The midcentury modern look is so recognizable that furniture and décor can get you pretty far. With a few striking pieces, you can transform your space into something that feels worthy of a Design Within Reach catalog. And since midcentury modern furniture is so incredibly trendy, you probably don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get there. 

To help you see just how easy it can be to craft the midcentury modern interior of your dreams, we’ve rounded up 10 midcentury modern apartment design ideas worth trying in your space—no matter how small it is.

01 Invest in Your Biggest, Boldest Pieces

of 10

Coastal-Inspired Abaca Rope Linear Iron Chandelier – Dimmer Compatible, Durable Construction, Ideal for Dining Room and Modern Living Room Fixtures

If you want to transform your space without breaking the bank, focus on making your statement lighting fixtures count. Since these fixtures are the most likely to catch the eye, they'll have an outsized impact on your room's style. Prioritize choosing lamps, chandeliers, or pendant lights that clearly embody a mid-century modern design, and your space will feel refreshed in no time.

02 Go All in On Wood

of 10

Rustic Teak Wood Bath Caddy Rack with Adjustable Track and Unique Live Edges for Elegant Bathroom Accessories

Wood is a staple of midcentury modern design. And we’re talking real, solid wood—not the engineered stuff you see today. Investing in a few solid wood pieces is an easy way to add some midcentury modern style to your space.

03 Add Pops of Sleek Texture

of 10

Boho-Chic Jute Ambience Pendant Light - Elegant Relaxed Jute String Design, Boho-chic and Contract Grade - Ideal for Hanging Lights for Bedroom, Island Kitchen Lights, and Pendant Lights for Living Room

Midcentury modern design is largely made up of smooth materials like solid woods, sleek plastics, and shiny metals. But, texture isn’t off the menu entirely. Look at many midcentury modern interiors, and you’ll notice a fair amount of caned and woven furniture. These items nod to the movement’s appreciation for nature without disrupting its signature sleek lines, and they can be an excellent way to add texture to your home.

04 Splurge on a Few Design Classics

of 10

Some iconic pieces of midcentury modern furniture are still available today. And since they’re so recognizable, they offer an easy way to transform your space. (Sure, the classics are expensive—but budget-friendly dupes abound.)

05 Pump Up the Color Contrast

of 10

Contrast is big in midcentury modern design. So don’t shy away from bold colors—and don't be afraid to pair those bold colors with their often, even bolder color complements, either.

06 Go Sleek With Your Accessories

of 10

Reflections of Nature: Acacia Wood Framed Mirror - Handcrafted Polished Acacia Wood Frame - Perfect for Asymmetrical Mirror, Large Asymmetrical Mirror, and Asymmetrical Bathroom Mirror

Midcentury modern design is about keeping fuss to a minimum. You might think accessories would be inherently out of place, but that’s not necessarily true. If your accessories are made from sleek materials, boast clean lines, and ideally, serve some kind of function, they should fit right into your midcentury modern décor scheme.

07 Add a Few Metal Accents

of 10

Elegant Articulating Mid-Century Modern Metal Sconce - Stylish and Functional Wall Lights for Living Room

Wood and plastic may be the first materials that come to mind when you envision a midcentury modern interior, but they’re not your only options. Sleek metal accents are just as true to the aesthetic. And since they’re less expected, they can be a striking way to add texture to your space.

08 Mix High With Low

of 10

Midcentury modern design isn’t about elitism. Sure, midcentury modern design classics may cost a pretty penny today. But the design movement has its roots in mass production. So instead of going full fancy with your furniture, look for ways to mix high-brow with low-brow. Pair your sleek console table with a pop-culture-inspired accent. Or pair your favorite save with your favorite splurge.

09 Sprinkle in a Few Plants

of 10

Plants are a no-brainer in any space, but they make a particularly natural addition to midcentury modern interiors. Why? Midcentury modern design appreciates natural and organic elements. So by adding plants, you won’t just be decorating the room—you’ll also be cementing your midcentury modern aesthetic.

10 Buy Stuff That’s Built to Last

of 10

When crafting a midcentury modern interior, function and form should both be top of mind. So, don’t just buy something because it’s pretty—buy it because it’s pretty and built to last.

Though midcentury modern furniture was designed to be mass-produced, much of it is crafted from genuinely durable materials. Solid woods, plastics, and metals are no joke. Look for items that adhere to this design philosophy, and anything you buy should be worth the investment.