Emphasizing clean lines and unfussy decor, the timeless aesthetic is perfect for rest and relaxation
In need of more calm in your home? Maybe a midcentury-modern bedroom is in order. Known for its minimalist and unfussy nature, the style rose to prominence in the middle of the 20th century, hence its name. Historically, the design ethos centered on a less-is-more ideology and prioritized minimal ornamentation, making it the perfect option for a peaceful nighttime retreat. Geometric shapes and clean lines shine in a midcentury-modern bedroom, creating movement around the space. Here, you’ll find 17 bedroom design ideas to create a midcentury-modern oasis of your own, from contemporary interpretations to faithful reconstruction. We answer common questions on midcentury-modern bedroom design and offer designer-backed tips to help you get started on your design plans.
How do I make a bedroom midcentury-modern?
Form is one of the most important details to consider in a midcentury-modern design, says designer Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors. The space should feel intentional and uncluttered and this is often achieved through clean lines, minimalist decor, layered textures, and geometric motifs. “Arches, hairpin legs, pinwheels—whichever shape you choose, be sure to repeat that a few times in your furnishings and decor for a look that is cohesive,” explains Adams. Designer Becky Shea of Becky Shea Design in New York City agrees that the beauty of midcentury-modern design style lies in its minimalist nature. “This design style celebrates simplicity and functionality, creating spaces that are both timeless and elegant,” she says.
Why is midcentury-modern design so popular?
“There is a beautiful practicality and sleekness to the style,” says Lindsay Gerber, founder and principal designer of Lindsay Gerber Interiors. Midcentury-modern design is also versatile and timeless enough to blend seamlessly with a wide range of decor styles such as modern, retro, and boho design. It’s a great choice if you’re looking to design a small space that deviates in style from the rest of your home for this reason. “This design approach is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that feel comfortable, inviting, and effortlessly chic,” explains Shea.
How should you furnish a midcentury-modern bedroom?
Solid wood is one of the most defining characteristics of midcentury-modern design style. Walnut wood is a signature in furnishings, but teak and rosewood are popular as well, says Lindsie Davis, founder and principal designer at Blueberry Jones Design in Austin. Less is more when it comes to midcentury-modern bedroom furniture. “Look for pieces featuring low profiles, tapered legs, clean lines, and very minimal ornamentation,” adds Davis. “Midcentury furniture design is often sleek and angular but can also be juxtaposed with curved, organic shapes to create more visual interest in a space.”
When in doubt, designers suggest skipping a midcentury-modern bedroom set and instead pairing a modern bed and nightstands together in different wood finishes and upholsteries. “Have fun and mix and match a dresser, nightstands, and headboard of different yet complementary styles,” says designer Shannon Eddings of Shannon Eddings Interiors in Austin.
Start with low-profile furniture and warm wood tones
In a midcentury-modern bedroom every piece should have a purpose and a place, says Shea. Because of this, you’ll want to look for pieces with characteristics of the style: Low-slung furniture with clean lines is a hallmark of midcentury-modern design. In a bedroom, that often means opting for a low-to-the-ground bed frame and rich wood tones such as oak. “By carefully selecting and positioning your furnishings, you create a harmonious balance that allows the room to breathe and the design to shine,” Shea explains.
Integrate simple geometric shapes and forms into the space
Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns, opting for similar shapes that can coexist in harmony. This Los Angeles bedroom features geometric artwork against a paneled white herringbone pattern. “Our design approach centered on integrating simple geometric shapes and forms into the space,” says designer Hanna Li of Hanna Li Interiors. A plaid printed area rug adds texture and depth to the midcentury-modern bedroom while maintaining a cohesive theme. “To create contrast against a neutral bedroom, we introduced a moss green pillow and a pair of olive green lounge chairs, evoking a classic midcentury color palette,” Li adds.
Add depth with a patterned ceiling covering
Don’t forget to look up. Make the ceiling an unexpected focal point of a midcentury-modern bedroom with a patterned wall covering, such as in this Newport Beach, California, home. “We wanted to bring angular movement and texture into this room,” says designer Lindye Galloway of Lindye Galloway Studio on the decision to add the geometric Kelly Wearstler wallpaper to the space. A patterned rug ensures your eye moves from floor to ceiling.
Soften the space with curved lines
Angular shapes aren’t the only way to highlight form in a midcentury-modern bedroom. This guest bedroom includes classic midcentury-modern details—like low-profile wood furniture and an earthy color palette— while its use of curved lines throughout softens the space. “I wanted to soften all the sharp angles and imposing ceiling height to make this bedroom inviting for young children,” Gerber says. The curved Serena & Lily egg-yolk yellow mohair beds and fuzzy ball pillows add playfulness, while a wood-drawer dresser anchors the space.
Use deliberate symmetry to create harmony
Symmetry can create serenity in a midcentury-modern bedroom. Centered low-sung furniture serves as a focal point in this primary bedroom in Atherton, California, home designed by famed architect Goodwin Steinberg in 1969. There are pretty much two of everything, from the modern nightstands to the geometric footstools. Gerber chose to bring in a subtle hint of color through handmade celadon green ceramic lamps from the Future Perfect.
Stick with neutrals for a calm atmosphere
Looking to turn your bedroom into a peaceful oasis? Pair neutral colors with natural materials like wood and organic shapes to give a twist to the traditional look, says AD PRO Directory member Deana Concilio-Lenz, founder of Deana Lenz Interiors in New York City. “I wanted the views to shine through [in this bedroom], so simple shapes with cozy, light textures and pieces like the accent chairs, [platform bed], and channel-tufted bench created the right balance for a warm and inviting bedroom.”
Anchor the space with a color-blocked rug
Brighten up a neutral midcentury-modern bedroom with intentional decor choices. The primary bedroom in this New York City apartment features a color-blocked rug, gifted from the tenant’s mother. It adds just the right amount of chroma to balance the light-toned palette, says Lenz. “I [also] decided to create a lighting story that was unique and eye-catching within the midcentury movement by pairing a brass dome chandelier from Lawson-Fenning with the two modernist, sculptured ceramic table lamps by Dumais Made.”
Utilize horizontal lines throughout the space
“Midcentury-modern design exudes a minimal and intimate feel, characterized by horizontal lines rather than vertical ones,” says AD PRO Directory member Mary Lambrakos, principal interior designer at Lambrakos Studio in Houston. This primary bedroom utilizes canopy lines that are linear rather than tall, seen in room’s tailored carpet, custom-made bedding with leather piping, striking wall panel made of sheet metal, and wood bookcases. “The beautifully cut rift oak, linear and regular yet rich, complements the amber radiant lights that emit a soft incandescent glow, evoking the essence of smoke.”
Choose a dark accent color for added contrast and dimension
Walnut may be a popular wood tone in midcentury-modern design, but you can add additional contrast and dimension by opting for darker tones. This child’s bedroom embraces natural materials such as wood, leather, and metal, along with its traditional use of clean lines, simple silhouettes, and minimalist decor. A dark olive green nightstand and burnt orange headboard add visual interest throughout the space. “The room’s muted earth-tone color palette establishes a clear connection to nature, which was key to capturing the essence of midcentury-modern style,” says Davis.
Add vintage pieces to mix old and new
“Vintage pieces really aid in a classic midcentury feel,” says Eddings. “Aim for at least one pattern and one piece of furniture that could have existed in the 1950s or 1960s.” In this bedroom, vintage nightstands from 1stDibs paired with modern lamps from Arteriors create a layered design. Eddings also recommends checking Chairish, Facebook Marketplace, and your local vintage furniture stores for vintage dressers, nightstands, and headboards. The House of Hackney wallpaper and Made Goods chandelier add to the overall mix of old and new pieces in the space.
Create a statement wall with exposed concrete
Balance is key in a midcentury-modern bedroom. “The bedroom should embody a classic and cool vibe, striking yet minimal, and geometric with a touch of funkiness,” says Lambrakos. One way to achieve this is with exposed concrete such as in this bedroom, which features a soft color palette of muted lavender, peach, and silver. The room also includes a low-profile Bonaldo bed, geometric lighting from Louis Poulsen, and custom-designed casework by Lambrakos Studio. “We achieved an aestheticized function that is very user friendly—everything is purposeful and nothing is superfluous,” says Lambrakos.
Forgo your typical wall covering for wood paneling
Another way to highlight natural materials is through wood paneling. This bedroom, nestled in a classic midcentury-modern home designed by the iconic architect Roland Roessner in 1958, honors its origin story. “It was important to preserve the original architecture and midcentury aesthetic while also bringing it into current-day functionality,” says designer Michele Lorenz of Ashby Collective. “By building the bed frame and side tables as an extension of the beautiful wood wall paneling, we made the best use of the space by also leaning into a classic midcentury-modern design.”
Add whimsy with a scalloped headboard
This West Hollywood bedroom preserves the integrity of the Spanish home while adding boho whimsy and midcentury flair. “In this room, we focused on allowing the unique shapes of the furniture to take center stage, while keeping the color tones subdued yet impactful,” says Li. The ivory hue headboard serves as a focal point and stands out amidst warm tones, while playful curves in the sconces complement the scalloped headboard. The room is painted in Dunn Edward’s Half Moon Bay, a pink that exudes warmth without feeling overly feminine, adds Li. “Stepping into this pink sanctuary, one can’t help but feel enveloped in a cocoon of serenity, reminiscent of the nurturing embrace of a womb—a space designed to coddle and soothe the soul.”
Add a single pop of color
The sparseness of a midcentury-modern bedroom means that every detail matters—and even the smallest decor choices can become a focal point. Just take this young girl’s room—a scalloped light fixture, headboard, and mirror add a touch of whimsy. Blush tones brighten a neutral base while an Ikot pillow and upholstered headboard layer texture for added coziness. According to designer Meredith Owen, principal at Meredith Owen Interiors in Austin, sourcing vintage decor pieces can help achieve this look as well.
Incorporate dual-purpose furniture for an uncluttered space
Nothing messes with the zen of a bedroom more than tangled wires and clutter. Functionality is key in midcentury-modern design, which is why Samantha Stathis Lynch, designer at Samantha Ware Designs, often opts for pieces with dual purposes. These angular nightstands have built-in power sources to keep the room minimal and unfussy. The bedroom’s minimalist decor allows the ombre Schumacher wall panels to be the main attraction, she explains. “I always recommend soft greens and blues for a bedroom as they allow for restful sleep and easy mornings.”
