Do you love the look of Mid Century Modern design but worry that it won’t fit into your budget? You’re not alone! Mid Century Modern furniture and decor can be expensive, and when trying to create an entirely cohesive look within a certain style on a limited budget, it can seem daunting.
However, there are several ways to have the stylish home of your dreams without breaking the bank. In this blog post, we will outline some tips for how to decorate mid century modern on a budget while also exploring where to source classic pieces that will take you back in time—without making you feel like you’ve taken a trip through time in cost!
The Timeless Appeal of Mid-Century Modern Decor
Mid-century modern decor is a style of interior design that has been around since the 1940s but continues to be popular today. It is characterized by its simple lines, clean shapes, and functional elements.
Mid-century furniture typically prioritizes form over function, utilizing sharp angles and geometric patterns to create an aesthetically pleasing look. Mid-century pieces are often made with natural materials such as teak and walnut, giving them a timeless appeal that can easily be incorporated into any home.
For those looking to incorporate mid-century modern elements into their home on a budget, the internet is a great resource for finding furniture pieces at discounted prices. Online stores like Wayfair and Overstock have an array of stylish yet affordable mid-century modern furniture. Thrift stores are also a great option for finding vintage mid-century pieces on the cheap.
In addition to sourcing affordable furniture, there are plenty of ways to accessorize your home with mid-century modern decor without breaking the bank. Simple touches such as area rugs, throw pillows, and lighting fixtures can add subtle mid-century elements without emptying your wallet. Utilizing what you already have in the home is another great way to save money while infusing mid-century style.
Embracing the Style without Breaking the Bank
Decorating with mid century modern style doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few smart shopping tips, you can create a space that embraces this style without breaking the bank.
First and foremost, start by focusing on your main pieces. Mid century modern furniture is typically characterized by clean lines and minimal adornment. While you can purchase these types of pieces new, they often come with a hefty price tag. To save money, shop for vintage pieces at estate sales, flea markets or online marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist. You may even luck out and find some mid century modern furniture at thrift stores!
Once you have the basics covered, it’s time to focus on giving those furniture pieces an update. Refurbished mid century modern furniture has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to DIY blogs and home decor television shows. If you aren’t sure how to start, try searching for tutorials online or visit your local home improvement store for advice.
Finally, don’t forget the little details that can really bring a mid century modern space together. Adding vintage accessories like lamps and wall hangings can give your space an authentic retro feel without breaking the bank. You can also find mid century modern artwork and decorations at flea markets or estate sales. Just make sure to keep an eye out for items that are in good condition and affordable!
Exploring the Key Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Design
Mid-century modern design is characterized by its minimalism, simplicity and functionality. Its main elements are clean lines, curved shapes, natural materials and muted colors. In order to decorate a space in the mid-century modern style on a budget, it’s important to understand these key characteristics.
The most defining feature of mid-century modern design is the use of simple forms with clean lines. Furniture pieces should be sleek and angular with no curves or ornate details. The focus should be on showcasing the furniture’s function rather than form. Natural materials such as wood, leather and metal are popular choices for mid-century modern furniture due to their durability and timeless appearance.
When it comes to color, the mid-century modern style focuses on muted tones such as grays, blues and browns. Accents of primary colors such as red or yellow can be used to add a touch of vibrancy to the space but should be used sparingly.
10 Methods How to Decorate Mid Century Modern on a Budget
Method 1: Thrift and Vintage Stores:
Embrace the charm of thrift and vintage stores in your quest for mid-century modern decor. These treasure troves often hold hidden gems, such as retro furniture, unique accessories, and vintage artwork.
Explore these stores to find affordable pieces that capture the essence of mid-century modern design. Many thrift stores have furniture and home decor that are surprisingly stylish, well crafted, and cost-effective. You can also shop online for vintage items, including furniture and art.
Method 2: DIY Furniture Makeovers:
Revamp and repurpose existing furniture with DIY makeovers. Look for pieces with mid-century modern-inspired shapes and lines, and give them a fresh coat of paint in vibrant colors or wood stains that emulate the period. By getting creative with your DIY projects, you can achieve the desired mid-century modern look without splurging on brand-new furniture.
Method 3: Mix Old and New:
Blend vintage finds with affordable modern pieces to create a curated mid-century modern look. Pair a vintage coffee table with contemporary chairs or mix a retro-inspired lamp with a budget-friendly sofa. This combination of old and new adds character and depth to your decor while keeping costs in check. When shopping for vintage pieces, keep an eye out at flea markets, antique stores, and secondhand shops.
Method 4: Accent with Retro Accessories:
Incorporate mid-century modern flair through carefully selected accessories. Look for retro-inspired clocks, geometric patterns, and bold artwork that evoke the spirit of the era. These accessories can be found at affordable prices in home decor stores or even online marketplaces. Use them strategically to infuse the space with mid-century modern charm.
Method 5: Embrace Natural Materials:
Mid-century modern design often emphasizes natural materials like wood, leather, and brass. Look for budget-friendly options that mimic these materials, such as wood veneer furniture or faux leather upholstery.
Incorporating natural elements in your decor will lend authenticity to the mid-century modern style without breaking the bank. For a modern and sophisticated touch, look for pieces with brass accents. These can be found in light fixtures, hardware, or even small trinkets.
Method 6: Opt for Simple and Sleek:
The mid-century modern style is known for its clean lines and minimalistic approach. Choose furniture and decor pieces that embody simplicity and sleekness. Look for elegant sofas, minimalist shelving units, and unadorned accessories. These understated pieces are often more affordable and can be easily found in budget-friendly furniture stores. Re-cover furniture in affordable and modern fabrics, such as linen or cotton, to give it a mid-century modern makeover.
Method 7: DIY Wall Art:
Create your own mid-century modern-inspired artwork to adorn your walls. Use bold colors, geometric shapes, and abstract designs reminiscent of the era. Frame them with affordable frames or even repurpose existing frames. This DIY approach allows you to showcase your creativity while adding a personalized touch to your mid-century modern decor.
Method 8: Lighting Matters:
Lighting plays a crucial role in mid-century modern design. Look for affordable lighting fixtures that feature iconic mid-century modern designs, such as Sputnik chandeliers or cone-shaped pendant lights.
Alternatively, consider DIY lighting projects using simple materials like brass or copper pipes for a budget-friendly yet authentic mid-century modern aesthetic. Lampshades can also be replaced with vintage-inspired options, or spray painted in vibrant colors to add a pop of modern flair.
Method 9: Incorporate Plants:
Introduce indoor plants to bring life and a touch of nature to your mid-century modern decor. Look for low-maintenance plants like succulents, cacti, or spider plants that thrive indoors. Place them in retro-inspired planters or stylish ceramic pots to add a fresh and organic element to your space. Plus, you’ll get the added benefits of cleaner air and even some psychological benefit from having plants around.
Method 10: Shop Online and Seek Sales:
Take advantage of online shopping platforms and keep an eye out for sales and discounts. Many retailers offer mid-century modern-inspired furniture and decor at affordable prices. Additionally, explore online marketplaces and second-hand websites where you can find budget-friendly mid-century modern pieces from individuals looking to sell.
Conclusion
Decorating your home with mid-century modern style doesn’t have to be expensive. By shopping at thrift stores and taking advantage of sales, you can find the right pieces to complete your look without breaking the bank. Even more than that, converting items like end tables and picture frames into art deco pieces will bring a unique touch to any home.
With a little effort and dedication, you can achieve a fabulous mid-century modern decor that won’t be forgotten! Now is the perfect time to try something new. So why not start searching for ways on How to Decorate Mid Century Modern on a Budget? Who knows, you may just find yourself loving it enough that it becomes part of your permanent decor!