Culture

The rise and fall of mid-century modern: how millennials fell out of love with their favourite look

Source: The Guardian · Published 29 Oct 2026, 05:00

Once coveted for its clean lines and timeless design, the functional furniture is no longer seen as cool. Anyone for cottagecore and chrome? “I definitely don’t think it is cringe,” says Laura Budds, a vintage furniture dealer based in Norfolk. “But I do think we have reached the peak, and we’re on the descent.” Budds is talking about mid-century modern furniture, which has recently come under…

Key points

Once coveted for its clean lines and timeless design, the functional furniture is no longer seen as cool.
Anyone for cottagecore and chrome?
“I definitely don’t think it is cringe,” says Laura Budds, a vintage furniture dealer based in Norfolk.
“But I do think we have reached the peak, and we’re on the descent.” Budds is talking about mid-century modern furniture, which has recently come under…

The rise and fall of mid-century modern: how millennials fell out of love with their favourite look

Key points

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