What is Modern Furniture?
If you have really spent any time in the design world, or even watched a few hours of HGTV you have undoubtedly heard the words “contemporary” and “modern” used to describe everything from architecture, to furniture, and everything in between. Often these terms are used in an interchangeable manner. But should they be? Is there a difference? The short answer? Yes. Although there are some characteristics that the two share, there are some difference modern furniture and design actually quite different from contemporary. But how?
What Does Modern Style Even Mean?
When you use the term “modern” in terms of style and home décor it is describing a style that breaks with the traditional styles from the pre-Industrial Revolution. Put simply, modern design is connected specifically to the age of machination. It is usually referred to as that of the 1920s-1950s. However, according to some historians make the case that modern design actually refers to anything from the 20th Century.
Modern Means Clean-Lined Architecture
Modern architecture is known for the way that it incorporates glass windows in place of where walls would normally exist. Often these designs include whitewash, corner windows, distinct right angles, flat roofs, white stucco and intentional asymmetry.
Modern Means Clean Interiors
Traditional spaces are often designed to be full. They are full in term of both physical furniture and appearance. Modern spaces and furniture, on the other hand, embrace simplicity. Furniture is designed to be clean and fresh, perhaps with a pop of color, as opposed to an overwhelming amount.
Modern Style Means Open and Raised Furniture
The modern furniture itself is often designed to be raised off of the floor. Modern furniture is also known for its being quite open and thus giving the entire space a feeling of spaciousness. Modern furniture consists of clean and sleek lines, that are designed with minimal adornment or embellishment.
Modern Means a Minimal and Unadorned Style
A major component of the modern design is minimalism. Which means using the least in order to achieve the most. The result of this minimalism is a clutter-free space where attention is placed in the details. This minimalism is true when it comes to entire spaces and to the individual furniture pieces that have been designed during this time.
Modern Means Natural Materials
When it comes to modern furniture design, one of the biggest trends is the use of natural materials. Perhaps this is to keep with the streamlined appearance and the goal of keeping sleek furniture from feeling cold and clinical. The materials that are used in the construction of many modern furniture pieces and spaces include teak, wood, leather, linen, and stone. All of these materials that quietly provide the necessary qualities to a space that ultimately create the warmth of a space.
Modern Means Industrial Style Materials
Modern furniture, architectural details, and accessories, all seem to incorporate materials that were popular during the industrial age. Some of these materials are easily recognizable, some are more difficult to identify. Many of these materials are used in the making of furniture legs, iconic chairs of molded plastic, furniture coverings and wood credenzas.