How I Transformed My Living Room into a Mid-Century Modern Oasis: A Complete Guide
Transforming my living room into a mid-century modern oasis has been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to share the results with you. Whether you’re looking to update your space with a few key pieces or embark on a complete makeover, this (mostly) Amazon product guide will provide product recommendations based on my experience.
The Vision: Creating a Mid-Century Modern Oasis
Mid-century modern design is characterized by its clean lines, organic shapes, and functional pieces that prioritize simplicity and elegance. I wanted my living room to reflect this timeless aesthetic while infusing it with warmth and personality. The goal was to create a space that felt both stylish and inviting—a true oasis where I could relax and entertain guests.
To achieve this, I carefully selected a mix of furniture, decor, and accessories to bring the mid-century modern vibe to life—many of which I purchased on Amazon. Below, I’ll walk you through the home decor items I purchased, why I love them, and how they contributed to the overall look.
AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. READ MY DISCLOSER HERE. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MY SMALL BUSINESS!
Furniture: The Foundation of the Makeover
The furniture pieces were the foundation of my living room makeover, setting the tone for the entire space.
Nomad Leather 5-Seat Corner Sectional by Burrow
This L-shaped sectional is a game-changer for any living room. Despite being leather, it’s surprisingly soft and comfy, making it a great choice for both lounging and entertaining. It’s also pet-friendly, which was a huge plus for me. The generous seating space ensures everyone has a comfortable spot, whether it’s for movie nights or casual get-togethers. The rich leather adds a luxurious feel to the room, while the minimalist design keeps it aligned with the mid-century modern aesthetic.
Nathan James Sideboards on Amazon
These sideboard pieces became a focal point of the room. Their sleek design, clean lines, and warm wood finish perfectly capture the essence of mid-century modern style. I placed them against one wall on either side of the fireplace as stylish storage solutions for books, board games, and other essentials. The gold hardware adds a touch of sophistication, making them stand out as pieces that elevate the entire room.
Farmhouse Entry Table on Amazon
Although typically associated with farmhouse decor, this entry table has a versatile design that fits seamlessly into a mid-century modern setting. I placed it near the entryway, where it serves as a stylish surface for decor and functional items like keys and mail. Its neutral color and simple design blend perfectly with the other furniture, adding a touch of warmth and practicality to the space.
Round Coffee Table on Wayfair
While I originally purchased a similar coffee table from Target, I couldn’t find the exact one to share with you. However, this round coffee table from Wayfair is a fantastic alternative. Its sleek design, with a rich wood finish and a smooth, rounded surface, fits perfectly into a mid-century modern setting. The table’s low profile and minimalist design make it a great addition to the living room, providing both style and functionality.
Upholstered Accent Chair with Wooden Legs and Pillow
This is not the exact chair I purchased from Wayfair, as that one is no longer listed, but it’s a close match. This upholstered accent chair offers a perfect blend of comfort and style with its sleek design and wooden legs. The added pillow enhances its coziness, making it an ideal spot for relaxing with a book or enjoying a conversation. The chair’s modern lines and neutral fabric seamlessly fit into the mid-century modern theme of the room.
Related Read: Even though Amazon Prime Day has passed, check out some of my Amazon Favorites here.
Fireplace: A Cozy, Functional Centerpiece
The fireplace is often the heart of the living room, and I wanted to ensure it was both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I painted the red bricks white to blend in with the walls. Then, I purchased fireplace tools in matte black finishes that make them “pop” to the eye.
Fireplace Tools
These tools are not only practical but also visually appealing. The black finish complements the mid-century modern theme, while the sleek design adds a contemporary touch. I love how they blend seamlessly with the fireplace setup, enhancing form and function.
Indoor/Outdoor Firewood Rack
To keep the firewood neatly organized, I chose this firewood rack. Its minimalist design perfectly fits the overall aesthetic and is sturdy enough to hold plenty of logs. Due to a lack of space, I placed it outside on our front deck, which is very close to the living room. However, if you have the extra space, placing it next to the fireplace would add an organic element to the room.
Log Holder
This log holder perfectly matches the aesthetic, providing stylish additional storage. The open design makes the wood a decorative element, adding warmth and texture to the space.
Fireplace Screen
This fireplace screen combines safety with style. Its black finish complements the other fireplace accessories, while its geometric design adds visual interest. This functional piece enhances the overall look of the fireplace.
Decorative Accents: Adding Personality and Warmth
Decorative accents were essential in transforming the space from a mere living room into a mid-century modern oasis.
Black Pillow Covers
These pillow covers are a simple yet impactful addition. The black color with think white stripes adds contrast, while the texture creates a cozy element. I paired them with other pillows to create a layered, inviting look on the sofa.
Matchstick Holder
This matchstick holder may be small, but it’s a perfect example of how even the tiniest details can contribute to the overall aesthetic. Its sleek design, in a black or white finish, makes it a chic addition to the coffee table or mantel.
Black Round Mirror
A round mirror is a classic mid-century modern element, and this one did not disappoint. The black frame adds a bold contrast to the room, while the round shape softens the furniture lines, creating a balanced look. It looks beautiful in our entryway.
Cord Hider
No one likes unsightly cords ruining the look of a beautifully designed room. This cord hider keeps all the wires out of sight, maintaining the clean, uncluttered vibe essential in mid-century modern design.
7-Piece Black Frame Set
This frameset allowed me to create a personalized gallery wall in the hallway. I filled the frames with family photographs, adding a personal touch to the space while keeping with the modern aesthetic.
Wall Art
Art plays a crucial role in defining a room’s character. I selected this three-piece set for its abstract design, which perfectly complements the modern mid-century theme with its muted sage green colors. It adds depth and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Lighting: Creating Ambiance and Functionality
Lighting is critical to creating the right ambiance, and I focused on both functional and stylish pieces.
Modern Floor Lamp
This floor lamp is a statement piece in its own right. Its slim design and warm light create a cozy atmosphere, while the brass finish ties in with the other decor elements. It’s perfect for reading nooks or as an accent light.
Cotta 18.5″ Table Lamp
This table lamp from Wayfair adds a touch of mid-century modern flair with its geometric base and soft, warm lighting. I placed it on the sideboard, where it adds both style and functionality. The lamp’s clean lines and simple design complement the overall aesthetic of the room, making it a perfect addition to the space.
Window Treatments: Framing the Room
Window treatments are often overlooked, but they can significantly impact the overall design.
Black Curtain Rod
This curtain rod is both functional and stylish. The black finish adds a modern touch and pairs perfectly with the white curtains I chose.
White Cotton Curtains
These high-quality cotton curtains add a soft, airy feel to the room. The white color brightens the space, creating a light and open atmosphere essential in mid-century modern design.
Textiles: Adding Texture and Comfort
Textiles play a crucial role in softening the room and adding comfort.
Boho Accent Pillows
These boho accent pillows add a touch of eclectic charm to the mid-century modern setup. The mix of patterns and textures brings warmth and personality, making the space feel more lived-in and cozy.
Loloi Salmon/Moss Rug
This Loloi rug was the perfect addition to tie the room together. The salmon and moss colors add a subtle pop of color, while the pattern complements the mid-century modern aesthetic. It’s soft underfoot and adds a layer of comfort to the space. I also purchased a runner in the same pattern for the entryway. I love how the two match yet create individual areas in an open space.
Accessories: The Final Touches
Accessories are the final layer that combines the entire design, adding character and personality.
Rattan Tray
This rattan tray is a versatile accessory for my coffee table. It adds a natural element to the room and is perfect for holding candles, books, or even a small plant.
Faux Olive Branch Stems
These faux olive branch stems add a touch of greenery to the space without needing maintenance. I placed them in a vase on the entry table, and they instantly added life to the room.
Boho Vase
This vase is a beautiful accent piece that complements the other decor items in the room. Its organic shape and neutral color make it a perfect fit for the mid-century modern theme. It perfectly fits the faux olive branch stems.
Magnetic Door Stop
This might seem like a small detail, but the magnetic doorstop is practical and stylish. It keeps the door in place without being obtrusive, and the sleek design fits right in with the rest of the room. I use them throughout the house.
My Summary: Creating Your Own Mid-Century Modern Oasis
Transforming my living room into a mid-century modern oasis was enjoyable and fulfilling. The key to achieving this look is to focus on simplicity, functionality, and a mix of organic and modern elements. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just adding a few pieces to your existing decor, the products I’ve mentioned can help you create a stylish and comfortable space.
Remember, it’s all about balance—don’t be afraid to mix different textures, colors, and shapes to create a room that feels uniquely yours. With the right furniture, decor, and accessories, you can transform your living room into a mid-century modern oasis you’ll love coming home to.
If you’re interested in any of the products I used in my makeover, I’ve provided links to Amazon, Burrow, and Wayfair. Happy decorating!
Pin it for later
My entire house is mid-century modern – love it! And I even have a few shelving units in my living room from Burrow. Thank you for this great article!
Thank you, Dawn! Love that you also have mid-century modern decor at home! : )