The perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics
Kate Wilson is a writer and fact checker for home decor and furnishings at Chosen Furniture. She enjoys splitting her findings with others.
What Is Modern Style Furniture?
As a reaction to more ornate and costly forms, modern furniture became popular in the early 20th century. It was a radical break from classical forms that had previously dominated the field of furniture design. Simple forms, geometric contours, and practical design are hallmarks of modern types of furniture.
It’s often made from materials like metal, glass, and wood, and it has a minimalist aesthetic emphasizing simplicity and elegance. It’s the perfect blend of form and function, and it can transform any space into a sleek and stylish oasis.
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Key Takeaways
- Modern furniture is often minimalist in design, with clean lines and simple shapes.
- It is designed to be functional, focusing on comfort and usability.
- It creates different looks, from sleek and functional to cozy and inviting.
Characteristics of Modern Furniture
As a reaction toward more ornate and elaborate shapes, modern furniture became popular in the early 20th century. It was a departure from the traditional styles that dominated furniture design for centuries. Clean lines, geometric shapes, and a focus on functionality characterize modern-style furniture.
It is characterized by a spare design emphasizing elegance and refinement. Common materials used in its construction include metal, glass, and wood. Modern furniture’s smooth, uncluttered surfaces are one of its distinguishing features. In contrast to its traditional counterpart, it is often characterized by a minimalist style that promotes simplicity and elegance instead of excessive embellishments and detailed carvings.
Besides this, it is distinguished by geometric shapes such as squares, rectangles, and circles. This gives modern-style furniture a sleek and contemporary look, perfect for modern homes. Another characteristic of modern furniture is its focus on functionality.
Hidden storage, modular design, and the ability to serve several purposes are all hallmarks of modern furniture. This makes modern furniture perfect for small spaces where every inch of space counts. It’s also great for people who value practicality over ornamentation.
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- Sleek and stylish, with clean lines and simple shapes.
- It can add a touch of sophistication to any home.
- Designed to be functional and comfortable.
- It is often made with durable materials that can withstand everyday use.
- It can be mixed with traditional pieces to create a more eclectic look.
Cons of Modern Furniture
- It might become pricey if you’re looking for luxurious products.
- Some people find it too sleek and minimalist.
- Pieces made with hard materials can be uncomfortable.
- It can be easily damaged, especially if made with delicate materials like glass or fabric.
Modern vs. Contemporary Furniture: What’s the Difference?
The terms modern and contemporary are often used interchangeably in furniture design, but they refer to different styles. The term “modern furniture” is most often used to refer to products of furniture that were made between 1920 and 1950. On the other hand, contemporary furniture refers to furniture currently being designed and produced.
The hallmarks of modern furniture are its simple esthetic and unfussy shape. It was a break from the past’s elaborate and ornamental aesthetics, inspired by the functional and minimalist Bauhaus movement. Modern furniture pieces often feature metal, glass, and plywood; colors are neutral and subdued.
On the other hand, modern furniture is distinguished by its up-to-date and continually adapting to new trends. It is influenced by the trends and styles of the present day and is often more eclectic than modern furniture. Contemporary furniture pieces can range from sleek and minimalistic to bold and colorful, featuring plastic, steel, and reclaimed wood.
While modern furniture is a specific style popular during a particular period, contemporary furniture constantly evolves and changes. Contemporary furniture designers draw inspiration from various sources, from art and fashion to technology and sustainability.
Where to Buy Modern Style Furniture
You can shop at several places to bring modern furnishings into your living area. Online retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Walmart have a wide selection of modern-style furniture at affordable prices. You may also check out home décor shops and local furniture stores to get modern furniture suitable for your needs and budget.
Burrow, CB2, Floyd, Homary, Industry West, DWR, Jonathan Adler, Kardiel, AllModern, Lulu and Georgia, La-Z-Boy, Maiden Home, West Elm, and Raymour & Flanigan, are just a small list of the best furniture brands that sell modern furnishings. Because there are so many different options, you will undoubtedly be able to find the pieces ideal for finishing your home decor.
Popular Modern Style Furniture Pieces
Sofas, chairs, tables, and storage solutions are some of the most popular modern furniture pieces. Modern sofas come in various styles, with sectionals and daybeds being some of the most popular choices. Chairs are another popular furniture piece in multiple designs, such as dining chairs and lounge chairs.
Modern tables are often made of glass, metal, and wood and feature clean lines and simple shapes. Storage solutions like bookcases, cabinets, and shelving units also feature clean lines and minimalist designs.
These pieces are sleek, elegant, functional, and versatile. Whether you prefer classic designs or contemporary works, countless modern furniture pieces can add a touch of elegance and functionality to any home.
How to Incorporate Modern Furniture in Your Home
You can do a few things to ease the transition to modern furniture in your house. The first step is to decide which room (or rooms if you want to be more general) will receive new furniture. Find pieces that work for your space and your budget after you’ve decided what needs updating. It’s essential to consider your house’s proportions while shopping for modern furnishings.
Modern furniture tends to be sleek and minimalist, which works best in smaller areas. If you have a larger home, consider mixing and matching modern furniture with other styles, such as traditional or rustic. This will help create a more eclectic and exciting look in your home.
The quality of the furniture’s construction materials is another factor to consider while shopping for modern pieces. Modern-style furniture is often made from metal, glass, and wood. These materials give modern furniture a sleek and contemporary look, perfect for modern homes. Also, if you have kids or pets, it’s best to use leather or synthetic materials for the furniture’s upholstery.
Mixing and Matching Modern Furniture
Modern furniture may be used in any setting, which is one of its many advantages. Your home might have a more exciting and unique appearance if you combine modern furniture with more rustic or traditional pieces. When mixing and matching modern style furniture with other styles, it’s essential to consider the overall aesthetic of your space. You want to ensure that your different types complement each other and create a cohesive look.
Modern furniture is often made from metal, glass, and wood. Metal is often used in modern furniture because it’s solid and durable yet lightweight. It may be applied to create modern, minimalist designs well-suited to tiny spaces. Glass is another popular material used in modern furniture. It’s often used in coffee tables, end tables, and other accent pieces to create a sleek and contemporary look. Glass is also great for reflecting light, making your space feel larger and open.
What are the Alternatives to Modern Furniture?
Several alternatives to modern furniture can fit different design styles and preferences – here are four of the best:
- Traditional: inspired by classic designs from the past, it’s characterized by ornate carvings, rich materials, and decorative details. It often features dark wood finishes, plush fabrics, and curved lines.
- Mid-Century: having its origins in the style movements of the 1950s and 1960s, the furniture is defined by its simple forms, organic shapes, and bright colors. Mid-century furniture often incorporates molded plywood, fiberglass, and plastic.
- Industrial: features materials such as metal, wood, and concrete. Industrial style often has a practical design, with raw finishes and exposed hardware.
- Scandinavian: distinguished by simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. Scandinavian furniture often features light wood finishes, clean lines, and natural materials such as wool and leather.
Overall, numerous alternatives to modern furniture can fit different design styles and preferences. From traditional to Scandinavian, these furniture styles offer diverse options for those looking for something different from modern furniture’s clean lines and minimalist design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is modern style in furniture?
Modern furniture’s clean lines, simple shapes, and minimalist design characterize it. The furniture pieces often feature metal, glass, and plywood; colors are neutral and subdued. The Bauhaus school inspired a break from the past’s traditional elaborate and ornamental styles, which became modern.
Why is modern furniture good?
To begin, it’s a minimalist design, so there won’t be a lot of unnecessary ornamentation taking up visual or mental space. Second, many contemporary furniture items include high-quality construction. Finally, it’s a classic look that’s been around for a while and will never go out of style.
When did modern furniture start?
The 1920s through the 1950s saw the beginning of modern furniture. The modern style’s sleek, minimalist, and functional furnishings directly result from the designers’ inspiration from new materials and technology, such as steel, glass, and molded plywood. The modern style remained popular and has influenced countless designers and furniture makers.
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When it comes to furniture, pieces in the modern style strike the ideal balance between form and function. It has simple shapes and focuses on functionality. If you want to update your home, consider incorporating modern furniture. Whether looking for a sleek and contemporary look or a more eclectic and exciting aesthetic, modern style furniture is a great choice. So why wait? Start shopping for modern-style furniture today and transform your space into a sleek and stylish oasis.
Kate Wilson is a writer and editor at Chosen Furniture. She has deeply loved home decor and furniture for as long as she can remember (and a newfound love for cappuccino) and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When not working, she loves listening to music, hanging out with his family, and exercising her creative side through oil painting.