Cheekily dubbed by some critics as “The Pumpkin Spice Latte of Interior Design,” midcentury modern style is everywhere you look. It’s popping up on Instagram feeds, it’s cushioning guests on TV talk shows, it’s peppering the pages of West Elm catalogs, and — of course — it’s all over our homes.
The design trend was mentioned by The New York Times in 1998, and — more than two decades later — midcentury modern is arguably more popular than ever.
Its enduring popularity might be attributed to the fact that midcentury modern encompasses a wide period of many different schools and movements. “Every major country had a midcentury-modern period, with the American and Danish styles being the most popular in the U.S.,” explains Sarah Stacey, an interior designer based in Austin, Texas.
Midcentury Modern Design: A Quick Overview
What is a midcentury modern design, exactly? While an exact definition is hard to pin down, the term broadly refers to the dominant architecture, furniture and graphic design from about 1933 to 1965. Playing into our obsession with clean, minimalist spaces, midcentury modern is characterized by simple, functional pieces with angular, sleek lines. Midcentury furniture is often made of teak and other types of wood, interspersed with manmade materials like vinyl and plastic. Playful use of color is common, often serving as a bold accent or a way to make a piece of furniture stand out in a room.
One of the most recognizable features of the midcentury modern aesthetic is the short, round, angled wooden legs that define the furniture of the era. Midcentury furniture legs are elegant and practical, characterized by a sturdy, tapered design that supports furniture while opening up the space beneath.
“[Midcentury modern] has elements that are appealing in any era,” said Cameron Stewart, a senior project designer at a Los Angeles-based design firm. “It’s colorful, warm, fun and sleek.”
If you’re thinking of incorporating midcentury furniture into your home, Stacey recommends striking a balance by layering midcentury modern elements with furniture and accents from other styles and periods. To help you add a pinch or two of retro flair to your home, here are some midcentury furniture picks for your bedroom, living room, office and garden.
Note: Products reflect the price and availability at the time of publication.
Midcentury Modern Bedroom Furniture
Amiliya Modern Solid Wood Detailed Dresser
With its streamlined, sleek lines and geometric shape, this dresser gives off a decidedly midcentury modern vibe. Its peg-style legs exemplify the bold look of the aesthetic. The quintessentially midcentury furniture legs, combined with the stark contrast of dark wood handles against clean wood drawers, make this piece pop.
Price: $369.99 at Wayfair.com
Stockholm Mirror
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/ikea-stockholm-mirror.png)
This stylish Stockholm mirror is from Ikea, a brand synonymous with simple, affordable midcentury-inspired furniture. With its simple shape and natural walnut veneer, this mirror would pair harmoniously with the above-mentioned dresser.
Price: $119 at Ikea.com
Midcentury Modern Platform Bed
![Midcentury Modern Platform Bed](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Midcentury-Modern-Platform-Bed.png)
The tufting on this bed frame’s upholstered headboard is typical in midcentury modern design — as are the peg legs holding up the sturdy, dark walnut wooden frame. Reviewers rave that this exemplary piece of midcentury modern bedroom furniture is “easy to assemble” and “beautiful” with “plenty of storage space.”
Price: $569.05 and up at Walmart.com
DIY Midcentury Furniture Legs
![DIY Midcentury Furniture Legs](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/DIY-Midcentury-Furniture-Legs.png)
Like we said, if there was a single defining element of the midcentury aesthetic, it might have been tapered furniture legs. If you’re feeling crafty, you can transform your existing bed, nightstand or dresser into a midcentury masterpiece with these DIY midcentury furniture legs. The set of four wooden legs comes pre-drilled to make installation a breeze.
Price: $29.99 at Amazon.com
Midcentury Modern Living Room Furniture
Midcentury Modern Sofa
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/christopher-knight.jpg)
One of the many, many things we love about midcentury modern living room furniture is its affordability. Case and point: this upholstered sofa. Its got wooden sides, a button-tufted design and wooden peg legs — all hallmarks of the midcentury aesthetic.
Price: $434.49 at Amazon.com
Carson Carrington Nynashamn TV Stand
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/bed-bath-and-beyond.png)
With its open, functional, utilitarian design, this stylish TV stand oozes midcentury modern charm. Despite looking like it was plucked straight out of the ‘50s, the sturdy stand is built to handle your ultramodern widescreen TV.
Price: $295.99 and up at Bedbathandbeyond.com
Amoeba Coffee Table
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/article-table.png)
Online-only furniture retailer Article is another reliable source of midcentury modern furniture — like this solid wood Amoeba coffee table. Reviewers rave that its wood grain finish is “beautiful” and its quality “surpasses expectations.”
Price: $299 at Article.com
Modern George Nelson Sunburst Clock
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/sunburst-clock.jpg)
Crown your midcentury living room with the most classic of décor pieces: the clock. With its warm colors and traditional starburst design, this wood clock is a true statement piece. It’s available in a few different midcentury-inspired iterations, including a version with colorful balls and blocks.
Price: $199.99 at Amazon.com
Midcentury Modern Outdoor Furniture
Best Choice Products Acapulco All-Weather Patio Bistro Set
![Best Choice Products 3-Piece Outdoor Acapulco All-Weather Patio Conversation Bistro Set](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Best-Choice-Products-3-Piece-Outdoor-Acapulco-All-Weather-Patio-Conversation-Bistro-Set.png)
No roundup of midcentury modern outdoor furniture would be complete without a set of Acapulco chairs. This three-piece set includes two classic Acapulco string seats and a table and is budget-friendly to boot.
Price: $179.99 at Amazon.com
UBesGoo Patio Lounge Set with Cushions
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/patio-lounge-set.png)
Looking for the perfect backyard barbecue hosting piece? Let us introduce you to this elegant three-piece long set. It’s made of solid pinewood and includes a middle sofa, a corner sofa and a footrest. Your guests will be racing for a spot on one of its plump tufted cushions.
Price: $355.99 at Walmart.com
Armond Outdoor Acacia Chaise Lounge Set
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/wayfair-chaise-lounger.png)
This set of curvy lounge chairs is made from acacia wood. They’re perfect for lounging by the pool with a sea breeze or sloe gin fizz. Think Don Draper on a business trip to California-style.
Price: $306.99 at Wayfair.com
Midcentury Modern Office Furniture
Leon Midcentury Desk
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/target-desk.png)
You might be surprised to learn that Target is a treasure trove of midcentury modern furniture — like this sleek wood writing desk. Its natural composition, tapered midcentury furniture legs and simple design are stylish hallmarks of the trend.
Price: $259.99 at Target.com
Svelti Chair
![](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/article-chair.png)
Another midcentury win from Article, this pink office chair will add a bit of ‘50s pizazz to your office. Reviewers rave that this piece of midcentury modern office furniture is “supportive yet minimal and aesthetically pleasing,” in addition to being “very easy to assemble.”
Price: $89 at Article.com
Midcentury Turned Wood Tabletop Planters
![Mid-Century Turned Wood Tabletop Planters](https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Mid-Century-Turned-Wood-Tabletop-Planters.png)
Nothing energizes a home office like a plant or five. This midcentury wood planter is ideal for sitting atop your desk and serving as a home for your houseplant (er, we mean office plant).
Price: $31.20 and up at Westelm.com
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