Designing a home is full of decisions. Key among them? What style of furniture is right for your needs? With so many styles to choose from — traditional, contemporary, modern, Mid-Century Modern — it can be difficult to discern what feels like you but also addresses your needs. To help you make the call, we’ve collected four considerations to take into account when selecting a signature style for your home.
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Consider the style of your house
To be clear: the style of your home doesn’t have to dictate your furniture style. However, you’ll likely want to avoid polar opposite pairings. (Think: Victorian-era furniture in a Mid-Century Modern ranch.) If you do have the desire to incorporate furniture that’s not native to your home’s style and era, consider adopting a more eclectic mix. Many Mid-Century pieces, for instance, can work in perfect harmony with more traditional pieces. In example, many designers are fond of teaming MCM pedestal tables with Art Nouveau-era bentwood chairs.
Consider if you plan to move extensively
If you’re a frequent mover you may want to choose a furniture style that’s known for more pared-down silhouettes, such as Mid-Century Modernist pieces. Not only are modernist pieces generally more compact and lightweight than traditional furniture styles, but they’re easier to puzzle-piece into different spaces.
Consider how much upkeep you want
As a rule, traditional wood furniture tends to require more upkeep than newer pieces crafted of synthetic materials. If you’re not enchanted with the thought of breaking out the linseed oil, your best bet might be more modern furniture crafted of materials like fiberglass, aluminum, laminate, or acrylic. The same goes for upholstered pieces. Unless recently reupholstered, authentic antiques will often feature delicate fabrics. Newer styles are likely to be outfitted in stain-resistant, performance fabrics.
Consider your household
If kids or pets are a part of your roost, you might consider styles that aren’t considered delicate and precious. Modern furniture, with its reliance on plastic and laminate construction, is fairly indestructible. One thing to consider if you are attracted to more antiquated styles, but live in a home with plenty of action? Shop brands that specialized in antique reproductions with modern construction, such as Thomasville furniture.
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Ash Street Interiors / Photo by Stoffer Photography Interiors
