Mid-Century Modern Wall Colors

Bold Color

• For an authentic nod to mid-century décor, homeowners should seek out bold, bright colors. Red, aqua and yellow were all widely used during the decade, and remain common choices for modern styles. These tones, when combined with stainless steel or black furniture and appliances, are ideal combinations for modern homes, and the subtle tones of the furnishings will keep the color from being overwhelming. For a modern take on the classic style, utilize tones closely related to the primary colors, primarily copper, golden yellow and burnt orange, and accentuate them with dark cabinets and furnishings.

Neutral Color

• Neutrals are among the most widely used colors in modern design. These tones, which can include muted shades of blue, green, taupe and beige, are soothing and work well in low-and high-light rooms. Neutral colors are more diverse than bold colors and will appeal to a wider audience if the home goes on the market. These colors will work well with light or dark furniture, and may be accented with a number of different shades.

White

• White and its varying shades are staples in modern home décor. Pure white, cream and eggshell are easy to accent, easy to clean and can be combined with other colors to create depth and visual interest. White is especially favorable in small rooms or those with limited light, as it creates a larger appearance and is reflective enough to make a room feel brighter. As with neutral colors, whites may be paired with bright colored furnishings to create greater post-War-era flair.

Other Options

• Though paint is the most widely used way to color a wall in modern homes, the 1950s embraced wallpaper readily as well. These pieces were most often a neutral color, but were rarely solids. Geometric patterns, fruit, kitchen appliances, boomerangs and designs inspired by the iris flower were among the most widely used. Authentic retro wallpaper or reproductions may be found from a number of online sources.