Mid-Century Modern Design Challenge
Mid-century modern style is everywhere right now—and it’s no surprise! With its clean lines, functional designs, and a perfect blend of retro and futuristic vibes, it’s an aesthetic that works for almost any space. The best part? You don’t need to spend a fortune to nail the look.
We decided to take on a fun challenge: creating the same bedroom in the mid-century modern style with two very different budgets—one for £600 and the other for £6000. The results are a beautiful testament to how you can achieve great design no matter the price tag.
First Up: The £6000 Room
Budget: £5928.55
This room was designed with luxury in mind. It’s finished to an exceptional standard, with quality furniture and distinctive design elements that scream mid-century modern. From the carefully selected furniture to the carefully thought-out color scheme, everything was chosen to ensure that this room exudes sophistication while staying true to the style’s signature retro-futuristic vibe.
Here are some of the standout pieces from this luxurious room:
Mid-Century Bedframe (Acorn) – A stunning piece from West Elm, designed to create a timeless and elegant focal point in any bedroom.
Juoni Iron Planter – For adding a bit of greenery and texture, this sleek planter from Nkuku is a great option.
Mid-Century Nightstand – This stylish nightstand from West Elm brings practicality and beauty to the space.
Jute Border Red Rug – A beautiful statement rug from Nordic Knots to add warmth and texture to the space.
Duomo LED Table Lamp – Add a sleek touch of modernity with this John Lewis Duomo LED table lamp.
Janis Burnt Orange Cushion – Add a pop of color with this cushion from Maison Flaneur.
Next: The £600 Room
Budget: £558.93
Designing a full bedroom on this budget was a challenge—no doubt about it—but we made it work! The most difficult piece to find within this price range was definitely the bed. We needed to get creative to make sure this room still screamed mid-century modern without breaking the bank.
Here’s how we did it:
The Bed – We went for the most affordable double bed we could find at Roseland Furniture for just £149. While this definitely wasn’t the luxury choice we would normally make for a client, it was budget-friendly and functional. If you’re into upcycling, this would be a great opportunity to transform this basic bed into something special.
Textiles – Cushions and throws are your best friends when trying to infuse personality into a room without spending a lot. We found some amazing affordable cushions from Ikea and Dunelm, and a textured throw from Asda for just £18. These pieces instantly add that pop of color and texture you need to get that mid-century feel.
Side Tables – Mid-century modern design thrives on minimalist and functional furniture, so these bedside tables from La Redoute were a perfect find at £55 each. They’ve got that iconic look with clean lines and sleek wood finishes. We paired them with funky lamps from The Range for £17.99 each—again, great design doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag!
Accessories & Décor – We kept the accessories to a minimum but still added a few key pieces. A side table from Wilko for £28, a round lamp from Ikea, a plant from The Little Botanical, and a framed print from Desenio added the finishing touches without blowing the budget. We also shopped at Dunelm for a velvet occasional chair and a pendant light shade.
Final Thoughts
Designing a full mid-century modern bedroom on a tight budget was definitely a creative challenge—but it’s proof that with a little planning and resourcefulness, you can achieve an amazing look without overspending. From affordable but stylish furniture to simple yet effective accessories, we’ve shown how it’s possible to create a beautiful space at any price point.
So, which room do you prefer—the luxurious £6000 room, or the budget-friendly £600 space? Let us know in the comments!
And if you’re loving the mid-century modern vibes, we’d love to try another design challenge! What style should we tackle next?