How to Add Mid-Century Appeal to Your Bedroom
A contemporary take on the enduringly popular era’s iconic ideas that you can incorporate into your sleep space
The mid-century period, from the mid 1930s to the late 1960s, saw designers reaching for a new, post-war aesthetic geared towards clean lines, organic shapes, natural materials and contemporary patterns. Many of the resulting furniture designs and styles have become modern classics that we’re still happy to include in our homes today.
These tips show it’s easy to add mid-century modern appeal to your bedroom scheme. Key elements to look for include timber furniture with tapered legs, geometric print fabrics in sludgy colours and dramatic lighting. You don’t have to transform your bedroom into something that resembles a Mad Men set, but instead consider how to integrate your favourite aspects of mid-century design to create a relaxing and imaginative sleep space. Here are 10 ideas to get you started…
These tips show it’s easy to add mid-century modern appeal to your bedroom scheme. Key elements to look for include timber furniture with tapered legs, geometric print fabrics in sludgy colours and dramatic lighting. You don’t have to transform your bedroom into something that resembles a Mad Men set, but instead consider how to integrate your favourite aspects of mid-century design to create a relaxing and imaginative sleep space. Here are 10 ideas to get you started…
Dresser to impress
Get useful storage with a mid-century feel by incorporating a 1950s sideboard as a dresser in your bedroom. Offset the warm timber with cool-toned accessories, and bring nature inside with leafy plants like this fiddle-leaf fig.
Get useful storage with a mid-century feel by incorporating a 1950s sideboard as a dresser in your bedroom. Offset the warm timber with cool-toned accessories, and bring nature inside with leafy plants like this fiddle-leaf fig.
Better your bedside
A simple and elegant way to tweak your bedroom scheme to give it a mid-century twist is to choose timber bedside tables with slim drawers and peg legs. Find similar styles in vintage shops or look online. There are plenty of modern variations around, too.
A simple and elegant way to tweak your bedroom scheme to give it a mid-century twist is to choose timber bedside tables with slim drawers and peg legs. Find similar styles in vintage shops or look online. There are plenty of modern variations around, too.
Select statement lighting
Designers got creative with lighting during the mid-century period, so why not introduce some statement styles in your bedroom? Opt for large ceiling pendants or interesting bedside lamps in organic shapes and metal finishes.
Designers got creative with lighting during the mid-century period, so why not introduce some statement styles in your bedroom? Opt for large ceiling pendants or interesting bedside lamps in organic shapes and metal finishes.
Make it multi-functional
Danish designers of the time sought to create pieces that had both utilitarian and aesthetic merit. This timber bedhead with integrated bedside tables is typical of their brand of multi-functional style. Give your space a further mid-century boost with brass bedside lamps and a graphic print blind.
Danish designers of the time sought to create pieces that had both utilitarian and aesthetic merit. This timber bedhead with integrated bedside tables is typical of their brand of multi-functional style. Give your space a further mid-century boost with brass bedside lamps and a graphic print blind.
Incorporate iconic designs
For a hint of mid-century cool without going all-out, work in iconic designs from the period, such as an Anglepoise lamp or Eames chair.
For a hint of mid-century cool without going all-out, work in iconic designs from the period, such as an Anglepoise lamp or Eames chair.
Be good with wood
Timber-panelled walls were big in various styles of mid-century homes – from sleek teak in 1950s Palm Springs new builds (ideally combined with a rustic raw stone wall) to the timber-heavy internal architecture of mid-century Finnish designer Alvar Aalto’s home in Helsinki. The look works beautifully in the bedroom, where timber warmth will add a cosy layer.
Timber-panelled walls were big in various styles of mid-century homes – from sleek teak in 1950s Palm Springs new builds (ideally combined with a rustic raw stone wall) to the timber-heavy internal architecture of mid-century Finnish designer Alvar Aalto’s home in Helsinki. The look works beautifully in the bedroom, where timber warmth will add a cosy layer.
Balance dark timber
The favoured teak and walnut woods of this period can sap light, however, especially if your room isn’t particularly bright in the first place. Counter this by using pale, restful shades on the walls and soft furnishings. Although the pastel tones in this bedroom aren’t true to mid-century style, the subtle geometric print carpet and angular bedhead help the bedside table look at home.
The favoured teak and walnut woods of this period can sap light, however, especially if your room isn’t particularly bright in the first place. Counter this by using pale, restful shades on the walls and soft furnishings. Although the pastel tones in this bedroom aren’t true to mid-century style, the subtle geometric print carpet and angular bedhead help the bedside table look at home.
Mix your eras
Don’t be afraid to add elements of mid-century style even if your home was built in a different era. The bedroom in this Victorian house has a mid-century feel thanks to the clean lines of the bedhead and chair combined with bold prints and a glass pendant light.
Don’t be afraid to add elements of mid-century style even if your home was built in a different era. The bedroom in this Victorian house has a mid-century feel thanks to the clean lines of the bedhead and chair combined with bold prints and a glass pendant light.
Do your own thing
If you’re attracted to the overall aesthetic of the period but aren’t after an ‘authentic’ interpretation, look for contemporary pieces that echo mid-century shapes. Furniture with tapered legs, neat upholstery and bright patterns will give you the look without the hassle of sourcing originals.
TELL US
What touches do you think make for a beautiful mid-century-inspired bedroom? Share your ideas in the Comments.
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If you’re attracted to the overall aesthetic of the period but aren’t after an ‘authentic’ interpretation, look for contemporary pieces that echo mid-century shapes. Furniture with tapered legs, neat upholstery and bright patterns will give you the look without the hassle of sourcing originals.
TELL US
What touches do you think make for a beautiful mid-century-inspired bedroom? Share your ideas in the Comments.
MORE
The mid-century modern palette centred on earthy tones found in nature, such as greens, yellows and browns. Choose warm-coloured linens and upholstery and combine with timber furniture and white walls for an authentic effect that still feels fresh.