Mid-century modern style is one interior design trend that has truly withstood the test of time. It has remained a popular choice for decades beyond its origins in the mid-20th century.
The classic features that define mid-century modern are clean lines, a seamless blend of form and function, and contrasting elements (like warm woods meet glass and metallics). It’s also common to find bold colors, a mix of natural and synthetic materials, and geometric patterns.
Nowadays, vintage pieces are hot picks for those wanting to embrace the retro look, but what if you don’t have the budget for originals? Well, since mid-century modern is so popular, many companies showcase replicas, but even these dupes can get pricey.
Luckily, IKEA offers a surprisingly strong lineup of furniture and decor that channels the mid-century modern aesthetic. So, whether you’re redoing a single room or reimagining your whole space, these affordable finds make it easy to bring home the style you love, on the budget you actually have.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Picks from IKEA
These furniture items provide solid foundation pieces and accents for a sleek, stylish mid-century modern room.
1. MORABO Sofa
The low-profile back, straight lines, and tufting on the MORABO sofa make it an excellent contender for a mid-century modern space. You can choose from the dark grey, dark blue, or light green covers, which provide versatility when matching other design elements.
2. EKENÄSET Armchair
The EKENÄSET armchair practically flashes a sign that says, “Retro Style.” It’s inspired by 1950s Scandinavian design and features dark wood tones, along with a solid-wood frame and angled lines. There’s also a dark turquoise color available if you prefer a moodier look or want to bring some color into your space.
3. STOCKHOLM Coffee Table
The combination of straight lines and curves, walnut tones, and simple design makes the STOCKHOLM coffee table a good fit for a mid-century modern space. The surface also features a coat of lacquer for added durability, and the lower shelf provides extra storage.
4. EKENÄSET Bench
The EKENÄSET bench adds extra seating wherever you need it with a sturdy design and comfortable padding. It features a clean, streamlined silhouette that makes it easy to incorporate the bench into a hallway or entryway.
5. VITTSJÖ Shelf
The straight lines and openness of the VITTSJÖ shelf give it a minimal style that blends in nicely with a mid-century modern aesthetic. It’s the perfect piece to display decor and special collectibles, allowing the items to stand out and take center stage without feeling overly clunky.
6. RÅDMANSÖ Series
The RÅDMANSÖ furniture line showcases several pieces with a strong mid-century ambiance. The nightstand, wardrobe, and various dressers feature warm walnut tones, black metal legs, and brass-like hardware. The mix of materials is an iconic mid-century move that adds to the appeal of this series.
7. TÄLLÅSEN Upholstered Bed Frame
Make your mid-century modern bedroom complete with the upholstered TÄLLÅSEN bed frame. The channeled back, simple lines, and combination of soft fabric and a metal frame add to the modern look. Even better, the headboard cover is removable and machine-washable, and the bedsides adjust to allow for different mattress thicknesses.
Decor Elements That Say, “Hello, Retro!”
A few carefully curated decor pieces allow you to add your personal touches throughout your space and reinforce the mid-century modern look.
1. LOMMARYD Mirror
The LOMMARYD mirror has a subtle seashell shape that has a distinctive retro vibe and adds visual interest to your room. Use it to accentuate your vintage style and brighten up your space by placing it opposite a window or near a light source.
2. STOCKHOLM 2025 Rug
Bold colors pulled from nature were a big part of mid-century modern spaces. The STOCKHOLM 2025 rug features a deep red and vivid orange pattern on both sides, so you can flip it to decrease wear and tear.
3. KONSTFULL Vase
The KONSTFULL vase features a textured surface and clean lines that provide visual interest without being overpowering. It allows the flowers you love to shine, with rings at the bottom to keep stems at the perfect angle. The KONSTFULL series includes several other vases with various shapes and colors, so you can find the perfect pick for your style.
4. DYTÅG Cushion Cover
Bring in more of those noteworthy earthy hues with the red-brown DYTÅG cushion cover (also available in gray-green, black, and white). The 20” x 20” cover is machine-washable, making maintenance a breeze.
5. STOCKHOLM 2025 Candlestick
These dual-sided beauties add some mid-century flair with their brass color, lustrous finish, and contoured shape. The STOCKHOLM 2025 tealight holder and candlestick make it easy to swap between your favorite candles. They’re made from solid metal, making them very sturdy and durable.
Mid-Century Modern-Inspired Lighting
These light fixtures help shine a spotlight on your mid-century modern space.
1. SKAFTET Fixture
A statement piece, like the SKAFTET light fixture, gives you plenty of options when it comes to showing off your style. It looks great with decorative bulbs, or use lampshades to enhance the mid-century aesthetic even more. The acrylic, brass-colored coating gives this piece a timeless touch.
2. RANARP Lighting Series
The black and brass combo found in the RANARP fixtures is a timeless pairing that underscores mid-century modern style. Choose from a floor lamp, desk lamp, wall sconce, or pendant. Many of the models are adjustable, allowing you to shine the light wherever you need it.
3. SINNERLIG Pendant Lamp
The SINNERLIG pendant lamp has a modern shape and a bamboo shade, which provides texture and warmth. As light passes through the woven material, it casts pretty patterns throughout the room, along with an inviting glow.
4. LAUTERS Floor Lamp
The tripod lamp base is a mid-century modern classic. IKEA’s LAUTERS floor lamp in ash or the darker brown features the iconic three-legged design along with a crisp, white drum shade. The adjustable height means you can fit this lamp into more spaces, and the base provides cord storage to keep things tidy and streamlined.
5. VARMBLIXT LED Lamp
The VARMBLIXT lamp looks great on a table or the wall, and the interesting shape and color also make it a decorative piece. The orange glass creates a warm glow as light passes through it, making your space feel cozy and inviting.
More Mid-Century Vibes for the Kitchen
Create a cohesive design scheme throughout your home by carrying your mid-century modern dream into the kitchen.
1. OMBONAD Serving Plate
The low-profile and sleek surface of the OMBONAD serving plate gives it a simple elegance that fits nicely with mid-century modern decor. The gray glass provides a more sophisticated finish and offers a nice juxtaposition with other materials, like wood, metal, or various fabrics.
2. FÄRGRIK Mug
The stoneware FÄRGRIK mug isn’t just cute, it’s also microwave and dishwasher-safe, which is always a plus. The simple design makes it easy to blend this mug into any style. The turquoise color is vibrant and playful, or opt for the darker blue shade for a moodier vibe.
3. TILLAGD Utensils
The simple design of the TILLAGD series of utensils makes it a fitting choice for an MCM kitchen or dining room. No frills, no fuss, no intricate carvings or details, just beautiful, minimalistic design that comes in stainless steel, black, or a bold brass color.
4. GLATTIS Coasters
Can’t you just picture Frank Sinatra putting down his whiskey glass on these GLATTIS coasters in between songs? The 6 coasters are sleek, simple, and straightforward, boasting a shiny, brass color and a modish holder to match.
5. STORSINT Martini Glass
The STORSINT glassware series offers a timeless addition to any style, but there’s something about a classic martini glass that’s decidedly mid-century. You can just picture a glamorous couple decked out in 1950s attire, sipping their cocktails as they listen to moody jazz in a cozy lounge.
Add Mid-Century Modern Style to New Pieces
These IKEA picks already have strong ties to mid-century modern style, but what if you find a piece that doesn’t quite check all the boxes? Well, then it’s time to try a few mid-century modern hacks and DIY tweaks.
These customization tips are easy ways to add a dash of mid-century modern style to pieces that need a little nudge.
- Swap out the legs for tapered or hairpin styles.
- Replace hardware with leather pulls, brass knobs, or other mid-century alternatives.
- Choose unfinished wood pieces with the right shape and stain them in popular mid-century modern tones, like teak or walnut.
- Adjust the color scheme to incorporate hues found in mid-century modern design, such as mustard, burnt orange, turquoise, and olive.
Which of these IKEA products will you choose to bring the mid-century modern vibe into your home? Sometimes, all it takes is falling in love with one single piece to inspire an entire room. Choose your favorite, and let it guide you through the rest of your design journey.
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