Did you know that many of the furniture we see every day in magazines are mid-century style? We are talking about an artistic movement that had its origins in post-war Europe and reached its highest level of popularity during the 1950s. Architects, graphic and industrial designers and, of course, interior designers were part of this trend led by the School from the Bauhaus and inspired by Scandi decoration.
The mid-century is back in fashion and is included in what we would call retro or vintage. The purity of the lines, the use of natural materials or the sobriety of color are some of the characteristics of this style. Below, we give you some keys with which you can recognize the designs that were most talked about in the middle of the last century.
Everything in its place and a place for everything: the mid-century style is committed to functional, orderly and minimalist spaces. The search for pure and straight lines stands out and it is common for the legs of the furniture to be slightly bent. The low seats also reinforce the idea of attachment to the land.
The mid-century continually converses with nature and this is where wood stands as one of the star materials. Teak, oak, walnut... It is quite common to see furniture with raw and unvarnished wood finishes. The combination of attractive and functional furniture such as chests of drawers and sideboards is key to understanding this style.
After World War II, Europe entered a period of industrial and economic growth known as 'the glorious 30s' of capitalism. This influence can be seen in the interior design of the time, for example, through the chairs and stools with iron legs that tend towards oblique or stylized shapes.
The mid-century style was a pioneer in the search for ergonomics and comfort in its designs. This has left pieces that have gone down in history as true icons, such as the egg-shaped armchair by Arne Jacobsen or the Tulip chair by Eero Saarinen, like the one in the image. Do they sound familiar to you?
Ceiling lamps have a special importance within the mid-century style. The geometric models with several arms and light bulbs provide a unique character and personality to any room.
The mid-century enhances the beauty of the buildings, revealing brick walls, wooden beams, pillars and arches, and plaster moldings.
