13 Decorative Objects For A Midcentury Living Room
If your decor style leans towards midcentury vibes, these decorative objects will fit right into your home. While midcentury design generally refers to the time period between the mid-1940s to early 1960s, elements of this style are still going strong in many modern living spaces. Below, we've handpicked our favorite on-trend items that will add an authentic touch to your midcentury living room.
Kaufmann Merchantile
A sought-after teakwood bowl created by Finn Juhl in 1951. How beautiful and sculptural is this?
2. Isamu Noguchi Table Lamp 20N, $175
The Noguchi Museum
An icon of the 1950s modern design by Isamu Noguchi, created with handmade washi paper and bamboo ribing.
YLiving
Charles and Ray Eames popularized this black wooden bird, a prized object of American folk art that they acquired on a trip to the Appalachian Mountains. If you've seen a picture of the Eameses' living room, you've most likely seen this bird.
4. Food52 Copper and Brass Louise Trays, starting at $50
Food52
These totally give off midcentury vibes — we especially love the all-brass version. Perfect for displaying coffee table doodads, or holding glasses or liquor on a bar cabinet or cart.
5. Herman Miller Flensted Drifting Clouds Mobile, $190
Herman Miller
Handmade in Denmark from wood veneer and gold-plated stainless steel, it's like watching clouds float on a summer day. Christian Flensted created his first mobile in 1953 to celebrate the christening of his daughter. (He originally mounted three cut out storks onto two straws.)
6. boSwedishStyle 11" Midcentury Modern Danish Teak Candlestick, $55
Etsy
An original Danish teak candlestick from the 1950s that's been lovingly refurbished.
7. Crate & Barrel Sunburst Bowl, $159
Crate & Barrel
Inspired by a midcentury antique, this sunburst bowl is a must for those of you who just love this era.
8. Alexander Girard Wooden Doll 5, $190
Finnish Design Shop
Created in 1953 by Alexander Girard (a pioneer of mid-twentieth century American design and collaborator with Herman Miller from 1952 to 1975) as a decorative object for his home in Santa Fe. Your bookshelf beckons this one.
9. Paul Anker Hansen's Owl, starting at $49
Architectmade
What is it about owls that just make us think midcentury decor? Designed in 1961 by Paul Anker Hansen, the head rotates to show a different expression.
10. West Elm Midcentury Asymmetrical Floor Mirror, $499
West Elm
Inspired by the curves of Italian midcentury design, it'll be a striking addition to your living room wall.
11. Kay Bojesen Wooden Monkey, $128
Nordic Nest
Made of teak, this cute monkey is a beloved classic of Scandinavian design, first created in 1951 by Kay Bojesen. These days, on Danish television, it's often used a prize in quiz shows — but you can easily make this prize your own with just a click of a button.
12. John M. Kostick Foldable Star Sculptures, starting at $40
Design Within Reach
Made of bronze that'll patina over time, these stars originated in 1965 as models of mathematical concepts. Place these on your coffee table and see how guests are drawn to the stars' interactive pull.
13. Colorful Eames Elephant, $105
Museum of Modern Art
A smaller, plastic version of the Eames Plywood Elephant, originally designed in the early 1940s, this adorable animal is available in yellow, red, green, and gray. (And way more affordable than the plywood version!)