The Origins of Mid-Century Modern Furniture

It’s no surprise that the world is obsessed with MCM (Mid-Century Modern) furniture.

The enduring popularity of this style is based on many factors, such as organic, gentle curves, clean lines and a love for different materials.

But where did it all start? Read on to learn why Mid-Century Modern designers and their pieces are still idolized today in Ottawa and the entire globe.

Mid-Century Modern Furniture: the Origins

This movement, characterized by simplicity and functionality, was started by the Bauhaus designers and architects who migrated to America as a result of the economic changes caused after World War II.

The movement roughly lasted from the mid 1930s to mid 1960s, but its legacy, however, continues to appeal to many homeowners in Canada, the US and across the world.

If you want a classic but iconic design, don't miss out on Mid-Century furniture.

The term, coined in 1983 by Cara Greenberg in her book, celebrated the style that is now recognized all over the world by scholars and museums. This movement, also known as organic offspring of modernism, was rooted in elegance, functionality and simplicity.

Scandinavian Furniture & the Mid Century Design Movement

When the widespread appreciation for the MCM design started gaining steam in the 1990s, original pieces of furniture were plentiful and affordable.

As the vogue, together with consumer demand, steamrolled forward, North America began to embrace the idea of a more global mid-century design, and that is when Scandinavian furniture came in.

By the mid 2010s, Canadians’ love for Danish furniture was in full swing. By 2016, the term hygge was so popular that the greatest newspapers had to run explainers on the concept.

This Danish word is used when acknowledging a charming or special feeling or moment in this busy world.

The love for Scandinavian lifestyle, combined with the demand for modern furniture, resulted in a newfound appreciation for North European interiors, which prioritize natural materials, clean lines and timeless, durable furnishing.

Craftsmanship and quality were hallmarks of the MCM era, and the interiors are as much about a lifestyle as they are a look. Practical and disciplined, it’s no coincidence that Mid-Century Modern design came into trend at the same time as Marie Kondo’s decluttering techniques.  

Danish Design in Canada

Seeing an opportunity, manufacturers and retailers placed their chips on Nordic furniture.

Originally, Scandinavian mass-produced pieces were meant to be simple, democratic and accessible. However, as the consumers became enlightened, they started to demand better quality.

Buying genuine Danish furniture nowadays is an investment, but there are several compelling reasons to buy original, vintage piece over a cheap reproduction.

Together with superlative quality, Mid-Century Modern furniture is characterized by its retained value due to limited availability.

The furniture you buy today can be sold to another collector down the line in the future, usually for a profit.

Mid-Century Modern & Scandinavian Furniture in Ottawa & Across Canada

At Mostly Danish, we have the country’s largest inventory of Mid-Century Modern furniture.

We handpick designs from sources that are recognized all over the world to bring our clients in Ottawa the finest pieces of furniture from designers like Hans J. Wegner, Finn Juhl, and Arne Jacobsen, among others.

If you have a piece in mind or want to shop for a room or whole home, get in touch with Mostly Danish today.