‘Mid-century modern’ is a term originating from the mid-1900s that encompasses timeless, simplistic and geometric design. Its contemporary style focuses on clean, straight line forms that are centred around functionality. One of the key features in mid-century modern furniture design is the use of natural elements such as teak, rosewood and oak, however, mid-century modern styles are not limited to this as they can also include innovative materials like metal, glass, and vinyl. Through the use of these materials, the designs are created to stand the test of time. 

Specialising in the creation of distinctive mid-century modern pieces, Ercol furniture is popular for its expertise in crafting premium handmade furniture. Pieces from the Ercol collection are designed to suit a variety of interior design styles, making them the perfect new addition to your home. 

In this blog post, we share advice on how to achieve the mid-century modern look using Ercol furniture.

Functional design

Form follows function in mid-century modern furniture, where each piece is meticulously crafted to embody both practicality and purpose. The thoughtfully designed elements of the Ercol Winslow collection are a great example of this. Characteristics such as simplistic tapered legs and oak spindles, both made of matt lacquered oak, give the collection a timeless, modern feel. This choice of materials not only conveys a sleek and stylish feel but also highlights the guarantee of durability and functionality. The simplistic tapered legs offer stability, while the oak spindles add a touch of elegance and craftsmanship to the overall design.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the design elements in the Winslow collection excellently showcase the practicality of mid-century modern furniture. The way in which form meets function is a stylistic choice as well as a deliberate effort to focus on ergonomics. This makes each piece in the collection not only a visual delight but also a functional asset to any living space.

Geometric lines

Mid-century modern furniture pieces typically feature clean, straight lines with minimal decorative elements. While maintaining simplicity, mid-century modern furniture may incorporate organic, geometric shapes and curves. This can be seen in chair and table designs across the Ercol furniture collections, specifically the Ercol Heritage kitchen range. 

Each piece is a careful balance between clean lines and thoughtful curves, showcasing the enduring appeal of mid-century modern design in furniture that seamlessly combines aesthetics with functionality. The use of organic shapes contributes to a harmonious blend with the surrounding space, creating an inviting and timeless atmosphere within the home.

Use of natural materials

In mid-century modern furniture design, the choice of materials plays a vital role in defining the style, with an emphasis on natural elements such as teak, rosewood and oak. This deliberate selection of materials not only reflects the design trends of the mid-20th century but also contributes to the warm, natural aesthetic of the furniture. Materials such as solid oak, which is used throughout the Ercol furniture collections, is favoured for its durability and versatility, as well as its warm tones. The rich patina of the wood stain used throughout the collection of Ercol Monza is a perfect way to add a rustic, contemporary feel to your home. 

In addition to warm, cosy tones, mid-century modern furniture also encompasses the other end of the scale when it comes to a neutral palette. Lighter coloured woods, including pale ash, were also occasionally used - especially in contemporary Scandinavian design. 

The crisp, white wash stain of the Ercol Salina bedroom furniture collection can add a bright, airy aesthetic to your home. The Ercol Salina collection exemplifies how mid-century modern design principles can be adapted to suit a range of tastes and styles.

Bold accent colours

Although traditionally focused on a neutral colour palette, mid-century modern furniture can often feature pops of bold and vibrant colours. One prominent feature of mid-century modern furniture is the application of vibrant hues in upholstery. Sofas, chairs, and other seating often showcase accent colours such as vibrant blues, yellows and reds. These hues not only add charm to the furniture but also drive the overall aesthetic of the space.

The bold colour choices in mid-century modern furniture enable pieces to stand out as both a functional item and a signature focus of any room. As a result, mid-century modern furniture continues to be popular for its innovative use of colour, contributing to its continuous use throughout furniture design. The Ercol Marino chair is a striking example where colour is used to accentuate form, making it an obvious choice for a staple piece in any room throughout your home.

This style of furniture is renowned not only for its versatility but also for its remarkable timeless design. The style can be easily incorporated into your home due to its ability to seamlessly integrate into any interior design scheme while still maintaining a sense of elegance and style. If you're looking to infuse your space with the iconic charm of mid-century modern design, look no further than our Ercol furniture collections.

Explore our diverse range of mid-century modern Ercol furniture at Andersons of Inverurie, featuring everything from dining tables to recliner sofas. To view the collection, click the button below.