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Mid-Century Modern Paint Colors
The mid-century style has made a come-back in the past few years and a lot of people are catching on. From the geometrical patterns, emphasis on natural wood, and my favorite, the angled furniture legs, mid-century is back in style.
Most people are integrating the mid-century style with modern styles and adapting to their personal taste. For example, I am styling the interior of my house with a mixture of mid-century, industrial (see my Singer Sewing Machine Vanity), and farmhouse.
The colors I chose are represented below. I believe they provide a nice balance between the sometimes edginess of mid-century and the standard farmhouse tones.
Warm White
Start with a classic white that will provide a warm touch with the grey undertone.
This white will go well with the following mid-century hues.
Try Sherwin Williams’ Ceiling Bright White SW7007
Warm Grey
Use a warm grey to provide a coziness to your room to balance any strong mid-century colors.
This color should be used throughout the house to create cohesiveness.
Try Sherwin Williams’ Grayish SW6001
Deep Blue
If you want to be truer to the mid-century modern style, use a deep teal, but if you want a balance between farmhouse and mid-century, go with a navy.
This hue looks great on an accent wall and styling decor.
Try Sherwin Williams’ Salty Dog SW9177
Burnt Orange
Yes. Yes. Yes. Who doesn’t think mid-century without a strong shade of orange. Don’t be afraid; this looks great as an accent color with a few similarly shaded decor.
Try Sherwin William’s Determined Orange SW6635
Dark Red
Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Cherokee Red” is quite well known. But if you don’t want something as strong, try a paprika or brick tone.
Along with the deep blue, an dark red will ground you palette.
This hue looks great as a ceiling accent in small spaces.
Try Sherwin Williams’ Fireweed SW6328
Mustard Yellow
The underlying warm tones of mustard yellow make it great to use as an accent with any of the other hues in the palette.
But don’t worry, if you want to make it more than just an accent, you can!
Try Sherwin Williams’s Cheerful SW6903
Real-Life Examples
Here are pictures of the mid-century paint colors I used in our fixer-upper:
Use a dark blue to accent the wall in the bedroom. Then accessorized with mustard yellow. Floral curtains and an organic painting bring a softness to the style.
A brick red looks great in a mid-century dining area. Again, use floral curtains to tone back the geometry.
More Inspiration
If you need more inspiration, check out the Spruce’s Mid-Century Modern Paint Colors, dwell’s 7 Paint Colors that Nail the Midcentury Modern Look and Nolan Painting’s Mid-century Modern Paint Colors.
Are you thinking about taking the mid-century modern plunge?