Mid-Century Modern Paint Colours

The mid-century modern movement has never really gone out of style. It's been a popular design choice since the middle of the 20th century, with its focus on function and durability a key selling feature. 

Today, mid-century modern decor is the go-to for many people looking to overhaul their homes. While a neutral colour palette often serves as the base for mid-century spaces, bright colours and distinct architectural details are also important. 

If you're looking to embrace the mid-century look, it's a good idea to use wood tones and a neutral palette as your starting point. Complementary colours like vibrant orange and olive green work beautifully with natural materials, while warm neutrals can create a more subdued space. 

At Tikkurila, you'll find all the inspiration you need to put together a first-class mid-century modern colour palette. 

What is Mid-Century Modern Design?

Mid-century modern design can be traced back to the 1940s. Back then, furniture and architectural design were all about practicality. Furniture was typically made from hard-wearing woods like teak and walnut, with a key focus on function rather than pure aesthetics. 

Nonetheless, pieces from this period have proved enduringly popular. Durable wood like teak only gets better with age, while the clean lines and curved edges synonymous with mid-century modern style continue to find fans today. What's more, there's little focus on ornate details and unnecessary design flourishes. 

It's not hard to see why so many people continue to favour mid-century modern design. These pared-back pieces make a fine fit with contemporary living rooms and those looking to embrace a more understated approach to interior decor.

Wood isn't the only material used in mid-century modern design. Metal and glass are also commonplace, while an authentic approach also utilises functional elements like vinyl. 

Which Colours Are Associated With Mid-Century Modern Decor?

Although this era has a reputation for muted colour palettes, bold tones were typically used to create striking contrasts. We've picked out some of our favourite paint colours so you can achieve the mid-century modern look in your home. 

Vibrant oranges are a hallmark of mid-century modern. These fiery hues bring warmth to any space and pair beautifully with natural materials like wood. 

Looking to bring a little sunshine to your interiors? Use a golden orange like Safari K396. The perfect partner to teak tables and sideboards, it's a standout choice for an accent wall. 

If you're after a deeper, more intense tone, think about using something like Folklore S315. This burnt orange is warm yet understated, making it an effective option for smaller layouts. 

Heat S311 is another superb orange hue that will revitalise any interior. This fiery tangerine can prove overwhelming in smaller rooms, but there's no better citrus-inspired shade for making a statement. 

Green is another gorgeous pairing with dark woods and earth tones. A good choice for more subdued decor schemes, the right shade of green can create an elegant interior you'll be proud to call your own. 

Wasabi N388 takes its colour inspiration from tennis ball green. Although it's a softer hue, it'll energise any mid-century modern interior without overloading the senses. 

Tvt H379 is another eye-catching hue you'll want to think about adding to a mid-century modern palette. Fresh and vibrant, this leafy green works well alongside earth tones. 

Thinking about a more luxurious take on mid-century modern? A rich and playful green like Emerald L373 is perfect. It goes well with wood, but can also be enhanced with metallic accents. 

If you'd rather go with bold colour choices for a mid-century modern interior, reds are a good option. You can use a more muted shade or a neutral hue with pink undertones. Alternatively, use a more unmistakable red for a richer interior. 

Marmalade M326 is worth considering if you're thinking about adding a feature wall to a mid-century modern space. This warm red is underscored with vibrant purple, which will pair well with varieties of dark wood. 

Madras N411 is another stunning choice. This burnt red coordinates effortlessly with earthy tones and organic accents, making it a welcome addition to any mid-century modern home. 

Finally, there's Rooibos M476. It's a deeper, more intense take on burnt red, with subtle notes of purple adding extra complexity.  

Many people look to mid-century modern design because of its stripped-back aesthetics. If you are thinking about creating a more subdued space, darker greys are the ideal choice of colour. 

A misty grey like Surf S500 will work wonders in any mid-century. It pairs nicely with natural materials and darker accents, while a hint of blue brings a cool and contemporary edge. 

If you're only looking to loosely adopt a mid-century aesthetic, think about using a grey like Cloak M499. This contemporary shade is incredibly versatile and, unlike other greys, has a warming quality. 

Looking for something more dramatic? Basalt N499 makes an instant impression with its intense colour profile. Use softer shades for your walls, then turn to this paint colour for accenting architectural details.

Soft browns and light earth tones are a terrific idea if you're looking to create a more relaxed interior. They're a good fit for spaces decked out with teak and rosewood furniture, while they pair nicely with greens and greys. 

Tamarix K480 is a fairly muted brown, but pink undertones give it a degree of warmth. Because it's so subtle, you can use it liberally as an all-wall colour. 

If you want to play it safe, use a tan like Lama V466. This beautiful brown also features pink undertones, meaning your space will feel warm and relaxing, even if you're using this as a primary paint colour. 

In the market for something more contemporary? A pale stony brown like Granulite K484 is a good choice. Use it as your key wall colour or coordinate it with jewel tones for a more elaborate decor scheme.

Yellow shades can be used sparingly to enrich a mid-century modern space. They work well alongside browns and greens, but can even be used to add some sunshine to an all-grey space. 

Grapefruit S302 is a clear lemon yellow that will instantly elevate any room. Ideal for feature walls, this curd yellow will leave any space feeling energised. 

If you'd rather stick to more mellow shades, a deep mustard like Wax J392 is worth thinking about. It's an easy choice for rooms decked out with browns and greys but still packs a punch. 

Finally, there's Banana J302. This uplifting hue is rich and syrupy, adding warmth to drab decor schemes.

What Other Design Elements Should I Consider for a Mid-Century Modern Space?

Once you've settled on a colour palette, you can start thinking about other mid-century modern elements. 

It's a good idea to mix things up with a combination of organic elements and man-made materials. Rather than limit yourself to wood furniture, you can introduce high-quality plastics and vinyl. For an elegant finish, you can even invest in high-end materials like marble. 

Playing around with different materials is particularly important in smaller spaces. Sticking to a monotone colour palette and all-wooden materials can leave some interiors feeling bland and lifeless. 

You should also think about spending a little more on statement pieces. While you can pick up imitations of mid-century modern furniture relatively cheaply, it's worth funnelling a good chunk of your budget into an original piece. 

If you're decorating a lounge, think about splashing out on an original coffee table with curved edges or a distinct kidney bean profile. Alternatively, add character to bare walls with a vintage sunburst mirror. 

Lighting also needs to be considered, especially if you've opted for a more pared-back palette. Free-standing lamps are both practical and era-appropriate, while multifaceted pendant lights are a great pick for larger rooms.