The show “Mad Men” is filled with memorable characters like Don Draper, Peggy Olsen, and of course, an abundance of vintage mid-century furniture. Perhaps you’ve never thought of the furniture in that iconic show as a character. It is. It is as much responsible for moving the show forward as the actors are. The show is also partly responsible for the recent upsurge in popularity of the mid-century style. Maybe you’ve even been bitten by the mid-century furniture bug. If so, here’s what you need to know before buying mid-century furniture.
1. Beautiful and Functional
According to Architectural Digest, the designers of mid-century furniture aimed to make furniture that was both functional and beautiful. If you’re not sure what that means think about pieces like the record cabinets or the bookshelves from this period. They look lovely. However, they also serve a practical function.
2. It Goes Well With Other Furniture Styles
Because of this furniture style’s clean lines, it works well with other styles, according to the Huffington Post. Basically, that means with a little ingenuity, you can fill your room with pieces like a mid-century bookshelf or cabinet, Rococo-style mirrors, and modern sconces.
3. Lower to the Ground
This defining feature may also be a drawback from some mid-century furniture collectors. Couches, chairs, tables, and other pieces from the era sit lower to the ground than many other styles of furniture. This affects the visual line in the room. It also affects how comfortable these pieces will be for someone who has trouble getting up and down (like your elderly grandmother.)
4. Versatile Lines Make it Timeless
For those who like to buy furniture pieces that they can keep a long time, mid-century furniture is ideal. The clean lines that are typical of the design tend to look less dated over the long haul than other more ornate furniture styles.
5. Transformational Design
Mid-century design was influenced by the designs of the Bauhaus. It created a visual revolution in its day that went on to influence many other modern styles. This school’s style combined the eye of the artist with the skills of the craftsman. Furniture design hasn’t been the same since.
Final Thoughts
The modern mid-century style made famous once again by “Mad Men” combines form and function. At its roots is the influence of the design school, the Bauhaus. These furniture designs feature clean lines, which age well compared to other trendier styles. Finally, because of its versatility, this style works as well in room filled a mix of styles as it does in rooms that are 100% vintage.
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