Modern Decor + Accessories
Midcentury design embraces art in all its forms, drawing inspiration from experimental modern art movements such as modernism, minimalism, abstraction, futurism, and others. No midcentury design scheme is complete without modern wall art, decor, and other visually interesting home accessories that evoke its artistic history. Many pieces of decor pay homage to the artists and design elements that influenced them; when combined, even incongruous pieces can give your home a cohesive design scheme. At Design Within Reach, explore a rich assortment of modern decor and accessories that can elevate the style and personality of your home’s interiors.
Types of Modern Decor + Accessories
Art
Add finishing touches to your space with modern wall art. To complement an authentic modern design scheme, explore wall art styles that emerged during the midcentury, such as bold pop wall art and abstract wall art. Or look for modern posters designed in the International Typographic Style, or limited-edition art photography, such as Cas Frieses' meditative views of nature. Minimal, streamlined frames complement these types of wall art.
Mirrors
Use modern wall mirrors and floor mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a bigger space. Look for modern mirrors with organically shaped silhouettes or bold frame colors, and avoid styles that are overly embellished. At Design Within Reach, browse wall mirrors and floor mirrors that will enhance any room.
Pillows + Throws
Modern throw pillows and throw blankets bring vibrant colors, bold patterns, and soft texture to living areas and bedrooms. These textiles also enhance comfort in seating and sleeping arrangements. For a cohesive look, shop throw pillows and blankets that play well with your existing color scheme while adding inviting texture or graphic pattern. Or create an eclectic look with modern throws in standout colors and textures that add contrast to your sofa.
Storage Accessories
Modern storage accessories offer utility while also contributing to the artistic, design-forward look of any space. Storage solutions – like bins, crates, baskets, tins, trays, and other accessories – can add color to your storage furniture and help enhance your organization. When choosing storage accessories at Design Within Reach, consider both their function and the visual impact they can have on your home.
Planters + Pots
Sleek and sculptural, modern planters, pots, and garden tools from Design Within Reach help nurture your plants in style. Though plants themselves add life and energy to a space, pots are just as important. Minimal, solid-colored pots provide contrast to leafy greenery, while textured and painted plant pots are ideal for showing off small plants and potted herbs. Opt for a watering can that serves as a decorative object when not in use.
Decor
Modern design is as much about the big picture – furniture, rugs, and wall art – as it is about the finer details, which can fill in the blanks to create a cohesive design scheme. From space-age wall clocks to Bauhaus mobiles, Design Within Reach offers home decor and accessories that add the finishing touches to any room. Shop modern clocks, candles, decorative objects, vases, and more.
Tabletop + Bar
From handmade dinnerware and sleek metal flatware to leather placemats and glass oil cruets, modern kitchen accessories can transform your kitchen and dining area into beautifully functional spaces. Discover tabletop and bar accessories that marry form and function at Design Within Reach.
Outdoor Accessories
Modern outdoor accessories can add comfort to your outdoor space, enhance your home’s curb appeal, and improve the longevity of your outdoor furniture and decor. Shop outdoor cushions and tailored outdoor furniture covers designed to protect your modern outdoor furniture in the off-season. Plus, explore outdoor accessories like planters, garden tools, portable outdoor lights, door mats, and more.
How to Decorate + Accessorize Your Home
Prioritize function.
Because functionality is an essential aspect of authentic midcentury modern design, it’s a good idea to start decorating and accessorizing with items that will increase the utility of your space. Modern storage accessories, decorative light fixtures, outdoor accessories, and tabletop and bar accessories can all lend a home visual interest while performing essential functions.
Create balance.
To create a sense of balance with your modern decor, choose decorative objects that complement or contrast the surrounding furniture and architecture. For example, if your modern furniture features curved lines and organic shapes, consider decorating with objects that also feature curves and organic shapes. Alternatively, provide contrast with objects that feature a linear aesthetic or geometric motifs. In a light, bright space, embrace a cohesive color scheme with light finishes and materials – or create compelling contrast with objects in a darker, moodier color palette.
Enhance your space.
As you decorate, consider how your decor will enhance the existing features within your space. For example, in a living room with high ceilings, small-scale pieces of wall art may feel disproportionate to the room. Instead, choose large-scale posters or wall art that better fill the space. Similarly, think about hanging wall mirrors across from or adjacent to windows that receive ample natural light. The mirrors will reflect the light and help brighten your space.
How do you find your home decor style?
A good strategy for learning what home decor styles speak to you is to browse photo galleries of homes and keep note of the interiors that inspire you. You can create an online mood board full of inspirational images or make a list of trends you find yourself gravitating toward again and again: color schemes, furniture materials, patterns, textures – anything that catches your eye.
Where to buy home decor and accessories?
For a wide selection of modern home decor and accessories, shop at Design Within Reach.