With clean lines, natural materials, bold shapes, and an emphasis on being functional, it's no wonder mid-century modern style is one of the most popular design styles out there.
It has a timeless beauty about it, that resonates with many people, myself included.
But, as any plant parent knows, it's not just about the furniture items you have, but the plants you add to a space can really enhance the mood of the room.
Mid-century modern home design is all about bringing the outside in.
It's where natural and functional meet in a truly beautiful design.
When you're looking for a houseplant to boost the mid-century vibes in your home, you want a plant that adds more than just greenery to a space.
You're looking for a plant that not only brings in that natural feeling, but also a plant that could stand as an artistic piece in the room all on it's own.
That's the perfect mid-century plant: an independently functional artistic element in the room.
It's easy to fall in love with every plant. (This is how I have over 40 of them!) But if you really want to up the mid-century vibe in your home, this list of the top 15 houseplants will lead you in the right direction.
All of these are for various plant skill levels, whether you are just a beginner or you're looking to up your plant game with something unique. There's something here for everyone.
Top 15 Houseplants for Mid-Century Modern Décor Style
1. Starfish Snake Plant
Common Name: Starfish Snake Plant
Scientific Name: Starfish Sansevieria Boncel
Light Requirements: Low to Bright Indirect
Care Level: Easy
Snake plants are known to be some of the easiest plants to take care of. They also can do well with just about any lighting scenario you may have.
But have you ever seen this Starfish variety?
The plant has fan-shaped, light green foliage with dark green concentric circles from the top to the bottom of the leaf.
It has a sculptural quality to it, making it the perfect addition to modern décor.
2. Spider Plant
Common Name: Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Light Requirements: Bright Indirect
Care Level: Super Easy
Spider Plants have a unique feature: they sprout little plants off of the main plant.
These baby spider plants can be clipped off and repotted to grow an entirely new plant! Beautiful and fun!
Because they naturally cascade down as they grow, they look great hanging in a window or on a shelf.
Pro Tip:
Add even more mid-century vibe by placing it in a macramé plant hanger!
3. Lady Palm
Common Name: Lady Palm
Scientific Name: Rhapis excelsa
Light Requirements: Low to Medium Indirect
Care Level: Medium
As an interior designer, I'm always keeping an eye out for plants that add texture to a space. The lady palm is a perfect example of texture.
With mid-century design, you have a lot of sleek, clean lines, and this is the perfect plant to pair with that style.
It's broad fronds look like a drawing of the sun's rays, radiating outward. And the thin stems they grow from, add a delicateness to this palm that not all other palm trees have.
4. Ponytail Palm
Common Name: Ponytail Palm
Scientific Name: Beaucarnea recurvata
Light Requirements: Bright Indirect or Direct
Care Level: Easy
Want even more texture? The ponytail palm aims to please!
This "palm" isn't actually a palm tree at all! In fact, it's a part of the Agave family and is a succulent. (Read: low water needs.)
It has a sturdy, bulbous trunk that is capped with long, cascading leaves, resembling a ponytail.
It's stout figure packs in a lot of eye-catching drama in a small amount of space. This unique plant balances out the modern sleekness in mid-century décor. It's a showstopper all on its own.
5. Satin Pothos
Common Name: Satin Pothos
Scientific Name: Scindapsus pictus
Light Requirements: Bright Indirect
Care Level: Medium