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Top Mid Century Modern Bedroom Design Tips
Step back into the past with the mid-century modern style. This classic aesthetic has remained popular for over 70 years and shows no signs of going out of style. Its signature characteristics include bold colors, eye-catching artwork, geometric shapes, and rich wooden furniture.
Unleash your creativity by designing a mid-century modern bedroom. This vintage style lets you experiment with color, decor, lighting, and textiles. Follow these design tips to create a fun yet practical mid-century modern sanctuary.
Defining the Mid Century Modern Style
As the name suggests, the mid-century modern style emerged in the mid-twentieth century. Interior designers created this style post–World War II as mass production methods advanced. This development made high-quality wooden furniture more accessible to the growing population.
The mid-century modern style prioritizes function and simplicity, but it’s not boring. This aesthetic often uses bright accent colors, striking patterns, and soft curves. It also incorporates natural materials and rich, layered textures.
Bauhaus and Scandinavian design styles inspired this aesthetic. In turn, the mid-century modern style has influenced contemporary designs. Feel free to blend elements from these similar styles to create the most unique aesthetic.
5 Mid Century Bedroom Design Tips
The following five mid-century modern bedroom ideas will help you transform your place into a vibrant and cozy sanctuary.
Use a clean color palette
Choose a simple color palette as the foundation of your mid-century modern bedroom. Start by picking one or two warm, neutral colors to anchor the room. For example, you could paint the walls beige, brown, soft gray, or taupe.
Choose pieces of furniture in the same or complementary colors. These neutral hues provide a clean canvas, which lets you experiment with bolder shades.
Next, pick vivid accent colors to liven up the space. Popular mid-century modern colors include:
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Gold
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Mustard yellow
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Mustard yellow
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Ochre
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Purple
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Sage green
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Teal
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Turquoise
Choose two or three complementary accent colors for your bedroom. For example, pair a blue bedspread with purple throw pillows and a mustard yellow rug. Or add a teal blue armchair and a burnt orange painting. These accent colors add visual interest and character while maintaining a cohesive color scheme.
Resist the temptation to include an overwhelming amount of colors. Aim for a balanced and cohesive aesthetic that allows each color to take a turn in the spotlight.
Choose eclectic bedroom furniture
The mid-century modern design often mixes eclectic furniture. Embrace this style by choosing each piece of bedroom furniture individually instead of buying a matching set. You should also look for modular furniture made from sturdy mahogany, oak, rosewood, teak, walnut, and other classic woods.
A wooden bed frame can serve as the focal point of your mid-century modern bedroom. Choose a bed with a clean silhouette and tapered legs. For instance, you could pick a simple wooden platform or panel bed. If you want a statement piece, choose an eye-catching rattan headboard or a tufted, upholstered headboard. Decorate the bed with a solid-colored bedspread and sheets in a neutral or accent color.
Add a wooden dresser and nightstands for storage space. Select wooden furniture pieces with simple, geometric shapes. For example, you can choose a wooden nightstand with angled legs and small circular handles. You could also pick a retro-style wooden dresser with a wave pattern design and drawers of various sizes.
Create a comfortable reading nook by placing an armchair and a small table in a corner. An Eames lounge chair has become one of the signature pieces of mid-century modern furniture due to its ergonomic design and plush leather. Other designers have created similar cozy leather armchairs with wooden frames. You could also pick an upholstered chair in your accent color.
Layer rich textiles
Mix and match luxurious textures for your mid-century modern space. Here are a few popular options for this style:
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Chenille: Choose a chenille armchair or bed that will feel soft and fuzzy under your fingers.
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Crushed velvet: Add a velvet armchair or ottoman to your bedroom to create an air of sophistication. You can also buy crushed velvet throw pillows and blankets in your favorite accent color.
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Faux fur: On chilly nights, drape a soft faux fur throw over the bed or armchair for extra warmth.
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Leather: Enjoy the cool, sleek texture of a leather armchair or desk chair.
Combining diverse textiles engages the tactile and visual senses. These materials also make the bedroom feel more polished and welcoming.
Embrace retro decorations
Decorate your mid-century modern bedroom with eclectic and retro accessories. This is your chance to display your creativity and pick pieces that reflect your personality.
Start by choosing a stylish area rug. Many mid-century modern rugs have geometric patterns and bold colors. You could also choose a solid-colored shag rug, though this option may require more frequent cleaning to maintain. Look for a high-quality rug that complements your color palette.
Next, add retro floor and table lamps. For example, you can choose table lamps with bases shaped like cylinders or triangles. Other mid-century modern table lamps have bold patterns, such as waves and woven mesh.
Floor lamps often have tapered legs or curved arms. These decorations are typically made from natural materials, such as glass, metal, and wood.
Add vases with fresh or artificial flowers to your dresser and nightstand. You can also decorate these furniture pieces with a short stack of books, candles, or small sculptures. Pick one or two accessories per surface to avoid cluttering the room.
Add statement artwork
Hang statement artwork on your walls to capture attention and energize your space. Mid-century modern artwork typically uses bright colors, geometric shapes, and minimalist designs.
Mount a set of two or three abstract paintings above your headboard to create a visually striking focal point. For a more eclectic look, mix and match small paintings of different sizes.
Hang a large mirror on the wall across from a window to make the bedroom feel larger. Look for mirrors with wooden or metal frames to match the rest of your decor.
Revisit a Timeless Era With a Mid Century Modern Design
The mid-century modern design has enduring popularity, and it’s not hard to see why. This style combines minimalistic elements with retro accessories and bold colors. It lets you play with different shapes, textures, and patterns to create the perfect space.