Modern means "in the current time," at least to some people. So, there are people who think that modern furniture has to be brand new. Some even believe that it has to be styled in a sleek, futuristic way to reflect the ever-changing times.
By that definition, any furniture that looks a bit ahead of its time could be considered modern. More ever, the truth is that the term "modern furniture" refers more to a design school. That school of the plan is called "modernism." The modernism system began with designers who wanted to emphasize function and style over form. However, these days, this style is not just about function. It is a form of functional modern art.
Pieces of furniture that are done in the modernism style tend to use many different materials. Metal and plastic are the most popular options because they sleek, clean lines and can be molded to any shape. However, this style of a furniture piece can also contain plywood and many other materials.
· Contemporary Furniture
Contemporary furniture can be defined in a lot of different ways. For example, it can mean furniture done in today's style, whenever today happens to be. For instance, someone living in 1950 who owned furniture made in the 1950s could call it contemporary, but someone living today who owns furniture created in the present time could also call it that way. This is the reason why some people think that modern furniture and contemporary furniture are the same things.
Contemporary pieces can also be termed as a group. Nevertheless, most people think of modern furniture as done in their own time. So, by definition, anything done in the modernism style could also be considered contemporary to some people. After all, current trends do lean towards both functionality and style.
When referring to modern furniture and contemporary furniture, the place from which the product originated is also essential.
· Materials
Current pieces generally utilize glass, metal, and chrome for shiny and clean features. Modern details are usually smooth and use sharp lines and angles. However, that depends a great deal on where in the world the furniture comes from. For instance, European, American, and contemporary Japanese furniture are all quite distinctive and different.
· The Japanese Influence
Both modernism and the current widespread contemporary design movements have been greatly influenced by Japanese interior design. The western world was first exposed to Japanese design at the end of the nineteenth century, and Japan's styles have been influencing western furniture ever since.
The Noguchi coffee table is a modern marvel of form and function, merging Japanese and American elements. Isamu Noguchi also had a background in architecture, which undoubtedly influenced the famous Noguchi coffee table and many other furniture pieces.
· The German Influence
Of course, modern moth furniture and contemporary furniture have been influenced by other cultures as well. The German culture has had a significant influence on schools of design. During the 1920s, Germany was home to many of the most important furniture makers.
So, although both styles can be pretty similar, they can also be quite different. It depends on how you define them. Nevertheless, they do have several things in common. In another way, both pieces take their influences from many of the most significant furniture designers and design eras of the past.
Therefore, both contemporary furniture and modern furniture aren't just defined in words. A rich and wonderful history also represents them.