Styling a Credenza: Achieving the Mid-Century Modern Look

The Mid-Century Modern (MCM) style remains a timeless and highly sought-after aesthetic in interior design. Known for its clean lines, geometric shapes, and the harmonious blend of natural woods and metals, MCM pieces are often treasured by collectors. However, acquiring authentic vintage MCM furniture can be a challenging and expensive endeavor. Fortunately, you can effortlessly capture the essence of MCM in your home by thoughtfully combining vintage and contemporary elements. This guide provides you with the essential knowledge and inspiration to style a credenza, or any horizontal surface, with the iconic MCM flair.

MCM credenza - before — Before: An unstyled credenza awaiting its Mid-Century Modern transformation.

The Versatility of Horizontal Surfaces

One of the most appealing aspects of flat, horizontal surfaces like credenzas, mantels, or shelves is their inherent versatility. These surfaces are ubiquitous in most homes and present endless possibilities for creative styling.

Universality: Almost every home has them. From a simple shelf to an elaborate sideboard, these surfaces are integral to our living spaces.
Flexibility: These spaces are incredibly adaptable. You can create captivating vignettes, experiment with different arrangements, and dramatically alter the ambiance of a room with a few simple changes.

Key Principles of Mid-Century Modern Styling

To successfully achieve the MCM aesthetic, adhere to these core principles:

Simplicity: Embrace clean, uncluttered lines. Avoid overly ornate or fussy decorations.
Bold Colors: Incorporate vibrant and eye-catching colors through artwork, sculptural pieces like vases, or lush, broad-leaf plants.
Warm Woods and Metals: Prioritize natural wood tones as a foundation and complement them with brass or other metallic accents. These organic materials are quintessential elements of the MCM style.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can create a stunning MCM-inspired display without exclusively relying on genuine mid-century pieces. The following example demonstrates how to achieve this look by blending vintage treasures with contemporary finds from retailers like West Elm and CB2.

A mid-century modern styled credenza — After: A credenza beautifully styled with Mid-Century Modern elements.

Simple lines and organics make up the look — Emphasizing simple lines and organic materials for a cohesive MCM look.

White colored decorative pieces on the wooden table. — Incorporating white decorative pieces to create contrast and visual interest.

Two really big droopy leaves hang out of a large red plant Potter. — Adding a touch of nature with a vibrant plant in a striking red pot.

a beautiful panting of a girl facing the other side with colors in her head — Artwork: A modern print adds bold colors and a contemporary feel.

Although the displayed arrangement doesn’t exclusively feature authentic MCM pieces, it exudes a distinct mid-century ambiance. This is achieved through the inclusion of a broad-leaf plant, artfully sculpted vases, and strategic pops of bold color. The artwork showcases an eclectic blend of old and new, harmoniously combining a modern print with a vintage portrait and an iconic MCM starburst urchin. This curated mix creates a visually appealing and cohesive display.

Sourcing Your MCM-Inspired Decor

Finding the perfect pieces to complete your MCM-inspired credenza styling can be an exciting treasure hunt. Here’s a list of items used in the example above, along with price ranges to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind that prices for authentic MCM pieces can vary significantly depending on their condition, rarity, and provenance.

Kabasa Vase: $29.95 – A sculptural vase adds a modern touch.

Books:

Hockney Posters: $33 – A visually striking book that adds color and personality.
Hockney: A Retrospective: $22 – Another Hockney book for a cohesive aesthetic.
New Perspectives in Painting: $46 – A book showcasing contemporary art trends.

Gourd Vase: West Elm: $39; similar here – A natural wood vase adds warmth and texture.
Atelier Stella Vase: $19.99 on SALE! – A stylish vase at a discounted price.
Blueprint Vase: $29.95 – A unique vase with a modern design.
Lamp: $70 for a pair (Vintage); similar here – Vintage lamps add character; consider tripod lamps for a similar effect.
Artwork: Modern Society6: $37 – A contemporary print for a pop of color.
Artwork: Portrait of a Lady: $20 (Vintage); similar here – A vintage portrait adds a touch of nostalgia.
Starburst Urchin: $15 – An iconic MCM decorative piece.

Further Inspiration

If you’re seeking more retro inspiration, explore these articles for additional ideas:

20 Kitschy Kitchens You’ll Love
Midcentury Fireplace Design Ideas
70s Interiors That’ll Make You Say, “Groovy, Baby!“

By combining these principles, inspiration, and sourcing tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and personalized Mid-Century Modern credenza display that enhances the beauty of your home.