Mid-century living room ideas to steal that effortlessly retro style

Trends come and go in the interiors world, just as they do in fashion and beauty, but there are some styles which are ever-popular. After all, when are mid-century living room ideas not desirable?

The modern take on 20th century design sits nicely in all rooms, but is especially at home with living room ideas. The muted but enlivening shades, the most lounge-worthy chairs and a generous slant towards storage makes it ideal in this space for relaxing and entertaining,

'A mid-century modern aesthetic consists of a number of elements such as graphic shapes, natural materials and vibrant colours,' says Rebecca Drury, Co-Founder, MissPrint. 'For mid-century modern living room ideas, style a bold backdrop with natural wood furnishings such as a console table or a wooden frame to a chair. This retro style is easy to recreate and can be styled well with wallpapers of different patterns and colours.'

Mid-century living room ideas

For authentic mid-century living room ideas, seek out design classics. Whether it's a beautiful leather Eames chair, an original Ercol sofa or a sleek sideboard, this statement piece will become your focal point. 

If your budget won't stretch to these investment pieces, never fret, as high street stores are just as consistently into this style as we are.

1. Put wood at the centre

“The key ingredient to creating mid-century living room ideas really is simple - it's wood,' explains,' Ross Taylor, Co-Founder, The Curious Department. 'Wood furniture and or wood cladding and strip work. Of course there are other key ingredients like low rise furniture, leather seats and oversized pictures. But wood really is the key to midcentury.'

Warmer woods work best for this style, so steer clear of very blonde shades. The best woods for mid-century simple living room ideas will have a slight orange or red hint to them.

2. Choose a retro colour combo

Of all the colour combinations out there, few shout mid-century quite like yellow and grey living room ideas. This classic pairing immediately offers up a retro feel, but your choice of the tones can adjust what type of mid-century modern living room ideas you achieve. 

Paler greys with bright yellows will offer a feeling of replicating this era. For as more nuanced approach, head to mustards and charcoals. This will provide a more contemporary version of the traditional mid-century colours.

3. Add touches of bronze

For that extra hit of contemporary style, make sure you're mixing materials - and not just fabrics and woods. Touches of metallics, particularly bronze or burnished gold, will add a feeling of light to the space, while also elevating it with a sprinkle of luxury.

You don't need to go overboard - modern living room ideas are all about finding the perfect balance between glitz and simplicity. Frames, furniture edging and maybe a lamp will do the trick.

4. Use original pieces

'Decorating for mid-century starts with sourcing the right furniture,' advises Ross from The Curious Department. 'We often find ourselves at second hand furniture stores, or on online marketplaces to find the real deal.'

'Many stores recreate some of the timeless pieces but there's nothing more mid-century than the real thing. So measure up and carefully source your furniture to fit even small living room ideas.  Remember that nothing says mid century modern living room ideas like a low rise wood frame armchair or even a sideboard.'

5. Keep it simple

Lean into the modern element of mid-century modern living room ideas by integrating in touches of Scandi chic. When learning how to design a living room, remember that you don't have to subscribe unilaterally to one theme.

'Scandi combines well with modern and mid-century design as its visual language is minimalistic,' explains Mariana Ugarte, Co-Founder, Interior Fox. 'Too much of one genre is never a good thing so aim to create balance by mixing pieces from different eras'

6. Include a retro print

For one of the bolder mid-century living room ideas, don't stop with vintage furniture or colourways. Make a statement with either a whole room of, or feature wall showcasing a retro print.

To make your living room wallpaper ideas link seamlessly in with the rest of your design, use the main colours from the print in the rest of your decorating scheme. 

7. Include wall panelling

Add depth to your space with wall panelling ideas in your living room. They have a retro feel and will tie in beautifully to the wood you're using elsewhere.

To keep things contemporary, opt for a section of panelling rather than a full wall. This will also help things appear cleaner and sleeker.

8. Embrace the curves

A lot of mid-century lounge furniture showcases exaggerated, round shapes. Seats and sofas will appear so low and louche - and incredibly comfy. 

Choose rounded, armless designs for the softest retro seating imaginable that aligns with mid-century modern living room ideas.

9. Look for statement lighting

Rather helpfully if you're into the trend, but mid-century style living room lighting ideas are having a serious moment. Curved floor lamps are key to this look, but nothing quite sets off a space like a statement ceiling light. 

Go for a retro chandelier or striking starburst pendant to become the focal point of your space. You can, of course, still buy the originals, but be careful to have them rewired and assessed by a qualified electrician before installation.

10. Make your furniture float

Seemingly effortlessly floating furniture just screams mid-century. Keep these floating living room storage ideas low to the floor for an authentic feel. 

Make sure you keep the space underneath clear at all times, as a cluttered floor space goes against the chic simplicity you're aiming for.

How do you make a mid century living room?

'It can be easier than you think to achieve mid-century living room ideas, sometimes it's just about the accessories,' says Ross from The Curious Department. 'A simple sofa transformation can have a big impact, blankets and soft furnishing.'

'Be brave with colour choices, oranges, mustards, browns, blacks and muted greens radiate but harmonise with any wood furniture that you might have.'

How do you make furniture look mid-century modern?

Buying vintage, from second hand stores, car boot sales, auctions and even eBay, is the simplest way to make sure your furniture gives off mid-century living room ideas. 

However, you can play with new and existing pieces, too. 'Switch sofa legs for wooden ones or ebonised ones,' suggests Ross from The Curious Department.