Contemporary furniture has been increasing in popularity over the last few yeas. In line with this, finding a contemporary furniture store has become easier, as the demand has increased. Although you may think contemporary and modernist furniture is one and the same, it’s actually not. The confusion lies in the fact that many elements of the modernist style have been incorporated into contemporary furniture.
So What’s the Difference?
To begin, it’s important to define terms. The modernist style of furniture refers to furniture that dates from the late 19th century to the present times that was influenced by the modernist movement. The modernist movement started in the 20th century, when the modernists began to look at art, music, design, and culture in a much different way than their artistic ancestors. After WWII and the devastation all across Europe it caused, the modernists were dedicated to designing revolution, not evolution. They viewed evolution as a smooth progression of history across time and argued that that was impossible. Instead, they argued for revolution and radical change. The modernist aesthetic relies on discontinuity, disruption, and the unexpected, turning away from realistic aspects or traditional styles.
The contemporary style is a little harder to define. Contemporary by its very definition refers to something happening right now. Therefore, contemporary style is always borrowing elements from different styles and aesthetics, be it modernist or something much more antique. The contemporary style mixes and matches, and is usually a good reflection of whatever is currently in vogue. At a contemporary furniture store, you might see the sleek and clean cut lines of modernist furniture or the wooden, elegantly wrought pieces of a Baroque era. The fun of going to a contemporary furniture store is all the different styles you can choose from to compose a room of your house.
Why is Modernist Furniture So Popular in Contemporary Style?
Modernist furniture tends towards the very simplistic, with clean lines, neutral colors, and practical fabrics. Glass, metal, and plywood are popular choices for modernist furniture. There’s a diverse range of options across the style and gives a room a sleek, contemporary look, emphasizing comfort and style. The practical nature of the movement creates pieces that are more compact and it requires less furniture to create a less cluttered look. For this reason, city dwellers often choose modernist furniture for their smaller spaces.
Where Can I Buy Contemporary Furniture?
The good news for you is that because contemporary furniture is always changing and draws from a wide range of styles, you can find it almost anywhere! If you want some specific guidance, go talk to a contemporary furniture store. However, online retailers, auctions, antique stores, or pawn shops can also be great places to find pieces, if you’re willing to hunt around. If you’re looking for a more modernist tinge to your contemporary style, you can find pieces at auction or at furniture stores. If you’re asking the question “Where Can I Buy Modern Furniture” on a budget, you can check out stores like IKEA, which offers a huge selection of furniture at modest prices.