Vintage modern home decor goes by many names: Danish modern, nuclear age, mid-century modern and sometimes only MCM. Created during the years from World War II through the 1960s, classic modern layouts were cutting-edge modern in their day. Though the look fell from favor during the 1980s and 1990s, the style experienced a revival at the start of the 21st century, particularly among young, urban apartment dwellers.
Characteristics
Vintage modern furnishings discuss numerous common design elements. Wood pieces have a tendency to have finishes in colors. The legs on tables, chairs and consoles are slim and frequently installed at an angle. Furniture that is upholstered is firm instead of lavish, with long seat seats and track arms that are slender. Period accessories reflect the technology of this time, like the sunburst clocks and mirrors inspired by the Sputnik satellite.
Inspiration
Look for decorating inspiration on the display by watching old tv shows such as”The Dick Van Dyke Show” or the modern-day”Mad Men” series. To learn more about the houses and decorating designs of classic modern fans today, see home tours on a decorating site.
Scale
If you plan to mix vintage modern furnishings with new furniture, be sure that the scales are harmonious. New furniture tends toward the huge, but mid-century modern bits are smaller and have a low-slung profile. Pick new couches and seats with lower-than-usual arms to allow them to operate with classic modern occasional tables. To use vintage modern bedside tables alongside a thick pillow-topped mattress, change from a conventional foundation into a non box springs. In both cases, ensure your lamps are tall enough to provide light where you need it, even if that means lifting the lamp base on a elevated platform.
Choice
Look for furnishings created or inspired by celebrated designers like Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson, Harry Bertoia, Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen and Florence Knoll. Pick a few point bits of quality rather than a roomful of examples that are substandard. Look mostly for sturdy frames if you opt for upholstery. You can have them reupholstered from period-appropriate fabric that is new.
Sources
Look for vintage modern furnishings at antique stores, flea markets and thrift shops. Read online auctions and classified listings. Perhaps you will get lucky at garage sales. Outside major urban areas, many individuals still think of classic modern as gruesome 1950s motel furniture. If you feel like creating a road trip, borrow a truck and hit the small-town junk stores.