The 10 Mid-Century Pieces We'd Put in Every Home
Design styles are not always known for their universality. Mid-Century modern furniture often completely embodies the era and is therefore hard to integrate into any and all spaces. However, occasionally, there are pieces that pop up and just work no matter where they are placed. If you have a Scandinavian-forward home, we guarantee there’s a chair or table with Mid-Century roots that will still work. If you just want a more modern, clean, and minimalist space, then Mid-Century furniture collections probably have something you can use. For us, at HORNE, we are always looking for tables, lights, sofas, and décor that both epitomize the design era it comes from and also suits your taste within your home—even if you aren’t designing a distinctly Mid-Century home. Come what may, we'd make room for these 10 Mid-Century pieces, putting them in every home possible. Some are just iconic on their own, others make the list because of the designer's influence on the era, and others are just pieces we keep coming back to.
What Defines Mid-Century Furniture Design?
Mid-Century design aesthetics emerged in the 1930s and continued through the 1960s, hence the name. Capturing sentiments that found roots in the pre- and post-World War II as well as many art movements. Paralleling the rise of modernism, Mid-Century design prioritizes a few key aspects that set it apart on the showroom floor.
- Simplicity. The excess of filigree and extravagant, boisterous detail had no place in a culture that longed to move forward with a fresh, clean slate. Simplicity took over, offering clarity and strictness to a world tossed about by the chaos of the 20th century.
- Inspiration from Nature. Despite the lean towards simplicity, organic shapes, based in the forms of nature, still reigned in the Mid-Century aesthetic. This allowed designers to streamline pieces without losing a semblance of organic beauty or abandoning a natural desire for connection to nature.
- Love for Materials. Intention became the key to materials for Mid-Century designs. With the advent of plastics, the necessity of recycling and reusing, the desire to create the most from what you had on hand, and yearning for innovation, designers branched out for materials. In doing so, they were able to experiment with combinations, new material types, and the process of creating something lasting.
- Functionality. Hand-in-hand with simplicity and intentional materials is the desire for functionality. Waste and unnecessary embellishment really has no place in the Mid-Century catalogue. Rather, designers and customers alike wanted adaptable furniture that made life easier and more comfortable. The focus was now put on life and what was needed to live well within your home and office environment.
The 10 Mid-Century Pieces We’d Put in Every Home
Ultimately, the principles of Mid-Century furniture do not always lend themselves to every style of home or commercial space. However, because of their simplicity, appreciation of quality materials, and ultimate functionality, there are often pieces that effortlessly slip into any room, mood, and lifestyle.
Semi Pendant
Featuring sharp edges and a crisp, but delicate, expression, the Semi Pendant is a classic Gubi light from designers Claus Bonderup and Torsten Thorup. A near perfect reflection of the era, this flared light is a perfect way to softly add Mid-Century aesthetics to any room. Available in a variety of neutral and retro colors, the Semi Pendant is a timeless lighting solution that will enhance any space it’s used in.
Oda Lounge Chair
Flowing sophistication and contemporary elegance do not distract from the Mid-Century architectural expressions of the Oda Lounge Chair. Teak, rope, and upholstery come together in a streamlined and uncomplicated form that also offers a lightweight feel. A comfortable lounge chair for outdoor and indoor spaces, the Oda Lounge Chair brings charm and practicality to living rooms, patios, sunrooms, and more.
Stedge Shelf
Stedge is WOUD’s answer to the large and imposing bookshelf. Instead, designers replaced the closed, heavy feel of a classic bookcase with floating shelves, invisible hardware, and a single wire that holds it all together. Simple, calming, and effortlessly elegant, the Stedge Shelf is adaptable and modular making it a beautiful solution that adds storage without taking up floor space.
CH25 Lounge Chair
Designer Hans J. Wegner is celebrated through the CH25 Lounge Chair. Sweeping, arched legs, masterfully woven seat and backrest, and a fantastic ergonomic recline all define the elegance and comfort of this Mid-Century lounge chair icon. Beautifully crafted with oak or walnut, the very presence of the CH25 Lounge Chair will lift the mood of the entire room.
IOI Wall Mirror
GamFratesi’s distinct mirror design pulls inspiration from a variety of sources, distilling them into a fantastic piece of functional wall art. Fulfilling all the purposes of a normal mirror, the IOI Wall Mirror adds an artistic element breathlessly beautiful symmetry, brass detailing, and delicate balance.
Eames® Molded Plastic Armchair
An Eames chair was a must for this list of Mid-Century furniture must-haves. It was just a matter of picking which one. We landed on the Eames Molded Plastic Armchair, specifically the collaboration between Herman Miller and HAY. This reimagining of the Eames icon uses 100% recyclable polypropylene plastic for the bucket seat and molded armrests. The result is an amazing lounge chair that modernizes the Mid-Century vision.
GJ 118 Sofa 2.5-Seater
A child of the 1950s, the GJ 118 Sofa has a solid wood frame and deep cushions that are masterfully shaped into an elegant and minimalist sofa and lounge chair series. Oak or walnut are used for the smooth, carved legs and framework, creating a Scandinavian feel within the context of Mid-Century design discipline. As a modern sofa, it offers comfort without compromising on style.
FK63 Floor Standing Deep Bookcase - 7 Trays
Part of a storage system and collection of refined and functional storage solutions, the FK63 Floor Standing Deep Bookcase is a unique take on the classic credenza and media center. Featuring a large open cabinet and seven sliding trays, this standing bookcase is perfect for sound systems, art, document storage, and more. As a result, the FK63 Floor Standing bookshelf is perfect for offices and entryways.
RF1903 Sideways Sofa
A curved sofa is almost never a bad decision. The RF1903 Sideways Sofa eschews the traditional forward-facing sofa in favor of a sideways position that encourages more natural conversation. Place two sofas facing each other to create a circular motion and flow in a unique living room space and enjoy the subtle paper cord details and distinctive black metal frame. Made in Denmark and created by award-winning Danish designer Rikke Frost, this sofa immediately starts conversations while capturing the spirit of both Mid-Century and Scandinavian design.
Nelson® Bubble Pendant - Angled Sphere
Designed by George Nelson in 1947, the Nelson Bubble Pendant series features innovative taut plastic over fine steel wire. Consequently, the Angled Sphere shape delivers a soft, diffused light that eliminates glare, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial spaces. This soft addition to your lighting compositions is a revival of a design that revolutionized the pendant concept. Moreover, Herman Miller® uses George Nelson's original materials and methods to ensure each piece is of the highest quality.
Where to Find Mid-Century Furniture
The search for authentic Mid-Century furniture need not be complicated. At HORNE, one of our primary focuses is the Mid-Century era of design and the fantastic pieces produced in these troubling, but enlightening, decades. Find some of the most versatile and iconic Mid-Century pieces in our curated catalogue and outfit your home with design that matters.
Shop our Mid-Century inspiration page and all furnishings at HORNE.
Explore related collections, including Furniture, Lighting, and Accessories, and visit our design guides for a broader point of view.
