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Mid Century Modern Library Ideas

Mid century modern library ideas and inspo.

Are you designing a mid century modern library and looking for inspiration? You’ve come to the right place. Spoak has all the interior design inspiration to get those creative juices flowing. Browse room designs, inspiration images and decor ideas or take our free room design tool for a spin below!

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Library Inspo designed by Spoak
Library InspoDesigned by Spoak
Library Inspo designed by Dre Lee
Library InspoDesigned by Dre Lee
Library Inspo designed by Paige Weber
Library InspoDesigned by Paige Weber
Library Inspiration designed by Hethre Strickland
Library InspirationDesigned by Hethre Strickland
Mid Century Modern Library Inspo added by Colette Peters
Mid Century Modern Library InspoAdded by Colette Peters
Library Inspo added by Alexandra Kinnard
Library InspoAdded by Alexandra Kinnard
Library Ideas added by Liliana Matos
Library IdeasAdded by Liliana Matos
Mid Century Modern Library Inspo added by Camille Simmons
Mid Century Modern Library InspoAdded by Camille Simmons
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Mid Century Modern Library Inspo added by Mallory Gunnels
Mid Century Modern Library InspoAdded by Mallory Gunnels
Library Ideas designed by Selena Wyant
Library IdeasDesigned by Selena Wyant
Library Inspo designed by Lorie Elrod
Library InspoDesigned by Lorie Elrod
Mid Century Modern Library Inspo designed by Keely Montoya
Mid Century Modern Library InspoDesigned by Keely Montoya
Library Inspo designed by Jasmine Fitzgerald
Library InspoDesigned by Jasmine Fitzgerald
Library Ideas designed by Denisse Zavala
Library IdeasDesigned by Denisse Zavala
Library Ideas designed by Camille Hunter
Library IdeasDesigned by Camille Hunter
Mid Century Modern Library Inspo designed by Jenna Quinones
Mid Century Modern Library InspoDesigned by Jenna Quinones
Library Inspo designed by Chela Shiroma
Library InspoDesigned by Chela Shiroma
Library Inspiration designed by Kelsey Clark
Library InspirationDesigned by Kelsey Clark
Library Inspiration designed by Chanel Jezek
Library InspirationDesigned by Chanel Jezek
Mid Century Modern Library Inspiration designed by Anwen Thomas
Mid Century Modern Library InspirationDesigned by Anwen Thomas
Library Ideas added by Marla Gonzalez
Library IdeasAdded by Marla Gonzalez
Library Inspiration designed by Eliza Teixeira
Library InspirationDesigned by Eliza Teixeira
Library Ideas designed by Lindsey LaPrime
Library IdeasDesigned by Lindsey LaPrime
Library Ideas designed by Kelsey Denczek-Kalczynski
Library IdeasDesigned by Kelsey Denczek-Kalczynski

Find your Design Style

Design tips for decorating a mid century modern style library

Here’s how to achieve the mid century modern aesthetic room of your dreams.

What’s the best way to design and decorate a mid century modern library?

The design of your workspace can be as crucial to your productivity as your morning cup of coffee. Whether you're carving out a corner in an open-concept living room or in the process of a remodel to create a dedicated library space, these are our tips to help you create a space that works (pun intended) for you:

  • Desk & Chair: The cornerstone of any office, your desk provides a designated workspace for your computer, monitor, books, and other essentials. It often serves as the focal point of an office or study, so place it where it best suits your workflow, ideally near natural light to boost mood and productivity.
  • Bookshelves or Storage: Every library needs storage. The material you choose for your storage can really help lean into the desired mid century modern style of your workspace.
  • Seating: Extra seating options, like an accent armchair, or sofa can add a cozy touch and provide a spot for guests or a change of scenery for you. Position these to encourage conversation without disrupting your work zone.
  • Area Rug: An area rug adds warmth and can define a workspace within a larger room. Place it under your desk and chair to anchor the space, ensuring it's large enough to allow for easy chair movement.
  • Paint or Wallpaper: Select a color or pattern that sets the desired mood for the library and complements the mid century modern style you want to achieve. We are partial to covering walls, ceilings, and trim in a uniform paint color to create a cohesive look. Or consider an accent wall behind the desk to serve as a focal point.
  • Decorative Lighting: Combine task, ambient, and accent lighting for a layered lighting scheme. A desk lamp is common for those late work nights burning the midnight oil. Consider the placement of lighting fixtures to eliminate shadows and evenly light the space. Dimmer switches can adjust the mood.
  • Curtains or Blinds: Window treatments not only help control the light and provide privacy but also serve to tie the room's design together. They offer an opportunity to inject color, texture, and pattern into the living space, making it more inviting and personalized. Whether flowing and sheer for a light, airy feel or rich and textured for a more luxurious look, curtains play a pivotal role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the library. Don’t forget the curtain rod!

Remember, the best library design is one that reflects your personal work style and needs. Experiment with different arrangements until you find the perfect balance of functionality and comfort. If you need an extra hand, check out our step-by-step guide on Home Office Design.

What materials and home decor should I use to achieve a mid century modern library design?

Mid-century modern interior design celebrates the aesthetic of the mid-20th century, characterized by organic shapes, clean lines, vibrant pops of color. This style reflects a love for sleek, timeless designs and an emphasis on both form and function making it a great design style choice for contemporary living.

The style's genesis post-World War II was a creative rebuttal to the period's austerity, with visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, and George Nelson at the forefront. These designers embraced novel materials such as molded plywood, fiberglass, and plastic to forge furniture that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also lightweight, durable, and accessible. Their work often featured futuristic elements reminiscent of space-age aesthetics, including aerodynamic forms and motifs like boomerang patterns and starbursts. Iconic mid century modern furniture pieces include platform beds, tulip bases for tables and chairs, and egg-shaped lounge chairs.

To achieve a mid century modern style in your library, look for pieces with tapered legs, streamlined silhouettes, and organic curves. Furniture pieces are often made of teak, walnut, or rosewood, with polished finishes and fluid forms. You can add mid-century flair with accessories like a statement sculptural light fixture or funky wall art featuring geometric or abstract patterns. Don't be afraid to experiment with color and vibrant hues. Common mid century modern color palettes include burnt oranges, deep teals, and lime greens mixed with warm neutral creams and beiges. Many mid century modern spaces embrace a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. If you don’t have outdoor space, consider bringing the outside in with greenery and plants.

Read more about mid century modern library ideas and inspo.
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