How to Design a Midcentury Modern Bedroom That Feels Current
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Midcentury modern design may be rooted in decades past, but its influence can be seen in almost every home and furniture line that's emerged since. From the narrow tapered legs on your dresser to the mushroom lamp you spied while shopping last week, everything "new" is tinged with a bit of the old—and for good reason. Midcentury modern design has mass appeal thanks to its simplicity, functionality, and, at this point, sheer availability.
The profiles, materials, and ethos of midcentury modern design have their foundation in the quest for progress and forward momentum, coming into favor during a time when Americans were exploring space, experimenting with new materials, and finding their footing in a booming postwar economy. These days, iconic midcentury modern furniture designed by the likes of Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames, and Isamu Noguchi works in any room of the home—including your bedroom—where it'll add a vintage element that still feels current.
For midcentury modern bedroom ideas that stand the test of time, seek out familiar furniture profiles, iconic lighting, and even era-specific fabrics to capture an authentic (but approachable) vibe. Below, we've rounded up 14 designer-approved midcentury modern bedroom ideas that will jump-start your field trip to the past—and result in a room that's very now.
Let in Light
Midcentury modern design really focuses on making the most of the natural light, so you often see oversized windows and long, narrow layouts that let in as much sun as possible in this style of home. To maximize the light in your bedroom—but still achieve privacy—opt for transparent curtains like the pair in this room by And And And Studio. Installing a low-profile blackout shade underneath can give you the darkness you need for good sleep.
Set Up a Lounge
Did you know the 1970s "conversation pit"was actually born of midcentury modern design? The era is when casual entertaining and socializing at home really took off. If your bedroom allows for it, consider carving out a bite-sized lounge area where you can sip a morning coffee or catch up on reading before bed. Midcentury sofas tend to be smaller and more streamlined, so you can find one to fit your space and your style.
Maximize the Functionality
For bedroom that lives large regardless of its size, pick furniture that can do it all. Midcentury pieces are great for small spaces because they tend to be slim. In this Manhattan bedroom, Rodney Lawrence snuck in a sleek midcentury floating desk and shelves that can serve as a nightstand, vanity, and WFH zone.
Layer in Velvet
Sumptuous and luxe, velvet fabrics are a mainstay of midcentury modern design and thus a great way to usher your bedroom into the era. In this Boston apartment, Lisa Tharp turned to a rich burgundy velvet to upgrade the streamlined bed, pairing it with era-inspired pendants and sconces by Jonathan Adler.
Float Your Nightstand
Midcentury modern design prizes functionality above all, so furniture from the era can really help you make the most of a snug bedroom. A floating nightstand, like one seen here in a room by Kate Abt, is super functional without being bulky. Look for a piece with a simple shape in a classic midcentury finish like this walnut.
Pair Two Bold Colors
Midcentury modern design is typically associated with more muted colors, but it can still get funky now and then. And when it does, it usually goes bright and high contrast. This vibrant bedroom by the Kureck Jones team, which pairs punchy fuchsia and teal with iconic details like a Danish flush-mount light, is a perfect example.
Choose Vintage Accessories
In design, the devil is in the details, and accessories can go a long way toward reinforcing a design vibe. In this charming Texas home, era-specific accents—like a mushroom floor lamp and metal kinetic mobile—complement more permanent details, like the basketweave brick walls Hilary Walker had painted in a pea green.
Trade a Lamp for a Sconce
While midcentury modern designers did churn out some beautiful table lamps, the era is better known for its iconic swing-arm sconces. By swapping one in for your traditional bedside lamp, as Rayman Boozer did here, you'll not only add visual interest to your bedroom but also get extra space on top of your nightstand.
Stick to a Tight Palette
When you're working with furniture silhouettes as stunning as those associated with midcentury modern design, you want to keep the rest of your space quiet to let them shine. In this tranquil bedroom by Studio Plow, serene shades of cream, taupe, ochre, and brown provide a subtle backdrop for mushroom bedside lamps, a sculptural desk, and an iconic Serge Mouille ceiling light.
Integrate Your Headboard
In midcentury modern bedrooms, it's not uncommon to see the headboard attached to—or directly integrated into—the wall. The aesthetic choice marries form with function for an eye-catching display piece that ups the luxury of your space. In this example by And And And Studio, velvet mustard fabric gives loungers a soft place to land each evening.
Add Architectural Interest
While large-scale architectural changes aren't always possible, if you are going through a build or a renovation, consider incorporating design elements that reinforce the midcentury modern aesthetic. In this period-specific home in Texas, clerestory windows follow the roof line, letting light pour in throughout the day and bringing geometric elegance to the space.
Hang Vintage Artwork
Nothing channels a design vibe better than period artwork. If a midcentury bedroom is what you're after, look for artists or motifs authentic to the era. In this welcoming New York home, Aamir Khandwala hung a duo of vintage travel posters in the midcentury-style guest room.
Try on Teal
Pretty much any color is fair game when designing a midcentury modern bedroom, but certain hues do look more at home in the aesthetic than others. Shades of ochre, orange, brown, and mustard are all common in midcentury interiors, as is teal. To make the vibrant hue more relaxing for a bedroom, muddy it up and opt for a darker version, as seen here in a moody retreat designed by Studio Shamshiri.
Go Big and Bold
There's no better way to lean into midcentury modern design than to shout your love for it from the rooftops—or, in this case, opt for a really, really big period light fixture. Brady Tolbert decided to live large in his midcentury modern bedroom, incorporating a sprawling sconce to complement the channel-tufted wall-to-wall velvet headboard.
Play With Texture
Midcentury modern design may be about keeping your color palette tight, but you can still add interest with various textures. Velvet, bouclé, mohair, leather, and more all typify the era and are a great way to bring an extra design layer into your space. Here, the Studio Ashby team looked to a textural velvet to create a dynamic headboard wall.
Mix Up the Scale
Standout light fixtures are a mainstay of midcentury modern design, so it's fun to let them grab the spotlight in your bedroom by keeping the other elements toned down. In this subdued bedroom by Tali Roth, a double-arm sconce and sculptural pendant light have their moment alongside a simple headboard and extra-petite bedside table.
Pick a Headboard Nightstands
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Midcentury design is all about functionality. And what's more functional than a pair of nightstands that are integrated into your bed's headboard? This bedroom by Rupp Studio stays streamlined and serene thanks to a custom wood headboard with built-in nightstands that fit the space seamlessly.
Go Rogue With Art
To keep your midcentury modern bedroom from feeling too one-note or themed, look for ways to incorporate other styles or eras into the design. For Lauren Waters, that meant trading the graphic nature of traditional midcentury modern art for a softer, moody floral painting.
Look for Built-in Lighting
Dynamic, multipurpose headboards are an iconic element of midcentury modern design. You may see them built onto walls, coupled with nightstands, or, in this case, paired with standout sconces. The end result is a high-end custom look that brings a touch of luxury—and a whole lot of functionality—to your bedroom.
Skip Window Treatments
Spend any time researching midcentury modern design and you'll notice one thing is consistent—or rather, consistently missing: window treatments. Many MCM homes emphasize maximizing light and feeling at one with nature, making traditional window treatments seem out of place. If privacy allows, skip the shades and curtains and opt for bare windows that allow light to stream in, as seen in this tranquil Seattle residence.
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