Mid-century modern furniture is experiencing a revival in popularity. This style of furniture was popularized in the mid-20th century after the Second World War. The popularity of this furniture style can be attributed to its simplistic yet elegant design as well as its emphasis on functionality. This article will explore the characteristics that define mid-century modern furniture and how to identify these pieces.

Identifying Mid-Century Modern Furniture

The mid-century modern furniture style is characterized by a few defining features. These features consist of clean lines, a focus on simplicity, bold colors, and the use of natural materials.

Characteristics of Mid-century Modern Furniture

Clean Lines
The clean lines in mid-century modern furniture are often straight and crisp. The furniture is designed to be minimalistic while still being functional. Unlike ornamental furniture styles, mid-century modern furniture has a sleek and elegant design that compliments modern architecture.

Focus on Simplicity
The design of mid-century modern furniture is based on the principle of simplicity. The furniture is not adorned with complex designs or decorative elements. Instead, designers focus on creating simplistic and practical designs that are much easier to manufacture.

Bold Colors
Mid-century modern furniture designers often use bold colors when creating their designs. These designers opt for hues such as orange, turquoise, and olive green, as well as other bold colors that are more relaxed than the bright colors of the Art Deco era.

Natural Materials
Mid-century modern furniture is often constructed with natural materials such as wood, iron, and steel. The use of these materials gives the furniture a more organic and natural look, distinguishing them from furniture styles that use more synthetic materials.

Identifying Mid-century Modern Furniture

When you’re looking to identify mid-century modern furniture, there are a few things to consider. Here are some tips to help you identify mid-century modern furniture:

Look for Simple Designs
Mid-century modern furniture was designed with simplicity in mind. Look for clean lines, small details, and no ornamental accents. Furniture pieces that have complex designs and intricate details are unlikely to be mid-century modern.

Check for Natural Materials
As mentioned earlier, mid-century modern furniture is typically constructed of natural materials. Look for pieces made of wood, iron, or steel as these are some of the most popular materials used in mid-century modern furniture. Additionally, look for pieces made of teak, walnut, and rosewood as they were highly popular during the mid-century modern era.

Avoid Elaborate Upholstery
When looking for mid-century modern furniture, you should check the upholstery. Avoid pieces with ornamental or busy upholstery. Instead, go for furniture with solid colors or simple patterns.

Be Mindful of Colors
Mid-century modern furniture is known for its bold and bright colors. Look for furniture pieces that have a rich and vibrant color scheme. The colors should be bright but not gaudy.

Check the Legs
Another way to identify mid-century modern furniture is by looking at the legs. The furniture style often has legs that are angled outwards, which gives a modern and sleek look. The legs often have brass or metal detailing.

FAQs

Is mid-century modern furniture expensive?

It depends on the piece of furniture and its condition. Mid-century modern furniture can be found at various price points, with some pieces being more expensive than others. However, it’s possible to find pieces that are affordable, especially if you’re willing to buy used items.

Where can I buy mid-century modern furniture?

You can buy mid-century modern furniture from specialty furniture stores that specialize in vintage or new mid-century modern furniture. You can also find pieces on online marketplaces, such as eBay or Etsy. Additionally, you might be able to find pieces at an estate sale or thrift store.

How do I care for my mid-century modern furniture?

Caring for mid-century modern furniture is relatively easy. First, avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners on the furniture. Instead, use gentle cleaning products like mild soap and water to clean surfaces. Second, avoid placing the furniture in direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and discoloration. Lastly, be mindful of the humidity in your home, as excess humidity can cause the furniture to warp and crack.

In conclusion, mid-century modern furniture is a unique furniture style that highlights simplicity, clean lines, bold colors, and natural materials. By following the tips shared above, you should be able to identify mid-century modern furniture pieces effectively. Additionally, remember to care for your mid-century modern furniture pieces properly to ensure their longevity.