Features That Distinguish Modern Furniture from Other Styles
Modern Furniture is Identifiable through Several Distinctive Features and Designs
Very often, when people refer to goods or products as either ‘old’ or ‘new’, their descriptions are based on their own age and/or their interpretation of elapsed time. For example, items made in the 1970s may seem almost ancient today to people born within the last 15 years, while the same pieces may be considered as recent innovations by those born in the 1940s.
And while it may be fun to debate the semantics of such perspectives, it can also be rather confusing because it does not provide any specific definition as to the era of manufacture; in other words, what are the characteristics that clearly identify an item as being a particular style from a particular time period?
Such is the case with using the term ‘modern’ in relation to style of furniture. Some people may associate this word with the latest or freshest designs, while others may think it means non-traditional; others yet could have the mindset that modern furniture relates to anything manufactured after the industrial revolution (okay; that might be stretching things a little). In any event, to alleviate some of the potential confusion that may surround this class/style of furniture, here are several pertinent features that will help to distinguish modern pieces from other furniture styles.
To begin, modern furniture refers to any pieces manufactured from the late 19th century to the present day and that are departures from more traditional forms of furniture that were built from heavy, dark wood and incorporated elaborate/ornate carvings. This change was influenced by an emphasis on economic value, reduction of excess, and functionality rather than decorativeness; in essence, it was a shift in principles from ornamental to minimalistic.
Modern furniture may be constructed from many different types of materials, including:
- Steel
- Glass
- Plastic
- Chrome
- Plywood
- Wrought Iron
Furthermore, modern furniture is recognizable by these distinctive features or elements:
- More compact size – better fit for homes, apartments, and condos
- Lighter weight – in terms of both the wood and any other materials
- Lighter colour – creates an atmosphere that is brighter, less gloomy
- More comfortable seating – molded to the shape of the human body
- Inclusion of fabrics (including man-made) in various designs, colours
- More open/airy – lifted from the floor; a sense of more spaciousness
- Broader utility – home, office, commercial, lobbies/atria, professional
In addition to the above, when homeowners are interested in purchasing modern furniture, they should be confident that they are investing in original pieces rather than reproductions; this means dealing with a reputable furniture store that can attest to the authenticity of its modern inventory. One such option is the Carrocel fine furniture store located by Yorkdale Mall in Toronto.
Striking Collections of Modern and Mid-Century Modern Furniture on Display
A visit to the Carrocel fine furniture store at 245 Bridgeland Avenue in Toronto will provide homeowners an opportunity to compare and contrast striking collections of modern furniture and mid-century modern furniture (specific designs from the mid-1930s to the mid-1960s) on display in a 20,000 square-foot showroom.
Some of the Modern and Mid-Century Modern Furniture currently available from Carrocel for homeowners across Toronto includes the following:
- Modern Upholstered Arm Chairs
- Modern Upholstered Lounge Chair
- Modern Brass Parchment Writing Desk
- Modern Burled Walnut Stainless Steel Dining Table
- Modern Lounge Chair Featuring Brass Finished Base
- Modern Art Deco Inspired Cocktail End Tables
For a more comprehensive appreciation of the quality and the variety of modern furniture on display in the Carrocel showroom, see our Product Catalogue.
To find the ideal pieces of modern or mid-century modern furniture that best suit your home and lifestyle, Call the fine furniture experts at Carrocel today at 416-999-2525 or Contact us to schedule your no-obligation consultation. And take the opportunity to visit our 20,000 square-foot showroom, centrally-located at 245 Bridgeland Avenue in Toronto, to view our fine selection of original pieces and suites.
