Plywood Finishes: from Mid-Century Modern Classics to Contemporary Pastel Shades
Plywood is a versatile material that has gained popularity in both retro and modern interior design. Thanks to a wide range of finishes, it can be adapted to different styles – from classic Mid-Century Modern interiors to Scandinavian inspirations and pastel trends in contemporary spaces. In this article, we will take a closer look at the most popular plywood finishes and their use in design.
Classic Plywood Finishes Inspired by Mid-Century Modern
The Mid-Century Modern (MCM) style is characterized by simplicity of form, functionality, and the use of natural materials, including wood and plywood. Warm, rich finishes that emphasize the natural wood grain are a hallmark of this design movement.
Finishes from our standard color sampler
Most Popular Classic Plywood Shades:
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Teak – inspired by classic teak wood, often used in MCM furniture. It features a warm, honey-brown tone that brings coziness and elegance to interiors.
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Transparent – a subtle, natural finish that highlights the grain and texture of plywood. Perfect for lovers of minimalist interiors in Japandi and Scandic design.
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Walnut – a dark, deep tone with a slight red undertone, frequently seen in vintage furniture. A perfect match for classic MCM interiors.
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Light Oak – a warm, natural shade inspired by Scandinavian aesthetics. Ideal for Japandi interiors, combining wood, functionality, and simplicity.
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Antic Oak – a darker version of classic oak, giving furniture a retro character and elegance.
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Oak – one of the most universal colors, used in both modern and classic interiors.
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Black – a contrasting, elegant finish that pairs beautifully with light wood and raw materials such as concrete or metal.
Furniture in these finishes works perfectly in living rooms, bedrooms, and office spaces, adding timeless character and elegance.
Maxi Bookcase with open cabinet, Walnut finish
Maxi Bookcase with cabinet, Oak finish
The Impact of Classic Finishes on Interiors
Mid-Century Modern-inspired tones bring warmth and harmony into interiors. Teak and walnut shades make spaces more cozy and elegant. Light oak tones visually enlarge rooms and add a sense of lightness. Black elements bring contrast and a modern touch, perfectly complementing loft and eclectic designs.
Stools in various finishes
Contemporary Pastel Plywood Finishes
Alongside the classic shades, contemporary pastel finishes are becoming increasingly popular. They work perfectly in interiors inspired by Scandinavian design and Japandi style. Soft colors emphasize the lightness of the material and allow for harmonious, calming arrangements.
Most Popular Pastel Shades:
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Frozen White – perfect for minimalist interiors and children’s furniture such as kids’ rooms.
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Winter Blush – a subtle pastel tone that works beautifully in modern interiors and as a color accent.
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Frost Green – a fresh, natural shade that adds lightness and a modern character to furniture.
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Nordic Blue – inspired by Scandinavian design, perfect for modern and minimalist spaces.
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Velvet Green – a shade combining the natural character of wood with deep green, ideal for nature-inspired interiors.
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Slate Grey – a neutral, elegant color that pairs well with pastels and natural wood.
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Midnight Indigo – a deep tone that adds boldness and a modern character to furniture.
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Rusty Brown – a warm, earthy color inspired by natural autumn tones.
Applications of Pastel Finishes:
Pastel plywood tones fit well in many modern arrangements. They are a great choice for children’s furniture, hallway benches, or decorative elements. Thanks to their lightness and subtlety, pastels are a popular option in Scandinavian and minimalist interiors.
Children’s benches in various finishes
The Impact of Pastel Colors on Interiors
Light, pastel tones make interiors feel more spacious and harmonious. Shades like Frost Green or Nordic Blue bring freshness and calm, while Rusty Brown and Velvet Green add depth and warmth. Pastel plywood finishes are especially suitable for small rooms, reflecting light and creating the impression of a larger space.
Black and White Furniture – a Timeless Choice
Modern interiors are increasingly embracing contrasts. Black plywood furniture adds a stylish touch to industrial arrangements, while white furniture remains a classic choice for lovers of minimalism and bright, open spaces.
Summary
The finish of plywood plays a key role in the final look and character of an interior. Classic Mid-Century Modern-inspired shades such as teak, walnut, or oak highlight elegance and warmth, while contemporary pastel tones inspired by Scandinavian design bring lightness and harmony. Regardless of your preferred style, plywood offers remarkable versatility, combining aesthetics with functionality.
