24 Midcentury Modern Bedroom Decorating Ideas

By
Michelle Ullman
Michelle Ullman
Michelle Ullman
Michelle Ullman is a home decor expert and product reviewer for home and garden products. She has been writing about home decor for over 10 years for publications like BobVila.com and Better Homes & Gardens, among others.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 03/03/23
Midcentury bedroom with wooden headboard and black nightstand next to fiddle leaf houseplant

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Midcentury modern refers to the decorating style that rose to popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. It's characterized by lots of natural wood, simple lines, a mostly muted palette, and a sense of form-meets-function.

  • 01 of 24

    Difference Between Modern and Contemporary

    Modern bedroom with coral accents
    Lonny

    Although the words "contemporary" and "modern" are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Modern refers to a specific decorating style that first arose in the 1920s and became extremely popular as it modified into midcentury modern during the 1950s and 1960s. Contemporary refers to the popular decorating styles at any given time. As midcentury modern is currently very contemporary, the words have become synonymous.

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  • 02 of 24

    Add a Midcentury Modern Nightstand

    Mid-century modern nightstand
    Lauren Nelson Design

    As this lovely bedroom from Lauren Nelson Design shows, all it takes is one great piece of midcentury modern furniture to give your bedroom a shot of style. Nightstands are especially easy to find, and many are quite inexpensive.

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  • 03 of 24

    Midcentury Modern Dresser

    Mid-century modern dresser
    Kelly Deck Design

    This great looking dresser is classic midcentury modern style: clean lines, raised legs, straight edges, and natural wood. The squat golden yellow lamp on top is the crowning touch. This bedroom is from Kelly Deck Design.

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  • 04 of 24

    Bold Accent Wall

    Zigzag pattern on a bedroom wall
    Haus Interior

    Do you want to give a simple midcentury modern bedroom a powerful shot of style? Then take a page from the playbook of Haus Interior, and create a boldly patterned accent wall. The jagged design used here is rather reminiscent of the flame stitch pattern so popular in the 70s.

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  • 05 of 24

    Try a Chaise Lounge in Your Bedroom

    Bedroom with mid-century modern chaise chair
    Jenny Wolf Interiors

    A trendy chaise lounge in cowhide adds a big impact in this midcentury modern bedroom from Jenny Wolf Interiors.

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  • 06 of 24

    Midcentury Modern Bedroom Done Right

    Mid-century modern bedroom
    Chris Nguyen

    Here's a nearly perfect example of midcentury modern design from designer Chris Nguyen. The color scheme, furniture, and artwork are all hallmarks of this popular decorating theme. It's simply perfect.

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  • 07 of 24

    Natural Materials in the Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    Wood-paneled mid-century modern bedroom
    AB Design Studio

    This bedroom from AB Design Studio displays the use of natural materials so common in the midcentury modern style. Wood-paneled walls and stone add a touch of rustic—and yet still polished—texture to the space.

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  • 08 of 24

    Eames Chair

    orange mid-century modern bedroom
    Hart Studio

    One of the most iconic pieces of midcentury modern design is the Eames chair. This bedroom from Hart Studio demonstrates exactly why this comfortable chair is such a classic.

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  • 09 of 24

    Platform Beds in the Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    Platform bed in mid-century modern bedroom
    Allen Construction

    Platform beds became very popular during the midcentury years. This model home bedroom from Allen Construction shows off classic midcentury style.

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  • 10 of 24

    Retro Style Meets Midcentury Modern

    Modern bedroom with wood paneling
    Ryan Rhodes Design

    Retro circles and geometrics, along with touches of global style, add a splash of retro flair to an otherwise midcentury modern bedroom. This bedroom is from Ryan Rhodes Designs.

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  • 11 of 24

    Accent Wall in a Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    Chartreuse accent wall in modern bedroom
    CityRealty

    This stylish midcentury modern bedroom shows off a wonderfully retro chartreuse accent wall. The rug and abstract artwork tie into the wall color and add balance to the space.

    Accent Wall Finish Ideas for Your Bedroom
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  • 12 of 24

    Hairpin Legs on Furniture

    Modern bedroom
    Virtual Studio Innovations

    Hairpin legs on furniture, as shown on the bed in this room photographed by Virtual Studio Innovations, are a hallmark of the midcentury modern style.

    The 11 Best Places to Buy a Mattress in 2023
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  • 13 of 24

    Blue as an Accent Color in a Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    Blue accent wall in modern bedroom
    Jamie House Design

    Blue might not be the most common accent color in midcentury modern design, but look how beautifully it's used in this bedroom from Jamie House Design. The grayish blue accent wall, wonderful small chair, and colorful throw pillows really add pizzazz to this otherwise rather simple space.

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  • 14 of 24

    White Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    White modern bedroom
    Matthew Niemann Photograhy

    Simple, neutral color is a common palette in midcentury design. This lovely and serene bedroom, taken by Matthew Niemann Photography, shows off a tranquil color scheme of white and natural wood.

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  • 15 of 24

    Midcentury Modern Style

    Dark wood walls in modern bedroom
    Sharyn Cairns

    This sophisticated bedroom, photographed by Sharyn Cairns, shows off several midcentury modern decorating staples: the wood paneling on the walls, the pendant light, and the classic molded plastic chair.

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  • 16 of 24

    Macrame in the Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    macrame plant hangers
    Isabelle Palmer

    The 70s mixed in lots of funky styles to the classic midcentury modern look. Here, macrame plant hangers from Isabelle Palmer of The Balcony Gardener show off retro good looks.

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  • 17 of 24

    Wood in the Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    Minimalist modern bedroom
    Brit+Co

    Midcentury modern design is typified by the use of natural wood, particularly light or mid-tone woods. This bedroom, found on Brit+Co, is a fine example of midcentury design.

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  • 18 of 24

    Houseplants in a Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    mid-century modern bedroom with houseplants
    Bigger Than the Three of Us

    Houseplants add lots of life to a midcentury modern space. This lovely room, from blog Bigger Than the Three Of Us, not only has several plants, including the notoriously hard-to-kill snake plant, it also shows off the light wood, raised legs, simple lines, and clean aesthetic so common in midcentury modern.

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  • 19 of 24

    Built-In Bookcases in the Bedroom

    Built in bookcases in modern bedroom
    Weiss Architecture

    What avid reader wouldn't love an entire wall of built-in bookcases, as in this gorgeous midcentury modern bedroom from Weiss Architecture? The classic midcentury armchair is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy your favorite book.

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  • 20 of 24

    Glamorous Midcentury Modern Style

    Abstract artwork in modern bedroom
    Lori Dennis

    Midcentury modern style can go rather glamorous, as demonstrated so beautifully in this primary bedroom from interior designer Lori Dennis. The bold abstract paintings, luxurious fur throw, mustard armchair, and spare but elegant furniture adds up to a sophisticated and rather glamorous bedroom.

    About This Term: Primary Bedroom

    Many real estate associations, including the National Association of Home Builders, have classified the term "Master Bedroom" as discriminatory. "Primary Bedroom" is the name now widely used among the real estate community and better reflects the purpose of the room.


    Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome.

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  • 21 of 24

    Colorful, Fun Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    70s retro bedroom
    Jamie Bush+Co

    Who says midcentury modern can't have a sense of fun? With the addition of several 70s retro pieces, such as the pop art Beatles images and the acrylic hanging chair, this bedroom shows off the personality and whimsy of its owner. The room is decorated by Jamie Bush + Co.

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  • 22 of 24

    Feminine Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    feminine mid-century bedroom
    Home Epiphany

    While most often, wood is left natural in midcentury modern decor, this lovely bedroom shows off a softer, more feminine side with creamy white furniture. The charcoal gray walls are a rather contemporary touch, adding sophistication that keeps the bedroom from too much sweetness. It's lovely.

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  • 23 of 24

    Bright Accents in the Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    Mid-century modern bedroom ideas
    DigsDigs

    Typically, the midcentury modern palette is mostly neutral. It's quite common, however, to add a few shots of bright color to liven up the space. Here, an orange-red throw blanket adds a touch of heat to a classically midcentury bedroom.

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  • 24 of 24

    Colorful Touches in a Midcentury Modern Bedroom

    Colorful modern bedroom
    DigsDigs

    A bright and abstract area rug, sunburst light fixture, and intriguing gallery wall add lots of color and interest to this small midcentury modern bedroom. Notice the bedside lamps, which are the same shape but contrasting colors.

FAQ
  • Can you mix midcentury modern with other styles?

    Mixing two decorating styles together works well and adds a personal touch and taste to your home.

  • What are the colors used in midcentury modern?

    Neutral and earth tones, such as beige, tan, and grey, are paired with brighter, bolder colors, including orange, brown, olive, mustard yellow, red, and teal, in midcentury modern decorating.

  • What type of wood is commonly used in midcentury modern?

    Midcentury modern furniture pieces are typically made out of teak, rosewood, and oak.

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