The American design movement Mid-century modern is an interior design, graphic design, architecture and urban development style that was popular from 1945 to 1969.

Its design aesthetic was aligned with the Modernism movement of the period that included cubist artworks such as Picasso’s Weeping Woman and standout architecture including Frank Lloyd Wright’s spiral designed Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

The style is typically characterised by clean, simple lines and practical use of materials. The inclusion of decorative embellishments in furniture was limited, with more a focus on a foundation in bold design shape combined with a totalitarian attitude towards the object’s function and usability.

Throughout the 2000s a revival in Mid-century Modern design has grown in popularity due in part to popular television series such as Madmen and Masters of Sex; however, its design appeal combined with clever functionality is also a firm reason for its revival.

Stolz Furnishers now stock a comprehensive range of Mid-century Modern products including the Brandy sofa (pictured above) featuring luxurious semi-aniline leather. Its texture is soft, it is hard-wearing and is visually stunning. Keeping in check with the modernist approach, Brandy features a sleek low back design, a timber plinth feature on its base, slim-lined metal legs, plus two leather colour options: Brandi (pictured) and Carbon Grey. Special orders from a wider range of different leathers and colours are also possible.

From left: Emperor supper table and Torrance side tables

If there’s one signature within the home that speaks volumes for the Mid-century Modern movement it would have to be sleek and contemporary coffee and occasional tables.

A case in point is the cleverly styled Torrance Range, including a large contemporary coffee table with smoked grey glass top and crisscross black metal frame. The smaller Torrance side table follows the same design sensibility and appeals with its fine metal base.

The Roma Range of occasional tables includes a lamp table, coffee table, hall table and buffet. Each features a herringbone timber pattern that’s both beautiful yet simple enough in its approach. The herringbone is fantastically matched to classic Mid-century Modern brushed bronze metal legs and bases, with shapes influence by pre-modernist German Bauhaus architecture. The combination of detailed stained timber and brushed bronze proves a collection of notable style.

Roma console and lamp tables

One of the more intriguing pieces available from Stolz is the Nordic hall table (below, left). While simple in design appearance and materials – MDF with Ash veneer top – there’s a visual game at play that’s standout Mid-century Modern cool. Take a closer look at the timber legs that rise and taper into shoulders that tuck underneath the tabletop. This presents the illusion of a floating platform tabletop, not unlike a museum display stand. It delivers simplicity and elegance without overstating its presence.

Other furniture choices that follow the Mid-century Modern style include the Emperor supper, coffee and console tables, also featuring brushed bronze bases and legs. These are perhaps a little richer in appearance as they include sophisticated brown marble tops in both square and circular designs. While leaning toward a more regal look, they’re a perfect accompaniment to both modern and traditional home environments.

Nordoc Hall table in black and Emperor Console table

What Is Aniline Leather?

Aniline leather is a high-quality product. Aniline actually refers to the dyes that are used in making the final product, once the hide is tanned. It is a special treatment process used on the fine Napa hides. This process makes it stand out among the many kinds of leather.

Aniline leather is vegetable dyed, along with a light coating, with minimal extra care required.