Modern Furniture - The Evolution From the Traditional to the Modern

The modernist design movement of furniture started in the 19th century. Erstwhile furniture like that of the Victorian era were ornate, complicated in design and did not give much attention to functionality. Made from gilded woods and expensive fabric of arabesque designs, the earlier furniture stood more for aesthetic appeal and the furniture cost increased by the several hours it took to create it. The modernist movement ushered in new methods of manufacture and introduced fresh materials as well, to revolutionize the industry. The style also changed from the visually heavy to the light mode.

In the 20th century, the furniture trend shifted from the erstwhile traditional and ornamental style to a more contemporary one that focused more on comfort and functionalism. Modern furniture started breaking away from the old mold and started embracing the new and innovative ideas of the day. Guided by the present and the future, infused with independence, free thinking and practicality than the conventional views that held sway earlier, furniture manufacture strived to achieve new levels of excellence.

Modern furniture based its evolution on several factors like design trend, materials and new manufacturing technology. The Werkbund and the Bauhaus Schools of design contributed to new ideas in modern furniture design. Exotic designs from countries across the world as well as Art Nouveau and the myriads of designers contributed to the diverse range of furniture that continues to dazzle the world. Here are some of the factors that have contributed heavily to the progress of modern furniture.

Modern Furniture - The Evolution From the Traditional to the Modern

Fresh Materials

Veering away from the traditional gilded woods and elaborate fabrics, the new designers of modern furniture turned their attention to the latest materials that the latest technology made available. With functionality as the fulcrum, designers now worked on balancing aesthetics and practicality using the new forms of steel, plastics and fiber, and incorporating new colors, textures, and shapes, to produce beautiful pieces of modern furniture by blending various materials and methods. Most of these products have straight lines and uses a number of materials like metal, glass and wrought iron.

Fabrics

Modern furniture uses smooth fabrics in place of the old, elaborate and decorative texture. Some of the favorite fabrics for modern formal furniture are linen, silk, and high quality leather, while the more casual modern furniture uses cotton and other blends of cotton with synthetic fibers. Other fabric used in furniture includes special fabrics that are acetate, acrylic, microfiber or nylon based.

Space saving

The geometrical shapes that abound in contemporary furniture designs provide for a streamlined, efficient and lightweight furniture made from reclaimed materials, tubular steel, chrome, plastic and glass, contribute to space-saving and you will find extensive use of natural fabrics like cotton, jute, silk and wool and the like.

Modern Furniture - The Evolution From the Traditional to the Modern

The strong influence of exotic designs

Many exotic designs from Japan, Africa and Asia that have now become easily accessible, dominate the styles of modern furniture. The revolutionary Japanese designs have had a telling effect on modern furniture.