Thanks to Netflix, I have recently discovered Mad Men. And I’m in love…with the oh-so-suave Don Draper and the set designs. Set in the 1960s, the Mad Men sets are decorated in the uncomplicated, organic Mid-Century Modern stye I adore. Thanks to a weekend of binge-watching, I’m sharing a few must haves and a little inspiration that will help you create a Mad Men inspired office.
A Mad Men Inspired Office: Love the Look
Let your furniture take center stage
A Mid Century Modern inspired room like Don Draper’s office. Go for streamlined sofas and chairs without excessive detailing and embellishment.
Create a relaxed, sultry mood with your color palette
Opt for a muted color palette consisting of blues, yellows, browns, and natural elements. If you’re a Mad Men fan, you’ve probably noticed that wood wall paneling is used…a lot. If you’re afraid wood paneling will look too kitschy in your office, why not try this cool wood paneling wall paper.
Add a little bit of drama
Bold, colorful drapes and pillows and abstract, geometrical wall art will add visual interest as well as personality to your office.
Go for sculptural lamps and wall sconces that are functional yet striking enough to double as pieces of art.
Be prepared to raise your glass at the end of the day
What’s a Mad Men inspired office without a few spirits to unwind after a long day? Use a handsome wooden credenza or a beautiful bar cart to display your favorite elixirs.
Extra Credit
Scour local thrift shops, yard sales, and Etsy for vintage accessories like staplers, tape dispensers, pencil sharpeners, and ashtrays that can be repurposed to store paper clips, candies, keys, etc. The will add function and personality to your space. You can even purchase fully functional rotary phones at OldPhoneWorks. How cool is that?
A Mad Men Inspired Office: Get the Look
- Modern Chair – Urban Outfitters
- Crosby Sofa – West Elm
- Mid-Century Bookcase – West Elm
- Executive Arm Chair – Etsy
- Jesper Office Highland Writing Desk – AllModern
1. Triple Gourd Table Lamp with Empire Shade – AllModern
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p class=”richPinName”>Robert Abbey Bruno Bronze Pharmacy Desk Lamp – Lamps Plus
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p class=”richPinName”>2. Murnau-Garden II, 1910 Framed Art Print by Wassily Kandinsky – Art.com
Improvisation No. 31, Sea Battle, c.1913 Art Print by Wassily Kandinsky – Art.com
3. Herringbone Chenille Pillow – in Shaded Spruce and Orange – Pier 1 Imports
Flicker Throw Pillow – Target
4. Mid Century Barware Set/Thinker Brass Bookends – Etsy.com
5. Libations Bar Cart – Crate and Barrel
6. Vintage Conair Touch Dial Phone – Etsy.com
Marshall Acton Speaker (works with instruments and any Bluetooth compatible) – Urban Outfitters
I love the Crosby Sofa from West Elm and the modern chair from Urban Outfitters but I would be afraid too put the other stuff in a new office as always good stuff!
The sofa and chair are great starts. Craigslist, Ebay and thrift stores are great sources for inexpensive accessories if you’re afraid to fully commit to this style.