Traditional vs Contemporary Interior Furniture Design
Terminology matters when you are passionate about interior design and feel as though you could discuss it all day. Traditional and contemporary are the two main terms used while describing a furniture piece. When it comes to decorating your own space, it's important to pay attention to the difference between the two.
You've probably never noticed the subtle differences between these terms, even if they may appear to be equivalent in a broad sense, particularly when it comes to design. Fortunately for you, we're here to explain what some of the most common design jargon actually means.
Because traditional and modern furniture designers draw inspiration from various historical eras, traditional and modern furniture styles differentiate from each other dramatically. When creating their furniture, traditional designers refer to past designs. Wood is a preferred medium in their works, which highlights beauty and heritage whereas modern furniture designers draw inspiration from the future or the present. They experiment unrestrainedly with a wide range of substances, forms, and purposes. Both have colourful histories, illustrious designers, and devoted followers.
This blog discusses the main differences between the two styles. Keep on reading to gain deeper insights into both styles.
Traditional vs Contemporary Furniture Style
1. Origin
Around the 1970s, the idea of contemporary furniture in interior design started to gain traction. (1) Since then, as is only visible, it has continued to update and evolve in response to the times, taking cues from and incorporating the fashions of its own era.
On the other hand, Traditional design, which draws inspiration from Greek and Roman traditions (2), indicates a more orderly and symmetrical overview of shapes and proportions than pure classical aesthetics, which are marked by an opulent and 'ostentatious' style and a focus on motifs and signature looks.
2. Meaning
By definition, contemporary is committed to evolution and advancement. Many pieces of contemporary furniture have an industrial style because they were made after the industrial revolution. The materials employed to produce this new appearance included novel ones like bent plywood and polymers., whereas,
Traditional furniture is frequently referred to as magnificent and opulent. But that does not mean traditional furniture has to be too large, imposing, or elaborate. Modern traditional furniture is lighter and better suited to lifestyles in the twenty-first century thanks to softer curves, subtler patterns, and regulated carvings.
3. Designs
Contemporary furniture designs are thought of as well-organised recent stylistic fads. Contemporary design is by its very nature flexible, dynamic, and adaptable to the needs of the time. Responding to the current stimuli while also adjusting as needed is its task whereas traditional designs showcase imposed details inspired by past designs. Traditional furniture placements and designs can appear visually cluttered. Figured wallpaper, several upholstery designs, a painted floor or carpet with multiple colours, and complex window treatments are frequently used in rooms.
4. Features
Contemporary furniture features simple, slender arms and sleek, comfortable sitting with angled legs. Modern upholstery is typically low to the ground and has little to no tufting, buttons, or nailhead design whereas,
A rolled arm, cabriole leg, claw foot, wood trim, dark finish, nailhead pattern, and ornamental knobs are a few typical characteristics of the traditional style.
5. Large Space Vs Small Space
Traditional furniture is not made to fit into compact spaces. These are frequently substantial, heavy pieces made of high-quality fabric. These serve as the statement piece because they are intended to be the centrepiece of your home. Contemporary furniture doesn't appear bulky in your rooms as traditional furniture does. With its airy fabrics and brilliant colours, it actually gives the impression of larger areas. As accent pieces, contemporary furniture is also employed. They create a great aesthetic while taking up very little room.
6. Which One To Choose
Traditional furniture might be an excellent option if you want to give your place a rustic feel and enjoy dark woods with elaborate carvings, beautiful knobs, crowning embellishments, or a lot of other detail work. Contemporary furniture is the best bet for a sophisticated feel and may be more your style if you prefer angular shapes or clean, streamlined lines.
Conclusion
With the above differentiation, we hope you have gained a lot of knowledge and might have come to a conclusion as to which type of furniture you want to have at your place. That’s great! You deserve a pat on your shoulder.
As long as you know the differences between traditional and contemporary furniture, you don't have to pick one over the other.
You can avoid discarding one piece of furniture over another. It may happen that when you visit a store you might like a traditional sofa and a modern accent chair, and you may feel confused will they both go together. But do not worry, if combined properly, traditional and modern furniture may coexist peacefully.
Sunday Designs brings to you a great range of traditional as well as contemporary furniture pieces to choose from. From bedroom furniture to living space, tableware, and outdoor space furniture they have everything you need for your space. With their experience centres in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, you can now visit their store in person and feel the luxury!
