Modern and Retro Furniture in Today’s Homes

Modern and Retro Furniture in Today’s Homes

Modern furniturehas a lot in common with the recent passion for retro decorating styles. Most of what we consider as “retro” represents the classic style elements of the 1940s and 1950s, with occasional nods to the Art Deco styles of the 1920s. When the American Modern styles first came out in the mid-20^th century, they were considered to be not only modern, but downright futuristic.

But many of the best design elements from that time have become classics, because they lend themselves to the realities of today’s homes. Chrome accents not only brighten a room, but are far easier to care for than intricately carved accents. A simple, rectangular sofa works just as well for an impromptu nap as it does for snuggling down with the family and watching a movie at night. Try that with a curvy Victorian settee!

The modern / retro look is also well suited to urban living. Because lines are clean and scaled down, looks that borrow from the 40s and 50s tend to make great city furniture, where space is often at a premium. The fact that the colors black and white figure prominently in many retro-furnished living rooms makes these styles perfect for rented homes, where you may not be able to take liberties with paint or floor coverings.

Any furniture outlet worth its salt will include pieces that reflect the American Modern styles of the 1940s and 50s, because they’re the kinds of pieces that can slip easily into just about any home or apartment, upgrading the look without necessitating a complete style overhaul. Plus, if you purchase American Modern-influenced furniture and end up having to relocate, you can be confident that your furniture will look good in your new digs, too.

The furniture designs from the mid-20^th century may not look futuristic today, but the best of these designs are still highly influential in the furniture being made today because of their successful melding of beautiful form and practical function.

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