I’m always being asked which books to buy on mid-century modernism, so I’ve compiled a list of my current top 5 books under $50. Lushpad has a larger list of books over at Amazon if you want to have a look for some more great mid-mod books.
If you’ve got any suggestions to add to the list, let us know in the comments section, we’ll be sure to include them!
Vintage Furniture: Collecting and Living with Modern Design Classics
I love, love, love this book as an all-round primer for anyone interested in mid-century modern furniture. Fay Sweet highlights the most iconic pieces from each international design movement, exploring the key designers, details and materials that define the most influential and collectible furniture created since the turn of the twentieth century. This is definitely my number one book choice.
Our Price: $34.20 (only 3 left on Amazon) Buy it Now!
Modern Retro: Living with Mid-Century Modern Style
Got this book as a Christmas present and think it’s absolutely great! Created by mid-century modern dealer Andrew Weaving and design commentator Neil Bingham, “Modern Retro” shows you how to take the best designs in furniture, glass, ceramics and textiles from the 1920s to the 1970s and use them throughout your home in a relaxed and individual way.
Our Price: $29.99 Buy it Now!
The Complete Case Study Houses Program
If you don’t know about the The Case Study House Program (1945-66) you’re in for a treat. This book showcases the 36 prototype homes designed by such great talents as Richard Neutra, Charles & Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen that re-defined the affordable, modern post-war home. The book contains beautiful photos, detailed floorplans and other documentation of all the homes. (there’s even a Jumbo Coffee Table version worth $229.49 if you’re feeling really flush).
Our Price: $44.09 Buy it Now!
Julius Shulman: Chicago Mid-Century Modernism
I can’t say I own this book yet, but I’ve pre-ordered it and can’t wait to get my hands on it. New and vintage photography of America’s modernist architectural mecca taken by legendary architectural photographer, Julius Shulman. The book features the elegantly modern Minsk House, designed by Keck & Keck in 1955; the 1960 Burton Frank House, a mid-century modern gem; architect Harry Weese’s inspired modernist home and studio of 1957; and many other modern masterpieces.
Our Price: $37.80 Pre-Order it Now!
Living Retro
Great interiors from around the world featuring classic mid-century modern pieces. Andrew Weaving celebrates retro style in all its guises with this multi-faceted book embracing many different decorative styles but always at its heart, a passion for vintage furniture and an understanding of the very best twentieth-century design. The interiors featured are varied in style, ranging from a slick, minimalist loft in London to an eclectic Parisian home full of found objects and a New York apartment that’s a cocktail of color and pattern.
Our Price: $19.77 Buy it Now!
By Melanie Carlson
I have the Living Retro Book. I think its a great resource for me. Thanks for the other recommendations.