People think of American modern furniture and expect something grandeur or luxurious. However, to the well-trained and educated eye, modern furniture is all about clean lines and smooth textures. While there is a whole class of people who love and enjoy traditional furniture, modern furniture is quickly becoming a favorite of the masses all over the world, but more so in America.

Not every piece of furniture sold at a “modern furniture” store is actually modern. There are certain features that a piece of furniture needs to have if it must be categorized as modern. If you are in the market for some new furniture and you would like to invest in some nice modern pieces, you need to be aware of those features.

Here is everything you need to know about modern furniture and what you should look for when making a purchase.

Features of Modern Furniture

Modern furniture is simpler. You can say that the modern furniture features crisp lines, clean cuts, the overall design is simple and the color palette is neutral and the materials are now unique or organic. Born in the 20th century, it is exactly what you expect it to be.

It was born from the decorative arts movement and has become a staple in the modern homes in the country. You will find modern furniture in hotels, high-rise buildings, Michelin star restaurants, and modern apartments.

Difference Between Contemporary and Modern Furniture

While you might think modern furniture and contemporary furniture are the same, there are a lot of differences between them. To the untrained eye, the two might look the same, but once you know the difference, it is very easy to distinguish between the two.

Instead of straight lines and smooth cuts, the contemporary furniture features curved lines and smooth shapes. It is still simple but it has more rounded geometric shapes, the color palette is glossier, and has a wider range of colors. A wider variety of materials are also available, which makes all the difference.

A Little History Lesson
Born from the modernist movement, modern furniture first began to appear on the scene in the early 1900s. At that time, the furniture style was considered to be rebellious and was believed to die before it even picked up the pace.

The movement became exceptionally popular in the 50s and 60s and since then it has never left our homes and buildings. What was once rebellious is the norm and often the epitome of luxury in certain cases. Many modern furniture designers take liberties with their artistic sides and come up with something new and better than before.

New fabrics and materials are being introduced and modern furniture is literally becoming a piece of art in many cases. While you still find furniture made from wood and vinyl, you can also find modern furniture made from natural wood and microfiber upholstery or organic recycled materials.

A whole world of options and varieties are available for you. All you need to do is pick what you want.