11 Ways to Pull Off the Midcentury Modern Look in Your Apartment

The midcentury modern look is so recognizable that furniture and décor can get you pretty far. With a few striking pieces, you can transform your space into something that feels worthy of a Design Within Reach catalog. And since midcentury modern furniture is so incredibly trendy, you probably don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get there. 

To help you see just how easy it can be to craft the midcentury modern interior of your dreams, we’ve rounded up 11 midcentury modern apartment design ideas worth trying in your space—no matter how small it is.

01 Invest in Your Biggest, Boldest Pieces

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Coastal-Inspired Abaca Rope Linear Iron Chandelier – Dimmer Compatible，Ideal for Dining Room and Modern Living Room Fixtures

If you're looking to transform your space affordably, prioritizing standout pieces can make a significant difference. Focus on key items that capture attention, like our Coastal-Inspired Abaca Rope Linear Iron Chandelier. This dimmer-compatible fixture is perfect for your dining room or modern living room, adding a stylish and distinctive touch to your décor. With this eye-catching chandelier, your space will feel refreshed in no time.

02 Play With Clean, Geometric Shapes

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Midcentury modern design is known for its clean lines and geometric shapes. So stock up on sculptural pieces and don’t be afraid to get playful. Mixing and matching shapes might sound like an aesthetic nightmare. But, since midcentury modern pieces are so cleanly designed, the variety is unlikely to overwhelm your space.

03 Go All in On Wood

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Reflections of Nature: Acacia Wood Framed Mirror - Handcrafted Polished Acacia Wood Frame - Perfect for Asymmetrical Mirror, Large Asymmetrical Mirror, and Asymmetrical Bathroom Mirror

Wood is a fundamental element of midcentury modern design, and nothing beats the charm of genuine, solid wood. By incorporating a few quality pieces like the Reflections of Nature: Acacia Wood Framed Mirror, you can effortlessly enhance your space with midcentury modern flair. This handcrafted mirror features a polished acacia wood frame, making it an ideal choice for an asymmetrical design in both large spaces and bathrooms. It's a stylish investment that will elevate the aesthetic of any room.

04 Keep Your Upholstery Streamlined

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Midcentury modern design may be filled with sleek materials, like wood, metal, and plastic. But there’s still room for cozy upholstery, as long as it’s rendered as sleekly as the rest of your furniture. Look for upholstered items that boast clean lines and modern silhouettes, and you should be good to go.

05 Pair Black With White

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Minimalist Elegance Architectural 2-Light Tapered Pendant: Angular and Minimalist Design for Dining, Bedroom, and Living Room Illumination

Black and white are common colors in many different design movements, and they’re particularly noticeable in midcentury modern design. The movement loves contrast, and black and white do contrast incredibly well. So when in doubt, stick to everyone’s favorite neutrals. They should keep your space feeling sleek and give you the flexibility to sprinkle in some punchy, modern colors later on.

06 Add Pops of Sleek Texture

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Natural Fiber Woven Pendant Light, Vintage Round Ceiling Light Fixture, Elegant Relax Ceiling Hanging Light Fixture, Contemporary Ceiling Light for Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom

Midcentury modern design is largely made up of smooth materials like solid woods, sleek plastics, and shiny metals. But, texture isn’t off the menu entirely. Look at many midcentury modern interiors, and you’ll notice a fair amount of caned and woven furniture. These items nod to the movement’s appreciation for nature without disrupting its signature sleek lines, and they can be an excellent way to add texture to your home.

07 Pump Up the Color Contrast

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Contrast is big in midcentury modern design. So don’t shy away from bold colors—and don't be afraid to pair those bold colors with their often, even bolder color complements, either.

08 Go Sleek With Your Accessories

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Dual Marble Classic Tic-Tac-Toe Board - Handmade Decorative Board with Baswara and Italian Brown Marble - Perfect for Marble Tic Tac Toe Game and Marble Board Tabletop Games

Midcentury modern design is about keeping fuss to a minimum. You might think accessories would be inherently out of place, but that’s not necessarily true. If your accessories are made from sleek materials, boast clean lines, and ideally, serve some kind of function, they should fit right into your midcentury modern décor scheme.

09 Add a Few Metal Accents

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Elegant Articulating Mid-Century Modern Metal Sconce - Stylish and Functional Wall Lights for Living Room

Wood and plastic may be the first materials that come to mind when you envision a midcentury modern interior, but they’re not your only options. Sleek metal accents are just as true to the aesthetic. And since they’re less expected, they can be a striking way to add texture to your space.

10 Sprinkle in a Few Plants

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Plants are a no-brainer in any space, but they make a particularly natural addition to midcentury modern interiors. Why? Midcentury modern design appreciates natural and organic elements. So by adding plants, you won’t just be decorating the room—you’ll also be cementing your midcentury modern aesthetic.

11 Buy Stuff That’s Built to Last

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When crafting a midcentury modern interior, function and form should both be top of mind. So, don’t just buy something because it’s pretty—buy it because it’s pretty and built to last.

Though midcentury modern furniture was designed to be mass-produced, much of it is crafted from genuinely durable materials. Solid woods, plastics, and metals are no joke. Look for items that adhere to this design philosophy, and anything you buy should be worth the investment.