If you’ve heard the term Mid Century Modern, you might smile and nod, but you may be wondering, what does the term “Mid Century Modern” actually mean?
Don’t worry if you can’t pinpoint the term’s exact meaning—Mid Century Modern (abbreviated MCM) can be confusing to define. It is used to describe a broad range of design elements, including furniture, architecture and graphic design. It also refers to design that developed in a specific historic era as well as design today that speaks the same design language.
Mid Century Modern Origins
Author Cara Greenberg coined the phrase ‘Mid Century Modern’ in her title of her 1984 book Midcentury Modern: Furniture of the 1950s. However, the design style goes back further than the 50s. The Mid Century Modern era refers to the period roughly between the end of World War II through the mid 1970s. Mid Century Modern style hit its peak in the middle of the 20th century, hence the ‘mid century’ part of its name.
The ‘modern’ part comes from the style’s futuristic nature. MCM pioneers (such as Eero Saarinen, Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, and Florence Knoll) wanted to create something that was new and unique. They experimented with different materials and reimagined traditional styles.
The movement sparked as new innovations were developed during WWII, which is why testing new materials in designs was such a significant part of the style. Materials like fiberglass, foam, aluminum, steel, and plastic laminates worked their way into furniture and architecture.
MCM emphasizes clean, sleek lines with a mix of geometric and organic shapes. Although the furniture is known for its futuristic and often colorful look, the style values minimalism. It pushes for functionality and simplicity, while maintaining its unique looks. Mixing indoor and outdoor elements like floor to ceiling windows, atriums and lots of plants is also key to Mid Century Modern style.
Mid Century Modern architecture appreciates open floor plans with low roofs. Houses are designed to blend indoor and outdoor elements. Think atriums, sliding glass doors and floor to ceiling windows to let in lots of light. Rooms were also filled with tons and tons of plants.
You’ll notice a lot of names of architects and designers in Mid Century Modern style. That’s because a large part of the raison d’être of the MCM movement was to treat homes and the things that filled them—from chairs and tables to salt and pepper shakers—with the same innovation and creativity as works of art. In that spirit, these creations often bear their originators’ names as you would expect with a work of art. Don’t worry—after a while you will be able to tell George Nakashima from George Nelson and recognize the names. In the meantime, you can grow your Mid Century Modern lexicon by perusing our Modernist Index, where we explain key architectural concepts and highlight the era’s architects and designers.
MCM Today
Mid Century Modern designs have a timeless appeal, so it’s no surprise that it continues to thrive today. Today’s MCM feels retro, yet futuristic, and brings nostalgia to those who love it. Although it’s been about 80 years since the style first emerged, Mid Century Modern continues to look futuristic and innovative.
To get more acquainted with the style, peruse the Atomic Ranch website for more iconic designers, architects and homes, or see the design in action by taking a digital tour through lovingly restored MCM homes. Or, flip through a print issue or the Atomic Ranch book. You can also check out this helpful article that further explains what Mid Century Modern is, or this one explaining the characteristics of MCM.
And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
