The Christmas Decor All Midcentury Modern Design Lovers Need

midcentury modern christmas decor
The Midcentury Modern Christmas Decor You NeedCrate & Barrel


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Midcentury modern is a popular design style that first emerged in Europe and eventually in the U.S. after World War II. Eighty years later, the minimalist look that took the design community by storm still reigns supreme. In fact, it has permeated nearly every facet of our homes, from exterior architecture to interior decorating. From leather sofas to brass lighting, midcentury is everywhere. The latest infiltration? The holidays. That’s right, midcentury modern Christmas decor is here in all the right ways.

Since the very nature of midcentury modern is understated and pared back, it's impossible for Christmas decor with a 1950s-inspired edge to look tacky or kitschy. It's all about the details, minimalism, and organic materials. Some of our picks are from big retailers you know, while others are from small-batch brands that could be new to you. Regardless, you'll certainly find a midcentury modern decoration (or several!) below to spice up your home this holiday season.



It may not be easy to find rare Gio Ponti ornaments or Arne Jacobsen nativity scenes, but we've done some digging and rounded up the coolest midcentury-inspired decorations to help you nail the look. From a collection of miniature wooden pine trees to tree toppers that echo the iconic Starburst chandeliers of the 1960s, the midcentury modern Christmas decor available this year is making us want to decorate early. And with December right around the corner, there's no reason to wait. If you're feeling festive, scroll through our 18 picks for the most stylish midcentury modern Christmas decorations.

Mid-Century Paper House Ornament

An adorable, albeit literal, take on the midcentury modern Christmas decor trend, these ornaments bring the architecture of that era to light (no, really, these paper ornaments light up).

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westelm.com%2Fproducts%2Fmid-century-paper-house-ornament-d16834&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Mid-Century Paper House Ornament</p><p>westelm.com</p><p>$12.00</p><span class="copyright">West Elm</span>

Heirloom Stocking

Spruce up your mantel with a vibrant stocking that showcases the bright colors and clean lines of midcentury modern design. Bonus points if your stocking holder is equally chic.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.schoolhouse.com%2Fproducts%2Fschoolhouse-heirloom-stocking%3Fvariant%3D41713890426924&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Heirloom Stocking</p><p>$49.00</p><span class="copyright">Schoolhouse</span>

Santa's Workshop Handmade German Christmas Music Box

Simple yet charming, this handmade wooden music box showcases the beauty of natural wood. Wind up the music box to play "O Tannenbaum" and watch the scene spin.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crateandbarrel.com%2Fsantas-workshop-handmade-german-christmas-music-box%2Fs135624&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Santa's Workshop Handmade German Christmas Music Box</p><p>crateandbarrel.com</p><p>$299.00</p><span class="copyright">Crate & Barrel</span>

Modern Mercury Glass Candleholders

Whether you line them along your stairs or group them together as a showstopping table centerpiece, these candleholders make a beautiful holiday statement. Made of soda lime glass, each one is individually mouth-blown and unique.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westelm.com%2Fproducts%2Fmodern-mercury-glass-candleholders-d16981&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Modern Mercury Glass Candleholders</p><p>westelm.com</p><p>$30.00</p><span class="copyright">West Elm</span>

Sputnik Marble & Brass Stocking Holder

Speaking of stocking holders, this marble and brass option is as sturdy as it is chic. We love the stunning starburst shape for its dramatic design and weighted base. You don't have to worry about children or dogs running through the room and knocking it down.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westelm.com%2Fproducts%2Fsputnik-marble-brass-stocking-holder-d5516&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Sputnik Marble & Brass Stocking Holder</p><p>westelm.com</p><p>$45.00</p><span class="copyright">West Elm</span>

Stacked Wood Trees

Wood was the most commonly used material for midcentury modern furniture back when the movement really took off. The era was all about disassociating from unnecessary ornamentation and keeping things as natural and organic as possible. These wooden evergreens may not date back to the midcentury era, but they look perfectly midcentury to us!

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westelm.com%2Fproducts%2Fstacked-wood-trees-d9002&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Stacked Wood Trees</p><p>westelm.com</p><p>$1.00</p><span class="copyright">West Elm</span>

Glitter Gold 3D Star Tree Topper

One of the most iconic light fixtures to come out of the midcentury era was the Starburst chandelier, a spiky masterpiece finished in metal and sometimes crystal. This tree topper masterfully reimagines the beloved design.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crateandbarrel.com%2Fglitter-gold-3d-star-tree-topper%2Fs679896&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Glitter Gold 3D Star Tree Topper</p><p>crateandbarrel.com</p><p>$24.95</p><span class="copyright">Crate & Barrel</span>

Pure Beeswax Candles

One of the hallmarks of the midcentury modern design movement was embracing nature, making these pure beeswax candles a perfect piece of midcentury modern Christmas decor. This set comes in classic red, green, and white colors.

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095H5SKBK?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10057.g.41902567%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Pure Beeswax Candles</p><p>amazon.com</p><p>$24.99</p><span class="copyright">Amazon</span>

Linen Christmas Stockings

As we said, midcentury modern design was hardly fussy and often drew on an earthy palette. Enter these linen stockings that are completely customizable. Choose your colors and embroidery, and you're good to go.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F1286732140%2Flinen-christmas-stockings-zero-waste&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Linen Christmas Stockings</p><p>etsy.com</p><p>$17.26</p><span class="copyright">Etsy</span>

Alpine White Ceramic Christmas House

The ceramic houses in this modern Christmas village are all inspired by midcentury architecture—think A-line roofs and flat planes. If you're looking for something simple and charming to decorate your mantle, consider opting for the set of five and creating your own little midcentury neighborhood.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.crateandbarrel.com%2Falpine-white-ceramic-christmas-houses-set-of-5%2Fs151705&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Alpine White Ceramic Christmas House</p><p>crateandbarrel.com</p><p>$12.95</p><span class="copyright">Crate & Barrel</span>

LED Tree Cloche

With its rounded shape, wooden base, and mini forest of evergreens, this adorable cloche is a perfect embodiment of the typical elements of midcentury style.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2Fholiday-decor%2Fpdp%2Floon-peak-led-tree-cloceh-lopk4851.html&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>LED Tree Cloche</p><p>wayfair.com</p><p>$32.99</p><span class="copyright">Wayfair</span>

Velvet Holiday Baubles (Set of 6)

Though Christmas ornaments are quite literally meant to adorn, these velvet-covered balls are simple and have a muted color palette—two crucial elements of the midcentury modern decor look. If you want to really embrace the time period, keep your glittery ornaments in storage and decorate your tree with these.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffood52.com%2Fshop%2Fproducts%2F8759-velvet-holiday-baubles-set-of-6&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Velvet Holiday Baubles (Set of 6)</p><p>food52.com</p><p>$42.00</p><span class="copyright">Food52</span>

Handmade Holiday Felt Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are one of the most fun Christmas decorations. After all, what's better than a sweet treat or little gift every day? This specific advent calendar is handmade, natural, and minimal, making it a perfect midcentury-inspired piece of Christmas decor.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Ffood52.com%2Fshop%2Fproducts%2F7544-handmade-holiday-felt-advent-calendars&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Handmade Holiday Felt Advent Calendar</p><p>food52.com</p><p>$60.00</p><span class="copyright">Food52</span>

Fresh Eucalyptus Wreath

Trees, garlands, and wreaths are three of the most important natural Christmas decorations, so why not try something new? Instead of a garland decorated with berries and ribbons, go for a more restrained find. We love the handmade quality of this sweetly scented option.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shopterrain.com%2Fproducts%2Fe-wreath-willow-euc-ds&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Fresh Eucalyptus Wreath</p><p>shopterrain.com</p><p>$88.00</p><span class="copyright">Terrain</span>

Chess Set

Some families spend Christmas Eve watching a family flick, and others stow away their screens for the night and play games. If you fall into the latter group, consider picking up this chess set designed by the one and only Man Ray, a creative genius who lived through the peak of the midcentury modern age.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dwr.com%2Faccessories-living-room%2Fman-ray-chess-set%2F100065253.html&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.housebeautiful.com%2Fshopping%2Fhome-accessories%2Fg41902567%2Fmid-century-modern-christmas-decor%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Chess Set</p><p>dwr.com</p><p>$690.00</p><span class="copyright">Design Within Reach</span>

When Was Midcentury Modern?

Though the hard dates are up for debate, the midcentury modern design movement spanned the two decades that followed World War II, from 1945 to 1965.

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Hearst Owned

What Are Characteristics of Midcentury Modern?

The characteristics of midcentury modern are often clean lines, curved corners, organic materials, and earthy palettes. Minimalism is also a key element of midcentury modern decor.

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Hearst Owned

Why Trust Us?

Like many design lovers, we have a soft spot for all things midcentury modern, so when it comes to decorating our homes for the holidays with pieces inspired by the movement, we made sure to pick the best of the best.

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Hearst Owned

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