A mid-century modern sofa can be a great foundational element for living room designs of all styles. These tailored pieces work with everything because they have a simple shape and classic look.

Studio Schicketanz

According to Architectural Digest, the mid-century modern sofa has become a fixture in modern design because of its clean lines, organic curves, and contrasting material. We couldn’t agree more. This is a style that suits so many gorgeous room designs.

What is a Mid-Century Modern Sofa?

BLAINE architects

Most people are aware of the mid-century modern style. But it helps to have a summary of what makes mid-century modern furniture, in particular the sofa, different from other styles. Not all mid-century sofas are the same, but they share similar characteristics that make them easy to spot.

Characteristics of a Mid-Century Modern Sofa

Function over Form – Mid-century design as a whole prioritizes function first. In other words, the function dictates the look of the sofa rather than a dedication to a particular stylistic form. Mid-century designers paid particular attention to ergonomics in their designs. This means that a mid-century modern couch is more comfortable than standard sofas.Color – Most mid-century sofas on offer today have solid color bases. Neutrals are popular as are bright colors like burnt orange and turquoise.Mixed Textures – Many mid-century sofas feature a blend of textures. Find mid-century modern couches using wood bases blended with metal, glass, and plastic features. The important thing is the contrast which allows each element to stand out against one another. Blended textures are more common in authentic mid-century modern sofas rather than modern reproductions.Shape – Most mid-century sofas have a low profile and a rectilinear shape, though some also utilize curves. They also combine both geometric and organic shapes into a seamless design.Simplicity – The mid-century modern style was, in part, a reaction against the Art Deco style which came before it. Unlike Art Deco, mid-century modern style kept any extra ornamentation to a minimum.Legs – Exposed legs that are wooden or metal of many shapes including tapering cones, square, or spheres.

12 Mid-Century Modern Sofa Choices

We have gathered a list of some of our favorite mid-century modern sofas available with different price points and color varieties.

The Miller Sofa

All Modern

The Miller Sofa from All Modern has a slim Scandinavian mid-century style. It features durable upholstery options, slim arms, and tapered brown legs. This sofa has an affordable price point and can be found on the online mid-century store, and it also has great reviews from customers. There are loveseat and sectional options plus a complementing armchair.

The Holden Sectional Loveseat

CB2

If you have a small room but still want to enjoy a sectional sofa, try a smaller version like the Holden Sectional Loveseat. This is a gorgeous design from CB2 that blends the luxe look of deep blue velvet with a spare mid-century style. The tapered steel legs add just enough height to allow the sofa to float above the floor.

The Jason Fabric Sofa

Interior Define

This line features sofas from fashion designer Jason Wu with Interior Define. The Jason Fabric Sofa has a mid-century modern style with a fashion-forward sensibility. Each sofa has a solid wood frame that supports comfortable cushions in countless customizable color and texture choices. The slim legs are capped with brass to give the sofa just a bit of extra glam.

The Kirnik Sofa

Medley

The company Medley manufactures the Kirnik Sofa. This company specializes in handcrafted quality, sustainable sources for materials, and low VOC products. To top it all off, these sofas are gorgeous and comfortable. The Kirnik sits taller than some of the other midcentury modern sofa options featured thus far. It has plush upholstery with a beautiful maple wood base with elegant tapered legs.

The Hopson Sleeper Sofa

Joybird

If you want a sleeper sofa that still looks sleek and modern, check out the Hopson Sleeper Sofa from Joybird. This beauty comes with almost 90 upholstery options including neutral and bright colors, performance fabrics, velvets, and sustainable options. This slim sofa design features low arms with a tufted back cushion.

The Monroe 3pc Sectional Sofa

Apt 2B

The Monroe 3pc Sectional Sofa has just the right amount of curves plus straight lines to keep the shape balanced. It features a slim arm on one side with an open side on the other. The button tufted back keeps the look tailored and elegant. This Monroe Sectional design is finished in emerald green velvet.

The Nomad Velvet Sofa

Burrow

The Nomad Velvet Sofa from Burrow is a great midcentury modern couch if you want a more versatile shape. This sofa would work well with a traditional or classic style home. The sofa features performance velvet in jewel and neutral tones as well as customizable wooden or metal legs.

The Ojai Sofa

Industry West

The Ojai Sofa from Industry West features soft camel-colored leather on thick upholstered cushions. This sofa has thicker arms than other mid-century sofas. These are useful for more comfortable lounging. This sofa is supported by solid wood legs.

Related: Facts About Types of Leather

Curvo Camel Velvet Sofa

CB2

The Curvo Camel Velvet Sofa from CB2 is reminiscent of Hollywood glam of the 1950s and Italian mid-century design. The upholstery is silky cotton velvet perched on champagne gold legs.

The Hague Mid Century Sofa

Crate and Barrel

Crate and Barrel produces quality contemporary and modern furniture designs that stand the test of time. The Hague Mid Century Sofa is no exception. This sofa features flared arms and plush cushions for a comfortable seat. The tapered legs keep the sofa looking delicate and refined. The single bottom cushion gives the sofa a more tailored style that stays neat and tidy all day.

The Rolled Arm Convertible Sofa Bed Sleeper

Wayfair

This mid century sofa on Wayfair has a beautiful style and an unbeatable price. It has a wood frame and flared out sides. It is upholstered in a fabric with just a hint of textural appeal. The back of the sofa folds down to give you a quick extra bed whenever you need it.

The Laguna Sofa

All Modern

At 83” long, the Laguna Sofa from AllModern is one of the widest on the list. This version of the sofa features a deep rust colored velvet upholstery. The large pillows have a soft but tailored form with two matching throw pillows. It is built on a solid wood form, so you can feel great about its durability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What makes a sofa mid century modern?

A mid century modern sofa is one that was manufactured during the MCM design era or was reproduced to look like that style. A midcentury sofa follows certain rules of design including a design that uses function to lead to form, a simplicity of design, use of neutral and bold colors, mixture of textures, and a tailored shape that is spare and sleek.

When did mid century modern style begin?

The mid century modern style is hard to define because it was a branch of modernism that began as a response to the Art Deco movement. Most experts define this particular style as ranging from the mid 1940s to the mid 1960s.

Can I mix midcentury modern furniture with other furniture styles?

Yes! Mid century modern, in particular the contemporary version of it, has a simple and tailored look with often used neutral color palettes. This makes mid century modern an easy style to mix with others including traditional, eclectic, modern farmhouse, and boho.

Is the correct spelling mid century or midcentury?

People spell this modifier as midcentury, mid-century, and mid century. The Chicago Manual of Style used to promote mid-century. But by 2003, they felt that the simplified version of midcentury was a bit less fussy.

Where can I find the most inexpensive mid century modern sofas?

Sites that list furniture from many different sellers like Wayfair and Overstock have good options for less expensive mid century furniture than more expensive and exclusive retail stores. Make sure to read the reviews of any sofa that you purchase. Even if you get a good deal in the beginning, if the sofa doesn’t last, it will cost more to replace it than just buying a quality sofa in the beginning.

Conclusion

Mid-century modern sofas are a popular design style and it is easy to understand why. The classic styles of these sofas work well when you blend them with other styles or as a focal point in a room with all mid-century modern furniture.

Their classic and elegant look also elevates the look of any room you place them in. With all of the options available, you will be able to find an option that works well for your budget, color scheme, and particular style.