If you’re interested in upgrading your interior decorating style, consider purchasing some mid-century modern furniture. These unique designs can be seen across the pages of architecture magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram. Here is a beginner’s guide to help you get started on integrating mid-century modern decor into your home. 

A Homeowners’ Guide to Mid-Century Modern Furniture 

History 

Mid-century modern furniture emulates the styles of the 1940s through the 1960s. Some pieces are vintage while many are just inspired from the period but manufactured more recently. When World War ll ended and people began moving to cities in large numbers, the need for modern furniture significantly increased. Designers made use of materials that were previously unavailable due to war-time shortages or ones that were just being discovered and created.

Materials

Clear plexiglass, white fiberglass, and wood molding techniques became popular at this time. These designs often feature bold angles and lines, like a thick velvet couch with rounded square edges and spindly wooden legs, for example. Glass-topped tables were popular as were metals and bold colors. Coffee tables, couches and lamps all featured woods, but there were no clear favorite stains. Some designers used wood that had been painted white or a bold hue like red while others stuck with natural maple, mahogany, or oak. 

Shapes

Furniture is always the focal point of a mid-century modern home, rather than accessories. Designers often used contrasting elements to draw attention to a piece. For example, a bar cart might have brass tubular pipes that hold ceramic trays of liqueurs, drink mixers and glasses. Or, they might design a four-shelf square storage unit on thin metal paperclip-like legs. 

Homeowners near Cincinnati or Dayton, OH, looking for mid-century modern furniture to upgrade their house should contact BOVA Contemporary Furniture in Cincinnati to learn about their impressive inventory. The family-owned business has operated since 1985 and is the largest of its kind within 100 miles. Call (513) 247-9100 or visit the website for information on their lighting, accessories and modern furniture for the office, bedroom, living and dining rooms. Check out the store with this virtual tour!