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Mid-Century style: Playful elegance meets Bauhaus inspiration

The Mid-Century home style beautifully blends the charm of the past with modern sophistication. Warm colours combine with clean, minimalist shapes, while natural tones and soft pastels create a timeless and elegant foundation. To add depth and contrast, incorporate dark, bold shades to form striking accents.

A dark brown stained oak veneer LISTERBY coffee table.
A dark brown stained oak veneer LISTERBY coffee table.

Are you captivated by the clean, organised, and tidy look of a modern minimalist interior? The Bauhaus style of the 1920s achieves this effect through its focus on symmetry and simplicity. But what if you could add a touch of character and warmth? The Mid-Century interior style does just that, blending functionality with comfort in a truly distinctive and inviting way.

From Bauhaus to Mid-Century: An evolution of interior style

The Mid-Century home style emerged between the 1940s and 1960s as a natural evolution of the Bauhaus movement. This design approach seamlessly merges art and craftsmanship with functionality. Timeless yet creative, simple yet full of character, it strikes a perfect balance between order and individuality, radiating a welcoming warmth. Bring this evolved Bauhaus-inspired interior style into your home with IKEA’s range of Mid-Century furniture – from sideboards to sofas, chairs, and tables designed to embody this iconic aesthetic.

The essence of the Mid-Century style: Timeless, functional, and unique

What makes the Mid-Century style so distinctive? Key features include the use of warm, natural materials and tones, paired with striking two-tone geometric patterns. Clean, simple lines are complemented by soft, minimalist embellishments, creating a look that is both timeless and effortlessly elegant.

A dimmable black VÅGHÖJD LED floor lamp.
A clear glass vase with pattern from KONSTFULL.
A handmade, multicolored BRÖNDEN rug with a low pile.
A cream-colored SVARTPOPPEL pillowcase.
A black LOMVIKEN frame.

Storage furniture is so Mid-Century: Sideboards, highboards, and shelves

Mid-Century furniture is instantly recognisable thanks to its clean, often geometric design. At the same time, its use of organic shapes adds a flowing, natural aesthetic to any space. Imagine an elegant sideboard with straight edges – it might remind you of Bauhaus style, doesn’t it? Now, pair it with warm teak wood and a curved vase in a vibrant shade of blue, and you’ve created the perfect example of Mid-Century interior design.

STOCKHOLM collection
A brown LISTERBY coffee table.
A with 2 shelves/oak effect LÅDMAKARE storage combination w sliding doors.
STOCKHOLM collection

Mid-Century material variety and innovation

Mid-Century interior design sparked a fresh enthusiasm for experimenting with diverse materials. Warm, durable woods such as plywood and teak take centre stage, but metals, glass, and even plastics are equally celebrated. These innovative combinations create striking contrasts and fill your home with character and charm.

A white BAGGBODA side table.
A handmade white ÄLVSTA chair made of rattan/sefast.

Colours in the Mid-Century universe: Neutral with bold accents

The colour palette of the Mid-Century style is wonderfully versatile. Soft pastel shades and neutral tones such as white, beige, and cream provide the perfect base. Then come the accents: bold pops of orange, yellow, or blue add vibrancy and breathe life into the room. IKEA’s chairs and armchairs beautifully capture Mid-Century diversity with colourful upholstery and a dynamic mix of materials.

All lounge chairs
All lounge chairs

Mid-Century decoration with Bauhaus influence: Minimal and purposeful

In the Mid-Century style, furniture doubles as both functional and decorative. Actual decorative items, however, are kept to a minimum. A handmade clay vase or a rattan lampshade enhances the natural feel, while colourful pop art or a retro radio brings a nod to the roots of the style.

A green vase from KONSTFULL.
A white FÖRENLIG plant pot for indoors and outdoors.
A medium gray STOENSE rug, low pile.
A bamboo/smart SYMFONISK floor lamp with WLAN speaker.

Adding decorative accents with colours and materials

Love decorating but don’t want to disrupt the clean, cohesive Mid-Century look? Remember, it’s not just about colour combinations – a thoughtful mix of materials can add character without creating clutter. Glass vases and metallic or reflective surfaces are great tips for keeping your space stylish and balanced.

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Your Mid-Century home: Timeless elegance, tailored to you

Curious about what an entire room – or even a whole home – in the Mid-Century style could look like? For more inspiration, visit your local IKEA store or explore our online planners and design tools. Our 3D room planner offers a realistic preview of your potential setup, helping you bring your ideas to life. Imagine a living room filled with clean lines and warm tones, or a kitchen that’s as practical as it is stylish. Every room in your home can reflect the timeless charm of Mid-Century design while staying true to your personal taste. Let the iconic features of this style inspire you, and discover how to create a space that feels both modern and uniquely yours.

The heart of the home: Living room and bedroom in Mid-Century style

At the centre of your Mid-Century living room, you’ll find an elegant sofa with slim legs and clean lines, paired with a low wooden coffee table and an iconic floor lamp with a curved arm. A stylish sideboard against the wall adds the perfect mix of storage and display space. In the bedroom, simplicity takes centre stage. A wooden bed frame with a sleek headboard is flanked by matching bedside tables and table lamps, creating a balanced, symmetrical look. A spacious wardrobe with straight lines ties the room together, blending practicality with timeless style.

Calm and functionality: Mid-Century dining room and kitchen

In the dining room, a warm wooden oval dining table takes the spotlight, surrounded by chairs with gently curved backrests and sleek plastic seats. Overhead, a striking pendant light casts a warm glow, while a highboard provides the perfect place for dishes and a few decorative touches. In the kitchen, smooth surfaces blend seamlessly with warm wooden tones. Open shelves showcase beautiful glassware, adding charm, while clever storage keeps everything neat and organised. A breakfast counter completes the space, offering a cosy spot to start your day.