Three design styles, each equally stunning: Contemporary, Modern, and Mid-Century Modern. Where’s the difference? You will find it in the details... minor differences that make big impacts on the overall aesthetic, ones that need to be understood before making the final choice—exactly what we will talk about today; a guide on modern vs. contemporary furniture, contemporary vs. mid-century modern furniture, and modern vs. mid-century modern furniture.
What is Modern Furniture Design?
“Modern” furniture design probably makes you think of something linked to present trends. But you might be surprised to hear that the modern design movement ended about 50 years ago! The era started in the 1920s with the rise of Art Deco and ended around the 1970s with the aesthetic that we today consider vintage.
Modern design is usually classified by its use of wood (and other earthy materials). The emphasis is mostly on clean lines & functionality. We also notice striking symmetry and a sense of balanced comfort. It’s a choice that encompasses multiple other design styles, including contemporary and mid-century.
What is Contemporary Furniture Style?
The characteristics of contemporary interior design are similar, but not the same as modern furniture design. Originally a blend of multiple design styles, contemporary interiors took quite a while before they became recognized on their own. The aesthetic borrowed design features from modernism and postmodernism. It also gathers ideas from many designs, such as futurism, deconstructivism, Art Deco, and more.
And still, “contemporary” design is evolving. As each decade ends, the decor trends of the day are always seen as contemporary. Unlike modern design, which is specifically tied to a particular period, contemporary design is an ever-changing style that reflects what’s happening today—the glimpses of what we see in images of contemporary furniture on Wlive and other home decor contemporary modern collections.
What is Mid-Century Modern Furniture Design?
A design style that defined the mid-20th century with its minimal, functional wooden items made from teak with geometric or curved shapes. Furnishings prioritize frequent use of natural materials—and bold mid-century colors, including reds, yellows, sages, blush pinks, etc.
Mid-century modern elements of clean lines and functionality are celebrated to date. Multipurpose furniture, which was adopted in this design, is something designers still promote. Natural materials are loved more than ever, considering the rise of sustainability.
Modern vs. Contemporary Furniture
There are similar features found in both modern and contemporary home decor. In fact, this is actually where much of the confusion stems from when trying to distinguish the two. Both styles favor uncluttered, simple spaces with clean, smooth lines and artistic flair, which, as a result, impart a comfortable, calming feeling.
Neither design prioritizes heavy elements or ornate designs, but contemporary interiors might bend the rules every now and then as the trends change. In both styles, chairs, sofas, ottomans, etc., feature exposed legs. Reflective surfaces and plenty of exposed wood are the defining elements.
But is contemporary the same as modern? No, it’s not. Modern vs. contemporary furniture has noticeable differences, too. Modern design is cozy, warm, and focused on functionality. The streamlined silhouettes of modern pieces are long and low. You see tapered lines, strong legs, and angled arms, paired with muted & earthy hues highlighting modern furniture style.
Contemporary furniture, on the other hand, tends to be more ornamental, though still sleek and showcasing a lot of curves. Examples of contemporary furniture revolve around tables (and other pieces) with glossy or lacquered finishes or pieces made of glass or chrome. Contrasting hues, like black and white, are favored, but neutral pieces with pops of bold are accepted, too.
Contemporary vs. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Characteristics of contemporary interior design aren’t as similar as contemporary and modern. We see more differences than overlaps. Contemporary decor, for example, constantly evolves, and so does the furniture. Mid-century modern is rooted in vintage style that celebrates timeless simplicity.
Contemporary furniture style leans on unique materials, like glass and metal. Yet, mid-century modern style furniture emphasizes more of natural materials. A similar difference is found in the color schemes of the two; contemporary revolves around neutrals + bold accents, while mid-century incorporates retro-inspired colors.
Modern vs. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Modern furniture style is highly similar to mid-century modern furniture. You could think of it as a sub-category housed under a modern aesthetic. There are quite noticeable differences, but because the modern style umbrellas mid-century modern, it includes other elements like minimalism and Scandi.
The main difference between the two is found in how welcoming each is for decorative accents. Modern interiors are known for their no-nonsense minimalism. They don’t have a flashy reputation. However, mid-century modern doesn’t mind a decorative accent here and there. Eye-catching pendant lights and sunburst mirrors are common in this stunning aesthetic, but even in its statement decor, it has a starkness that still helps it feel uncluttered.
Blending Modern, Contemporary, and Mid-Century Modern
If you too, like most of us, have a love for at least one element from each design style, feel free to play around with things and incorporate all three—but with good balance.
You can, for example, pair a sleek, contemporary sofa with a mid-century modern coffee table and a minimal wood end table. In your dining space, think of mixing mid-century modern dining chairs (hello, tapered legs and curved backs!) with a neutral-toned modern dining table. And if you’re decorating a more functional space, like a home office, try combining a white office desk with an upholstered mid-century office chair. Finish the look with a soft, contemporary wood file cabinet.
Remember, decorating a modern contemporary interior design, a modern mid-century interior, or even a contemporary mid-century interior isn’t limited to furniture. Lighting, window treatments, floor coverings, texture; there’s so much more to consider before you get to the ✨ perfect interior of your dreams ✨ Think thoroughly, and decide carefully.
Here are some of pour favorite furniture products to mix and match:
WLIVE Wide 6-Drawer Modern Horizontal Wood Dresser
This dresser comes in a black finish and silver hardware. It makes for a modern furniture piece, which can make a bold statement wherever it’s used. We recommend this dresser to adorn your bedroom—or as a sideboard in the living room.
WLIVE Mid Century Modern Wood Lift Top Coffee Table with bookshelves
For a mid-century modern addition, consider this wood lift top coffee table. It comes in a rustic finish of wood, which is ideal for the MCM aesthetic. The legs lift it off the floor, making it a suitable piece for spaces that can feel compact, too. The table goes big on functionality with the shelving and lifting top, which can double it as your workstation!
WLIVE Modern Minimalist LED TV Stand for 65 Inch TV
The third item to add to your living room belongs to the modern aesthetic. Case in point: a minimalist and futuristic LED TV stand. This piece features a modern white finish and integrated lighting. Simultaneously, the hidden storage lets you keep your essentials hidden from sight.
Final Words
Modern, contemporary, and mid-century have been around for a good time now, but each aesthetic continues to inspire new and fresh decor ideas. Let us know which design style reflects your personality the most—and don’t forget to visit Wlive to find high-quality, customizable furniture pieces that fit into each of these categories 🤍
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