Mid-Century Modern Design and Color

The term Mid-Century Modern in decor is used a lot today. The span of time refers to either the decade after WWII, 1947-1957, or a broader period of the early 1930s to the mid-1960s.

This design style is characterized by:

• Clean lines and simplicity

• Both straight lines and organic curves

• Defined geometric forms

• The use of leather, wood, concrete and glass

The color palettes of each decade evolve and renew themselves. If you want to create a mid-century feel to your decor and to save you some time and research, here are some suggested colors for three decades of this design style, from Sherwin Williams.

1940s:  

SW0065 Vogue Green

SW0066 Cascade Green

SW0067 Belvedere Cream

SW0068 Copen Blue

SW0069 Rose Tan

SW0070 Pink Shadow

SW0071 Orchid

SW0072 Deep Maroon

1950s:

SW0073 Chartreuse

SW0074 Radiant Lilac

SW0075 Holiday Turquoise

SW0076 Apple Blossom (Rose)

SW0077 Classic French Gray

SW0078 Sunbeam Yellow

SW0079 Pinky Beige

SW0080 Pink Flamingo

1960s:

SW6887 Navel (orange)

SW6910 Daisy (yellow)

SW6840 Exuberant Pink

SW6703 Frolic (Chartreuse)

SW6824 Forget-Me-Not (purple)

A guideline for modernizing these colors is to choose two that mix with other neutral wall or furniture colors in your room. They really would be too much for a wall. 

For more information on furniture, architecture and typography from this era, see a beautifully-written article linked here: https://midcenturymoderns.org/history/what-is-mid-century-modern/

If you need help with your paint colors for an interior or exterior, contact me at www.beforeyoupaint.net, or text 925-222-1145.