Mid-century design ideas
If you’re searching for a sofa, chances are you’ve heard of mid century. Characterised by splayed legs, clean lines, and formal backs, this much-loved style is always in fashion and lends itself effortlessly to endless interior trends. Make the most of your mid century moment and all things 1950s, 1960s and beyond with DFS.
What is mid-century style?
Mid-century style was popularised in the – yes, you guessed it – middle of the 20th century, when angular shapes, exposed frames, and minimalist buttoning ruled the interior world. These furniture features have stood the test of time, outlasting their 50s and 60s roots to grace our living rooms with sophisticated silhouettes well into the 21st century.
Why choose a mid-century sofa?
Mid-century style isn’t going anywhere, so if you’re looking for a centrepiece that’ll stand up to whatever trend you throw its way, you can’t go wrong with a mid-century sofa.
Better still, its status as a sofa staple means this style often gets the star treatment when it comes to customisation – be it fabric variety, colour range, or foot choice. So whether you’re searching for a luxurious lemon statement or a cosy cord couch, you’ll find just the thing for a mid-century modern living room.
Looking for a lighter style? A mid-century living room shares aesthetic qualities with the popular Scandi style, featuring natural wood accents and off-the-floor profiles. Pairing the two concepts creates a space in which light flows freely, keeping your mid-century modern interior design airy and natural.
Types of mid-century sofa
With so much variety on offer, there’s a sofa to fit any mid-century modern interior vision – whether you’re a frantic family of five, dreaming of designer, or cuddling up as a couple.
Small mid century sofas
Mid-century doesn’t have to mean massive; if you’re searching for a mini sofa to add some snug style to your mid-century modern living room, take a look at the Benji Cuddler Sofa. Offering just enough room for two, Benji’s super-soft fabric and deep, plush cushioning make it the perfect place to – as the name suggests – cuddle up.
Designer mid century sofas
Any mid-century sofa can be a statement centrepiece for your space – but a designer piece takes your mid-century living room to the next level. The luxurious Langton sofa by Joules, exclusive to DFS, adds heritage country charm to a 1950s silhouette, upholstered in plush velvet and boasting a quintessentially British colour palette to exude luxury from every angle.
Our favourite mid-century and retro trends
Whether you’re refining your seventies style or adding fifties fashion to your front room, mid century doesn’t stop with your sofa. Check out some of our mid century design ideas for more retro interior inspiration.
Retro Standard
Say hello to ‘newstalgia’. The Retro Standard trend takes all your favourite mid-century vintage values and gives them an eclectic modern twist for a fun and funky décor style.
Vintage Home Décor Styles
The future is the past - and these interior styles prove it. From the elegant 50s to the minimalist 90s and everything in between, learn how to make nostalgia your new thing.
Fleetwood
Inspired by the rich colours and opulent details of 70s style, the Fleetwood trend takes mid century modern and saturates it with glamorous flair. Think dark wood, luxury gold, and statement silhouettes that will elevate your space.
Mid-century furniture
If you’re looking to really embrace the mid century magic, a sofa is just the beginning. With our living room, bedroom, and dining room ranges, there’s plenty of mid century inspiration to be found in all corners of your home.
Filip sideboard
The Filip occasional furniture range takes inspiration from sleek and stylish Scandinavian style to bring the warmth of natural wood to your home.
Hoxton footstool
Timelessly elegant, the Hoxton range pairs super-soft and durable chenille with instantly recognisable mid century modern features.
Cosma oak dining set
Eye-catching ribbed wood sets Cade Oak dining furniture apart, offering a contemporary take on classic mid century style.
Carlisle cuddler
Elegant flared arms, minimalist piping, button detail - Carlisle adds a pop of mid century flair when you’re not ready for a big sofa change.
Arla coffee table
Cool and curvy with statement ribbed panelling, the Arla occasional range is mid century modern at its best.
Luto Bedside Table
The Luto range is perfect for introducing a scandi-inspired, mid century aesthetic to your bedroom, with sleek storage and subtle curves.
How to incorporate mid-century décor in your home
Sofa sorted? Time to layer in those signature retro vibes that make a mid-century modern living room feel even more stylish and welcoming. Check out our top tips for bringing the 50s flair look to life.
1. Introduce warm wooden furniture
When it comes to mid-century, you can’t escape wood. Natural finishes bring plenty of warmth and organic texture to your space, grounding any room in that unmistakable mid-century style.
Before you splurge on every welcoming wooden piece you can get your hands on, consider what sort of furniture will complement your existing woods. Don’t worry about every tone matching exactly; a mixture of light, medium, and dark woods works surprisingly well in a mid-century space. For example, teak sideboards, walnut coffee tables, and oak shelving can all exist in harmony if you pay attention to undertones and finishes.
2. Add vintage flair with a retro colour scheme
As with every décor style, choosing the right colour palette is key to mid-century interior design. Kick things off with a base of muted, earthy tones – think a warm cream sofa, a soft grey armchair, or an olive green footstool.
Now for the fun part: adding injections of colour wherever you see fit. Mustard scatter cushions, teal vases, or a burnt orange rug go a long way in adding vibrant mid-century energy and retro personality to your space. You might even want to swap your accessories seasonally to keep your mid-century look fresh and fun.
3. Embrace funky shapes
If there’s one thing mid-century style loves, it’s geometry. We’re talking circles, ovals, sleek angles, and overlapping patterns at every opportunity. When it’s time to accessorise your mid-century masterpiece, a round coffee table, an oval mirror, or a sculptural lamp all make a statement without overwhelming your space. No chance to shy away from curves in this style – they’re great for softening a room and balancing the sharper, linear shapes of furniture like sideboards or shelving units.
The key to a gorgeous mid-century living room? Mixing your shapes. Pair an angular bookshelf with a round footstool or a circular rug under a rectangular table. We recommend starting small, introducing geometric shapes through accessories like cushions, vases, or lamps before committing to larger furniture pieces.
Mid-century décor FAQs
What is mid-century modern?
Mid-century modern is used interchangeably with mid-century and usually refers to the same thing – sleek, simple, splayed-leg style. If we’re getting technical, mid-century actually refers to the time period itself – the 1950s – whereas mid-century modern refers to the much-loved interior style and furniture that came with it. Mid-century modern emphasises clean lines, functional furniture, and big, open plan spaces.
Can you mix Art Deco and mid-century?
Short answer – yes! Art Deco and mid-century styles share a lot of similarities and, when done right, can be a showstopping combination. Stick with clean lines, warm woods, and ergonomic shapes to channel mid-century magic, then add smooth velvet and bold colours for an Art Deco-inspired touch.
Is 70s mid-century?
The mid-century style movement we know and love spanned from the 1940s to the mid-1970s, so some elements of 70s style appear in mid-century interiors. In the later 70s, luxury glam took centre stage, with bold and bright colours taking an expressive turn away from the more muted mid-century palette. Interior trends like the Fleetwood style offer the best of both worlds.
How do you decorate mid-century modern?
Mid-century proves simple doesn’t have to be soulless, and décor is a huge part of that. Try to follow the same criteria you used for your mid-century sofa to choose your decorations – clean lines, geometric shapes, and natural materials will be your best friend. You might also want to choose some statement accents like a chic vintage lamp, bold and bright artwork, or a patterned rug.
How do you clean mid-century furniture?
Your furniture cleaning routine is highly dependent on the fabric of material your furniture is made of – and that’s just the same for mid-century style. It’s important that you’re clear on what your décor is made of before diving in with cleaning products to keep your furniture looking its best. For advice on all things cleaning and care, check out our helpful hub.
Is mid-century furniture in style?
Absolutely! Mid-century furniture remains a timeless favourite in interior design. Its clean lines, functional forms, and warm wood tones make it incredibly versatile, blending with so many interior designs. While trends come and go, the simplicity and elegance of mid-century pieces ensure they never really go out of style – so it’s always a good time to add some mid-century sophistication to your space!
Not your style? Try these instead
Art Deco
Glitz, glamour, and indulgence in every detail – Art Deco is a trend that’s here to stay. If you’re dreaming of a luxurious living room with all the elegance of a Gatsby cocktail party, this interior style is an absolute must.
Rustic Industrial
Pared-back style, raw textures, and uncomplicated comfort make this design trend a timeless choice, taking the natural warmth of a rustic interior and elevating it with the oh-so contemporary chic of an urban industrial space.
Country Interiors
Yearning for countryside living? The smell of fresh bread baking from the kitchen, cows grazing in the meadows, crackling logs warming your toes by the hearth - what a life.
