a sophisticated yet effortlessly cool aesthetic. Its clean lines, functional forms, and warm materials make it a timeless choice that feels both stylish and inviting.

Catherine Jacob, Head of Design at Hovia, shares her perspective:
“Mid-century modern is one of those trends that has truly stood the test of time. With effortless clean lines and simple shapes, the style is minimal at its core but is often softened by warm wood materials and a rich color palette. For a modern approach to the post-war style, incorporate a select few iconic furniture pieces from the era and pair with simple geometric patterns in up-to-date neutral tones to add depth and warmth.”

To help you achieve the perfect Mid-Century Modern look, we asked the Hovia design team to share their top decorating tips:

Select one or two well-made furniture pieces in classic Mid-Century Modern woods like teak, walnut, or rosewood. Avoid overcrowding the space—authentic MCM pieces were designed with simplicity in mind and may not accommodate modern technology or excessive wiring. Keep it functional and streamlined.

Hunting for original Mid-Century Modern furniture in vintage and antique shops adds authenticity to your space. While these pieces may cost more than mass-produced alternatives, they offer superior craftsmanship and lasting quality—making them a worthwhile investment.

Mid-Century Modern design embraces rich, striking colors. Choose bold hues for walls, artwork, and textiles, or opt for a statement wall with a geometric mural like Albers to bring energy and depth to the room.

MCM interiors blend organic and industrial materials effortlessly. Combine wood, metal, glass, and vinyl with soft, textured elements like bouclé, leather, or flat-weave fabrics for a cozy yet refined aesthetic.

Mid-Century Modern pairs beautifully with styles like Art Deco and vintage, but avoid excessive decor—clutter disrupts its clean, functional appeal. Stick to well-chosen statement pieces and let simplicity shine.