A revolutionary departure from the ornate, heavily adorned aesthetics of previous eras, Mid-Century Modern evolved as a key style between the 1930s and 1960s, although its name wasn’t coined until decades later. 

While modernism took hold of Europe, as its transatlantic counterpart Mid-Century Modern rose to prominence across the West Coast of America after the end of the Second World War, in line with the increase of its population. As with many design movements, it was borne in response to the needs, attitudes and manufacturing capabilities of the time, combining practicality and affordability with a modern approach that permeated architecture, interior design, graphics, fashion and furniture. 

Demand for the look soon spread overseas, with designers from across the globe embracing the future-forward and optimistic aesthetic. 

Focusing on simplicity, ergonomic lines, and geometric shapes, Mid-Century Modern is a celebration of function over form. Bringing together a contradiction of manmade and natural materials such as wood, metal, vinyl, glass and marble, the look is clean, open, and uncluttered, but far from stark. Unlike the more regimented approach of Minimalism, Mid-Century celebrates colour, with bright pops of burnt orange, mustard yellow, fire engine red, teak brown, robin’s egg blue, and olive green set against chalky neutrals and industrial tones of white and grey.

Particularly across furniture, Mid-Century also is usually characterised by boxy, curvaceous or sculptural shapes and low-slung silhouettes - often contrasted with hairpin legs - exemplified by the best known designs from the era. Classic pieces which are still highly-collectable today include the eternally stylish Charles and Ray Eames lounge chair and ottoman, the Poul Kjærholm daybed, the Arco floor lamp by Flos, Herman Miller office furniture, and the Florence Knoll sofa.

While other styles may come and go, Mid-Century Modern has been regarded as on-trend for over 80 years, and its popularity is showing no signs of wavering. Its influence can be found across everything from the world’s most luxurious hotels, restaurants and residences to more everyday locations such as banks, schools, and cathedrals. 

The look has also served as inspiration behind some of our more recently introduced pieces, including our Regent Curved Walnut Vanity Unit with its classic pill shape, ridged veneer, and tapered legs. Key traits from the enduring aesthetic can also be found across our Amore Freestanding Bath, Audemar Vanity Unit, and Vario bathroom mirrors, which all pay a subtle homage to the style that not only defined an era, but continues to captivate design aficionados across the globe. 

Incorporate timeless Mid-Century Modern style into your living spaces with our Regent Curved Vanity Unit, exclusively available via Lusso.com