A Mid-Century Modern Mix in the Living Room

The living room is the center of family life for many people. It’s where we gather to eat, spend time with friends and watch TV on the couch. For those looking for a fresh new …

The living room is the center of family life for many people. It’s where we gather to eat, spend time with friends and watch TV on the couch. For those looking for a fresh new look in their living room, here are some tips for incorporating mid-century modernism into your home. 

The mid-century design has been around since the 1950s, but it never really went out of style! You’ll notice that this trend features clean lines and simple shapes–think lots of straight lines and squares. The furniture tends to be made from natural materials like wood or leather and reflects current color palettes with blues, greens, yellows, and oranges mixed beautifully. The article guides you on how to use these colors to infuse mid-century modernism into your living room.

 

Simple and Sleek Furniture

Try to fill the space with clean and simple furniture pieces made from natural materials or include an unexpected color, like a bright yellow sofa in the corner. This is all about creating contrast! You can also add colors by using pillows and throws on sofas or chairs. Shaggy texture area rugs will also help transition that space and add some warmth to the room. A mix of retro and modern touches is all simple and sleek furnishing needs.

 

Keep It Sparse 

Also, make sure you don’t over decorate! Mid-century modernists wanted their homes to be functional and have many open spaces, so keep it sparse by avoiding adding too many items on shelves or tables. Focus instead on displaying a few pieces at a time. Over decor makes the room feel small and cluttered. It also makes it harder to appreciate the design. A few accessories are key. Furthermore, The simple combo of a striped or animal pattern rug with an overstuffed white armchair and a modern coffee table creates the perfect balance between mid-century style and minimalist decorating. Add some artwork for the color, or pick up one of our many frames to display your favorite print inside it!

 

Different Styles and Colors of Lighting

If you’re less concerned with mixing styles, play around with different colors for your lamps and light fixtures in the living room to create a unique setting that reflects your taste! A bright orange lamp mixed against a dark brown sofa creates an inviting contrast while emphasizing clean lines. The great thing about mid-century modern living rooms is that they can be styled for any occasion, from family gatherings to romantic evenings. Take your time when designing the perfect space! The design of a room sets the tone for all other aspects of life within those walls.

 

Don’t Forget to Cover the Floors.

Floors are as necessary as the decor in the living room. Consider adding an area rug under your coffee table or next to your sofa as a way of grounding the room and tying everything together with color, pattern, texture, and material. Choose a light and airy rug, or go with hardwood floors to match any mid-century modern style. Placing some colorful modern rugs with stripes or bold patterns can help to define the room and make it more inviting. You can also place two or three contrasting pattern rugs in the room to create a sense of coziness.

 

Maintain a Consistent Palette

Keeping your entire living space decorated in a consistent mid-century modern palette will allow you to use each item as an accessory rather than an independent piece of furniture. You can try mixing colors or keeping everything one color for consistency; either way, this will keep your living room feeling balanced. Balance and coordination are the keys to a successful mid-century modern living room. If you choose two contrasting shades, try to balance them using complementary colors. If you opt for natural wood, then stain it dark or paint the walls a deep color; this will bring out the warmth of both materials and create an inviting space. Keeping your living room contemporary is all about maintaining simplicity with durable designs.

 

Maintain a Consistent Pattern

If you’re going with one color palette to decorate the entire space, make sure that all patterns are consistent and complementary. You can mix two or three different prints to create visual interest orderly; alternatively, use just one type of print and change the scale or placement. Patterns can also be mixed by using different styles.

 

Smaller Pieces Can Make Big Statements in Small Spaces

In small spaces, it can be tempting to fill them with furniture and accessories. But this often means that the space is cluttered and feels overly cramped. Instead, use smaller pieces of furniture like a coffee table or sofa in your small living room so you can create more open floor space for breathing room.

 

Use Decor That Plays Well With Other Styles

The best way to create a cohesive living room space that is interesting and visually engaging without being overly cluttered is to mix different decor styles. Pick out one particular style like mid-century modern or traditional furniture, then look for pieces in other popular styles such as a coastal cottage or bohemian chic. The keyword here is PLAYFUL:

  • Play with the proportions of the furniture in your living room.
  • Play with different colors and textures of decor.
  • Aim for an overall eclectic yet cohesive look.

One great way to create a fun mix is by mixing modern pieces like sleek lines and bright colors with traditional details such as soft yellow walls or earthy wooden end tables. This will give you that mid-century modern mix you’re looking for.

 

Don’t Forget to Add Accessories.

Accessories like throw blankets, plants, and accent pillows will put your look over the edge with that last finishing touch! These small additions can make a huge difference in how inviting your living room feels. Put colorful cushions on the floor or a cozy blanket on the couch for an inviting feel that invites people to sit and stay.

 

Lighting is Important Too

It’s important to have the right light at all hours of the day, so you’ll want to consider adding lamps that can be moved around or added in new places. You might also want task lighting on a table by your favorite reading chair for when it’s time to settle down with a book!

 

In the End

You can find all of the Mid-Century Modern rugs you need for your living room at RugKnots. They have a wide selection of modern styles, including geometric patterns and bold colors that are perfect for any home style. Get started with our easy-to-use guide on how to choose rug sizes, or visit their website today!