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What Makes Modern Furniture Different From Contemporary Furniture

The terms Modern Furniture and Contemporary Furniture are often used as interchangeable parlance descriptions of non-traditional, sleeker and innovative furniture.  However, even though both terms fundamentally mean “of current times”, the design and manufacturing concepts behind modern and contemporary furniture styles as well as their incorporation into today’s interiors is clearly distinctive.

For starters, modern furniture style came about right after the 2nd world war when the need to support budget-conscious living became the overriding principle in furniture manufacturing.  On the contrary, contemporary furniture style surfaced in the late 70’s early 80’s during an upturn in global economy where consumer spending required a more embellished lifestyle with glamour as its focal point.

Cost-saving mass production of the post-war era became the catalyst of minimalist, stark pieces featuring steel and chrome-plated structures cleanly adorned by glass, plastic, leather or plywood finishes.  On the other hand, new found wealth of the early 80s led to the need of combining more extravagant materials typically used in traditional furniture with modern lines.  Consequently, marble, granite, crocodile leather, luxurious fabrics, lacquered and polished surfaces became the major indicators that furniture pieces which may at first glace be considered “modern,” now belonged to the contemporary furniture style.

Another major difference between modern furniture and contemporary furniture pieces is their actual shape.  Typically modern furniture would be dominated by simplified geometry, pure qualities, minimal demeanor, straight lines and uncluttered surfaces; while contemporary furniture would have round or more organic shapes, curvier silhouettes, sculptural construction with more detailed dispositional qualities, blurring the lines between decoration and functionality.

Lastly, color plays a big role in distinguishing the two styles.  In modern furniture, color is free form and is used boldly.  From high in contrast - black and white combo to the statement-making brighter hues, to futuristic shades of grey or warm earthy tones, modern furniture are defined by their aesthetics and materials, making the color, a mere attribute of one’s personality.  Such is not the case with contemporary furniture.  Often perceived as the cozier and homier style of the two, the color palette consisting of earthy tone like creams, browns, and oranges is quite vital to the essential character of contemporary furniture.

Debate over the true distinction between modern furniture and contemporary furniture will continue to create a further confusion between the two styles.  All the while, the unmistakable distinction between the two styles is rooted in their aesthetics, design, constructions and interaction with space.

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