Modern Vs Contemporary Furniture – What’s The Difference?

There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to drawing a clear line between modern and contemporary furniture. The average shopper often uses these two interchangeably while discussing anything related to furniture. Some people can even get into heated brawls on this issue. So let’s clear the confusion once and for all.

Modern furniture is assumed to be the present day furniture which is completely incorrect. The furniture came into being somewhere between 1920s and 1950s. Unlike what its name suggests, it refers to a style of furniture that is always consistent, and does not change with times and trends. It is basically a mixture of mid-century modern and post modernism. This type of furniture has a clean defined style without much adornment.

Contemporary furniture on the other hand refers to furniture that is up-to-date with the present day trends. This makes its fluid and ever-changing. It cannot be pinned down to a specific style. This furniture is used to adorn contemporary homes with large windows, natural finishes like cedar and stone. That means it is ever changing and can even include traditional designs.

A look at the differences between the two will throw light on their nature.

• Style– The style of modern furniture is more or less strict and permanent. Nothing much can be changed. Contemporary furniture is very versatile as far as style goes. It blends with the current furniture trends and there’s nothing rigid about it. There is a certain boldness and warmth in it.
• Colors– Modern furniture sports more of natural and neutral colors and that’s a reason why it looks cold. Contemporary furniture takes on a bold stance when it comes to the color palette and we can see any extreme on the color scale. It can be neutral or very glaring. There’s an element of experiment and risk taking attached to contemporary furniture.
• Lines – Modern furniture has strong and straight lines. Contemporary furniture is curvier, which adds to its comfort and style. The strong lines of modern furniture give it a cold vibe in contrast to contemporary furniture.
• Material – Modern furniture is made of natural materials like wood, leather, teak, linen, plastic, polished metal and molded plywood. Contemporary furniture is made from materials that add to its shape, style, comfort and sustainability like wood, leather, porcelain, metals, plastics etc.

Nevertheless, both furniture styles are simple and uncluttered and they have an artistic flair to them. So next time you go shopping for furniture, you’ll not be the one entering into arguments over which one is modern and which one is contemporary.

Visit Ashley HomeStore for an exclusive variety of furniture items at 1101 South W S Young Drive, Killeen, TX 76543. For more information call (254) 634-5900.