49 Vintage Mid-Century Treasures With Classic Retro Appeal

Mid-century design appeared as a response to the post-World War II environment, and was at its height around 1950-1970. The style was designed to bring a fresher and more optimistic outlook for the future, as during the wars, most things were mass-produced and looked quite bleak.

"It was defined by an attention to clean lines, organic materials, geometry, bringing the outdoors inside, simplicity, and functionality," says designer Elin Walters from Exactly Designs to Bored Panda.

The main characteristic of mid-century design is functionality. Even though it's sprinkled with bright accent colors and retro elements, it primarily focuses on simplicity, straightforwardness, and clean lines. Materials used were especially important to the design, as mixing and matching them resulted in a very unique look.

Teak, rosewood, oak, metal, glass, and vinyl were favored by the mid-century design, which we can definitely see in this list.

"Teak was preferred for its richness in color and durability," said designer Rozit Arditi. "Rosewood and oak were the other commonly used woods, mostly in case pieces like tables, desks, and storage cabinets."

Other materials were used in conjunction to create furnishings in curved shapes. The epitome of this is the famous Eames Lounge Chair.

The chair was named after its creators, Charles and Ray Eames, who made it out of molded plywood and leather. It has become an icon of modern design, and the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman are even a part of the permanent collection of New York's Museum of Modern Art.

Even though it was introduced to the world more than 50 years ago, Herman Miller still continues to manufacture and sell it, with some modifications to be more environmentally friendly, of course. Like using Bamboo for the plywood, as it's highly renewable and reduces the carbon's carbon footprint by 35%.

Herman Miller calls this furniture piece "a universally recognized form that brings comfort and style to interiors everywhere," and claims that there's still nothing that compares on the market.

"When the set was introduced in 1956, there was nothing like it, and there is still nothing equal to it. The Eameses’ modern take on a nineteenth century club chair has not only endured for more than 50 years, it has become one of the most significant furniture designs of the twentieth century—instantly recognizable and enduringly fresh."

This is the main appeal of mid-century design. It manages to remain ever so relevant and in style even after many years. Some pieces of this aesthetic are still very sought after and cost a pretty penny, too.

Walters believes that its simplicity is the reason why it has engraved itself in people's homes and has become timeless. "It was a modern design that was ahead of its time and still presents as contemporary," she says.

If you're looking to bring in some mid-century charm into your home, you can do so quite affordably by scouring resale stores, estate sales, garage sales, and Facebook Marketplace, suggests Walters.

"Many original owners are retiring 'old' items that can have new homes and be recycled."

As for the future of mid-century design, The Carolinian predicts that it's here to stay for the long run.

"Though this style’s mass production and persistence in home stores might seem commonplace, its simplicity and artistic inspiration will forever be unique and transformative for the American home."

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