Stores Like West Elm: 10 Similar Shops For MCM Furniture

For fans of modern furniture with a subtle vintage touch, West Elm is a popular choice for many shoppers. They specialize in mid-century-modern furniture (MCM), consisting of sleek lines, simple materials, and geometric shapes. Conceptualized between the 1950s to the 1960s, it takes inspiration from Scandinavian minimalism and has retained its popularity even today. Notable names include Charles and Ray Eames, Saarinen, and George Nelson who are key architects and designers of the MCM movement. If you’re looking for that perfect intersection between classic and modern, you’re in the right place. Here are some stores like West Elm that stock some of the best selections of mid-century modern furniture. 

1. FROY

A very similar West Elm alternative is FROY, which stocks a relatively affordable range of mid-century modern furniture and decor online. They offer close replicas of many famous mid-century modern furniture designs.  For instance, the Lore Round Dining Table in a faux marble finish echoes the luxurious Saarinen Dining Table. Similarly, the Eden Side Chair is reminiscent of the famed Series 7 Chair designed by Fritz Hansen. Its smooth lines and waterfall seat support a flexible back. Finally, the Wyatt Lacquer Coffee Table takes inspiration from mid-century classics with its unique elliptical shape and sleek lacquer finish. 

2. France and Son

One of West Elm’s competitors is France and Son. They currently have a mid-century modern collection inspired by the esteemed Pierre Jeanneret, who was a Swiss architect. However, they have adapted his designs to suit a modern audience, offering reproductions hand-crafted with solid Acacia wood and a gorgeous rattan weave for added comfort. For example, the Mid Century Jeanneret Ottoman/Stool duplicates the classic V-shaped legs found in the 1950’s original. In contrast, the Pierre Jeanneret Armless Slipper Chair takes a more contemporary approach with a floating upholstered base.

3. CB2

CB2 sells a fantastic collection of mid-century modern furniture and is one of the furniture stores that most closely resembles West Elm. Firstly, their light fixtures are competitively priced, such as the Big Dipper Floor Lamp. It has a brushed round nickel base that supports a sweeping arc of over 6 feet, with a fabric diffuser to soften the glow. In addition, it’s definitely a close dupe of Flos’ gorgeous Arco Lamp. Moreover, their designs often put a contemporary modern slant on midcentury classics. For instance, the Sunset Teak Lounge Chair has a linen weather-resistant fabric on top of a dramatic triangular teak base.

4. EQ3

A Canadian version of stores like CB2 and West Elm is EQ3, which places an emphasis on timeless designs and lasting quality. For instance, if you’re looking for a MCM statement piece to complement your bedroom, the Reclaimed Teak Bed is constructed of solid planks sourced from Java, Indonesia. No two pieces are the same, as each piece comes with a distinctive grain. Moreover, their Place Square Dinette Table is a compact piece created by West Coast designer Shawn Place. It juxtaposes the lightweight aura of transparent glass with the heavier substance of wood. Furthermore, it draws inspiration from the Noguchi Table designed by Isamu Noguchi in 1948.

5. Hive Modern

On the pricier end of the spectrum is Hive Modern which is a significantly pricier alternative to West Elm. Most importantly, they stock original mid-century pieces, such as the ultra-iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Herman Miller. If you have the funds to spend on an item that’s part of the MoMA’s permanent collection, this is the perfect setup for you. Charles Eames aimed to evoke the “warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt,” combining luxury and ultimate comfort. In addition, Florence Knoll’s update to her instantly recognizable sofa pieces include the Relaxed Settee, which is a softer version that has deeper proportions than the original.

6. The Inside

Injecting a more playful touch to the world of mid-century modern furniture, The Inside offers colorful patterns and finishes in a broad array of styles. Similar to other stores like West Elm, they aim to cater to a wider range of budgets, bringing the high-end experience of customized fabric choices to homeowners at more accessible pricetags. For instance, the Cube Ottoman comes in over 100 different colors, with a timeless shape that’s sure to suit any room. Similarly, the Mid-Century Bench is equally versatile and can be placed in the entryway of your home or at the foot of your bed.

7. Apt 2B

One of the most recognizable chairs in the MCM world is the Barcelona Chair, which is attributed to the famous modernist figure Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. A recent update to his creation is Apt 2B’s Mesquite Lounge Chair in Vintage Copper, combining artfully aged leather with a brushed gold finish. Likewise, check out the Maturin Club Chair. It has a similar mid-century modern vibe combined with an industrial toughness. Lastly, the Sylmar Side Chair evokes the soft curves of the Wishbone Chair or the Y-Chair which was designed by Hans Wegner in 1950.

8. Article

For fans of truly retro mid-century inspired finds, Article’s Texada Sofa features stylish leather tufting and a sleek cylindrical base. It calls to mind a stunning Blade-runner style den and is sure to be a statement piece. Add the Geome Sideboard to amp up the geometric vibes with its beehive-like detail. On the other hand, the Ripa Oxford Black Bench adds a sleek surprise to the iconic Nelson Platform Bench, designed by George Nelson for Herman Miller. It consists of solid walnut-stained wood topped off with two black leather cushions.

9. Joybird

Another West Elm alternative is Joybird, who draws inspiration from the greatest designers of the MCM movement for their entire line. For example, yet another dupe of the Barcelona Chair is the Sena Accent Chair. It’s an incredibly inviting chair to lounge on, upholstered in a pale blue pinstripe fabric that pairs perfectly with almost every color. Furthermore, the Rosetta Bar Cabinet features incredible details guaranteed to garner compliments. It’s constructed from natural woven cane complemented by modern circular handle pulls.

10. Medley

Medley’s emphasis on sustainability and craftsmanship makes it a worthy West Elm competitor. The Palder Bed is a low-slung model that looks like it’s hovering off the bedroom floor. It’s supported by an all-wood frame, finished with zero VOC and low sheen unscented natural beeswax. In addition, the uplifting angle of the Ridge Accent Chair combined with its thin lines adds openness to any living space. Finally, a truly timeless storage solution is the Atten 3-Door Credenza. Modern touch and push technology give it a current update for greater ease of use.

When it comes to selecting the best mid-century modern furniture, it’s not just about finding something stylish, but finding something durable that’s more likely to stand the test of time. Whether you’re interested in sourcing original masterpieces or West Elm alternatives, vintage never goes out of style. Lastly, check out our Mid-Century Modern Design & Decorating Guide for some practical styling tips.