Midcentury modern design is characterized by clean lines, wood tones, tapered furniture legs, and an overall streamlined look, to name a few common elements. While the aesthetic came about in the mid-20th century—as the name suggests—it is by no means dated nearly 75 years later, experts say.
Below, three design and architectural experts explain why they believe that midcentury modern design will have staying power in 2025 and beyond, and how it will evolve to reflect contemporary tastes.
Why Midcentury Modern Design Has Lasted
One reason why midcentury modern design has remained so popular is because this type of furniture is so high quality and therefore appeals to consumers looking for long-lasting pieces.
"People are gravitating towards vintage, well-made midcentury furniture because of its durability,"
explains Amr Samaha, founder of Samaha Studios. "Repurposing older pieces not only reduces waste but also adds a unique, personal touch to a space."
Many younger consumers are drawn to vintage pieces as well, inspired by the ability to design unique-looking living spaces for less as well as the environmental benefits. New apartment dwellers also enjoy shopping secondhand for furniture, which is often smaller in scale than more recently designed pieces, making it an excellent solution for those short on square footage.
Why Midcentury Modern Is Back in Full Swing
In 2025, don't expect to see people making a half-hearted effort to weave midcentury modern finds into their homes. Experts say that the occasional piece and allusion to midcentury modern design doesn't seem like it'll be enough anymore, and people are going to fully embrace the aesthetic.
"No more subtle nods to midcentury lines with an occasional tapered leg on a console—2025 is going all in on this style," Rebecca Ward, founder of Rebecca Ward Design, says.
This resurgence of midcentury modern design is in no small part due to the popularity of other minimalist-inspired and wood-forward aesthetics, including Scandinavian and Japandi styles, which have been making waves in recent years all across the globe.
"All three place an emphasis on high-quality natural materials and craftsmanship, clean lines and forms, connection to the outdoors through large expanses of glass and sliding doors, comfort, and functionality," says Luke Olson, principal at GTM Architects.
"As we continue to strive for a seamless transition from interior to exterior space, the alignment between these styles allows us to do so in a more cohesive and holistic way," he says.
How the Style Will Evolve for 2025
Midcentury style certainly has the ability to evolve as we move further into the 21st century, and design experts expect it to take a fresh shape into 2025. Some anticipate that the look will move toward a more maximalist aesthetic than in recent years.
"It’s still midcentury at heart, just more adaptable to the way we live now," Samaha says.
In adapting to the new year, midcentury modern will also probably adopt more of the colors and materials we are used to seeing in modern design as well.
"People are moving towards earthier tones—think terracotta, deep greens, and French white oak—and blending them with natural materials like stone and brushed metals to create spaces that feel cozier and more inviting," Samaha says.
Mixing and Matching Styles
Samaha makes an important distinction about the blending of styles with midcentury modern: It is no longer standing on its own inside of the home, but rather the pieces are styled alongside eclectic, vintage, and modern items.
"Handcrafted, artisanal pieces are playing a huge role, and there’s a greater emphasis on texture—using fabrics like linen and velvet alongside those classic midcentury shapes to add warmth and depth," the designer says. "Patterns are making a comeback too, especially nature-inspired and geometric designs."
Ward also believes that the rising popularity of the color brown will also ensure that midcentury modern style thrives well into 2025.
"The 2025 version of brown will be sleek and modern, and the warm walnut woods of midcentury modern will play a big role in this resurgence," she says.
Originally published in The Spruce
Text by Sarah Lyon
