When most people think of modern furniture, a high-tech office or trendy apartment usually comes to mind. What most people don’t think of in association with modern decor and furniture are children. Families or single parents who purchase furniture usually seek a style that is darker or multi-colored, plushy and one that doesn’t have sharp corners. Not all families want this style, though – it is simply purchased for its practicality. Since modern pieces of furniture are usually portrayed in luxury settings, it is a common belief that all of these items are high-priced. Contemporary furniture is priced competitively today, with many manufacturers making pieces that are made durably but are not overpriced. This article will explain how contemporary home decor is suitable for families.

 

Living Room Furniture

Many modern furniture pieces are made of leather or vinyl. These materials are actually easier to keep clean and germ-free than cloth. Cloth traps germs, while a smooth surface allows them to be wiped away. Cleaning liquid spills and soft foods off the surface is also much easier. While most furniture pieces that are modern have defined or sharp corners, there are several choices in sofas and chairs that have padded and rounded corners. These pieces are actually much safer for children. Modern home decor rugs that are made of plastic, vinyl or water-resistant materials are also a popular choice. As mentioned with sofas and chairs, these rugs are also easier to keep clean and germ-free. Tables and lamps can also be family-friendly. Lamps that are large, bottom-heavy and round are easy to keep upright. When coupled with a material that is durable, they will also not break. Contemporary decor tables that are round are usually lightweight and without sharp corners, they will not leave abrasions if a child runs into them. If a child tips a table over on their body while trying to climb on it, a lightweight table is much safer and will cause less harm than a heavy wood table.

 

Dining Room Furniture

Tables and chairs for dining rooms can be found that are family-friendly and modern. Seats that are bucket-style or concave in the middle are safer for children than a straight and smooth seat. Kids often slip off of smooth surfaces, so the added contour helps keep them from sliding. Contoured modern dining chairs are also more comfortable; contoured seats are also more contributory to better circulation. Bar stools is a common style of modern dining furniture also. Stools can be bought that are lower to the ground, adjustable in height and have back and side rails. These styles are just as safe for kids as regular chairs. Many modern dining tables are also made with rounded corners and smooth materials that are splinter-free, unlike many older traditional furniture pieces.

 

Bedroom Furniture

Modern bedroom furniture can also be a fun choice for kids. Bed frames with interesting shapes, designs and textures are all part of modern home decor. While not every choice in modern bedroom furniture may be right for small kids, there are several types that are. Padded and buttoned headboards are one choice that are safe and, when paired with a waterproof material, are easy to keep clean. Dressers that are long instead of tall are a staple in modern bedroom furniture. These are safer for kids, who will not be able to tip them over. Shelving can also be used in place of drawer chests. Another interesting piece of furniture that can be double-purpose for kids is a drawing table. Made with a material similar to dry-erase boards, these tables can look like a decoration when clean, but can be used as a re-usable drawing space for kids. Modern styles are even suitable for babies. The traditional black and white theme is actually recommended, as babies are more fascinated by the drastic difference between black and white.

Families can certainly make their home look chic, sophisticated and elegant – and family-friendly too. In a well-planned modern family home, furniture will not only be attractive, but also easy to clean and keep free of germs. There is no need to settle for traditional furniture if modern styles are desired. Contemporary home decor and furniture choices are cost-effective and durable. Incorporating comfort and style into this type of furniture is possible with a little research, shopping and creative thinking.



By: Georgie Henderson

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There are as many styles in the world of furniture and design as there are tastes to desire them. From the somber dark woods of the Jacobean period to the geometric characteristics of Art Deco, there is something for everyone, and often making a choice is the hardest part. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and it is certainly true in the furnishing world.

Let’s run through some of the more well-known styles, defining and categorizing them so that with a little understanding, we can better analyze our tastes and desires. From rustic to formal, simple to elaborate, furniture creates a mood and shows off personal taste to best effect.

17th Century Furniture – Furniture has come a long way from the heavy 17th century Jacobean influences. This mediaeval-style furniture was typically plain wood with rush seats, straight lines and characteristically dark wood. In later years Early American style evolved, with typical European influence brought by the immigrants to the New World of America. In contrast, Louis XIV was busy creating the splendours and opulence of Versailles, with ornate gold carvings, fine artwork and magnificent craftsmanship in every room.

The later William and Mary style brought trumpet turned legs, ball feet and padded upholstery to English parlours with a new look in oriental lacquer work.

18th Century Furniture – As Queen Anne ascended the English throne in 1702, furnishings became more refined, with graceful cabriole legs, rococo ornate trimmings and shell curves. Tapestry and chintz were popular and this became known as Queen Anne style.

Colonial style American furniture was more conservative than English furniture of the same period, featuring carved pillars and less ornamentation. Following Queen Anne, Georgian style appeared and was particularly identifiable in architecture. In furniture, carved cabriole legs were the fashion, along with S-shaped curves and motifs. In the latter half of the 18th century, Chippendale furniture was in vogue, especially after the publication of Chippendale’s book of designs. His furniture was graceful, delicate and cultured and was further developed by Adam and Hepplewhite who introduced tapered legs, veneers and inlay to great effect.

From 1780-1820 Sheraton style was the most reproduced style in America during the Federal period, with bow-fronted chests and cabinets. Chairs now had sloping arms and upholstered seats with central splat detail on the backs.

19th Century Furniture – Shaker furniture is still a popular style today. It is defined by the simple, utilitarian furniture approved of by the religious communities in America. It is typically plain and unadorned, as was the architecture and lifestyle of those early immigrants.

Back in England, the Victorian era heralded much heavier and darker furniture than before. It is easily recognizable by its Gothic influence, and heavy substantial proportions. It often had elaborate carving or ornamentation to offset the dark finish of the oak, mahogany and walnut woods.

20th Century Furniture, and Onwards – With the dawn of the 20th century, Art Nouveau was a refreshing change. Furniture made a tremendous departure from what had gone before. Chair backs were balloon-shaped or bentwood. Furniture had curving lines, scalloped fronts and intricate patterns. This morphed into the Art Deco period which featured abstract designs, ornamental motifs, rectilinear shapes and a certain geometric style. It took the world by storm at the Paris Exhibition of 1925 after the dreary days of World War I. The Art Deco style is clearly illustrated in the pastel-coloured architecture of South Beach, Miami and the furniture within.

In furniture the Mid-Century Modern style was progressing, particularly influenced by Charles and Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen and Gio Ponti, whose mass-produced designs in man-made materials revolutionised furniture in the mid 20th century western world.

From the 1960’s onwards furniture became Contemporary. Scandinavian ideas featured light natural wood, with simple lines, utilitarian design and very little ornamentation. This was later developed still more by such designers as Marc Newson into the Post Modern and Contemporary style which is popular today for modern homes.

This is the story so far, but progress does not stand still. With the advent of new materials, glass furniture and new innovations, styles continue to develop. No doubt by the end of the 21st century, several new terms will have been added to the dictionary of furniture design and style.

From contemporary modern furniture, all the way back to antique furniture – Crawleys Furniture has a wide range of items that can work with your home or office needs.



By: Gill Crawley

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