Modern styles of decorating, fashion, home furnishings, and lighting all have a few things in common. Without knowing exactly what elements make up a modern style, the average person usually has an implicit understanding of what makes something modern. This article outlines what details or elements modern furniture, lighting, and décor have in common, while also addressing the often-blurred lines between contemporary and modern styles.
As a style, the modern decor and furniture designs stem from the German Bahaus School of Design and Scandinavian Modern Design. The style is characterized by the colors, finishes and architecture of the room or object. Modern styles are often confused with contemporary styles and many times you will find the phrases used interchangeably. This is a common mistake. By definition, contemporary describes items “of the moment.” It is dynamic and constantly changing. Modern refers to styles developed in the mid-century.
Modern furniture and lighting use natural materials and neutral colours. Given the neutrality of the colors used, the design of the item itself, be it a teak coffee table or an arc floor lamp, takes center stage. Contemporary styles are much more liberal in their use of color.
Sleek polished finishes, chrome and stainless steel in particular, are most popular with modern decor. You’ll often find sofas and side tables accented with smooth, polished surfaces—another indicator that the piece likely falls into the modern rather than contemporary category. The materials and finishes of contemporary pieces create a warm feeling as opposed to the cold and sometimes sterile impression left by modern items. The finish is particularly important when selecting modern lighting pieces. The finish often reveals whether the accessory is truly modern or contemporary.
Modern furniture and lighting fixtures often have angular shapes with long, low lines. This is in stark contrast to traditional styles that use softer, more rounded shapes. These pieces are often considered statement pieces as they draw attention with their sharp and elegant designs.
In short, modern and contemporary styles are often confused with each other, but they are clearly different. Contemporary designs are governed by fewer rules than modern ones. Modern styles use specific colors, finishes, and geometric shapes. Modern pieces give off a cool, elegant feel, while most other styles give off a kind of warmth. When shopping for modern lighting and furniture, pay close attention to product lines and design, as well as color. These details will always give you an idea of whether a piece is really modern or contemporary.