All About Mid Century Modern - From Meaning to Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs

Trend alert: Mid century modern design.Stating mid century modern design has revived would be an understatement.It's hit such an outstanding appealthat it's even been compared to the trendy Pumpkin Spice Coffee! With the style found just about anywhere, from design houses to retailers, the meaning may get diluted.

Asking yourself exactly what mid century modern is?It's time to do some research! For today’s blog post, you’ll learn all about mid century modern, from definition to history to mid century modern dining chairs. 

Mid Century Modern - Definition

Mid century modern design style is highly known worldwide for juxtaposing organic shapes with sleek lines at its most basic level, simply by using innovative methods and materials, while re imagining traditional items. Even though the mid century modern pieces were futuristic,they didn’t depart from the past.

Mid Century Modern - History

Like any design era, mid century modern has evolved. A New York City World's Fair back in the 1930s introduced the clean lines and geometric forms of Danish and Bauhaus Modernist movements into American culture. However, the style didn't shape itself until the 1940s, lasting up to the 1960s. Back then, America was all about embracing the future- you could see futuristic shapes in furniture, homes and skyscrapers!

A thriving economy postwar meant a rapid increase in home ownership,leading to the construction of small homes and apartments.Thanks to the American Dream becoming true, architects and designers followed this message: Design must not only be perfectly constructed, efficient and functional, but also affordable.

At that time a team of brilliant architects and designers quickly became icons, shaping the mid century modern style with the furniture they designed for renowned brands.They were Isamu Nouchi, Eero Saarinen, and Harry Bertoia.

Mid Century Modern - New Materials

Since materials like fiberglass, bent plywood, foam, steel, aluminum and plastic laminates were all malleable back then, designer Eero Saarinen beautifully molded the pedestal and contours of this tulip chair which was firstcreated in 1956. Designer Eero Aarnio was also able to perfectly sculpt a futuristic chair in 1965.

Nevertheless, instead of covering up the industrial materials with tons of layers of fabrics and batting this mid century modern furniture designers never disguised it as something else. For instance, when designing a plywood chair, they would celebrate the shapes that may be created with that material in particular.

Mid Century Modern - Different Approaches

Part of the struggle to define mid century modern perhaps comes from how broad ranging the style it is even if some argue that it’s more a design term in general instead of a specific look. This is due to two diverging approaches! Modernists based in America adored the efficacy of mass production and industrial materials, while Soft Modernists based in Scandinavia crafted their table and chairs, favoring the handmade over the mechanical.

Mid Century Modern - Why Popularity Has Propelled

Many of the exact items created in the decades of the 50s and 60s keep being reproduced nowadays via an array of companies.Today, they’re even more popular than way back then. That's why renowned retailers like ourselves are revamping this style. We sell mid century modern furniture replicas of exceptional quality that won’t break your budget, from dining to living to bedroom.

So, why is it that mid century modern furnishings are so resilient? They were designed back then for a lifestyle that’s, essentially, our own lifestyle. Who wouldn't love the practicality of pedestal chairs, small-scaled silhouettes or portable pieces? Given that millennials live in tiny apartments in major cities, this comes with no surprise that they would.As you can see, mid century modern appeals to each new generation. So, it's the style of our own time!

Top 10 Mid Century Modern Dining Chairs

As you can see, mid century modern furniture is more popular than ever. Follow the trend! There are tons of pieces of iconic mid century furniture, but arguably the most coveted nowadays are dining chair designs. The portfolio of chair designs range from bold to simple classics to modern, a colorful addition to any dining setting. Here are the top mid century modern dining chairs for 2020:

1.Wire Chair

Trying to give a modern, industrial look to your dining space? Go for our brilliantly finished wire chair. A mid century modern icon! Not only does the airy silhouette make a huge statement, the style also creates a nostalgic look.The beauty of this mid century furniture piece is that it blends seamlessly with so other styles and time periods.

Not only can you use these mid century modern dining chairs in dining rooms,but their casual, elegant designs also let them be used in living rooms.

2. Aloft Armchair

Beautifully designed to mimic the natural seated position,an organic chair like our Aloft armchair finely stitched in faux leather, envelops you in comfort. Besides, the angles and curves of this chair are visually appealing,creating a unique look for mid century modern spaces. This organic furniture piece of highly versatile appeal admirably serves its purpose, whether used as dining chair, lounge chair or desk chair.

3. Woodeen Chair

A staple of mid century modern furniture, this style of chair is found in many homes and hearts globally. Specifically designed to comfortably fit the contours of the human bodywith no cushions whatsoever,a molded plywood chair like our coveted wooden chairis both comfortable and lightweight.

Exploring three-dimensional molding of plywood, this chair combines comfort and economy. This outstanding chair design is a complete integration of function and form. Its hourglass shape makes it perfect for any mid century dining room!

4. Wander Chair

Showcasing a cross section of practicality and style is our highly sought after wander hair.Comfortable enough to sit through a five course meal yet bold enough to catch the eye, this sleek chair is the epitome of mid century modern design. Featuring a gorgeous upholstery in aqua giving it a velvety feel along inside and back, creating a scultep look. This modern cup style chair is perfect!

5. Tulip Chair

The aforementioned tulip chair, part of the pedestal collection, was conceived as a chic postwar antidote. Is there anything more serene than this chair? We guess not. Back then, the designer attempted to create a one-leg chair instead of four-leg chairs. The result? This groundbreaking pedestal chair which blew up the country! Our sophisticated white tulip chair featuring a majestically fluid design, would add a modern classic touch to any dining setting.

6. Trafico Chair

Now it’s time to discuss another milestone in the history of mid century modern furniture. We’re talking about the design of this highly influential chair: the sleek trafico chair. Made of tubular steel, this modern classic chair was a game-changer when it comes to mid century modern design. Expertly made with a chromed steel tube frame and a leatherette sling, our trafico chair works perfectly as dining, side or conference chair.

7. Mayakoba Chair

In the year 1960 was engineered the first ever stackable chair like our mayakoba chair.This groundbreaking chair was designed to keep its structural integrity when stacked.Place it anywhere - our mayakoba chair never failed to look great! The bright white mesh looks so chic! This highly simplified, seamless chair can give any room a modern look!

8. Carlo Chair

You may expect a woven chair like our carlo chair to be only for summer use, but the steel frame makes it an incredibly versatile piece. Rope as a substitution material was first used way back in World War II. This sleek mid century modern dining chair is made of steel and gray rope, making it the preferred option for an industrial chic dining setting or modern kitchen nook.Built to withstand the elements, you may also use them in your patio. A woven miracle!

9. Curve Chair

Revamp your dining room decor with our beautifully designed curve chair. The minimalist shape studded with nailheads exudes finesse. Generously padded with foam covered in fabric, this chair provides users with much-needed comfort. Besides, featuring an hourglass shape,it works perfectly well with a myriad of dining room decor styles. This stunning curve chair certainly exudes mid century modern flair!

Last Thoughts

As seen in the popularity of Mad Men, it’s awfully clear mid century modern style is part of the actual zeitgeist. Even though we're in the 21st century, we still find mid century furniture including mid century modern dining chairs highly alluring. Why is that so? They propel us to dream of the possibilities the future beholds, while taking us back to the beloved past. So, what do YOU think?

As mentioned earlier, Manhattan Home Design has an extensive catalog of mid century modern furniture pieces. Visit us NOW!