Mid-century modern style and windows

Mid-century modern describes the most popular home styles from roughly 1945 to 1969. It grew out of a strong desire for a new kind of architecture and decoration, and it remains popular today.

Its defining elements are organic shapes, clean lines, minimalism and geometric forms, all presented without clutter. The palette usually sets bright, bold accents against neutral tones. The effect is simple and modern at once.

Large windows, bold treatments

Traditional mid-century windows are large and commanding, and they call for window treatments of the same scale. When choosing them, consider the size and shape of the windows and the colors in the rest of the room.

• Shutters in a metallic gold or an earthy green, paired with full drapes that run from floor to ceiling.
• Fabric or wooden roller shades, which bring in more materials and a streamlined, modern line.

Earthy green

Dark, earthy greens are closely associated with the 1950s and 1960s. They sit well with other colors of the period, such as gold, burnt orange and dark brown. An accent wall, a piece of furniture or the window treatments are all good places to introduce them.

Mixed materials

The style set out to break with convention. Earlier interiors rarely mixed materials; mid-century homes combine teak, metal, wood, glass and more. The furniture has its own signatures, such as tapered table legs and low-profile chairs.

Gold

Gold and other metallics offset the natural colors and add a note of elegance and drama. They can come in through paint, furniture, decorative objects or art. For a bolder statement, use gold in the window treatments, as shutters or drapes.

Finding the balance

The style comes down to balancing bold color and geometric pattern with natural, calming elements. The right proportion differs from house to house. Find the one that suits yours, and let the windows, with their scale and their view, anchor the rest.