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Daytime living room featuring a Serene chandelier

Mid-Century Modern


Mid-century modern is one of those styles that continues to be reimagined, making everything old new again.

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Contemporary living room with dark green wall and southwest color palette furnishing featuring a Baland chandelier

Mid-Century Modern

Funny how molecular chemistry, a baby boom and the advent of the space age could influence one of the most iconic design trends — meet "mid-century modern." 

It was the era of the split-level home, sliding glass doors and the multipurpose living space. Furniture designers began using materials like plywood, aluminum and steel with no apologies, only amazing function and beauty. Who would have thought that the satellite Sputnik would inspire a cool, customizable chandelier?

Close up of a Nye brass finish chandelier

Hear from our Designers

Colorful dining room with an Armstrong chandelier hanging

What is mid-century modern?

"Mid-century modern is one of those design styles that continues to be reimagined. The classic elements we all know and love endure the test of time with a new sense of sophistication."

- Amanda Gardner, Senior Product Designer, Kichler

Trentino wall sconce in office during the day.

Designer Top Picks


Baland LED 31" 12 Light Chandelier Black on a white backgroundBaland LED 31" 12 Light Chandelier Black on a white background

Baland Chandelier

52418BKLED (Black)

31" DIA x 23" H1-Tier12-Light

$1119.99*

Armstrong 6 Light Chandelier Chrome on a white backgroundArmstrong 6 Light Chandelier Chrome on a white background

Armstrong Chandelier

43095CH (Chrome)

20" DIA x 27.75" H1-Tier6-Light

$434.99*

Brianne 24.5" Vanity Light Brass on a white backgroundFront view of the Brianne 24.5" Vanity Light Brass on a white background

Brianne Vanity Light

55117BNB (Brushed Natural Brass)

24.5" W x 9.5" H3-LightSatin Etched Cased Opal Glass

$419.99*

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Trentino 1 Light Sconce Natural Brass on a white backgroundFront view of the Trentino 1 Light Sconce Natural Brass on a white background

Trentino Wall Sconce

52165NBR (Natural Brass)

5.12" W x 30" HWall Sconces1-Light

$249.99*

Close up view of the Birkleigh™ 11.5"  Pendant Classic Gold on a white backgroundBirkleigh™ 11.5"  Pendant Classic Gold on a white background

Birkleigh Pendant

52072CLG (Classic Gold)

24" DIA x 12" HDrum4-Light

$559.99*

Nye 14.75" 6 Light Chandelier Brass without the canopy on a white backgroundNye 14.75" 6 Light Chandelier Brass on a white background

Nye Chandelier

52314BNB (Brushed Natural Brass)

28" DIA x 14.75" H1-Tier6-Light

$564.99*

Pim 25" 3 Light Vanity Light in Nickel on a white backgroundThe Pim 25" 3 Light Vanity Light in Nickel facing up on a white background

Pim Vanity Light

55025PN (Polished Nickel)

25" W x 6" H3-LightSatin Etched Cased Opal Glass

$334.99*

Serene 17" LED Sconce in Natural Brass on a white backgroundDining room featuring Serene 44160NBRLED and 44162NBRLED

Serene Wall Sconce

44162NBRLED (Natural Brass)

6.5" W x 17" HWall Sconces1-Light

$304.99*

Close up view of the Cirus 4 light Convertible Pendant Auburn on a white backgroundThe Cirus 4 light Convertible Pendant Auburn on a white background

Cirus Pendant

43753AUB (Auburn Stained Finish)

24" DIA x 12" HConvertible4-Light

$1164.99*

Armstrong Wall Sconce in Chrome on a white backgroundFront view of the Armstrong Wall Sconce in Chrome on a white background

Armstrong Wall Sconce

43195CH (Chrome)

5" W x 16.75" HWall Sconces2-Light

$144.99*

Key Mid-Century Modern Characteristics

Close up picture of side table with vases and chair

Mix Up Styles

One of the most wonderful things about mid-century modern is that you don’t have to do your entire home in it. This style incorporates easily with almost any other style. It can be vintage, contemporary and comfortable all at once. Oh, and you’ll also find mid-century modern to be incredibly affordable – always a plus.

Learn About Mix and Match >
Close up of a white bar stool from above

Mid-Century Retro Mix

Modern forms and simplified details help distinguish a current Mid-century look from the kitschy shag carpet some might associate with this style. Shapes that curve and taper give a soft feel to this classic look, as does white glass, circular globe lighting and black or brass finishes.

Pale blue wall with a lowboy dresser and art with a planter tree next to it and featuring a Tuscany pendant light

Abstract Patterns and Asymmetry

Bright and abstract art is quintessential mid-century modern. From pop art posters in the kitchen to a well-placed geometric painting or two. Inspired by its integration with nature, asymmetry is also a staple of mid-century modern style.

Branches sconce hanging next to a built in shelf during the day

Natural Elements

Mid-century modern style brings everything into the light. When the style emerged, architects began designing homes with a lot more natural light. It’s no different today, with blonde woods, lighter brass tones and large windows that bring the outside in.

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Mid-Century Styles


The beauty of Mid-Century Modern is that it can take on many different styles. It's especially helpful when coordinating with various rooms in a home, all having their own unique spin on Mid-Century.

Boho Mid-Century

Inspired by the edgy decor of the 1970s, boho styles features bold or colorful patterns, woven material and kilim rugs and pillows. Also plants. Lots of plants.

Living room at night with jace ceiling fan, branches sconces and pendant lamps

Boho Mid-Century

Inspired by the edgy decor of the 1970s, boho styles features bold or colorful patterns, woven material and kilim rugs and pillows. Also plants. Lots of plants.

Dining room with white patterned wallpaper, a wide window and a Kimrose chandelier shining above the table

Boho Mid-Century

Inspired by the edgy decor of the 1970s, boho styles features bold or colorful patterns, woven material and kilim rugs and pillows. Also plants. Lots of plants.

Daylit bathroom with two sinks, each with a mirror above them and a glowing Moonlit hanging light on each side
Farmhouse style dining room with modern touches and long dining table

House of Hire

Lauren, from House of Hire, has the mid-century boho look down pat. She combines classic mid-century furniture with modern light fixtures and neutral, boho-inspired décor to create spaces that look effortlessly stylish. 

Living room from behind a couch's console table featuring a variety of chandelier and sconce lamps

Explore Other Styles

Daytime image of a rustic kitchen with Karthe chandelier

Cottagecore

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Dining room with long wooden table featuring a Moorgate chandelier

Farmhouse

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Contemporary dining room with Moderne chandelier hanging above a table

Contemporary

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Bedroom at night with Channel lights embedded in the ceiling
Kadas chandelier in living room with fireplace.

Art Deco

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Porch at night with Pier pendant lights and sconce

Coastal

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Bedroom at night with Ali 6-light chandelier and Ali wall sconces in brushed natural brass, lights turned on

Traditional

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Industrial style dining room and kitchen featuring a Cuyahoga Mill chandelier

Industrial

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Inspiration


See mid-century inspired spaces from our customers home projects.

Kimrose chandelier in dining room during the day.

Blog

Find out what's new in lighting and design, hear from designers and other lighting professionals and find fun and informational tips to light up your life.

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Three Kichler catalog covers featuring pendant lights, a lit outdoor scene and a ceiling fan.

Catalogs

Whether you're interested in a certain lighting category or a stylized collection, it's easy and quick to browse products with our interactive catalogs.

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