Six Mid-Century Modern Color Palettes for Today's Quilter

Spanning from the mid-1940s to the late 1960s, the mid-century modern design period embodied simple, minimal and functional design. The classic design style has had a resurgence in popularity, and for good reason. There is so much inspiration to be gained from this design style and that includes quilting fabrics. Using the 1950s for inspiration, I put together some mid-century modern color palettes using both Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids and Kona Cotton Solids. Each palette features four solids. I also included a quilt pattern mock-up featuring the Elroy quilt pattern. When it comes to quilt design, I find so much design inspiration from history — this is true for both the quilt pattern and the color choices. If you’re like me, and crave a modern spin on a classic, then this blog post is for you.

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Want more color inspiration? Check out my blog post on Six Art Deco Color Palettes for Today’s Quilter!

Vintage Orange & Gold

I just love this earthy and modern spin on a classic vintage color combination. I think this color combo stretches into the late mid-century, but it’s just too gorgeous (and probably my favorite). This palette features beautiful shades of russet orange, coffee brown, and mustard yellow. Swoon.

Mid-century modern chair with mustard yellow, gold, and orange fabrics

Fabrics Featured in this Vintage Color Palette (with links!)

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: Creme de la Creme, Gingerbread, Coffee Bean, and Lemon Tart

Kona Cotton Solids: Bone, Cedar, Coffee, and Curry

1950s Atomic

This is such a bright and fun color palette and perfect for a retro 1950’s color scheme. The Art Gallery Fabrics selections are more muted which gives this color palette a more modern vibe. The Kona fabrics are a bit brighter, but just as gorgeous. This is a total classic!

1950s Ferris wheel with mid-century modern color palette with bright atomic colors

Fabrics Featured in this 1950s Atomic Color Palette

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: Turmeric, Cozumel Blue, Dark Citron, and Apple Cider

Kona Cotton Solids: Sunny, Pool, Lime, and Marmalade

50’s Housewife

These dusty pastels are giving me June Cleaver vibes and I’m here for it. From bathrooms to kitchens; pink, mint, and aqua blue were a big deal in the mid-century and it’s easy to understand why. These colors compliment each other wonderfully and come together to create a happy little color palette. And there’s no denying that pale yellow had a moment in the 1950s.

Women in vintage clothes, holding retro pair of sunglasses. Dusty pastel mid-century color palette

Fabrics Featured in these Mid-Century Modern Color Palettes

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: Blushing, Honeydew, Warm Wave, and Appletini

Kona Cotton Solids: Peach, Buttercup, Aloe and Artichoke

Vintage Green & Brown

Another one of my favorites… this deep brown, creamy white, and avocado green are deliciously vintage. They’re a gorgeous color combination on their own, but that pop of dark teal brings right into the 21st century. This color palette would be beautiful in today’s home.

Avocado green mid-century modern couch with dark teal wall

Fabrics Featured in these Mid-Century Modern Color Palettes

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: Vintage Walnut, Creme de la Creme, Appletini, and Zambia Stone

Kona Cotton Solids: Cappuccino, Bone, Artichoke, and Everglade

Donut Shop

Is there anything more wholesome than a sprinkle donut? Using the classic donut shop as inspiration, this color palette captures some of the fun and brighter hues of the 1950s. Creamy white contrasts the sharp black, while the bright teal and bubblegum pink come together to create a super fun and retro color combination.

Stack of pink sprinkle donuts next to a pink and teal mid-century color scheme

Fabrics Featured in these Mid-Century Modern Color Palettes

Art Gallery Fabrics Pure Solids: Deep Black, Fresh Water, Quartz Pink, and Creme de la Creme

Kona Cotton Solids: Black, Aloha, Melon, and Bone

Classic Diner

A staple for late night eats and long road trips, the classic diner creates instant nostalgia. This color palette features a pop of red (an obvious choice) and the ever-popular aqua. The addition of the black and off white fabrics are reminiscent of a checkered floor and the perfect addition to this retro color palette.