Mid-Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Mid-century modern design evolved during the middle of the 20th century. It is known for the use of flat panes, a strong connection to nature, an expanse of glass, wood, or metal, and fine craftsmanship. It celebrates flowing, organic forms, and contemporary patterns.

Furniture of this style typically has the following characteristics:

• An emphasis on function and practicality.
• Organic influences in the structure and craftsmanship.
• Simple styles with classic design in the form of gentle curves and straight, sleek lines.
• Tapered legs and fun geometric shapes.
• Colours ranging from bright candy shades to neutral, earthy hues.
• The ability to appeal to varied preferences and requirements

Over the years, this style has remained widely popular. This is due in part to the classic shapes and timeless designs incorporated in each piece. Because of this, mid-century modern furniture can easily blend with other styles. Building your collection piece by piece is an effective way of adding to your home.

The artisans at Carrocel have the skills to help you choose pieces that reflect your style and complement the decor of your home. Whether you wish to blend mid-century sets with other furniture or design an entirely new space with signature architectural lines from the 20th century, we will be happy to assist you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mid-Century Modern Furniture

How Can I Tell If a Piece of Furniture is Mid-Century Modern?

Mid-century modern furniture is synonymous with clean lines, classic shapes, and open sides. It is often made from solid wood, notably teak, beech, elm, and rosewood. Metal, fibreglass, and plastic pieces are also available, as are those with veneers. When purchasing mid-century modern furniture, pay close attention to the finish. Designers of the era placed heavy emphasis on quality, such as the use of dovetail joints.

What is Mid-Century Modern Furniture Made Of?

Diversity was a key factor in mid-century modern design. For this reason, different materials were used to emphasize their distinct qualities. New materials such as glass, vinyl, metal, and plywood were commonly used to offset wood and add a unique look. A piece would typically have two materials and colours to create tension and harmony while avoiding superfluous ornamentation. The most common material used to create this furniture was teak and oak, as they offered great strength and durability.

How is Mid-Century Modern Different Than Mid-Century Furniture?

Despite their similar names, mid-century and mid-century modern furniture are not the same thing. When looked at more closely, you’ll be surprised to find there is a world of difference. Mid-century modern (MCM) refers to a design movement that gained popularity after WWII in 1945. Modern design, on the other hand, was originated in the 1930s by key figures such as Le Corbusier and is a precursor to MCM. It is based on the philosophy of “simple form and function,” which gave rise to mid-century modern design.