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Step back into the past while still keeping a foot in the future with our guide to mid-century modern bedroom ideas! This beloved design era, renowned for its clean lines, geometric patterns, and organic forms, continues to inspire interior designers and homeowners alike. We delve into the captivating world of mid-century modern design, offering up a trove of innovative ideas and tips to transform your bedroom into a chic, timeless sanctuary. From vintage pieces to contemporary interpretations, we’ve got all your bases covered. We’re about to time-travel to the mid-20th century and bring back fantastic inspirations to make your bedroom dazzle with mid-century modern charm.
What makes a bedroom a mid century modern bedroom?
Technically “Mid Century Modern” describes the style of art, decor and architecture from the middle of the 20th century. What it means for your décor is basically a reflection of all of those elements. It’s a minimal look with clean lines. No fussiness. There are natural elements, dark stained wood and neutral colors you’d find in nature. The metals are bronze/gold toned and there’s a richness in the fabrics. Accents and even some of the smaller furniture pieces have a sculptural feel to them.
11 Mid Century Modern Bedroom Ideas
“Modern” Mid Century Modern
Here’s a beautiful example of updated Mid Century Modern in the bedroom. White walls set off that beautiful warm honey toned wood furniture.
There’s a little color here, but it’s muted and natural.
As a whole, this room is clearly in the Mid Century Modern Style, but it’s also clearly a modern update of that style. You can find all of the details on this room at Bigger Than The Three Of Us.
Unexpected Architectural Features
That feature wall is a stunner, right? It might not really be reflective of Mid Century Modern style, but I do love the straight lines and the rest of the room is a good example of Mid Century Modern.
The only thing that throws me in this room are those shaggy pillows, but shag rugs were a thing in the 60’s and 70’s, so it works!
The light fixture in this room is perfect in front of that dark wall. You can find all of the details for this room on RemodelaCasa.
Minimal Mid Century
This little corner of this bedroom is just the type of serenity that a minimal mid century modern bedroom can give you.
The dark platform bed, the soft linens and the touch of brass in the lamps are perfect. It’s just exactly the right amount of everything and nothing more than is needed.
You can find the details for this room on Nadine Stay.
Airy Mid Century Modern
This sunlit bedroom really needs that modern, black art work above the bed and those black pillows on the bed. Without them, the room would feel like it might float away.
The platform bed, which you might have noticed is a mid century modern staple, helps to keep this room grounded, too.
There’s the touch of brass again in this room in the light fixture and the bedside tables.
You can find all of the details for this room on One Kindesign.
Moody Mid Century
I have a navy blue bedroom. I love a dark, moody bedroom. I think it’s very relaxing. This mid century dark and moody bedroom is right up my alley.
The little side tables and that dusty rose color on the bed are just perfect accents in here. I could live in this bedroom.
You can find the details for this room at House Lust.
Colorful Mid Century Modern Bedroom
Orange and blue is one of my favorite color combinations, but you definitely have to be careful with it.
It works great in this mid century modern bedroom because it’s an updated version of the orange that was super popular in the 60’s and 70’s.
It’s smart to use a color like orange in accents like that blanket. Just in case it becomes a little “much” down the road. You can switch it out for something a little more subtle.
Perfect Mid Century Modern
We only get a tiny peek at this bedroom, but it’s all that we need. It’s mid century modern done perfectly. I’m a big fan of the minimal clean lines of mcm bedroom ideas.
The side table is a great example of mid century furniture. The dark grays in the headboard and the blanket are warm and simple.
And you know you love that table lamp with the black and brass.
Patterned Wallpaper
This pretty wallpaper is an updated version of the wallpaper you might see in a fashionable home in the 60’s. It’s a little Partridge Family, but only a little and it’s just enough.
The soft pink accents keep this room current and feminine.
Hand Made Meets Mid Century Modern
The wall hanging and the art in this room are hand made or collected. It gives the room a boho feel, but the wood tones and the flat linens keep the room mid century.
One thing that we’ve seen in almost all of these Mid Century Modern bedrooms is a little bit of greenery, which you’ll also find in a Boho bedroom. Here it’s minimal, just one plant, but a Boho room will have an abundance of plants.
Artsy Mid Century Modern
Because Mid Century Modern is more minimal and clean lined, it offers a great opportunity to show off your collected artwork. This room is a great example of that.
I would leave out that loud red pillow, just because it’s pulling attention from the art, but that’s more of a personal choice.
Once you stop looking at the art on the walls, you’ll see the furniture in this room is beautiful mid century modern.
Actual Mid-Century Modern Bedroom
I found the coolest website called 1stdibs where you can find vintage pieces. I found it because one of our readers said that no list would be complete without one of these teak headboards with the built-in nightstands on both sides! It’s definitely a beauty!
How do I make my bedroom mid-century modern?
To make a bedroom mid-century modern, start by selecting furniture pieces with clean lines, tapered legs and natural materials like wood. Incorporate accent colors such as mustard yellow and olive green to add pops of color. Consider using geometric-patterned textiles like pillows and curtains, as well as curved accessories like light fixtures or wall art. Lastly, include some vintage accents like a retro-style clock or rotary telephone to complete the mid-century modern look.
If you’re thinking about decorating your bedroom in a MCM style and starting from scratch, I pulled together a list of my favorite pieces for a mid century modern bedroom décor, all from Amazon.
Mid Century Modern Decor & Furniture
Mid Century Modern Headboards & Bedframes
If you’re able to splurge and buy a new bed, then it will go a long way in making your room look authentically mid-century modern. There are some really great options at Amazon that won’t completely break the bank.
This platform tufted bed is exactly right for a mid century modern bedroom. It’s got all of the nice clean lines, but it’s also updated for the 21st century.
The fabric leaves you open to a lot of different accent color choices. The gray on gray on gray here is a little blah for me. I’d love to see one bright throw pillow for a little pop of color (maybe avocado green?).
If you aren’t into having a headboard with fabric on it (they are a pain to clean, after all), then this wood platform bed with tapered legs and brass accents is a great option for you.
The tiny bit of brass at the feet of this bed is the perfect touch to take this bed from a basic to classic.
Are you sensing a theme here? The platform bed is a classic for mid century modern style.
This channel headboard also incorporates some handsome gray tweed like fabric which is also a staple for mid century interior design.
Ok, ok, I saved the best for fourth. I’m obsessed with this spindle bed.
If you want a mix of Mid Century modern design and Boho style, this is 100% the bed for you. I love the honey tone of the wood and that sculptural headboard is a big yes for me. Love it.
Last but certainly least is another take on a platform bed, this one is completely upholstered with a great minimal design on the headboard.
This gray modern bed is a great fit for almost any color scheme, but I really like it with that pretty blue in the accent pillow. A blush pink would work, too, though for an elegant mix.
Furniture
Today’s modern bedrooms are about more than the bed. You need a dresser, of course. But what about an accent chair? A bench to sit on while you put your socks on? Yeah, we need all the wooden furniture!
Wouldn’t your sweaters be happy in this beautiful dresser with white front drawers?
This white accent on top of the warm wood is one of my favorite things you’ll find in mid century modern living. I would definitely do this in my own bedroom. This is updated modern.
This handsome dark wood brown dresser is a great for a bedroom that is short on space. It’s got decent storage, but it’s not going to take up a lot of space.
It’s got classic mid century lines and the brass detail, too. But what I really love about this one is how high off the floor it is. It gives the room some breathe.
Here’s your cute little bench for putting your shoes or socks on. This is perfect for the end of the bed.
I challenge you to not let your end of the bed bench get covered in piles of laundry. That gray tweed has too much iconic style to hide.
I absolutely had to include this upholstered dresser. I love the look of it and it’s definitely very mid-century modern.
My theory on the resurgence of mid century modern living is that people that didn’t have a ton of money to spend on brand new furniture were buying beautiful authentic pieces from the 50’s and 60’s at Goodwill.
This upholstered look would have had a hard time staying in good shape through all those years, though. But it’s one of the coolest design trends to revive.
If your bedroom is big enough an accent chair or two, then you’re one of the lucky ones. I want you to start thinking of your bedroom as your kids do. It doesn’t have to be the place you go to sleep in.
It can be a unique space to have a cup of coffee in the morning. Or glass of wine at night. The more you live in the bedroom, the more you’re going to want it to look personal and beautiful.
I love the idea of a black and white mid century modern bedroom and this black dresser would fit into that look perfectly.
If you go black and white, be sure to have some texture and some variations in whites, creams, grays. Just black and true white can be a little stark. It also would help if you used different materials and potted plants.
Having a bedside table is a definite must for the bedroom. This marble top side table is perfect for a mid century modern bedroom. I’m loving the natural stone against the solid wood look.
I love the combination of open storage plus a drawer and having no hardware keeps this looking slick.
This mango wood side table might be edging a little closer to Brady Brunch, but it’s beautiful, nonetheless.
Plenty of storage here and the brass fixtures are polished and not too brassy.
Lighting
You’re going to need some lighting in your modern bedroom aren’t you? A couple of table lamps with beautiful geometric shapes at your bedside?
Or maybe something hung above the bed?
These two geometric lamps are perfect in shape and metal for a mid century modern bedroom.
These look like “today” but with a touch of mid century modern style, especially with the brass.
A pop of bright color with these cheerful yellow lamps is beautiful in an otherwise neutral bedroom.
You don’t need a lot of color to make a statement with color, you just nee the right color. This yellow is right.
How about a sputnik chandelier for over the bed? It’s definitely a statement and very mid century modern.
Make sure you’ve got some high ceilings in your bedroom. This would not work in a low ceiling-ed room. Just in case that wasn’t already obvious :-).
If you need a little lamp for on top of the dresser or desk, this brass lamp is perfect.
I love the mid century styling with the brass and the white globe and this has a nice small footprint so it won’t take up a lot of dresser real estate.
These Espresso Bronze lamps are very true to the mid century style. They are almost sculptural in their shape and the proportions are perfect.
These are great for the bedrooms or living rooms that lean towards mid century modern.
Mid-Century Modern Accessories
It’s the little decor touches that really bring a room over the top.
You don’t want to go crazy and buy all the mid century stuff or your room will start to look like a movie set, but a few things here and there that are updated modern is just right.
I have a thing for a cute little alarm clock and this one is calling my name.
I love the pop of red and the mid century modern styling. It’s a perfect little moment to make you smile every morning.
I’m a huge fan of plants in the bedroom. If you’re like me, this is the plant stand you want for your mid century modern bedroom.
Just don’t forget to water the plant. Or get a fake one. Ok?
If I were putting these beautiful candlesticks in my bedroom, I would look for LED tapers.
But that beautiful brass and throw back style is perfect mid century modern decor.
I love some big wall art over the bed and this tryptic in particular is quite stunning.
I love the muted colors and I love that it’s kind of a throw back to picture frames you’d see in the 50’s or 60’s, but an updated version.
I love some big wall art over the bed and this tryptic in particular is quite stunning.
I love the muted colors and I love that it’s kind of a throw back to picture frames you’d see in the 50’s or 60’s, but an updated version.
Most of the time I have a hard time with decor that is not functional, but these brass birds make me smile and that is function enough for me.
Maybe they can act as paperweights for my important papers on the bedside table. Or they can just be cute. That’s enough, right?
Bedding & Linens
This stunning large palm duvet cover is simply gorgeous. I love the colors, the grayed out blue and pink is color without being overwhelming.
The pattern is a throw back to the florals of the 50’s and 60’s, but a completely modernized version.
When in doubt you can absolutely not go wrong with a plain white quilt. You can layer other colors on top, or go for all soft neutrals, but this will work in any room at any time.
The geometric stitched pattern gives this that mid century vibe, but if you decide to Boho in a few years, it will work there, too.
These dusty rose corduroy throw pillow covers have great texture while still sticking with that simple mid century minimalism.
One of my requirements for a throw pillow is that it is still functional (meaning I can lie my head on it if I want to) and these look like they’d be very cozy for a quick nap.
This gorgeous yellow patterned pillow cover is perfect for the bed or your accent chair.
It’s another great way to add just a little color to your bedroom.
If you’re going to take a nap in the middle of the day, then you’re not going to want to actually get in your bed.
You’re going to want a beautiful throw like this black and white one. There’s something about actually getting under the covers that makes a nap a little too decadent.
Or, if black and white isn’t your thing, you could go with this pretty patterned and textured gray throw.
This could work pretty easily into almost any color scheme.