7 Easy Steps to Get the Mid-Century Modern Interior Look

The most practical, low-cost and highly functional hack is replacing the blocky legs on your current dresser or sofa with tapered wooden peg legs. You can find sets of these on Amazon, like these ones, for under $30. Exposing the floor underneath your furniture, immediately creates a more open looking space, reflective of 1950s design without a big price tag attached.

At the heart of mid-century modern is rich, warm colored woods. Whether you are thrifting or shopping for new pieces, look specifically for walnut, teak or rosewood. If your current wood furniture feels too stripped down, a simple coat of warm-toned wood stain can achieve that look without needing to buy new furniture.

In order to do mid-century modern the right way, you’ll need to create a spacious atmosphere. High furniture like tall couches or beds obstructs views (that can be purposed for cool lighting and artwork) and makes a space feel overly congested. Going to lower furniture or swapping out high furniture legs allows for more lighting and makes the space feel more like a mid-century set rather than a modern showroom.

Ditch the overhead fluorescent lighting and opt for warm-colored floor lamps or statement light pieces for tables. Using warm bulbs or even a Philips Light Hue system can allow you to transform any space into an ambient mid century den rather than a room with sterile, doctor's office style lighting.

Pairing your hardwood floors with funky rugs, using textures like velvet bouclé can immediately elevate any room. Additionally, using colored curtains or eye-catching art pieces can create a space that is dynamic, layered and reflective of another era.

Skip the succulents and go straight for large palm plants or bonsais to infuse your spaces with a touch of the outdoors. Since mid-century modern design principles rely on blending the outside with the inside, any touch of greenery achieves this transformation. Reaching for unique biophilia is one means of creating more visual interest.

Not every design choice needs to be costly or a massive overhaul. Simply swapping old cabinet knobs with brass ones or eccentric patterns can do just the trick of bringing a bit of that mid-century look into your home.