Starburst Clock

The starburst clock is one of the first things that come to mind when someone asks: What is mid-century modern? This type of clock was first made by the mid-century masters at Nelson Associates. This design firm is responsible for a lot of iconic mid-century modern essentials that were found in many stylish homes in the '50s and '60s and again today. The starburst clock was conceptualized by Nelson Associates in 1949. Clocks of this style are so intricate they can be considered works of art.

Eames Lounge Chair

Charles and Ray Eames are the designers responsible for this archetype lounge chair and help answer what is mid-century modern. The couple first started to experiment with plywood moldings to create affordable, stylish furniture.

Natural Elements

Wood elements are often incorporated in mid-century modern homes in ceilings, walls and floors. This gives these room a decidedly Scandinavian aesthetic.

Bio-Morphic Shapes

Biomorphic design elements were designed to resemble living organisms. These shapes (a.k.a. "boomerang") were used in furniture design, wallpaper prints, plastic laminate countertops and more.

Clean Lines

Classic mid-century modern design features minimal fuss, maximum function and clean lines. One of the most notable designers of this era was Frank Lloyd Wright.