​Quick Guide To Learn To Recognize Mid-Century Style & Its Iconic Creations

Mid-century style is everywhere! The current boom that a style created around the 50s has been incredible. Although this one is very popular, it is often confused with other similar styles such as bohemian or perhaps Scandinavian. Today we will explain a little about this so loved style and show you a couple of iconic pieces like the Shell chair, which will help you identify an interior design of this type more quickly. Let us begin!

What’s the mid-century style and when did it start?

The mid-century movement born around the 1930s and It originated in the USA, influenced by previous styles such as the Bauhaus that grew up in Germany. This movement not only included interior design but also involved architecture, industrial and graphic design.

The interesting thing about the mid-century style is that it was created after a cataclysm, which makes us think that perhaps this is the reason why it is currently a trend, due to the chaos that the pandemic brought. Although the pandemic has torn and destroyed fields such as the economy and health, it has also brought with it new opportunities and demand for common needs. For this reason, this very functional style is being implemented more and more in the homes of many Americans and citizens around the world.

But, what is this style about or what are its most representative features? Well, this can be summarized in four big one features:

- The juxtaposition of lines in furniture and structures.

- The clean, elegant and organic lines included in the whole design. From furniture to decorative pieces.

- Warm colors like orange, caramel and brown. Combined together with an intense color like emerald green.

- Functionality over ornamentation.

With previous characteristics you can easily recognize a mid-century style, but, as we want to make everything very clear for you, let’s take a look at some layouts for you to learn how they actually look.

Remember when we mentioned the iconic furniture creations? Well this is one of things that will help you to recognize a mid-century style. Furniture pieces like the Shell chair, the Florence Knoll sofa and the Napa sofa are just a few of the iconic elements that you will see within a mcm layout. Let’s check the first example:

In this example you can see the particular lines and the Shell chairs that are acting as the protagonist of the design since it is the one that stands out. In addition, you can appreciate the contrast of the warm colors and the use of different varied and functional materials such as plywood, glass and metal.

Also in these layouts there are usually lamps made of steel and that the lines are placed in an attractive and enveloping arrangement. It is also very common to use leather as an upholstery material and dark wood accents that give it that touch of sophistication and elegance.