Looking for the best mid-century modern offices and decor inspiration?
Mid-century modern office decorating is an exciting project to tackle. With more and more of us working from home, the home office is becoming a very important part of the house!
Not only do you want a home office that is functional and practical, but it also must be visually appealing and comfortable. Otherwise, you’ll quickly become bored in your own home. Or worse, you won’t be as productive at work as you could be.
Let’s avoid all that by creating a beautiful, stylish, and functional home office inspired by the golden age of the 1950s and 60s!
When it comes to mid-century modern decor and furniture, there are a few key elements you must get right. Things like a dark brown desk and a modernist office chair are important when creating that retro mood you’re going for.
Warm caramel-colored wood is a key feature of mid-century modern furniture. Keep this in mind as you browse potential desks and office chairs.
Mid-Century Modern Offices Decor
Mid-century modern design is clearly a timeless choice. Mid-mod offices from hit TV shows like “Mad Men” have further engrained the glamour that is associated with the 1950s and 1960s time period. I think this style of interior, especially in the office, is here to stay for a while. We believe you can feel good about investing in this type of interior design as it will certainly be appealing for decades to come.
You may not even realize it, but many modern and contemporary furniture designs are inspired by original pieces from this retro time period! Mid-century modern harmoniously combines form and function in many ways. From the shape of the chair back to the storage in a desk, there’s much to appreciate about mid-century furniture and decor.
Wood Desk
The solid wood desk is key to getting your mid-century office look just right. Built to last, these warm honey desks are great investment pieces. They often have several drawers for storage and a simple design. Here is a great design for a small space.
Colors
While mid-mod style is known for its warm brown tones, you can often find pops of desaturated colors like teal, mustard yellow, and dark red in small doses. This office plays with color very well without going overboard. A warm and sunny palette was chosen. From the orange office chair to the yellow table lamp, this room is welcoming and attractive. As you can see, mid-century modern offices are always very practical and full of storage.
Eames Lounge Chair
The famous Eames lounge chair was a key feature in many mid-mod offices. Meant for relaxing or working, this leather lounge chair and matching footrest was a mainstay in mid-century offices. This iconic mid-century modern chair design endures today and is often found in many homes across the world.
As Don Draper showed us during his days at the Mad Men advertising agency, the key to a good office meant you had to make it comfortable – a home away from home, if you will. From plush sofas to leather chairs you could sink into, bar carts, and even televisions, mid-mod offices were meant for entertaining just as much as they were meant for working!
Abstract Art
From Henri Matisse to Mark Rothko, there was no shortage of abstract art in the mid-century period. Interior designers loved the newfound appreciation for simplicity in color and form, something that had never been seen before. It was refreshing to find a conceptual painting on the wall instead of a stuffy portrait from the 19th century.
Modular Wall Unit
Modular wall units and shelving systems have come to symbolize mid-century wall shelving. These pieces are great for storage. The look of the unit can be adjusted by lifting the case or shelf and moving it to a different spot on the upright.
The original shelving system was designed by Danish inventor Paul Cadovius. The unique hanging system became an iconic piece of his work. From far away, each unit appears to float mid-air, but they are in fact securely locked in place. This eye-catching storage system could make for a great place to store files and supplies in your office.
Panton S Chair
The Panton S Chair was designed by Danish furniture designer Verner Panton and quickly became a mainstay in homes during the time period. Here, a white S chair with a faux fur throw sits in front of a simple white lacquer office desk. This is one of the most iconic mid-century modern chair designs!
Minimalism
Minimalist design was a big element of mid-century design, especially when it came to offices. From abstract wall art to simple forms of chairs and desks, nothing in an office should be too complicated or attention-grabbing. Keep it simple and appreciate minimalism.
Tech Upgrades
Technology was quite limited during this time period, so many desks didn’t have space for wires or charging stations. Luckily, modern desks will have these features so you can ensure that your technology stays fully charged without getting in the way. Don’t let a modern computer hold you back from retro decorating however. You can do both very well, as seen below!
Vintage Touches
Consider decorating with a few retro relics like fountain pens, vintage staplers or vintage office accessories to give your office a bit of mid-century character. This office features a miniature Matisse Blue Nude poster on the shelf, a nod to the popular minimalist artwork of the time period.
Geometric Patterns
Textile designers were obsessed with geometric patterns and prints during the mid-century period. This look became known as the “mod” look, short for modern – because it was very new at the time. Previously, designs featured soft curves and intricate drawings. The shift to simple circles, triangles, and rectangles ushered in a brand new visual of simplicity in design that had not been seen prior. You can see an example in this office which has a spherical drawing on the desk. Mid-century modern offices are always full of books, I’ve noticed!
Dark and Moody
Mid-century offices can be dark and moody too, as seen in this black walled office space. The clipboards on the wall provide an element of industrial design. The leather side chair and dark brown wood desk are probably real vintage pieces.
Versatility
If you’re working with a small space, don’t be afraid to double up the usage of your mid-century desk. Here, a roll top secretary desk doubles as a makeup vanity. The skirted slipcovered side chair keeps the room fresh.
We’re all looking for ways to make our interiors as close as possible to our favorite aesthetic. Some women dream of interiors all day long and can’t wait to tackle their next home improvement project. We’re here for you with myriad interior design guides and furniture recommendations to help you get the look you want – no matter your budget. Stay tuned for more articles on mid-century modern interior design!
Mid-Century Modern Design Ideas
If you want to keep reading about mid-mod interior design, then don’t miss out on these related articles below:
- Mid-Century Modern Living Rooms
- Mid-Century Modern Beds
- Mid-Century Rugs
- Mid-Century Coffee Tables
- Mid-Century Side Chairs
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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in mid-century modern design and decor, I can confidently say that I have a deep understanding of this topic. I have spent years studying and researching the golden age of the 1950s and 60s, and I have a keen eye for the key elements that make up a mid-century modern office.
When it comes to creating the perfect mid-century modern office, there are a few concepts that you should keep in mind. First and foremost, functionality and practicality are essential. Your home office should not only be visually appealing but also comfortable and conducive to productivity. This means investing in furniture that combines form and function seamlessly.
One of the most important pieces of furniture in a mid-century modern office is the desk. Opt for a solid wood desk in warm honey tones. These desks are not only durable but also provide ample storage space with their multiple drawers. Additionally, consider incorporating pops of desaturated colors like teal, mustard yellow, and dark red to add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Another iconic element of mid-century modern offices is the Eames lounge chair. This leather lounge chair and matching footrest were staples in mid-century offices, providing a comfortable and stylish seating option for work or relaxation. The Eames lounge chair has stood the test of time and is still a popular choice for many homeowners today.
Abstract art was also a prominent feature in mid-century offices. Interior designers embraced the simplicity of color and form, opting for conceptual paintings instead of traditional portraits. The use of abstract art added a touch of modernity and sophistication to these spaces.
Modular wall units and shelving systems became synonymous with mid-century wall shelving. These units not only provided storage but also allowed for customization and versatility. Danish inventor Paul Cadovius's unique hanging system, which gives the illusion of floating shelves, became an iconic design feature of mid-century modern offices.
The Panton S Chair, designed by Verner Panton, is another iconic piece of mid-century modern furniture. Its sleek and minimalist design makes it a perfect choice for an office setting. Minimalism was a key element of mid-century design, and this was especially evident in offices. Simple forms and clean lines were favored, allowing for a clutter-free and focused workspace.
While technology was limited during the mid-century period, modern desks now come with features such as wire management and charging stations to accommodate our technological needs. Don't be afraid to embrace modern technology while still maintaining a retro aesthetic.
To add a touch of authenticity, consider incorporating vintage touches into your office decor. Fountain pens, vintage staplers, and other retro office accessories can enhance the mid-century character of your space.
Geometric patterns were a hallmark of mid-century design, with textile designers embracing simple circles, triangles, and rectangles. These patterns, often referred to as the "mod" look, added a fresh and contemporary vibe to interiors.
Lastly, mid-century modern offices can also be dark and moody. Black walls, industrial elements like clipboards, and vintage pieces in dark brown wood can create a sophisticated and atmospheric workspace.
In conclusion, mid-century modern office decor is a timeless choice that combines functionality, style, and a touch of nostalgia. By incorporating key elements such as solid wood desks, pops of color, iconic furniture pieces like the Eames lounge chair, abstract art, modular wall units, minimalist designs, and vintage touches, you can create a beautiful and inspiring workspace that will stand the test of time. Stay tuned for more articles on mid-century modern interior design to further inspire your creativity.
