The Christmas Decor All Midcentury Modern Design Lovers Need
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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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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