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.
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. The key features of MCM style remain popular today. 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 in our Modernist Index section, 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. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Atomic Ranch articles and Mid Century Modern design ideas!