Mid Century Modern Furniture – Vintage Furniture 75 Years Later

Curating a space is a way in which many individuals find their identity within their homes, rooms and interior design choices. Your space is supposed to reflect your personality and authentic self, therefore requiring intentional attention to detail and a personal touch. Over the past few years, many individuals have discovered their identity through Mid-Century Modern (MCM) furniture and vintage interior design. Hailing from the 1930s to 1960s, this style of design is sleek, simple and nostalgic. With warm wood tones, earthy palettes and rounded edges, MCM is the perfect choice for those looking to elevate a space with a vintage twist. So, why is there a resurgence, and where can one find pieces? 

A Return to a Vintage Feel

It is well known that trends are cyclical in nature, with previous ones making a comeback every once in a while. In fashion, the ’90s and early 2000s have made their resurgence through baggy pants or low-waisted jeans. In furniture, Mid Century Modern has staked its claim. One could argue that this return to vintage is a result of the desire for a combination of nostalgia and modern feel. Older styles from the early 1900s were influenced by Victorian design and ornate architecture. 

In contrast, Mid Century design smoothed out the edges and, in turn, created simple designs with wood panelling or short pile carpet. In the 2020s, modern and postmodern design invites grey tones, brutalistic concrete details and hyper-simple designs. When you combine that new understanding of modern with that of the old, you get an intersection that is apparently appealing to many in our current era. 

Some who lean into the MCM style are purists who only purchase pieces from the era itself. That can rack up quite the tab, however, as a high demand for vintage furniture has made it expensive and harder to find. With that in mind, it allows a space to feel period accurate as well as being a sustainable and eco-friendly option. Finding these pieces may lead one to Facebook Marketplace or other sites like eBay that sell authentic vintage pieces. Refinished or mint pieces can cost thousands of dollars, but if you’re willing to put in the work, you can find cheaper options that require a bit of sanding and restaining. 

Some of the most sought-after MCM pieces are couches/chairs, dressers and tables. A signature detail of MCM is the legs of these pieces. Often, the leg tapers off at the end with almost a rounded, elongated triangle look. The wood is a warm-toned brown with an orange undertone that pairs well with the green, orange, blue and brown themes of this era. Wood panelling is likely to adorn the walls of MCM spaces to add warmth and texture as opposed to paint. The architecture itself is angular in nature with lots of windows, brick details and vaulted ceilings. This style is all about combining natural materials with bright colours and unique shapes. 

Brands Curating Their Own Rendition of MCM

For those looking for a more modern rendition of MCM furniture, there are various brands and designers who create pieces with an homage to the vintage style.

Knoll is an MCM and contemporary furniture company known for their organic shapes, metal details and rich colour palettes. Founded in 1938, the company has compiled numerous designs over time, ensuring that each unique design choice would carry on. They have a lengthy list of designers, both from the 1900s to now, whose work one can choose from. 

Their most notable designs include the Womb™ Chair with Ottoman, which has a rounded shape and thin metal legs. This piece was designed by Eero Saarinen in 1946 to create an enveloped feel for those who lounge within it. The shape of the chair is organic but structured, allowing for comfort and style.

Their Risom Dining Table features the signature MCM wood look with thin legs and a round table top. This piece was designed by Jens Risom and shows a simple rendition of a dining table. The contrasting wood and rounded design choices make this set feel traditional while adding a touch of elegance and purpose.

Jonathan Adler has a namesake collection of MCM furniture with luxurious and creative designs. With a large number of collections and numerous designs, there are endless options for furniture and home accessories. His pieces are colourful and playful, adding a unique touch to any space. 

His Futura Three-Piece U-Shape Sectional is extensive in size with a stacked tube design to emphasize its texture and shape. This piece is a light cream colour with a texture reminiscent of limestone or other natural stones. This piece includes subtle nods to a 70s conversation pit with rounded shapes, hoping to envelop those who grace it and invite them to converse with those sitting near.

Vermont Wood Studios is a furniture company based in Vermont and uses wood in all its pieces, upholding the company’s namesake. Their Larssen bedroom set features the signature MCM legs and three different wood options, including natural cherry, walnut and maple woods. For pieces that emphasize the wood details of classic MCM style, Vermont Wood Studios is a great choice for recently constructed options.

Reinventing Vintage or Remaining Vintage?

When deciding to hop on the resurgence train for Mid Century Modern furniture, there is a decision to make regarding authentic pieces or modern adaptations. Either is sure to curate a unique and personal space, given the beauty and craftsmanship of these pieces. For some, MCM is not a trend and will continue to adorn their spaces for years to come. Regardless of one’s stance on the length of this trend, it is most definitely an iconic style that has stood the test of time.