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There are so many things to consider when shopping for new furniture. You’ve got to account for the amount of space you have, the flow of foot traffic, and the overall appearance of the room. Where should you start?
Deciding which furniture makes the most sense for your home can be a challenge. But by learning a little more about styles, you can choose furniture that reflects your unique tastes and create a cohesive atmosphere that your guests are sure to love.
Modern Furniture
The modern style began as a response to the Victorian furniture of the 19th Century, rejecting the ornate designs of the era for something more clean and simple. The modern furniture movement can trace its roots back to powerhouse design schools like Bauhaus and rockstar designers like Charles and Ray Eames.
Modern furniture is concerned with industrial materials like glass and metal and rarely incorporates natural or historical references found in earlier furniture styles. Designs are intentionally spare, putting the emphasis on function over form.
While modern furniture might not suit everyone’s taste, the simplicity and functionality of modern furniture design can be compatible with almost any decor.
Rustic Furniture
As the name suggests, rustic furniture takes its inspiration from the rugged outdoors. Beginning in England in the late 1800s, the rustic style was heavily influenced by the romantic art movement of the time - which often emphasized a return to nature.
There are many types of rustic furniture, but one of the most iconic designs still seen today is the Adirondack chair. The rustic style focuses on neutral colors and natural materials like wood, stone, and wrought iron.
Art Deco Furniture
Art Deco spans everything from jewelry to architecture, but some of the most impressive Art Deco designs can be found in furniture. This style traces its origins back to the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, a 1925 exhibition in Paris from which Art Deco takes its name.
Unlike the modern style, Art Deco is meant to be the height of luxury, incorporating fine materials, geometric patterns, and intricate lines. Lacquered surfaces, contrasting colors, and a high level of detail are all hallmarks of this style.
Victorian Furniture
The Victorian style exudes elegance and sophistication. This style takes its name from Queen Victoria and was the first furniture style to be mass manufactured in the Industrial Era. The Victorian style is easily recognizable for curved lines, detailed fabrics, and elaborate embellishments in pieces like loveseats and ottomans.
Industrial Furniture
The industrial style is characterized by its minimalist design and raw or repurposed materials. Industrial furniture often takes simple furnishings like brushed-metal cabinets and cast-iron tables and pairs them with softer design elements like upholstered fabric.
This style is currently enjoying a comeback as warehouse and manufacturing space in North America and Europe is repurposed. Besides its unique look, industrial furniture is celebrated for its longevity and durability.
Bohemian Furniture
The Bohemian style isn’t tethered to any one look but takes an eclectic sampling of other styles to produce a bold, individualized aesthetic. This style shares its free spirit with the artists and creatives who defined the Bohemian movement.
Bohemian furniture often uses bright colors and natural materials and takes influence from different historical periods and geographic locations. Textures and patterns are important in the Bohemian style, and tapestries and upholstery are usually prominent.
Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Developed in the years following World War II, the mid-century modern style leverages simplicity and functionality. Mid-century modern designers sought to create chairs, dining tables, and other pieces with energy and optimism, a direct response to the anxieties of the preceding wartime period.
This style focuses on organic shapes and clean lines and emphasizes function over aesthetics.
Postmodern Furniture
The postmodern style is bold and brash. While the movement itself was relatively short-lived, its impact on furniture design can’t be understated. Starting in the 1980s, postmodern design was primarily an American and Italian phenomenon, perhaps most famously featured in the Memphis design movement.
Postmodern furniture uses hot colors and loud patterns. Proportions are often unusual, and lightweight materials like plastic are typically used.
Scandinavian Modern Furniture
Scandinavian modern design takes the best of aesthetically appealing design with optimal functionality. This style is beloved for its simple elegance and is often described as warm and inviting. Typical features of Scandinavian modern style include lightweight wood, neutral colors, and open design.
Furniture styles are always changing, and what’s hot one year might be unpopular the next. To decide which furniture style is right for you, try to stay up to date with the latest interior design trends for inspiration and direction. But more than anything, try to find furniture that fits your unique style.
No matter what your style is, at Watson’s, we have the furniture that’s right for you. When you shop with us, you’ll find an amazing selection and personalized service, along with the guaranteed lowest prices in the USA. We offer all the quality furniture you need to outfit your living room, dining room, or any other space in your home. So, no matter what kind of seating you choose, you’re sure to find what you need at Watson’s.
