Looking for the best mid-century modern design books? Whether you’re furnishing a home, researching architects, or exploring the design legacy of the 20th century, these titles offer essential knowledge and visual insight.
From classic texts on furniture and interiors to thoughtful reflections on architecture and philosophy, each book brings depth to your understanding of mid-century modernism. These are not just coffee table books—they’re foundational tools for anyone passionate about mid-century interiors, architecture, and design history.
1. Mid-Century Modern: Interiors, Furniture, Design Details – Bradley Quinn
Bradley Quinn offers a well-rounded survey of mid-century modernism, focusing on the interiors that defined the era. With detailed photography and accessible commentary, the book covers key materials, colour palettes, and spatial arrangements—making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to understand or recreate the style at home. Find the book here.
2. Eames: Beautiful Details – Eames Office
This visually stunning volume celebrates the iconic duo Charles and Ray Eames. With original sketches and personal insights, it’s a deep dive into their playful yet purposeful approach. Essential reading for anyone interested in mid-century modern furniture design and the legacy of one of its most creative partnerships. Find the book here.
3. Julius Shulman: Modernism Rediscovered – Taschen
A visual treasure for architecture lovers, this book showcases Julius Shulman’s photographs of forgotten mid-century modern homes. Shulman’s lens captured the optimism and clarity of post-war design, bringing light and structure to spaces that shaped a generation—and inspiring new appreciation for long-overlooked buildings. Find the book here.
4. The Mid-Century Modern Landscape – Ethne Clarke
This unique entry focuses on how landscape design was an integral part of mid-century home design. Clarke explores garden planning, plant selection, and architectural transitions between inside and out—vital for readers interested in the full experience of mid-century modern living. Find the book here.
5. Scandinavian Design – Charlotte and Peter Fiell
Covering leading figures like Aalto, Jacobsen, and Wegner, this book is a must for anyone interested in the influence of Nordic simplicity on American mid-century aesthetics. Clean imagery and crisp writing make it one of the most accessible and informative books on Scandinavian modernism. Find the book here.
6. Case Study Houses – Elizabeth A.T. Smith
This essential mid-century architecture book traces the evolution of California’s Case Study programme. Through detailed case studies, it explores how experimental housing shaped suburban life, offering a deeper understanding of how mid-century ideals translated into everyday living spaces. Find the book here.
7. Domus: 1950-1959 – Taschen
A vast archive of one of Italy’s most important design magazines. While broader in scope, Domus offers critical context for understanding the global forces influencing mid-century design trends, from furniture and architecture to graphic design and editorial culture. Find the book here.
8. 50s All-American Ads – Jim Heimann
This vivid volume offers a window into the commercial and cultural world that shaped mid-century taste. Packed with original print ads from the 1950s, it captures the optimism, consumer habits, and visual language of the era—making it an essential reference for understanding the broader context behind mid-century modern design. Find the book here.
