Let's make your space a vintage dreamscape, shall we?
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Truth hour. We've all fallen victim to *it*: the pure, unbridled home-envy elicited by a well-done mid-century modern space. It can hit you at any time. You might happen upon this green monster while watching a '60s-set network drama (hi, Mad Men), or maybe while binging A-Listers' Architectural Digest home tours (personally speaking, Troye Sivan's remains engrained in my memory). So how can we mere mortals inject those clean, retro vibes into our homes...without contracting a clouty interior designer with 35K Instagram followers? Alas, it can be done with a few simple guidelines in mind and carefully selected starter pieces.
Chicago-based interior designer Paige Garland says you can start building this nostalgic look in your home with baseline shapes and colors. "If you're going true mid-century, there's olive green, tangerine orange, and wood tones, like teak or walnut," says Paige. "If you're going a little more mid-century modern, teal is a big one. You can also bring in some neutrals and play with mixed woods."
Shape-wise, Paige says to avoid super modern-looking, angular pieces while you're shopping for furniture because "you want things a little more organic and comfortable," she says. "Lower sofas, hairpin legs, and curved couches stick out as mid-century. You want the opposite of ultra-modern and minimalist."
So, with that expert guidance in mind, are you ready to make some mid-century modern furniture picks? Good. Because we've got 25 highly-rated options for you. Look ahead for all of the retro eye candy imaginable.
These comfy leather seaters have such an inviting, homey look to them. They feel like something you'd find in your coolest aunt's house, and isn't that essentially the true marker of a good mid-century modern piece?
This wooden side table is obviously a champ. The rattan material is exactly the type of texture you want in any vintage-inspired room.
Coming through with a quick Cool Girl Couch alert. Do you see that distressed leather? It's the type of aged, sophisticated look that people spend years digging through thrift shops for. This piece comes in velvet as well, JIC you'd prefer to switch things up.
Now THIS is a silhouette, ladies and gentlemen. I almost want to get on my knees and bow down to this sleek, velvet lounging chair. Chic doesn't even begin to describe it.
Some of the pieces in your mid-century-inspired room need to radiate "picked-straight-out-of-antique-store" energy. That's why an old-timey end table is so perfect.
Helloooo. Are we seeing this? The table to end all tables? Yes, this affordable pricing is real *and* confirmed. And if orange isn't your speed, the red version is just as killer. We love an eye-catcher.
Two words: It. Spins. This is the retro whimsy that a mid-century modern room begs for. The cool, fuzzy fabric will make this chair a cozy fave in your home.
This rounded artsy table is perfect for your plants, books, and candles. If you're on the hunt for one-of-a-kind buys, add it to the list.
The color of this couch has probably already hooked you, but might I add something else? The fabric is wrinkle-resistant. Isn't it amazing that these little things can excite us as adults?
A foldable bookshelf is just as cute as it is convenient. Given that those two factors should be priorities No. 1 and No. 2 for you, we suggest you check this out.
Can't you just see it now? Your record player atop this stand, blaring the sounds of Stevie Wonder, or whatever fits your fancy? This media console is the perfect platform for all of your tech.
Some stylish natural wood is the perfect fit for your mid-century modern vision. One major plus for this specific buy is that it arrives Fully! Assembled! No need to fret over a disorienting instruction manual, my love <3.
Get into this shape. Get into this color. Hell, get into those legs. East Urban Home's media console is not here to play around. And at 55 inches, it'll be a spacious statement maker in your living room.
Your dinner parties and morning debriefs deserve this table. The flared legs have so much personality, and the walnut wood has an absolutely gorgeous finish.
We love a seat with multiple functions. Dump your throw blankets/remote controls/random clutter in these handy storage ottomans. Their stylish upholstery doesn't hurt to look at either.
There's something about a slanted silhouette that successfully communicates "chic '60s vibes" each and every time it's involved in a piece of furniture. The top of this cabinet from Bay Isle Home is a helpful example.
This isn't a shelf shape that you see very often, so she will successfully add dimension and funk to any room she's in. The floating illusion is undeniably sick too.
A budget-friendly couch that comes in *16* different velvet colors might just speak your language. That is, if your language is securing adorable staples without abusing your wallet.
Splashes of versatility around the room fall right within the mid-century modern aesthetic's M.O. Therefore, this accent bench has exactly the type of oomph you're looking for, especially when you can get it in 18 (!) shades and a bunch of different textures.
One of the best ways to hop on this decor train is by introducing unique shades into the mix—burnt orange, mustard yellow, you feel me? So a midnight blue sideboard will perfectly round out your room's vibes.
Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan who covers lifestyle, fashion, and astrology. Before joining Cosmo, she covered pop culture and entertainment for Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
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