Are you considering updating your furniture but are unsure of the difference between modern and contemporary styles? Of course, both styles have their unique features, but there are a few key things to consider when deciding which is suitable for your home.
Let’s take a closer look at the two and explore what makes them different. So, whether you're looking to overhaul your entire living room or just want to add a new piece or two, you’ll know which style is right for you.
Contemporary Furniture
Contemporary furniture is made according to the latest design ideas without taking too much care of the styles and methods of previous decades. This type of furniture uses modern materials like steel, glass, and many other contemporary materials that are strong enough to hold heavy-weight objects.
You can see contemporary furniture mostly in homes, offices, lobbies, and waiting rooms. This kind of furniture is more concerned about being functional and practical rather than being decorative.
For example, your average contemporary sofa will probably have arms on it, whereas a 'modern' one is likely to be U-shaped. This makes them slightly less flexible in terms of how they can be arranged, but they are more comfortable to sit on.
Contemporary furniture designs don't focus on classical shapes. Instead, they use geometrical shapes that look fresh and original. They are made of unique ideas that represent the modern age of a person.
Modern Furniture
In earlier centuries, people were limited in their pursuit of comfortable and functional furniture. However, since the 20th century, there has been a revolution in furniture design and style. Modern furniture is representative of this change and movement.
Modern and contemporary styles differ from classic or traditional styles in the design and the construction of each piece. Modern furniture is often made from simple lines with little ornamentation. The use of tables has become more practical and valuable than ever before. New designs include hi-tech computer workstations, ergonomic desks, adjustable chairs, TV stands for flat screens, bookcases (with room for stereos and DVD players), in-home bars, home theaters, etc.
Characterized by simplified shapes, modern furniture is perfectly adapted to the user's requirements. When it comes to styling and finishes, there's no limit. The modern furniture can be customized and upholstered in a wide range of fabrics and leathers and finished with wood veneers (laminates). In addition, modern furniture can be decorated with paint, lacquer, or chrome.
Modern furniture is designed to make life easier and more enjoyable for those who own it. Simple, functional pieces of the latest design are the hallmarks of this type of furniture. It reflects the needs and tastes of contemporary life.
Which Style Is Right For You - Contemporary Or Modern?
Modern and contemporary furniture styles offer something different to homeowners interested in a fresh look for their space. While modern design is seen as more abstract and contemporary more practical, they can both be used to create a unique space when combined.
In choosing furniture for homes or businesses, most people tend to lean in one direction toward either contemporary or modern. However, both are certainly very different from each other regarding design and aesthetics. The fact is that they are so different that the selection of one over the other actually depends on your personal preference.
- Price
Contemporary furniture is typically expensive because of its design, which often includes modern materials such as leather or steel. If the piece of furniture is made from wood, it will not be less costly because most types of wood can last for a long time.
Furniture that has an element of modern design is often more expensive than furniture with contemporary design. This happens because of the materials and the craftsmanship used to make the piece of furniture. Modern pieces usually consist of metal, leather, or glass combined for a stylish look.
- Durability
Because both styles are typically made from wood or metal, it is safe to say that both can have a very long life span. However, many factors might affect the durability of the furniture pieces. For example, if you purchase a piece of wooden furniture with drawers, it would last longer than a chair made from metal.
- Maintenance
If made with modern materials such as leather or steel, contemporary furniture requires very little maintenance. In fact, there is almost no need for any maintenance at all. As for modern furniture pieces, those made from glass or metal will require occasional dusting, and those with leather upholstery will require a weekly wipe to remove dust and debris that your vacuum might miss.
- Location
Contemporary pieces of furniture fit perfectly with a variety of decors. As a result, they can easily go anywhere from traditional to contemporary homes. On the other hand, modern furniture is perfect for more modern-style homes where the decor is lighter and brighter.
- Size
Contemporary pieces come in different shapes and sizes. You can find them in most furniture styles, from living room sets to bedroom furniture. There is a wide variety of contemporary styles, from those with upholstery to those made from glass or metal.
Modern design comes in only two different types - curvy and clean lines. It is very versatile when it comes to the size of the pieces, but it usually works best for smaller rooms.
Today, the furniture market is flooded with different designs of all kinds. There are chairs for any place or occasion, be it a welcoming armchair in an office or something more decorative to suit a living room. Furniture has become much more than just somewhere to sit - it's now an expression of who you are and your interests.
If you’re looking for a furniture store in Toronto for your next home upgrade, we recommend you visit us at InSTYLE Home & Rugs. We have the best designs and styles of furniture for your unique tastes.
Visit our Yonge St downtown showroom situated in the heart of Toronto's trendy Yorkville district, just a short walk from the Bloor subway Stn. Customers are also invited to take advantage of our convenient onsite free parking!