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Mid-Century Modern bedroom ideas

Walnut and teak do most of the work in a mid-century bedroom. A low bed with a panelled or caned headboard, tapered legs on every piece and a long, low chest of drawers set the 1950s and 60s line, while mustard, teal or burnt orange turn up in a bedspread, a lamp or a single armchair. The style appeals to anyone who likes warm wood and a bit of colour without fuss, and original pieces are easy to find second-hand.

Try Mid-Century Modern on a photo of your bedroom

Palette

• Walnut (#8a5a38)
• Teal (#2e6a6d)
• Mustard (#c8982e)
• Warm white (#efe9de)

Key pieces

• Low walnut bed with a slatted or caned headboard
• Long, low chest of drawers on tapered legs
• Brass or opal globe bedside lamps
• Teal or mustard upholstered lounge chair
• Geometric wool rug beside the bed
• Round mirror in a slim wooden frame

Materials and finishes

• Walnut and teak veneer
• Cognac leather
• Brass handles and lamp bases
• Nubby woven wool upholstery
• Matt warm white walls

Tips

• Original 1960s bedroom furniture is often cheaper than new reproductions. Check that drawers run smoothly and veneer edges are not lifting before buying.
• Let the chest of drawers double as a dressing table: a long, low piece under a round mirror saves floor space and keeps the horizontal line the style relies on.
• Choose one accent colour for textiles and another for an object, say a mustard bedspread and a teal lamp, rather than spreading three colours across everything.

What to avoid

• Plastic or high-gloss reproductions
• Ornate carved headboards
• Cold grey walls and bedding

Questions

What headboard works in a mid-century bedroom?

A low, wide headboard in walnut or teak, either plain, slatted or with a cane panel, is closest to the period. Upholstered versions work if they are plain or channel-stitched in mustard, teal or a warm brown. Tall wingback shapes and button tufting belong to other styles.

Does mid-century furniture suit a small bedroom?

Often very well, because much of it was built for compact post-war homes. Tapered legs lift pieces off the floor, and a low chest of drawers can stand in for a bedside table on one side. A wall-mounted sconce instead of a table lamp frees up even more surface.

More bedroom styles

• Scandinavian bedroom ideas
• Japandi bedroom ideas
• Minimalist bedroom ideas
• Industrial bedroom ideas
• Boho bedroom ideas
• Modern Farmhouse bedroom ideas
• Coastal bedroom ideas

Mid-Century Modern in other rooms

• Mid-Century Modern living room ideas
• Mid-Century Modern kitchen ideas
• Mid-Century Modern bathroom ideas

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