It’s an easy mistake to make:
Modern and contemporary furniture mean the same thing, right? Not exactly. Each style is a result of different influences and time Periods, although the recent confusion between the two is all too understandable right now.
What are the Characteristics of Modern Furniture Design?
Modern furniture refers to a specific style: the Modernist movement that began in the early 1900s with the Bauhaus school of design. These designs were a rebellion against the ornate designs that preceded them. Think of art deco designs, and all of their flourishes and ornamentations. Now think of the opposite of that, and you’ll think of Modernism.
Modernist principles embrace a simple, clean look. Its main principles include:
- Minimalist design
- Smooth surfaces
- Clean, straight lines
- Warm neutral colors, accented by vivid hues
- Materials that include both woods and metals
This movement would remain popular during the 1950s and 1960s through the mid-century modern design movement.
Contemporary Furniture
Contemporary furniture, however, doesn’t refer to a specific movement. Contemporary furniture embraces the designs of our day, so its definition is fluid. It’s understandable, then, how much we confuse modern design with contemporary design.
One of the biggest differences between modern and contemporary furniture is the use of lines. Modern furniture prefers straight lines, while contemporary furniture will add some large sweeping curves.
Color differs between the two as well. If you’re looking at furniture with bold use of color, chances are that it’s contemporary.