Contemporary, Traditional and Old World Style Furniture: What's the Difference?

By: Robert Thomson Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Contemporary, traditional, Old World... It's easy to become consumed with style, especially when you're looking to dress up your home. Hire an interior decorator and you're suddenly overwhelmed with the different styles they're telling you about. If you don't hire an interior decorator, you may spend months trying to figure out what furniture matches which style or vice versa.

Of the many options, contemporary, traditional and Old World style furniture are mentioned often. What's the difference? What would make contemporary more appealing to the eye than Old World, or traditional more appealing than contemporary? Although style is truly a matter of personal taste, this article should shed some light on these beautiful pieces of furniture, from old to new.

Old World Style Furniture

Each piece of Old World furniture, also referred to as European-style furniture, is truly a beautiful work of art. Although it is a timeless design style, it would not be hard to imagine Old World furniture in the den of Christopher Columbus. Rooms decorated in this style hold a sense of history and grandness, yet leave no doubt that the individual using the room does so in comfort.

Wood and stone, warm fabrics, tapestries and soft, luxurious leathers all characterize European-style furniture. The woods are warm and dark, such as cherry, walnut, dark oaks or mahogany. The rich tone of the wood is beautifully offset with elegant designs, intricate carvings, gilding, inlays or lacquer at key joins of the furniture, or up the legs and arms. Gentle slopes and curves urge the individual to sit and enjoy a peaceful moment. Generally, Old World furniture is over-sized, which goes far to create the added affect of comfort on top of elegance and warmth.

Traditional Style Furniture

Although Old World furniture and traditional style furniture are often confused by laymen, there are some differences between the two. Traditional furniture is generally classified as those like the Baroque, Queen Anne, Chippendale, Victorian and Empire styles. Although sometimes oversized like Old World furniture, this style is often much more ornate.

Warm, fine wood, such as maple or oak, is a classic characteristic of traditional furniture, as well as elaborate carvings and moldings, floral marquetry, gildings and the like. Many traditional pieces are painted or covered with fine, overstuffed velvets and embroidered upholstery. Cabinetry, as well, does not escape this ornate, yet oddly delicate style, with its fine arches and perhaps brass, pewter or ivory inlays.

In short, traditional style furniture may range over several designs. These pieces are beautiful, ornate, and very seldom simple.

Contemporary Style Furniture

Contemporary style furniture is as different from traditional and Old World as night is from day. Instead of intricate designs and ornate gilding, contemporary furniture is simplistic and functional. However, functional can still be beautiful. In fact, those that love the style consider it clean, sleek and chic.

Gone are the wood, leather and ornate fabrics, to be replaced by glass, chrome, metal and other materials. In general, contemporary furniture is made of man-made materials and synthetic fabrics, although some use natural materials. The actual characteristics of the contemporary style are various, defined less by material and more by the way the pieces look and "feel" in their surroundings.

Minimalist, simple, stark shapes with little decorations embody this sleek, striking style.

Now that you know the difference...

How do you decide which style to decorate your home with? Remember, style is a matter of personal preference. Many homeowners have decorated their homes with more than one style, basing their choice on the room itself. Others have chosen to decorate their entire house in one style. However, whether it's contemporary, traditional or Old World style furniture, if you choose the one that calls to you it's a sure win!

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