How to choose mid-century modern furniture for a contemporary home?
Some furniture doesn’t shout — and still draws your eye. Clean lines, elegant legs, and something that’s hard to define but easy to feel — class. Mid-century modern doesn’t have to prove anything. It’s like a well-cut coat: it doesn’t scream for attention, but once you notice it, you won’t forget it.
Although it was born over half a century ago, it fits today’s homes better than ever. Not just because it looks great, but because it’s simply… practical. A sideboard that stores everything but doesn’t overwhelm your space. A bookcase with character — but no drama. A desk you can work at, and live with.
In this article, we’ll show you how to choose mid-century furniture for a home that’s yours — not a catalogue copy. No forced 60s styling, no Pinterest knockoffs. Our way: thinking about what really works — beautiful, functional pieces that won’t get boring after one season.
Why does mid-century work so well in modern interiors?
Because it’s like a guest you want to invite into your home — well-mannered, full of character, but not stealing the spotlight. Mid-century modern works in today’s homes precisely because it doesn’t try to dominate. It collaborates with your space.
In a world of white walls, grey floors, and open-plan kitchens, a mid-century piece can shift the mood — with its form, a detail, balanced proportions. One carefully chosen sideboard or a bookcase with ladder-like side rails is enough to make your place feel like home, not just a developer’s brochure.
These are pieces that give you space — both literally and visually. They’re light, uncluttered, but far from anonymous. And maybe that’s why they’re back again: in chaotic times, it feels good to surround yourself with objects that carry calm in their design.
Where to start? One piece that makes all the difference
You don’t need to refurnish your whole place to get that mid-century vibe. One well-chosen piece can set the tone. Just like the right shoes can change an outfit, a single sideboard or shelf can do wonders in your living room, bedroom or office.
A sideboard for the living room
Probably the easiest and most striking starting point. A mid-century sideboard — horizontal lines, slim legs, hidden handles — can work as a media unit, book storage, display cabinet or even a home bar. And it always looks good. Especially against a white wall or next to a modern sofa.
-> Pro tip: Go for a model with clear geometry and at least one open shelf — it’ll feel lighter and more "of the era".
A shelf for the office or living room
A mid-century bookcase is more than just storage. It brings structure to a room — without the bulk or closed fronts. Open shelves and vertical elements (like side ladders) bring a visual rhythm.
-> It pairs beautifully with plants, records, or as a room divider in an open-plan space.
A desk you’ll actually enjoy using
If you work from home, a mid-century desk is more than functional — it’s a joy to look at. Drawers that are part of the design, space for your laptop and tea, without clutter.
-> Set it by a window, add a simple lamp and some greenery — and you’ve got a workspace straight out of a design magazine.
Custom fit? Always. Build the piece you actually need
You don’t have to buy off the shelf. At Plywood Project, you can customise everything — the size, layout, modules and finish — to fit your space and your life.
A sideboard that fits your space
It’s the perfect starter piece. Works from all angles, suits the living room, hallway or bedroom — no styling tricks needed. But the best part? It’s not a one-size-fits-all. It’s yours.
With us, you can:
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adjust the size — for a tight alcove or a spacious loft,
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choose the function — storage for books, vinyl, ceramics or audio gear,
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mix modules — drawers, cabinets, open shelves — pick only what you need,
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select your finish.
Pro tip: Start with the Sideboard 460 XI — a well-balanced, versatile layout ideal for both books and audio gear.
A desk you want to sit (or stand) at
Your home office deserves a desk that works. Mid-century nails it: beauty meets ergonomics. With Plywood Project, you can pick exactly the setup that fits your work style and space.
Options:
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simple top-only desks — clean and light,
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desks with drawers under the top — neat and organised,
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side panel desks with drawers + cabinets — more storage, no design compromise,
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L-shape desks — for maximum use of space,
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standing desks — for active workdays,
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desks with upper shelves (like the Maxi model) — for workspace + display.
Bookcase and desk combo in stained finish – perfect for creating a stylish, compact home office.
Every desk can be tailored to your exact space — whether it’s a tight corner or an open plan.
A shelf that holds and shows
Mid-century bookcases are pure genius: open, light, and still help define a space. At Plywood Project, you can build yours to match what you actually want to store.
Options include:
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open shelves for books, plants, vinyls, objects,
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cabinets and drawers for what you want to hide,
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custom sizing to fit alcoves, corners or under your TV.
And yes — it still looks like mid-century. Just better. Because it’s yours.
The best part? You don’t need to go all-in at once. One thoughtful piece can show your style and give clarity to the room. And that’s exactly what most of our customers do — they start with one. Then they come back. For shelves. For a bench. For more.
A full-length setup combining storage, vinyl compartments, and open shelving – all in one modular composition.
Because a well-designed piece of furniture really can change the way your home works — and feels.
How to mix mid-century with modern — without overdoing it?
Mid-century doesn’t need a museum setup. It works beautifully with modern spaces — as long as you give it room to breathe. It’s all about balance and smart choices.
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One strong piece is enough
You don’t need a full retro set. One sideboard with strong lines, one bookcase with ladder sides — that’s enough. Let the piece speak.
-> Avoid: too many statement pieces in one room. Unless you know what you're doing, it might feel like a film set.
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Pair with clean lines
Mid-century loves modern company: white walls, pale floors, muted tones. This lets the furniture stand out. No need to match — just let it shine.
-> Best combo: neutral sofa, light curtains, soft lighting + a standout sideboard or shelf.
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Play with textures and details
Mid-century thrives on subtle details — no shouty bits. Carved handles, clever front layouts, varied shelving. These work beautifully against smooth, minimal backdrops.
-> Try: matte furniture fronts with glossy ceramics, glass, or natural linen.
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Colours? Yes, but keep it smart
Mid-century doesn’t mean gaudy walls or loud upholstery. Think: warm browns, olive, mustard, navy, dusty blue. These add depth without overpowering. Perfect with wood and clean design.
-> Failproof combo: white + wood + one strong accent (like forest green, terracotta, or deep blue).
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Tech? Sure — just keep it classy
Mid-century and modern tech can co-exist. Just keep the wires and boxes out of sight. Go for sideboards with cable cutouts, vinyl boxes, or closed compartments. That’s how our customers keep things clean.
-> See also: Sideboard 460 XI or our vinyl + audio box configurations.
How our clients do it — real mid-century in real homes
Amsterdam – Ester’s flat
Ester found us on Etsy. First came a message, then colour samples — and finally, a full shelf set for her living room. Three heights: Mini, Midi, Maxi — combined into one long wall unit. Finished in light oak. The result? A Nordic mid-century blend: light, clean, functional. Books, vinyls, ceramics — all in their place.
->Started with shelves. Now planning a sideboard for the bedroom.
🇺🇸 Santa Monica – Derek’s cabinet
Derek wanted a compact cabinet for his vintage audio tuner — a piece he inherited from his dad. It had to fit his mid-century space perfectly. We customised the size, added a cable hole and space below the device. Finished in transparent lacquer to highlight the grain. His review? “It looks like it’s always been here.”
-> Started with one piece. Now owns a matching desk in his home office.
🇬🇧 London, display shelf for Todd
Todd lives in London and knew exactly what he was looking for — a piece that would look like a 1960s classic but would fit specific needs: books, documents, and… a vinyl collection he wanted to keep on display.
Together, we designed a custom bookcase with a display-style shelf to showcase his favourite books and magazines. The cabinet was also built to fit perfectly into a niche between the fireplace and the wall — different from our standard offer, but based on our classic box layout.
🇺🇸 New York – Sara’s L-desk
Sara from Brooklyn needed a workspace in a corner of her flat. She chose an L-shape desk based on our model 11 — with custom tweaks: drawers, shelves, and flat-pack delivery (no lift!). She assembled it herself and sent us a pic: coffee on the desk, plant in the corner. Her words? “My favourite spot in the whole apartment.”
In the end: mid-century that works — your way
Mid-century modern doesn’t have to be a dream from an interiors magazine or a 60s replica. It’s a way to create space with character — not noise. That helps you live better, not just decorate.
That’s why it keeps coming back. And why our clients — in Amsterdam, London, New York, Santa Monica — start with one piece… and return for more.
Got a blank wall? An empty corner? A space that needs a new rhythm?
You can start with a single piece — or plan a whole wall with us.
🎯 See our full mid-century furniture collection at Plywood Project
-> Sideboards, desks and shelves you can build your way
