Busting 5 Modern Furniture Myths

Many modern designers and manufacturers skew towards sleek and geometric simplicity in their designs. But don't be fooled: modern furniture is not a monolith and never has been.

Modern furniture, at its core, removes excess and keeps furniture beautiful and functional at the same time. Modernism as a concept was created in response to the heavily patterned and weighty decorative arts. (Think Art Nouveau and the Victorian movement.) Modern furniture focuses on the core design, bringing out the hidden appeal in precise lines and clean aesthetics.

Modern furniture and design has three subsets: functional modernism, transitional modernism, and commercial modernism. Each of these carries subtle differences in design and character. Therefore, people who think modern furniture lacks personality may prefer transitional modern furniture. It has more traditional design elements and embellishments than functional modernism, but still maintains that streamlined and open ambience that all modern art and furniture aims to create. It takes from the best of both worlds!

We recommend pieces like the Rock Sideboard and the All Star Night collection by Angelo Tomaiuolo. Both are manufactured by Tonin Casa.

 

Any art or furniture style will “look the same” to someone who only takes a glance or only sees what generates buzz. Modern furniture doesn't stray from that. The devil is, as always, in the details. Let’s analyze a few pieces and see just how unique modern furniture can be.

First, we introduce the Air 0813 Sofa, designed by Daniele Lago for Lago. As part of the Air collection, it lives up to its name perfectly as the sofa frame and cushions sit firmly on glass legs. Glass, being transparent, evades the eye and gives the illusion that the furniture is quite literally floating on air.

 

Perhaps all modern beds look the same to you, with geometric lines and simple structures. Nusa Jelenec partners up with Lago to prove you wrong with the Colletto Bed. “Colletto” means “collar” in Italian, and the upholstery folds back just like a shirt collar. Pulling it back up puts you in a soft fabric cocoon, keeping you cozy and warm.

 

As shown above, quite a few furniture elements we’ve shown prove this claim wrong simply by existing. But let’s look at what this statement really says. As we discussed, modern furniture design is not a monolith. However, core elements do include sleek and deliberate design without unnecessary overabundance. Neutrals and greys are the most adaptable colors, so they tend to be the most popular. The world around us constantly changes, so multi-functional, adaptable furniture elements have a longer lifespan in the home.

But does that mean you and your modern home are stuck in a sea of neutrals and greys? Absolutely not! The vast majority of modern furniture comes in colorful, vibrant designs that are easily customizable. If our previous examples haven't convinced you, check out the Salinas Sectional Sofa by Talenti.

 

Perhaps Midj's Plisse Marble Dining Table sits at your speed.

 

If you want another way to bring color and vibrancy to a room, or to give your furniture a contemporary style, check out our selection of luxury Italian wallpaper. We host companies like LondonArt Wallpapers and Adriani & Rossi. With a plethora of patterns, moods, and color schemes, there’s something in store for you and your tastes.

 

To be fair, this topic has some nuance. Let’s discuss.

Modern furniture does work perfectly in office spaces and similar environments. Bold, geometric designs, sleek structure, and sophisticated poise invites cooperation, confidence, and efficiency. Particularly, the furniture itself, where work gets done, is multi-functional and harmonious, so why wouldn’t the office be?

However, don't try and force a square peg into a round hole. We want to stress that your home is YOUR home, and you should style it in ways that look and feel good to you. A home should always feel welcoming and safe to those who live in it, no matter what style. Equally important, you do not have to turn your entire home into a replica of the images you see online, on TV, or in magazines to appreciate modern furniture in your home.

If you’re still not convinced, try pieces of furniture that incorporate warmer colors and materials like wood and leather. Indeed, modern furniture is not only made of stainless steel, glass, and marble! You can also schedule an appointment at our showroom in Philadelphia to get advice and see our options.

 You want to know what the real scam is? Fast fashion and its evil cousin, fast furniture. With both fast fashion and fast furniture, a lot of the materials used won’t last long and won’t biodegrade. Not only that, but in 2018, 9.68 million tons of fast furniture got tossed into landfills… in America alone.

 

Conversely, at roomservice 360, our most trusted brands, like Gamma Arredamenti, Cattelan Italia, Lago, and Fiam Italia, actively combat fast furniture trends. They use sustainable processes like recycling fabric and wood, partner with local suppliers, and stay away from toxic materials and byproducts. Markedly, they carefully craft each piece with utmost attention to detail just for you; they are high-level artisans, not mass manufacturers.

 

Unfortunately, this does mean longer wait times and higher price points. However, furniture that’s manufactured using high end materials, made by hand, or using innovative machinery will last for decades to come. Treat this furniture like an investment, and it more than pays off.