Why is the World Obsessed with Mid-Century Lighting Right Now?

But what is mid-century modern design? And why is it so popular decades after its emergence? Today, we’ll unpack all that and talk about how you can create this popular look in your home with mid-century lighting and mid-century modern chandeliers.

What is Mid-Century Modern Design?

Mid-century modern design emerged in the mid-20th century but its appeal endures to this day. Characterized by simple, functional designs, and usually made from wood (teak, rosewood, and oak were popular choices), mid-century furniture and architecture featured soft curves and clean lines, reflecting the practical needs and desires of post-war society.

In a sense, mid-century design is a sub-category of the modern design aesthetic made popular at the turn of the century and the Art Deco and Bauhaus movement of the 1920s and 30s. Though there are some similarities, mid-century design distinguished itself from modern and deco through its preference for organic textures and understated, utilitarian design.

As for why mid-century modern design is so popular today, it’s down to that simplicity. Even when mid-century pieces are blended with other design approaches, they still feel fresh and modern and have successfully stood the test of time. Ultimately, that’s the ideal for any interior design. A timeless mid-century approach means your home will always feel just right, ensuring your design investment goes the distance.

Tips for Achieving the Mid-Century Modern Look

Here are a few lighting and design tips to help you embrace the mid-century look in your home.

Embrace Minimalism

Mid-century modern style is clean, simple, functional, minimal, and clutter-free. Choose pieces that are both functional and stylish. The Hailey Nordic chandelier is an excellent example as it evokes an industrial, space-age aesthetic that floats perfectly above a teak tabletop in the dining room or a natural stone kitchen island.

Mix and Match

Mixing different colors, textures, and patterns is encouraged in mid-century design. Think bold primary colors on kitchen cabinets, perfectly offset with mixed materials like glass and metal on your lighting fixtures. A mid-century modern chandelier like Gabriella helps you create a highly textured look that is so exemplary of this design approach. 

Lean on Natural Materials

Natural wood is one of the hallmarks of the mid-century modern style, but other natural materials like leather, cork, marble, and raw metals are also encouraged. Aurelius is a gorgeous mid-century modern chandelier whose design evokes the random perfection of nature, becoming a focal piece in the foyer or ramping up the drama with a double layer of stainless and copper in your great room.

Mid-Century Lighting Styles

The beauty of mid-century lighting is that fixtures don’t have to fit precisely with the rest of your home décor to look right at home. But what chandeliers are in style right now? Metals lean on brass, copper, or chrome, and geometric shapes and starbursts are popping up in modern homes everywhere.

The Lynx Nordic chandelier is a simple expression of mid-century lighting style, combining varied shapes and depths on arms that can be arranged like a constellation.

For a modern chandelier with a traditional twist, Kendall evokes the image of a classic candelabra and is as stunning in the bedroom as it is in the living room, dining room, or home office.

Where to Buy Modern Chandelier Lights for Your Home

Achieving a mid-century modern style aesthetic can be done gradually. Tables, chairs, lighting fixtures, and other mid-century modern décor can be vintage or brand new, and that’s part of the appeal.

Mod Lighting has an incredible selection of modern chandeliers and mid-century lighting that instantly adds that timeless look you love without the time and expense of a remodel. Speak to our lighting experts today to learn more about our mid-century modern chandeliers. We’d love to help you light up your home with stunning modern light fixtures you’ll love for years to come.