Published August 2022 | Updated September 2025
What Is Mid-Century Modern Style?
A member of the modern design style family, the mid-century design movement emerged in the middle decades of the 20th century, from the 1940s through the 1960s. War-time scarcity and manufacturing innovations combined with a desire for something fresh yet practical fueled the MCM design movement. Although it mimics many aspects of modern design, mid-century modern (MCM) style has a playfulness that makes it unique.
To create a mid-century modern feel, layer in these basic tenets of MCM into your space:
- LINES Clean lines are still welcome with MCM style, but with the addition of iconic curves. Look for amoeba-shaped coffee tables, pedestal dining tables with circular or kidney-shaped tops, enveloping egg chairs, and other sculpturesque pieces.
- LIGHT Just like modern style, MCM-inspired spaces merge indoor and outdoor realms. Sliding doors and large windows bring in natural light and offer exterior views. Maintain sight lines throughout the interior space via uncovered glass windows, low-backed furniture, and minimal clutter.
- COLOR Add doses of color like mustard yellow, ruddy orange, or earthy green, all common hues in MCM decors.
- MOTIFS The race to the moon inspired atomic and celestial themes. Think sunburst light fixtures or mirrors, or wallpaper studded with star motifs. Incorporate these iconic themes and/or geometric patterns via wall art, upholstery, accessories, or flooring to express mid-century style.
- MIXED MATERIALS As in modern design style, mid-century modern mixes natural materials like wood with manufactured materials. Many classic MCM pieces are crafted from fiberglass, molded plastics and metals, as well as concrete, glass, and plywood. Curate a variety of materials and architectural details in your home for MCM cred.
Looking for outdoor furniture with a MCM aesthetic? View our curated collection and learn more about the mid-century modern movement in our post “Modern Classics: A Guide to Mid-Century Modern Outdoor Furniture” on the Curran blog.
Which Rugs Amplify Mid-Century Modern Style?
NEUTRAL A MCM style rug crafted from sisal or jute creates a neutral foundation, allowing architectural and decorative elements to stand out. Also, natural fiber rugs are a visual reminder of the environment outside our windows.
SPOTLIGHT Highlight the playful side of MCM design by incorporating spotlight-worthy rugs into the mix. Flashback is a perfect mid-century modern rug, expertly crafted and woven from colorful yarns in a delicate herringbone pattern. Or opt for rugs from Jacaranda, with their subtle shimmer, add unexpected luster and intensify natural light. Lastly, for patios and pool decks, synthetic outdoor rugs offer a variety of styles and colors to complement MCM-inspired outdoor furniture.
Bring a mid-century vibe to outdoor spaces with stunning furniture from curranonline.com
GEOMETRIC Mid-century modern rugs with a geometric pattern add depth and character to living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and more. Furthermore, abstract patterns or delicate motifs energize the understated tendency of MCM style, creating contrast and a sense of movement.
Quick Tip For Achieving A Mid-Century Modern Look
Tapered legs or hairpin legs on furniture are a quintessential mid-century modern look, adding a subtle sophistication to everyday objects. A couch floating a few inches above a MCM rug evokes openness and lets light move through the space. So emulate a MCM vibe by incorporating furniture with hairpin or tapered legs into your interior design.
Want to explore more design styles?
Head over to our post How to Choose the Right Rug for Each Design Style to discover different design styles and unforgettable rugs.
