The clean, simple lines of mid-century modern furnishings are in hot demand in Wembley Park – London’s most exciting new neighbourhood – as individuals seek to achieve a classic 1950s/1960s vibe in their homes.

According to traders at Wembley Park Antiques Market, demand has increased significantly with trader Ridding & Wynn reporting that appetite for “mid-century design in the UK has reached an all-time high”.

Multiple factors are driving the demand for mid-century modern pieces. Sustainability is high on the agenda for many of those browsing the wares at Wembley Park Antiques Market. The Lucky Magpie Salvage, which sells a range of mid-century modern furnishings at the monthly market, reports:

“Over the last two years, I think that customers’ mindsets have changed massively, becoming a lot more conscious about world issues and our planet. By investing in antique and vintage items that tell a story, look sharp and help the planet, these are huge factors in driving demand.”

Young people have raised their voices on the planet’s behalf in recent years and this trend looks to be bearing out in the purchase of antiques and other pre-loved items as well. According to a report on Researchgate about growing demand for second-hand goods, the X, Y and Z generations are particularly keen consumers. Wembley Park Antiques Market trader Ridding & Wynn has observed this directly, noting that:

“Younger, first-time buyers are recognising the value of such items whilst feeling they are doing their part in the sustainability drive”.
Millennials embracing mid-century modern design also have timeless style near the top of their collective agenda. Ridding & Wynn point out:

“People in general are becoming more conscious about recycling and bringing this aspect into their homes through unique and sophisticated interiors is their way to show this.”

Mid-century modern design can trace its roots back to the Industrial Revolution, with significant post-World War I influence as well. The clean lines and lack of embellishment that are so characteristic of mid-century modern furnishings mean that the style has aged well. Originally popular between around 1945 and 1969 (debate rages around the precise dates!), the honest use of materials that is such a notable feature of mid-century modern pieces is the ideal fit for many modern buyers’ focus on both sustainability and style. Many are using the timeless, uncomplicated designs to create sleek, simple interiors that exude an air of elegance and calm.

Items in particular demand right now include seating and lighting. One new trader at Wembley Park Antiques Market, Rag & Bone Bros, observes that buyers are seeking out “mid-century lighting – especially some of the German Bauhaus names, like the larger UFO-like Kaisers & Hilibrands in table lamps, and mid-century pendant lights by designers like Ernest Igl”. The Lucky Magpie Salvage has also noticed an appetite for quirkier items, with fairground and signage proving popular at present.

It isn’t just individual homebuyers who are seeking out mid-century modern antiques. The Lucky Magpie Salvage team notes that it has, “seen a surge in interior designers wanting these kinds of pieces too”.