The Colors of Mid-Century Modern

by Murrye Bernard LEED AP on July 21, 2011

Whether your home or your client’s was built in the style of Mid-Century Modern or you simply want to cultivate the look, stop and consider how familiar are you with the colors associated with this sleek style? The Mid-Century Modern movement began and the 1930s and extended through the 1960s. It permeated architecture, furniture as well as product design. Its influences include Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style, Bauhaus and the International Style. Quite simply, it expresses the organic forms of nature, but refined. Residential interpretations of this style emphasize open space, large windows and post-and-beam structures. Popular Mid-Century Modern designers include Mies van der Rohe, Joseph Eichler and George Keck.

The Rosen Residence designed by Craig Ellwood Associates, West Los Angeles. Via the Mid-Century Modern Interiors Flickr pool

Though many believe the Mid-Century Modern palette is full of bright colors, along the lines of the 1950s retro look or the psychedelic 60s, it actually veers more towards subdued, earthy hues. Given the predilection towards using “hard” materials such as concrete and glass, earth-tones warm otherwise cold surfaces and austere spaces. Think muted beiges, soft grays, rich browns and mossy greens.

[Editor's note---Neutrals are easy to bring into your space through Mid-Century Drum Lighting. Design your own favorite (choose your own options!) by clicking on one below:]

Obviously, an all-neutral color palette would be a bit boring, so Mid-Century Modern homes often incorporated accents of bolder colors, such as burnt orange or rust red. Warm colors make spaces with clean lines feel more home-y, but it’s important to maintain a balance by combining both warm and cool colors within a room.

On the exterior, Mid-Century Modern homes typically featured very natural colors. Wood beams and siding were stained rather than painted, and stone was left in its natural state. If portions of the homes were painted, such as trim pieces or the front door, they were often painted beige or brown. By choosing colors found in nature, the homes could blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

Tips for Composing a Mid-Century Modern Color Palette
Once you understand the basics, adapt the historic colors of Mid-Century Modern to your present-day home and modern lifestyle. Consider these tips as you select your color palette:

  • Don’t be afraid of color on the walls; modern design does not require all-white or beige surfaces.
  • If your Mid-Century Modern home has historic value, take time to research the original color palette or study other homes by the same architect or designer.
  • Consider your family’s lifestyle; active households call for stimulating colors, and vice versa for soothing spaces.
  • Take cues from natural materials that are already part of the home, such as wood cabinetry, a stone fireplace or brick floor.
  • Choose a base color that unifies the major elements in a room.
  • Limit bold colors to accents that provide a “pop,” like these orange pillows against a gray-blue rug and beige backdrop.


[Editor's note---Bold splashes of Mid-Century Modern color made easy with drum pendants. You can design your own by clicking on one below:]

  • Base your color selection around a favorite Mid-Century Modern piece of furniture, such as bold fiberglass Eames chair or a leather recliner.
  • Take a look at vintage pictures of Mid-Century Modern homes for inspiration.
  • If your home has large windows, let the colors of nature be your guide so the inside and outside flow together.
  • Stain concrete floors with an acid finish to make the surface look softer and warmer.
  • When considering colors, don’t forget texture! Interesting patterns and materials also lend a lot of warmth to modern spaces.

Modern Interpretations of the Mid-Century Style
Several paint manufacturers have released special color palettes that attempt to capture this era:

  • Sherwin Williams’ Retro Revival Color Palette features six shades that reinterpret retro colors in a fresh way.
  • Anna Sova’s Mid Century Modern Color palette includes 36 shades with catchy names like “High Fidelity” and “Plywood Blondes.”
  • California Paints has a Mid-Century palette as well as several other historical palettes that feature great colors. They should know what they’re talking about: so many of the beautiful Mid-Century specimens are located in that state!
  • The colors of Eichler’s homes have been matched to modern Benjamin Moore colors.

Charles and Ray Eames, the husband-and-wife designer duo, became famous for their Mid-Century Modern furniture designs as well as the design of their own period home. On the other end of the design spectrum, the Sears color palette represents  an All-American, mass-produced and affordable option from the era.

Although the term “modern” is often associated with sharp corners and a lack of color, Mid-Century Modern homes are anything but. This style advocates a balance between nature and man-made forms. The colors should reflect this philosophy, which is also a concept that is easily adapted to today’s “modern” homes.

Article by Murrye Bernard LEED AP

Murrye Bernard holds a Bachelor of Architecture, is a LEED Accredited Professional and has worked in architecture firms on a range of building types. She left the drafting board, or rather CAD station, to pursue her true passion: writing—about architecture. A native of the South, Murrye’s perception of space, color and texture was undoubtedly shaped by the humid backdrop of cotton fields and deteriorating downtowns. Now she calls the Brooklyn waterfront home. Her work has been published extensively on the web and in print, including Architectural Record, Eco-Structure and Architectural Lighting.

has written 23 awesome articles for Alluminare.

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