Mid-century modern homes are known for their clutter-free interiors, with features like open floor plans and simple—but often colorful—furnishings being focal points. These homes’ exteriors are just as iconic and intentional. Geometric rooflines, expansive windows, and a focus on natural surroundings are staples of MCM homes.
Whether you’re house hunting or simply taking an architectural tour of your city, here are some of the most telltale exterior features of mid-century modern homes.
1. Clerestory Windows
”Cool Mid-Century Modern Home, Durham NC,” by Joe Wolf, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Clerestory windows are positioned high on the wall, usually just below the roofline. They are a hallmark of mid-century modern design, highlighting the style's emphasis on indoor-outdoor living by framing the sky and surrounding treetops, and bringing natural light further into the home without compromising privacy. Additionally, these rectangular windows incorporate the clean, geometric lines that also define MCM.
2. Courtyard Entrances
“Palm Springs 3,” by Dale Cruse, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Courtyard entrances are a welcoming transition between the outdoors and indoors, creating a sense of retreat and privacy from the street while still embracing the open-air feel of the outdoors. These entryways often feature low walls, minimalist landscaping, and simple paving that mesh with the style’s clean lines and natural materials.
3. A-Frame Rooflines
“IMG_1145-2_DxOVP,” by Dale Cruse, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
A-frame rooflines add a bold architectural statement to the classic simplicity characteristic of mid-century modern design. These steeply pitched, triangular-shaped roofs feature dramatic interior ceilings, creating space for expansive windows that bring in plenty of natural light.
4. Stone Siding
“Carmel-by-the-Sea,” by Dale Cruse, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Stone siding adds natural texture and warmth to the clean lines that are typical of mid-century modern exteriors. These sidings are usually accents rather than a full facade, but the house featured above shows that even a full-stone exterior provides an organic contrast to the home’s classic mid-mod geometry and large modern windows.
5. Asymmetrical Roofs
“Glen Wilding Neighborhood, Bloomington MN,” by aaronmjr, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
In mid-century modern homes, asymmetrical rooflines often feature one side sloping more dramatically than the other. The result is a fun, bold architectural shape that complements the clean lines and minimalist aesthetic of the overall design.
6. Breeze Blocks
“Mid century modern.” by Paradise Palms. via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Similar to courtyards, blend privacy with an open-air feel. These patterned concrete blocks are often used in garden walls, facades, or privacy screens to filter sunlight, allow airflow, and lean into geometric MCM designs. Their overall shape ties into the MCM love of form-meets-function, where both looks and practicality are prioritized.
7. Wide Overhangs
“Private Showing,” by Randy Heinitz, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Wide overhangs extend well beyond the home’s exterior, providing shade from harsh sun and shelter from summer heat—especially when a ceiling fan is installed. These overhangs also make a home’s architectural features, like hallmark horizontal lines, more prominent.
8. Flat Roofs
“Our Home Spring 2012,” by Stacia Lynch (girlsgotmoxie), via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Flat roofs emphasize the minimalist element of MCM homes, regularly making large windows and textured walls standout features. Beyond the aesthetic benefits, flat roofs also make it easier to add skylights or rooftop patios, which contribute to the style’s signature indoor-outdoor vibe.
9. Open Carports
“Mid-Century Bungalow, North Lamar/Walnut Forest Neighborhood, Austin TX,” by Joe Wolf, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Open carports show MCM's emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and indoor-outdoor features. Instead of a fully enclosed garage, carports use minimal framing and keep the front of the home looking spacious and inviting. These carports were typically tucked under the home’s wide roofline or extended beams, and connected the home’s architecture with the yard.
10. Symbiotic Landscaping
“Palm Springs 1,” by Dale Cruse, via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0
Symbiotic landscaping is all about creating cohesion between the home and its outdoor foliage and surroundings. In mid-century modern design, this usually means using native plants, sculptural trees, and minimalist hardscaping to complement the home’s lines without outshining them. The result is a beautiful transition from the built environment to nature.
Final Thoughts on MCM Home Exteriors
Together, these exterior features reflect the heart of mid-century modern design: well-loved style rooted in simplicity, function, and respect for the landscape.
