Just a few years after the turn of the century, pop culture brought the midcentury modern (MCM) design aesthetic back with a bang. The HBO hit, Mad Men, singlehandedly drove demand for midcentury furniture and decor across the U.S. And even though the series ended nearly a decade ago, the midcentury allure remains strong. Renowned interior decorating magazine House Beautiful acknowledged in an April 2024 article that “this design style isn’t going anywhere.”
Though the original midcentury modern design movement faded by the 1970s, it had a brief resurgence in the 80s before emerging again about 20 years later and continuing in popularity even today.
Why does this style have such a hold on consumers?
According to popular lifestyle media outlet Real Simple, “Mid-century modern’s minimal look and clean lines allow for the design to transcend time.” While new design trends emerge both yearly and even seasonally, the value of tried-and-true influences like MCM are key for those who prefer a look with longevity that won’t require a home refresh as the more temporary trends come and go. Other timeless characteristics of midcentury design include geometric patterns and shapes, natural materials, mixed materials and functionality — all of which can blend well into any aesthetic, whether timeless or trending.
Interestingly, LP records have followed a trajectory similar to the midcentury modern movement, with a boom in the 1950s and 1960s and a resurgence that began around 2006 with no sign of slowing down. In fact, vinyl album sales have experienced steady growth since 2006, including the past two years, with 43 million sold in 2022 and 49.6 million sold in 2023. Whether or not the two are intricately linked is a topic for another day, but there is no doubt that the mid-twentieth century popularity of records is once again thriving in a way that pays homage to the past while thoughtfully and seamlessly blending in new technologies.
Victrola does this well, specifically with its lineup of wood music centers and record players. The latest products— a 6-in-1 Century wood music center and Eastwood LP hybrid record player — capture the essence of decades-old design and functional features alongside the more modern mechanics of listening to music. In business for more than a century, Victrola has certainly stood the test of time through intentional innovation that works with — instead of competing with — the past.
Victrola Century 6-in-1 wood music center (Photo credit: Victrola)
For example, the new Century 6-in-1 music center includes a 3-speed turntable, CD player, cassette player, 3.5mm aux and Bluetooth input and output for the ultimate music listening experience. Aesthetically, the Century is a nod to its midcentury roots, making it all the more fitting for consumers who prefer a timeless look and feel. The Eastwood LP, too, pairs the vintage charm of a full-sized record player with Bluetooth technology.
Victrola Century 6-in-1 wood music center (Photo credit: Victrola)
Victrola Eastwood LP (Photo credit: Victrola)
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Trends come and go — and there may come a day when the mass appeal of midcentury modern influences and vinyl records begins to taper off. Until then, it’s nifty to see how these nostalgic influences remain relevant today.
