Is Mid Century Modern Going Out of Style?

There are rumors that Mid Century Modern is going out of style, but are they true? Well, yes and no, and the answer depends on who you are.

MCM living room with burgundy furniture and carpet — This very MCM living room happens to also include wine red and ochre accents, both of which are projected to be 2025 trends. Photo by Jim Brown.

Is Mid Century Modern Going Out of Style for the Trend-Followers?

Mid Century Modern came back onto the popular radar beginning in the late 90s. Trends come in waves, so it stands to reason that it’s now a question: Has MCM passed the peak of the wave? It still seems to be in the mix, but as an option among many. You might see a small tulip table alongside a wingback chair. The durability of MCM and its willingness to think outside the box gives it versatility and contemporary appeal.

living room with brown lounge chairs and couch and teal drapery — This MCM living room has lush drapery and brown furniture, both of which are predicted to be trends for 2025. Photo by Landon Wiggs.

What about for the Committed MCM Enthusiast?

For those who appreciate MCM as a design and philosophy, it’s not about how popular the style is. There’s some convenience in ease of access when something’s “in,” but let’s be honest—there’s also an appeal to not being like the mainstream trends. So it’s not going to dampen core enthusiast’s appreciation of the style and might even solidify it more, if and when the design passes from its resurgence in popularity.

What Design Trends Are “In” and Which Are MCM Compatible?

Art Deco is making a resurgence, and as a precursor to MCM, the two styles can harmonize. See Art Deco + Mid Century Modern: How To Combine Two Classic Styles.

According to Timothy Corrigan quoted in this Vogue article, “While we’re getting closer to the futuristic technology of the Jetsons, the decor should be avoided. Sputnik light fixtures had their time in the sun and now it’s time they fade into the past, along with mid-century furniture.” We don’t see signs of the Eames Lounge Chair and Saarinen Tulip table going anywhere anytime soon, though. As folks become more mindful of sustainability in their choices, vintage furniture, which includes MCM, is particularly appealing.

brown Eames Lounge Chair paired with blue sofa — Photo by Bret Gum.

Brown furniture also seems to be making a resurgence, and the color can pair well with MCM’s muted, earth-tone palettes.

With remote work a very real possibility for many of us, this has shaped what we want from our homes. The need for more separation between spaces does mean the MCM open floor plan has lost some appeal, but at the same time, the need for indoor-outdoor connection is something people are keenly aware of.

The Frost House designed by Alside Homes — Photography by Bob Coscarelli. See more of the Frost home here.

Mid Century Modern design was very much of its time, but it also has a timeless appeal with quality materials, innovative design and offers a sense of both nostalgia and contemporariness. So first of all, we need to say that while some aspects of MCM may ebb and flow with the changing tides of decor and design trends, we’d also wager that MCM is not going anywhere.

And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!