Midcentury modern bedrooms are calm, tranquil, timeless spaces that never seem to go out of style. Midcentury modern refers to the decorating style that rose to popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. It's characterized by lots of natural wood, simple lines, a mostly muted palette, and a less-is-more, form-meets-function aesthetic.
The enduring style remains so popular that you can find authentic or reproduction furniture, lighting, and decor at any price point. Midcentury modern design blends well with other design aesthetics from coastal to boho style to Scandinavian, allowing you to create a look that suits your interior style.
Check out these midcentury modern bedrooms for ideas and inspiration.
Dark Wood Paneled Walls
Use rich, dark wood paneling to show the moody side of midcentury. This sophisticated bedroom, photographed by Sharyn Cairns, shows off several midcentury modern decorating staples: the wood paneling on the walls, the pendant light, and the classic molded plastic chair.
Blue Midcentury Bedroom
Blue might not be the most common accent color in midcentury modern design, but look how beautifully it's used in this bedroom from Jamie House Design. The grayish-blue accent wall, wonderful small chair, and colorful throw pillows really add pizzazz to this otherwise rather simple space.
Try White Walls and Wood
Simple, neutral color is a common palette in midcentury design. This lovely and serene bedroom from Matthew Niemann Photography shows off a tranquil color scheme of white and natural wood.
Midcentury Modern Boho Style
Many original midcentury modern interiors mixed in Moroccan decor pieces like Beni Ourain rugs to add texture and contrast with the period's clean lines. Michelle Boudreau Design took a similar approach in this boho style bedroom by complementing dark wood midcentury modern furniture with Moroccan accessories from the pompom blanket to the rug, pouf, and throw pillows that add softness and color.
Minimalist Bedroom
Midcentury modern style lends itself to clean lines and minimalist interiors. Home Consultant kept it simple in this tranquil midcentury modern bedroom with exposed wood ceilings, wood and woven accents, and a small midcentury desk that turns the space into a bedroom office.
Consider Colorful Midcentury Bedroom
While modern designers tend to focus on the neutral side of midcentury modern design, the period was also known for its bright and bold colors and groovy designs. Dazey Den channeled the brighter side of the era with colorful textiles and wall paint that is complemented with vintage lighting and nightstands.
Midcentury Modern Nightstand
As this bedroom from Lauren Nelson Design shows, all it takes is one signature piece of midcentury modern furniture to give your bedroom a shot of style. Nightstands are especially easy to find, and many are quite affordable.
Rustic Midcentury Bedroom
Use a mix of natural wood finishes to add a rustic feel to a midcentury modern bedroom. Ryan Rhodes Designs chose textiles patterned with circles and geometrics, along with touches of global style to add a splash of retro flair to this relaxing midcentury modern bedroom.
Clerestory Windows
Clerestory windows are a hallmark of midcentury modern rooms, providing light and privacy in the bedroom. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors integrated them into the design of this midcentury Maine ranch house with a vintage stained wood bedframe that fits nicely beneath them and a tall plant in the corner.
Midcentury Modern Headboard
A vintage or reproduction rattan flower headboard will add midcentury modern charm to your bedroom. K Shan Design paired the headboard with neutral linens and a pair of matching vintage bedside lamps.
Midcentury Modern Dresser
Use a midcentury dresser to easily incorporate the design style into your bedroom (and give you a clean-lined storage solution). This dresser is classic midcentury modern style: clean lines, raised legs, straight edges, and natural wood. The squat golden yellow lamp on top is the crowning touch in this bedroom from Kelly Deck Design.
Matching Wood Furniture
Matching nightstands and a built-in vanity give this Palm Springs midcentury modern bedroom from Michelle Boudreau Design a retro feel. Palm print wallpaper and a Jonathan Adler retro-style pendant light hanging from the painted wood ceiling complete the breezy desert look.
Modernist Lounge Chair
Choose an iconic piece of furniture to add authenticity to a midcentury modern-style interior. Jenny Wolf Interiors chose an early modernist LC4 Lounge Chair originally designed by Le Corbusier in 1928 to create a focal point in this midcentury modern-inspired bedroom.
Unexpected Red
Add a pop of red to instantly liven up a more neutral midcentury bedroom. This midcentury modern bedroom from designer Chris Nguyen has an authentic feel. The color scheme, furniture, and artwork are all hallmarks of this popular decor style.
Midcentury Modern En Suite
In a midcentury modern primary suite with a bathroom that's visible from the bedroom, coordinate furniture styles and finishes. Michelle Boudreau Design repurposed a walnut credenza as a sink vanity that echoes the sideboard in the bedroom for a cohesive look.
Add a Eames Lounge Chair
One of the most iconic pieces of midcentury modern design is the Eames lounge chair and matching ottoman. This bedroom from Hart Studio demonstrates exactly why this comfortable chair is such a classic.
Midcentury Modern Bed Frame
A midcentury bed frame will bring some vintage style to your bedroom. Louis Duncan-He Designs matched the dark wood stain of this midcentury modern bed and matching nightstands to the hardwood floors for a seamless look.
Midcentury Modern Daybed
A midcentury modern daybed is a versatile piece of furniture that can work with other styles. Louis Duncan-He Designs placed a clean-lined, slim-legged midcentury modern daybed in front of the decorative carved wood fireplace in this primary bedroom that helps to balance the overall design of the room.
Hairpin Legs on Furniture
Hairpin legs on furniture, as shown on the bed in this room photographed by Virtual Studio Innovations, are a hallmark of the midcentury modern style. The legs allow furniture to float above the floor for an airy feel.
Macrame Planter Hangers
The '70s mixed in lots of funky styles to the classic midcentury modern look. Here, macrame plant hangers from Isabelle Palmer of The Balcony Gardener show off retro good looks.
Coastal Midcentury Modern
Blend midcentury modern furniture and lighting with a coastal palette for a modern mash-up. Louis Duncan-He Designs decorated this spacious bedroom with retro-style lighting fixtures and upholstered furniture, adding a turquoise shiplap accent wall, a patterned rug, and blue throw pillows for a coastal feel.
Board and Batten Walls
Add detail to a midcentury modern bedroom with simple wood trim details. Michelle Berwick Design added board and batten to the white walls and soaring slanted ceilings of this lakeside cabin that give it a fresh and homey feel.
Built-In Bookcases
What avid reader wouldn't love an entire wall of built-in bookcases, as in this midcentury modern bedroom from Weiss Architecture? The classic midcentury armchair is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy your favorite book.
Midcentury Modern Glam
Midcentury modern style can go rather glamorous, as demonstrated in this primary bedroom from interior designer Lori Dennis. The bold abstract paintings, luxurious fur throw, mustard armchair, and spare but elegant furniture creates a polished and sophisticated look.
Hanging Bubble Chair
Who says midcentury modern can't have a sense of fun? Jamie Bush + Co. decorated this bedroom with '60s and '70s retro pieces, such as the pop art Beatles images and the acrylic hanging chair, this bedroom shows off the personality and whimsy of its owner.
Midcentury Boho Style Bedroom
Midcentury modern blends easily with boho style decor for a light and breezy feel. K Shan Design mixed a midcentury modern cane and wood headboard with a macrame wall hanging for a boho-style feel in this relaxed bedroom with plenty of texture.
Midcentury Modern Sofa
Place a midcentury modern sofa at the end of your bed to create a stylish seating area in a primary suite. Tyler Karu Design + Interiors decorated this tranquil 1969 lakefront home bedroom with walnut wood, vintage lamps, and matching nightstands for a timeless look with a laid back coastal feel.
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What are the best colors for midcentury modern bedrooms?
Neutral and earth tones, such as beige, tan, and grey, are paired with brighter, bolder colors, including orange, brown, olive, mustard yellow, red, and teal, in midcentury modern decorating.
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Can you mix midcentury modern with other styles?
Mixing two decorating styles together works well and adds a personal touch and taste to your home. Pair midcentury modern with anything from boho style to Scandinavian to coastal styles.
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What type of wood is commonly used in midcentury modern?
Midcentury modern furniture pieces are typically made out of teak, rosewood, walnut, and oak.