A comprehensive guide to furniture styles for your home
Dan S. Morris is the Chief Content Editor and founder of Chosen Furniture. He covers high-quality furniture products designed to last, so he is the best contact for house goods advice.
Welcome to the ultimate style of furniture guide, designed to help unlock your home’s potential. Whether you’re a seasoned interior designer or a homeowner looking to spruce up your space, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the rich world of furniture styles. From traditional to modern, bohemian to colonial, there’s a style to suit every taste and preference.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of the most popular furniture styles around, exploring the history and characteristics of each, as well as offering tips on choosing the perfect style for your home from the best furniture brands.
So, without further ado, let’s embark on this furniture-style journey together and discover the incredible options available.
Amish Furniture Style
Amish furniture style is known for its simplicity, craftsmanship, and durability. It is crafted with high-quality materials such as solid wood or reclaimed lumber. The design often features clean lines and functional pieces built to last for decades. Artisans of the Amish community take great pleasure in their work and use methods handed down through generations. All the furniture is made by hand and has its unique flair. Those who value the natural beauty of solid wood tend to gravitate toward it.
Antique Furniture Style
Antique furniture style is characterized by pieces that are at least 100 years old and have a distinct historical or cultural significance. These pieces often showcase intricate carvings, unique shapes, and elaborate embellishments not commonly seen in modern furniture designs. Wood, metal, and even glass may all be used to create beautiful and valuable antique furniture styles, typically purchased as an investment. Antique furniture is widely desired because of the importance placed on its rarity and one-of-a-kind quality.
Art Deco Furniture Style
Art Deco furniture style emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, characterized by bold, geometric shapes and a focus on luxury and glamour. This style features materials like glass, chrome, and lacquered wood, with bold patterns and vibrant colors. Pieces like a mirrored console or a sleek, curved armchair are iconic in this style. Add dramatic lighting, like a crystal chandelier or a sculptural table lamp, to complete the look.
Bauhaus Furniture Style
Germans in the early 20th century gave the world the modernist movement Bauhaus furniture style. Clean lines, functional form, and use of industrial materials such as steel, glass, and concrete best characterize it. The Bauhaus philosophy combines form with function to create aesthetically pleasing and practical pieces. Furniture designs often include geometric shapes, simple curves, and minimalistic details.
Bohemian Style Furniture
The Bohemian furniture style creates a relaxed, carefree atmosphere in your home. This eclectic style draws inspiration from global influences, vintage finds, the arts and crafts movement, and a love for all things creative and unconventional. Bohemian furniture often features bold colors, lush textiles, and abundant patterns and textures.
Boho Style Furniture
Boho style furniture is similar to bohemian style but with a slightly more refined, curated approach. This style still embraces eclecticism and global influences but often features a more restrained color palette and a focus on natural materials and textures. Boho-style furniture with dark, natural wood tones may include rattan, wicker, wood, and plush textiles like velvet and faux fur. Layer rugs, cushions, and throws for added warmth and comfort.
Chippendale Style Furniture
Chippendale furniture style originated in England as an 18th-century design movement. It is often crafted from high-quality woods and has elaborate carvings, beautiful curves, and decorative elements like claw-and-ball feet and rococo patterns. Because it was so popular with the wealthy aristocracy of the day, the Chippendale style has become synonymous with opulence and refinement. Expensive woods like mahogany and walnut are used to construct this type of furniture.
Coastal Style Furniture
Coastal furniture style is inspired by the relaxed, breezy feel of the beach, with a focus on light, airy spaces, and natural materials. This style often features white or light-colored wood, wicker or rattan furniture, and plenty of soft, comfortable textiles. Coastal furniture includes slip-covered sofas, Adirondack chairs, and distressed wood coffee tables. Add beach-inspired accessories, like seashells or driftwood, to complete the look.
Colonial Style Furniture
Colonial style furniture is inspired by the European colonial period, where European settlers brought traditional furniture styles to their new homes in America, Africa, and Asia. Colonial furniture is made from hardwoods like oak, mahogany, and maple. The furniture is often characterized by its simplicity and functionality, with clean lines and little ornamentation. The design often reflects the practical needs of colonial life, such as storage and durability. Add vintage maps, globes, or travel-inspired accessories to complete the colonial look.
Contemporary Style Furniture
Contemporary furniture is a modern design movement emphasizing clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. Its minimalistic design approach is characterized by its furniture, often featuring sleek silhouettes and geometric shapes. Materials used in contemporary furniture include glass, metal, plastic, and wood, focusing on natural textures and finishes. The contemporary style often incorporates bold pops of color to add visual interest to an otherwise neutral palette. If you enjoy a clean and uncluttered look, the contemporary furniture style would be perfect for your living space.
🏠 Whether you're into mid-century modern, farmhouse chic, or industrial vibes, there's a furniture style that will perfectly match your home decor vision. #furniturestyles #homedecor #interiordesign 🪑 Click To TweetCottage Style Furniture
Cottage-style furniture is a cozy and quaint design movement that originated in rural England. Its charming and rustic appearance is characterized by furniture featuring distressed finishes, shabby chic accents, and floral patterns. The cottage style often incorporates natural materials such as wood and wicker and is a popular choice for those seeking a warm and inviting atmosphere in their home. The cottage-style furniture will be perfect for your living space if you love curling up with a good book before a roaring fireplace.
Country Style Furniture
Country-style furniture evokes the warmth and charm of rural living, focusing on simple, rustic designs and natural materials. This style often features distressed finishes, hand-painted details, and an emphasis on comfort and practicality. Country furniture includes farmhouse tables, wicker chairs, and cozy, overstuffed sofas. Add antique accents, like a vintage clock or enamelware, to complete the look.
Farmhouse Furniture Style
The cozy, rustic charm of rural living inspires the farmhouse furniture style. This style celebrates natural materials’ beauty and country life’s simplicity. Farmhouse furniture often features reclaimed or natural wood, distressed finishes, and vintage-inspired details. Pieces like farmhouse tables, ladder-back chairs, and barn door accents are iconic in this style. Add vintage-inspired accents, like an old milk jug or a weathered sign, to complete the look.
French Style Furniture
The 17th and 18th centuries saw the birth of French furniture style. It is distinguished by high refinement, elegance, and meticulousness. French furniture typically has ornate carvings, minute detailing, and a combination of wood, marble, and brass. Silk and velvet are often used to upholster couches, loveseats, and chaises, giving the furniture an impression of luxury. Other elements of French furniture include cabriole legs, curving lines, and decorative motifs such as garlands, swags, and urns.
Industrial Furniture Style
Industrial style furniture emerged as a popular trend in the late 20th century, inspired by factories and warehouses’ raw, often utilitarian design aesthetic. This style often features exposed brick walls, metal accents, and furniture made from reclaimed materials like wood and steel. Industrial furniture includes metal shelving units, reclaimed wood tables, and vintage factory stools. Add vintage industrial accessories, like old factory signs or gears, to complete the look.
🛏️ Which one speaks to you: sleek modern lines or cozy vintage feel? Play with texture, color, and form to create a truly unique space that reflects your personality. #FurnitureStyles #InteriorDesign 👌 Click To TweetJapanese Style Furniture
Japan style furniture, also known as the Japanese or minimalist furniture style, is inspired by traditional Japanese design’s simplicity, functionality, and harmony. This style is characterized by clean lines, natural materials, and a focus on creating balance and tranquility. Japanese furniture often includes low-profile pieces, like platform beds, tatami mats, and sliding doors and screens. Add Japanese-inspired accessories, like a Zen garden or shoji screen, to complete the look.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture Style
The mid-century modern movement in furniture design evolved around the middle of the twentieth century, emphasizing practicality and form above ornamentation. This style is inspired by the structures of the Bauhaus movement and Scandinavian modernism, emphasizing simplicity and minimalism. Mid-century modern furniture often features solid wood furniture throughout, metal, and plastic materials, with bold geometric patterns and bright, contrasting colors. Add iconic mid-century pieces, like an Eames lounge chair or a Noguchi coffee table, to amplify the effect.
Minimalist Style Furniture
Minimalist style furniture is all about the “less is more” philosophy. It prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and clean lines over intricate details and decorations. Furniture in this style often features light colors, natural materials like wood or leather, and unobtrusive shapes. Those who value tranquility and simplicity in their spaces will like the minimalist design. The minimalist furniture style will be perfect for your living space if you appreciate simple elegance and understated design.
Mission Style Furniture
In response to the mass-produced, elaborate furniture of the Victorian period, the Arts and Crafts movement evolved in the late 19th century, often known as the Mission style. This style is characterized by simple, functional designs, emphasizing quality craftsmanship and natural materials. Mission furniture often features straight lines, exposed joinery, and minimal ornamentation. Add some handcrafted, artisanal accents to complete the mission-style look.
Modern Furniture Style
Modern furniture came as a response to the ornate, heavily decorated styles of the past. It seeks to prioritize function and simplicity, with clean lines, minimal adornment, and an emphasis on form following function. Materials such as steel, glass, and molded plastic are common in modern furniture styles, showcasing industrial design’s beauty. Embrace the mantra “less is more” when styling your current space.
Retro Furniture Style
Retro furniture style is about capturing a bygone era’s look and feel. Bold, bright colors, funky patterns, and playful designs from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s characterize it. Furniture in this style often incorporates materials like plastic, vinyl, and chrome to create a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time. Retro furniture adds a fun and vibrant energy to any space, making it perfect for those who love a touch of whimsy and nostalgia in their home decor. This style is ideal for your living space if you’re a vintage charm and retro appeal fan.
Rustic Furniture Style
Rustic furniture style celebrates natural materials’ beauty and the great outdoors rugged charm. This style often features raw, unfinished wood, exposed beams, and elements like stone and iron. Rustic furniture includes live-edge tables, reclaimed wood benches, and leather sofas.
Scandinavian furniture style is inspired by Nordic countries’ clean, functional designs. This modern furniture style is characterized by simplicity, minimalism, and a focus on natural materials. Scandinavian furniture features light wood, clean lines, and a muted color palette. Pieces like a simple, upholstered sofa or a sleek, wooden dining table are classic in this style. Add cozy, hygge-inspired accessories, like a sheepskin rug or a chunky knit throw, to complete the look.
Shabby Chic Furniture Style
Shabby Chic furniture style is a style that embraces imperfection and celebrates the beauty of aging. It features furniture pieces that have been intentionally distressed, giving them a worn and weathered look that adds character and charm to any space. The style often incorporates pastel colors, floral patterns, vintage fabrics, and ornate detailing. And it brings a sense of warmth and comfort to your home. If you love florals, antiques, and everything vintage-inspired, then the Shabby Chic furniture is for you.
Southwestern Style Furniture
Southwestern-style furniture draws inspiration from the rich colors, textures, and patterns of the American Southwest. This style often features earthy tones, natural materials like wood and leather, and an emphasis on handcrafted details. Southwestern furniture may include carved wood pieces, rustic metal accents, and vibrant textiles inspired by Native American and Mexican designs. Add some bold, geometric patterns in textiles like rugs, cushions, and throws, and complete the look with desert-inspired accessories like cacti and pottery.
Traditional Furniture Style
Traditional style furniture refers to furniture designs that are classic and timeless. This style is typically characterized by its ornate details, warm colors, and rich textures. The furniture often features curved lines, intricate carvings, and decorative flourishes such as rosettes or acanthus leaves. Materials commonly used in conventional furniture include wood, leather, and fabric. People who value timeless beauty and like to create homes with an inviting atmosphere opt for traditional furniture.
Transitional Furniture Style
Transitional furniture blends traditional styles and modern design elements, creating a timeless, versatile aesthetic. This style features clean lines, neutral colors, and a focus on comfort and functionality. Transitional furniture often includes upholstered pieces with simple, elegant shapes, wood accents, and subtle metallic details. Add subtle metallic accents, like a brushed nickel lamp or a gold-framed mirror, to complete the look.
Urban Style Furniture
Urban style furniture embraces a more modern and contemporary look. Clean lines, sleek designs, and a focus on functionality and practicality characterize it. This style often incorporates steel, glass, and leather materials to create a minimalist yet chic look. Urban-style furniture is perfect for creating a sophisticated, refined living space that feels comfortable and welcoming. Due to its inherent simplicity, this design may be effortlessly incorporated into preexisting décor schemes.
Victorian Style Furniture
Victorian-style furniture is a style that is known for its ornate and elaborate designs. Detailed carving, curved lines, and rich, dark wood finishes characterize it. This design often uses fabrics with a velvet texture, tassels, fringes, and other extravagant embellishments. Victorian furniture is perfect for creating a formal, elegant living space that feels like a step back. It’s ideal for larger homes with high ceilings and spacious rooms where the furniture can shine.
Vintage Style Furniture
Vintage-style furniture is all about bringing elements from the past into your current home decor. This style often incorporates different furniture styles and decor from different eras to create a unique and eclectic look. Distressed finishes, faded colors, and nostalgia characterize vintage-style furniture. It’s perfect for those who love flea market finds, antique shops, and adding personal touches to their home decor. You may combine pieces from several eras with vintage furniture to make a room seem unique and well-suited to its owners.
🛋️ Let's see...there's contemporary, modern, rustic, traditional, Victorian, bohemian, minimalist, and so many more! 🤩 So let's have some fun and get creative with your home decor! 💁♀️ #furniturestyle #furniturebrands Click To TweetFAQ
What are the four types of furniture?
Seating includes chairs, sofas, loveseats, and benches. Surfaces include tables, desks, and shelves. Storage includes cabinets, dressers, and bookcases. Sleeping has beds and mattresses.
Is there an app to identify furniture styles?
The Houzz app includes a “View in My Room 3D” feature that lets you see how furniture will look in your space. The Chairish app enables you to take a photo of furniture and get suggestions for similar styles, and the Pinterest Lens app can identify popular furniture styles based on an image.
What style of furniture is popular now?
A trend is more modern, minimalist, sustainable furniture styles. Mid-century modern and Scandinavian styles are still popular but with a focus on natural materials and simple designs. Rustic and farmhouse styles are also in demand, but with a more modern twist.
What is 60s-style furniture called?
The furniture style of the 1960s is often referred to as the “mid-century modern” style. Clean lines, simple shapes, and functional design characterize this style, and it’s about embracing the beauty of natural materials like wood and leather and creating stylish and practical pieces.
Conclusion and final thoughts
You should better understand what furniture style is right for your space. Whether classic wood pieces with intricate details or contemporary designs with clean lines and modern materials, many options suit any taste and budget. Quality craftsmanship is always worth it in the long run, so invest in well-made furniture if you want it to last!
Explore the realm of style reviews by venturing into our comprehensive furniture glossary. As you embark on this exciting journey, may the winds of fortune guide you in discovering the perfect furniture pieces that will effortlessly harmonize with the essence of your home. Good luck on your quest!
Dan S. Morris is a longtime furniture and design enthusiast with a passion for beautiful and functional arrangements and a human-centered approach to home decor that integrates the needs of people. He is the founder of Chosen Furniture. Dan and his team are faithful to serving you with savvy client-focused information and furniture reviews, with uncompromising integrity as the hallmarks of their service.
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