What Is the Difference Between Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco?

Art|Modern Art

When it comes to interior design, two of the most popular styles are mid-century modern and art deco. Although both styles can look similar at first glance, there are significant differences between them.

Mid-century modern is a style that emerged in the 1940s and 50s and was popularized by designers like George Nelson and Charles Eames. It is characterized by minimalist designs with clean lines, simple shapes, and organic materials like wood and natural fibers.

Furniture typically has tapered legs, rounded edges, and low heights. Mid-century modern design emphasizes functionality over ornamentation, making it a great choice for small spaces.

Art Deco is a style that emerged in the 1920s as a reaction against traditional Victorian design. Art Deco furniture is often ornate with bold geometric shapes and luxurious materials like brass or chrome accents.

Colors tend to be bright and vibrant, while textures are often glossy or metallic. Art Deco furniture also tends to be higher off the ground than mid-century modern designs with more intricate detailing on legs and arms.

Although both styles have similarities such as minimalism, there are some key differences between mid-century modern and art deco that make them unique. Mid-century modern focuses on organic materials with simple shapes while art deco embraces bold colors, geometric shapes, and luxurious materials like brass or chrome accents. In addition, mid-century modern furniture typically has low heights while art deco pieces can be higher off the ground with more intricate detailing on legs and arms.

Conclusion: Ultimately, the main difference between mid-century modern and art deco is in their overall aesthetic approach – mid-century modern emphasizes clean lines and organic materials while art deco embraces bold colors, geometric shapes, and luxurious materials like brass or chrome accents.