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Blog

What’s Your Furniture Design Style?

by Kyle Timtson

We know design styles can be a bit confusing when you’re shopping for a furniture motif.  What is traditional vs. transitional? Are modern and contemporary the same thing? What does casual design style even mean?

Not to worry, we have all the answers you’ll need when shopping your local furniture store for new home furnishings.

Contemporary Design Style 

A contemporary living room and kitchen

Contemporary is often confused for Modern, and vice versa, but they are not interchangeable. Contemporary design style is concerned with styles that are in trend right now. Less about specific looks and lines, Contemporary is a fluid design style that changes with the times.

You’ll find clean curves and straight lines alike here, as well as neutral tones with pops of color. Straight legs and metal frames draw focus to the simple shapes found in Contemporary furniture.

Modern Design Style 

Modern style living room with couch and TV

Modern design style refers to styles that reached their height of popularity in the ’30s. Defined by neutral color palettes and a lack of ornamentation, you won’t find curved lines in Modern design style furniture.

Exposed legs, polished surfaces, and geometric angles make up interior design of Modern style.

Traditional Design Style 

Traditional style sofa in an empty room

Speaking to style long past, traditional design style brings ornate shapes, curving lines, and natural materials into focus. Born of European styles like French country, 18th century English, and Colonial, this style offers symmetric looks, darker colors, patterned fabric and solids.

Ideal for homes that emphasize a heavier, richer feel in furniture, Traditional furniture brings home a feeling of the past while showcasing time-tested and timeless pieces.

Transitional Design Style 

Living room with accent chair, wall art, and transitional style sofa

Not to be confused with Traditional, Transitional design style is a marriage of styles; Specifically: Traditional and Contemporary.

Discover a coupling of older styles with the new! Transitional brings timeless design into the present with a combination of straight and curved lines and clean fabrics and finishes in dark browns, neutral grays, and beige tones.

Mid Century Modern 

Colorful accent chair and ottoman

Created in the ’50s and ’60s, Mid-century Modern is design simplicity at its best. Increasing in popularity again, Mid-century Modern emphasizes function and simple looks.

Metal legs, exposed frames, and sharp angles make up the Mid-century Modern furniture.

Casual Design Style 

Casual style living room with couch, plants, lamp, and ottoman

Warm and welcoming, Casual design style is a study of natural materials, softer colors, plush fabrics, and smooth lines. Think comfort, coziness, welcoming looks, and sweet, gentle vibes.

Rustic Design Style 

Rustic design bedroom by Liberty Furniture

Rustic design style keeps things rugged and natural. With solid materials and rich colors, this style brings countryside vibes to any space. When shopping local for Rustic furniture, look for rich wood, dark finishes, natural fabrics and leathers, and dark metal accents.

Shabby Chic Design Style 

Shabby chic style room with accent chair and flower pot

Shabby Chic either focuses on natural wear that furniture undergoes over time, or, with newer pieces, adds distressing in the finishing process. While Shabby Chic pieces themselves lean more toward Traditional, you may find Transitional and Coastal in this design style, as long as those pieces lean more toward ornate and antique design.

Coastal Design Style 

Coastal room with sectional, glass coffee table, and ocean views

With an emphasis on calm, clean whites and linens, Coastal design style is as welcoming as a cool sea breeze. Beachy and relaxing, Coastal design features soft tones, clean looks, and invokes a sense of natural light.

Glam Design Style 

Gold finished furniture with a pink couch and wall art

Upscale and luxurious, Glam style is refined elegance. At home in a Hollywood star’s home, this style focuses on golds and silvers, exposed metal, deep tones, and pops of color, glitter, and shine.

Bohemian Design Style 

Boho bedroom with plants, a chair, and a bed

Welcome to the carefree world of interior design! Bohemian style brings patterns and colors into the mix with a focus on texture. There are no hard and fast rules to Bohemian style, but if you’re having fun with your interior, you’re probably doing Bohemian right.

Industrial Design Style 

Industrial-style kitchen with wooden table, hanging metal lights, and sofa

Dark and rich, Industrial design turns the spotlight to architectural elements. Focusing on exposed metals, dark woods, and rustic colors, this style is at home in urban lofts, local bars, and chic studios alike.

Farmhouse Design Style 

Farmhouse style white bedframe with pillows and a light, colorful bedspread

Bringing the rural life into your home, Farmhouse design is a study of the simpler things in life. Crossbeams, natural woods, all-wood dining sets, minimal upholstery, and white tones make up this design style.

Contact Us! Shop Local for Furniture to Get our Incredible Deals

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for in your desired styles, check out our promotions on bedroom sets, living room sets, and even contemporary kitchen options in a myriad of design styles.

Contact us with any questions; we love to hear from you!