Woods That Defined Mid-Century Modern Furniture

Mid-century modern (MCM) furniture, crafted from the 1940s to 1960s, owes much of its timeless appeal to the woods that shaped its iconic designs. These materials, chosen for their beauty, durability, and workability, gave pieces by Eames, Wegner, and others their warm, organic charm. Here are the main types of wood that starred in the MCM era.

1. Teak Teak was the king of MCM woods, prized for its rich, golden-brown hue and tight grain. Its natural oils made it durable and resistant to moisture, perfect for furniture like Hans Wegner’s Wishbone Chair or George Nakashima’s tables. Danish designers loved teak for its smooth finish, often used in credenzas and cabinets, bringing Scandinavian warmth to open-plan homes.

2. Walnut Walnut, with its deep, chocolatey tones and subtle grain, added elegance to MCM pieces. American designers like Charles Eames used it in the Eames Lounge Chair’s veneer, blending luxury with accessibility. Its versatility suited both sleek consoles and sculptural frames, aging gracefully to a softer patina that collectors adore.

3. Oak Oak, lighter and more affordable, was a workhorse in MCM design. Its pronounced grain and sturdy nature shone in Arne Jacobsen’s chairs and Børge Mogensen’s minimalist tables. Often stained to mimic pricier woods, oak brought rustic charm to budget-friendly pieces, especially in Scandinavian and American homes.

4. Rosewood Rosewood, a darker, reddish-brown wood, was the era’s luxury pick. Its bold grain starred in Finn Juhl’s Chieftain Chair and high-end Danish cabinets. Though less common due to cost, rosewood’s dramatic flair made it a favorite for statement pieces, exuding sophistication.

These woods—teak’s warmth, walnut’s depth, oak’s grit, and rosewood’s drama—defined MCM’s aesthetic, blending nature with modernism. Today, their enduring beauty keeps vintage pieces in demand, proving good materials never go out of style.