Make These Small Changes for a Mid-Century Retro LookThe Mid-Century Modern look defined the decades after World War II through the late 1960s, or early ‘70s, according to some. The simple, minimalistic look of the time brought “casual living” in as the central focus of the era’s style. No longer did ornate furniture and intrinsically designed fixtures decorate the home, but instead, bold lines and unexpected shapes and colors were injected into the design. However, if this is the look you want to achieve, you don’t have to do a complete overhaul to go back in time. Here are a few small changes you can make to achieve a Mid-Century feel. Front Door
The first thing visitors see upon entering your home is your front door. Choose a style that includes strong lines and pronounced flat panels. Opt for a design with a tall singular panel or multiple layers of thin, horizontal rectangles. Don’t be afraid to paint your door in a vibrant color. Teal, orange, red and bright green are a few options that will add a pop to your exterior.
Clocks
Switch out your wall clocks for funkier styles. The Mid-Century home had clocks in bold styles that rivaled any wall art. The sunburst clock was an extremely popular style, with protrusions created out of just about any long, thin material including shiny metals or brightly painted wood pieces. Another popular sunburst clock style included long thin metal rods protruding from the center, topped off with balls of fiberglass in a mix-match of fun colors. Lighting
Add pendant lighting over your dining room table or counters. Hanging drop downlights with an array of sizes of globes on the end can immediately add a Mid-Century look. Choose non-ornate, basic-shaped lamp bases with large shades for side tables. Knobs
For an easy modification in the kitchen, change out your cabinet handles for square, metal knobs. This quick fix can also work on drawers, desks and other furniture pieces. Furniture
Exchange a few key pieces of furniture for items with clean, simple lines. Pick a chair that is basic in design, possibly with a straight back or narrow wooden arms. Tables should be minimalistic and multi-functional. Go thrifting for a basic wooden desk reminiscent of the quality expected in the post-war era or choose a modern day replica.
Poster Art
Add a few pieces of poster art to create that retro feel. Travel-inspired pieces or bold, geometric designs can be an easy way to produce a Mid-Century vibe. Abstract images and pop art were also popular choices.
There are more types of art as seen in this banner
You don’t have to remodel your entire home to get a Vintage Mid-Century appearance. Make a few of these small changes to go retro.
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I love the colors and the designs of the mid century decor. I don’t think I could pull it off myself because I’m not much of a decorator but I absolutely love the variety of these pictures. The clocks are my favorite. It’s a pleasure to co-host with you this week. I look forward to a fun week of linking up.
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These are all excellent ideas. I really like all the different cool looking doorknobs! Thanks for posting!
I really need to decorate my living room and these are great ideas!
Yes I remember when my Mom and Dad had one of those cool clocks.
It was funny because it always looked like a crown on someones head
when we stood in front of it for photos.
Great ideas love those sunburst clocks!
I am like you not very good with decorating, I know what I like but if I were to shop, I would have to buy a whole display.
Thanks for Co-Hosting with us this month, its been fun to get to know you all better.
Hope you ad your family have a great weekend!
Karren
Wow. Those make huge changes
I don’t know anything about decorating — these ideas are really interesting! I like the bright colours, but in my own house I might prefer a more understated look.
I like that the pieces can be multi-functional. This is a great post to offer food for (decorating) thought.
I’m the same way not knowing how to really put things together, I thought the photos would give some ideas.
Hope you have a great week!
Hi Rosey, Im the same way using multi functional is the best way to change decor up for fresh looks.
Thanks for stopping by!
These are all great ideas for getting a Mid-Century look. I like looking at different door knobs and light fixtures. Thank you for sharing these tips.
And I thought some of the clocks and lamps were interesting.
Thanks for stopping by and your comment!
Have a great week, Karren
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Great ideas! I love the colorful front doors, something I want to do so badly, but haven’t picked out my color yet. Thanks for sharing & hosting WW each week for us all. I appreciate all you do for us. Have a great weekend.
Hi Sarah, thanks for stopping by to take a look, there were so many of these pictures I remember when I was growing up, some are oming back. Funny how that happens.
Hope you have a great week!
Karren
xoxo
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Thanks Rosey, its does provide some ideas for that time, seems there are even hotels that decorate in the Mid-Century look.
Have great week
Karren
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Very retro Karen – thank you for sharing with Pin Worthy Wednesday
I love finding new parties, thank you for hosting and for stopping by!
Have a great week!
Karren
Great post! I love all of your pictures! Thanks for linking up at the Bloggers Spotlight. Come back again on Thursday and see who was featured and to link up again!
Thanks Carrie for your comment and for stopping by, I appreciate it and it was my pleasure to stop by to visit!!
Have a great week!
Karren
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I was born in the mid 50’s and remember this decor. I’m not sure I want to go back to it but I know it’s very popular with younger people
Rosanne, at this point I dont see myself going back either, but my son might like some of the styles, sorta minimalist.
Thanks for reading!!
Some of these ideas take me way back! The clocks especially. I don’t know if I would use some of them lol!
I remember the mid-century, was in my first apartment, but not sure I would go with the furniture now though.
These are all wonderful decorating tips! I love the pops of color, just recently painted my kitchen and the wall behind the sink and wraps around into the bathroom hallways is a bright green. I love it!
I bet your walls are great, its always nice to have an accent wall, my neighbor did that in red and it is such an architectural feature!
I now want to change every door knob in my house! They’re amazing!
Lol, that sounds like both fun and ambitious!!
Thank you for reading!!
Lol, that sounds like both fun and ambitious!!
Thank you for reading!!
These are great tips. I wish I had the money to do all these.
Im with you Deborah I wish I had more money too.
I love all the many different door knobs, I want to change all of the ones in the house.
Lots of good design tips here!
Thank you Dee for stopping by and for participating in the Something Old Is Something New Event, hope to do it again
Hi Susan, Isn’t it funny how things jump out to catch our eye, I find that happens on Instagram a lot.
Thank you Dee, glad you enjoyed.