Have you ever wondered why mid-century modern design continues to make its way into our homes, even decades after its peak? Why has it endured for so long while other styles have fallen out of favor?
Mid-century modern interior design and furnishings are simple, functional, and integrated with nature, sharing many characteristics with mission furniture. These similarities mean mission furniture can be the perfect addition to mid-century modern spaces, creating a seamless blend between two styles.
If you’re interested in bringing some classic charm and vintage flair to your home, keep reading to learn more about the principles of mid-century modern design, how mission furniture fits in, and tips for combining the two styles.
What Is Mid-Century Modern Design?
Like the name suggests, mid-century modern design has its roots in the mid-20th century. Taking inspiration from the Bauhaus movement and Scandinavian design, this new style revolutionized interior design, architecture, product design, graphic design, and urban development from about 1945 to 1970.
As this style began to take shape, its defining features became clear:
- Clean lines and geometric forms
- Organic and functional design
- Use of natural materials like wood, leather, glass, metal, and wool
- Neutral tones paired with bold accent colors
- Minimal ornamentation
Mid-century modern furniture includes low-profile sofas and chairs, tapered legs, multi-functional pieces, and an emphasis on craftsmanship. Color palettes feature pops of mustard, orange, or teal along with warm neutrals like cream and beige, blending seamlessly with natural wood tones.
Enduring Appeal
Part of mid-century modern’s enduring appeal is due to a concept known as retrofuturism: the way people of the past imagined the future. Looking back on this time period, we can see that mid-century modern design is at once charmingly old-fashioned, yet still feels at home in our world even 70 years later thanks to its almost futuristic features.
How Mission Furniture Complements Mid-Century Modern Design
If you’re looking for ways to refresh your home, consider the power of mission furniture. Its clean lines and timeless appeal makes it suitable for use with nearly any design style, including mid-century modern.
In fact, the two styles have a lot in common, from their natural materials to their emphasis on functionality to the way they celebrate expert craftsmanship. With so much overlap between the two furniture styles, it’s a match made in interior design heaven.
Tips for Designing a Mid-Century Modern Room with Mission Furniture
Whether you’re just beginning to incorporate mid-century modern elements into your home or you live in a 1960s time capsule, mission furniture is an excellent choice. Here’s some tips for creating a seamless blend:
Focus on Visual Harmony and Balance
Both mission and mid-century modern emphasize simplicity. When it comes to interior design, less is more. Keep the space free of visual clutter and don’t be afraid of open areas — not every square inch needs to be filled.
To achieve a balance between the two styles, try opting for mission furniture and mid-century modern decor, or vice versa. You can also choose complementary furniture pieces from each style to create a timeless base, and then add accessories and decor that express your personality.
Form Follows Function
Furniture following each of these styles is built with functionality in mind. The result is comfortable, convenient, and innovative pieces that blend aesthetics with utility. If something doesn’t make your life easier or enhance the space, let it go.
Quality is more important than quantity, so look for pieces that are built to last. By opting for solid wood furniture that will stand the test of time, you’re contributing to a more sustainable, eco-friendly future — plus, you’ll save money on repairs and replacements.
Add Textures, Accents, and Accessories
No home is complete without a bit of character. Add various textures with throw pillows, rugs, and curtains with classic mid-century patterns, tying everything together and making the space feel more inviting.
Mid-century decor often features abstract art, geometric shapes, and simple lighting fixtures. Look for eye-catching pieces and vintage treasures to complete the look.
Mission Furniture in Salt Lake City, Utah
Sugar House Furniture is your destination for quality mission furniture that will stand the test of time. Whether you want to refresh a single room or transform your entire home, we have the beautiful and durable furniture you’ve been searching for.
Contact us today for more information or drop by our showroom in Salt Lake City, Utah to browse our full range of furniture.
