It’s time to redecorate but what furniture styles do you want? Are traditional pieces more your style or do you prefer rustic? Maybe cottage style is perfect for what you have in mind?
There are so many furniture styles available it can be hard to decide, and besides, what distinguishes each one?
Here’s a handy guide to all the main furniture styles to help make your decorating project go smoothly.
Today, contemporary furniture usually features simple silhouettes that can be curvy or linear. The color palette is typically neutral, especially incorporating trendy hues such as shades of gray.
While the materials in this furniture style vary, the pieces generally have clean lines and not much ornamentation.
Top Furniture Styles for 2022
Trends come and go, even within enduring furniture styles. For 2022, the trends you’ll be seeing include some that are already on the rise:
- Curved furniture profiles. Angular looks will be less popular as more people search for softness and comfort.
- Vintage and reclaimed styles. More people are looking to history for meaning and a grounded feeling. The desire for sustainability plays into this trend too.
- Colorful Pieces. Neutral tones are a good foundation but without color, it can get a little boring. Colorful furniture accents will be popular.
- Lasting Investments. Quality over quantity is becoming the mantra. Buyers are seeing the value that comes from investing in quality furnishings.
- Textures. Furnishings that bring added texture to a room will be increasingly popular.
Difference Between “Antique” & “Vintage”?
Primarily the difference between antique and vintage furniture comes down to age. An antique piece has to be at least 100 years old. For vintage pieces, they typically have to be more than 20 years old.
Overall, antiques tend to cost more although that’s not always true. The best examples are true mid-century modern pieces or other furniture that is now iconic.
Traditional vs Contemporary Furniture
Part of the difference between traditional vs contemporary furniture is hard to pin down. This is because contemporary furniture is always changing to reflect what’s going on in the current moment. Contemporary furniture style evolves over time.
In the case of traditional furniture styles, the look is fixed. Pieces are heavier and more ornate. Inspirations from style eras like Queen Anne, Victorian or Chippendale styles. Pieces have more carved embellishments and upholstery choices are very conservative.
What’s the Difference Between Cottage Style and Farmhouse?
The farmhouse style grew out of the true American farmhouse while cottage style is a little more feminine, romantic and fussy.
- Farmhouse-style furniture is bigger and heavier and the color palette starts with white.
- Cottage-style furniture is more delicate and features flourishes and soft colors, along with some floral prints.
- Both styles are comfortable and more casual than many other types of furniture.
- Mixing and matching works in both these styles.
38 Furniture Design Style Ideas To Choose From
Mission-Style Furniture
Simple lines and flat planes are characteristics of Mission-style furniture. These features really highlight the grain of the wood, which is the primary material. A few other characteristics are common in this style:
- Substantial and made to last. Mission-style furniture uses the best types of wood which means you can hand it down through the generations. Popular hardwoods include oak, mahogany, walnut, or hickory.
- Little if any ornamentation. Function rules when it comes to Mission-style furniture. Hardware is usually iron or copper and high-quality and well-made.
- Leather upholstery is common. With an eye toward longevity, most upholstery is genuine leather because it lasts longer and is more durable.
Farmhouse Style Furniture
Primarily practical, farmhouse-style furniture is simple in form and function. Usually, it looks a bit worn or weathered with lots of natural materials. This style uses lots of different textures, warm neutral tones and plenty of vintage decor pieces.
In general, farmhouse-style celebrates imperfections and so does this furniture style. Everything feels cozy and casual and there really aren’t a lot of frilly embellishments. Finally, decorating with farmhouse-style furniture is a great opportunity to mix and match everything.
Victorian Style Furniture
Obviously, at the opposite end of today’s casual spectrum, Victorian-style furniture is formal and ornate. The wood is dark and heavily carved with intricate motifs like flowers, vines and ribbons. Moreover, the upholstery fabrics are luxurious and often velvet or profusely floral.
Victorian-style furniture doesn’t always mix with modern or contemporary styles but can work into others like eclectic and traditional. This reupholstered piece uses a vibrant print to make it more contemporary.
Contemporary
One of the most popular, but perhaps hardest to define, furniture styles is contemporary This is for good reason. Contemporary furniture changes with the times because it reflects popular in the current moment. Some use the term “contemporary” interchangeably with “modern” but that isn’t necessarily accurate.
A contemporary piece of furniture may have features from a number of other design styles. Actually, it is a fluid and shifting style. Contemporary furniture may be completely different a number of years down the road. On the other hand, this also means that contemporary furniture styles easily works in rooms that have a different style of decor.
This Roche Bobois sofa is the highlight of this living room, which incorporates several characteristic elements of contemporary style. While the sofa trends toward the modern style in its overall silhouette, it features a pillow back of assorted textile colors and patterns. This casual piece mixes well with other furnishings like the coffee table and side table, which have mid-century style elements.
Transitional
Also called classic contemporary — traditional style is really a mélange of contemporary and traditional. The pieces may have the classic lines of traditional furniture, but the colors, textiles and finishes are modern.
Many people love this style for its decorating flexibility, especially with regard to redecorating down the road. It’s also a natural choice for those who don’t think they fit one specific style, or who like more variety.
Transitional furniture styles create a room that is relaxing and inviting. Primarily, it uses neutral tones, but it is not necessarily devoid of colors and patterns. The silhouettes can be varied: Maybe classic lines and a rich walnut finish combine with edgier stainless steel accents or stone elements. Warm, textural fabrics, such as velvet, linen or leather add another dimension to these pieces.
This design genre blends the classic lines of traditional furniture with modern colors and finishes. Ginger & Jagger’s armchair has an updated silhouette and is upholstered in a very trendy color choice.
The millennial pink leather keeps the chair fresh and the mixed materials on the unique footstool are also trending. These types of pieces can blend with more traditional furnishings as well as more contemporary styles.
Modern
Clean, crisp lines and streamlined silhouettes are hallmarks of modern furniture. The look is about as different from traditional as it can be. While some people find the overall sleek look, with its metal and glass accents, to be “cold.” On the other hand, others appreciate the simplicity and uncluttered appearance.
The color palette in a modern interior tends to be neutral, often black and white, perhaps with a bold pop of color. The finishes in this furniture style often include plenty of high-shine elements. Leather is a common upholstery choice and all the pieces have very little ornamental detailing.
Besides the sleek and angular types you might think of right away, modern furniture can also be quite avant-garde. Modern designers often push the boundaries of nontraditional materials, creating functional pieces that have a very different look.
In most cases, they are just as much art as they are furniture. That is definitely the case with this desk by Theophile Blandet, made with PMMA, PETG, nylon, glass fiber and steel.
Traditional
Classic shapes, lots of dark wood and rich colors are typical of traditional furniture styles. These pieces have a good deal of detailing and a sumptuous, if conservative, feeling. Reminiscent of European styles, traditional furniture has a classic silhouette and curved lines. They often incorporate wing backs, claw feet, and Queen Anne style detailing.
The textiles used for upholstery are rich velvets and brocades, as well as damask or cotton. Overall, traditional furnishings have a refined and dignified feel that some people consider to be a little “uptight.” The style, however, is ultimately comfortable and the rich colors and elaborate floral and striped prints appeal to many fans of classic style.
Traditional is definitely not boring when it looks like the bedroom of this West Palm Beach home. The color scheme is light and fresh with crisp white and blue textiles.
A dark navy headboard anchors the four-poster bed and small details like the pineapples atop the canopy make all the difference. It’s a real departure from stereotypical traditional décor that is heavy with dark woods and floral fabrics.
Rustic
Inspired by nature and the beauty of raw elements, this is one of the furniture styles that takes its cues from the great outdoors. Logs, planks and natural-state wood are often prominent features. Part of the appeal of the rustic style is the warmth and casual vibe it gives off.
This has boosted the popularity of live edge furniture that spotlights the natural look of wood pieces. The same goes for furnishings made from reclaimed wood and naturally downed trees. In many cases, the flaws in the wood are transformed into desirable features by talented artisans.
When considering rustic style, you can choose from varying degrees of rustic feel. You’ll find a comfort zone somewhere along the spectrum. This is because rooms run from those that have logs and roughhewn wood to spaces with a little rustic farmhouse flair, The best thing is that you can amp up rustic style or downplay it with just a few pieces.
Cottage
Cottage-style furniture is the epitome of relaxed and casual décor. Often, it’s a marvelous mix of colors, patterns and textures. All this comes together in a room that is, above all else, comfortable.
This furniture style incorporates wicker items with painted pieces, and items like farmhouse kitchen tables. These can be brand new furnishings or distressed used items. Upholstery choices in this style tend to be cottons, linens and other casual fabrics in florals and stripes.
The textiles generally stick to a light and airy color palette. The mix-and-match vibe of cottage style makes it is easy to express your personality. It’s also budget-friendly because it’s perfect for mixing in bargain used pieces.
This serene bedroom is a sophisticated cottage delight. While most examples of cottage style are super casual, that doesn’t actually have to be the case. The white cotton bedding and wall colors are on point and the trellis wall mural really sets the stage for the cottage vibe.
Shabby Chic
One of the furniture styles related to the cottage trend is shabby chic. Inspired by vintage style, budget-minded and driven by the repurposing trend, shabby chic can be eclectic or even bohemian in flair.
This style also leans to the feminine side of the spectrum, as cottage style also tends to do. The pieces in this furniture style are also generally painted, and more often than not are distressed.
The color palette of the furniture is heavily neutral with white and light cream colors being the predominant hues. Accent colors are only from the pastel range. Décor of this type makes great use of upcycled pieces like crates, bottles and glass items.
A dream white living room like this is the epitome of shabby chic décor. This is an eclectic space that is super relaxed because it melds vintage with repurposed and casual elements.
Slipcovers are widely used and mean that it’s much easier to transform existing furniture into a shabby chic style. This room also has the distressed wood and vintage chandelier that are also iconic elements of the style. {image from dreamywhites}.
Tuscan
The inspiration for this style needs little explanation. The Tuscany region of Italy has a warm romanticism that plays out in furniture that with plenty of scrollwork, straight-line silhouettes and aged finishes.
The types of wood used are generally dark in color. Natural, earthy colors are the hallmark hues of Tuscan style, particularly terra cotta, golden yellows and earthy greens. Patterns are intricate not only in the woodwork on these furnishings, but also on the upholstery: Scrollwork and lively accent patterns are common.
Cabinets and armoires are trademark pieces in this style. Moreover, you can incorporate them in any room. If your kitchen is Tuscan style, then you can’t do without a long, rough-hewn wooden table for your family dinners!
Of course, not every Tuscan room needs to sport the terracotta and burnt orange colors most often associated with the style. When the palette has a yellowish tint, a largely neutral space easily falls under the Tuscan label.
Natural elements like this stone fireplace, along with the curved architectural window and brocade bedding create an updated version of the Tuscan theme.{found on corbinreevesconstruction}.
Art Deco
Highly glamorous and chic, the art deco furniture style came about in the early 20th Century. It has distinctive lines and silhouettes that are just as popular today . Art deco style furniture uses repetition and incorporates geometric shapes and patterns, including zigzags and chevrons.
Common motifs in this furniture are sunbursts fans, vines and flowers. The pieces are often highly polished and shiny, and include chrome, enamel and glass. Even wood pieces will incorporate metal accents, mirrored tops, or inset crystal accents. With regard to the color palette, the hues are bold and rich, not pastel. Emerald green and red are frequent colors in this style of furniture.
Because art deco is so glamorous and chic, it is typically associated with more formal spaces. An art deco style entryway is a great choice to lead into a living space that is at the formal end of the range. This console has curves associated with this style but also has a contemporary flavor, while the real art deco vibe comes from the mirror and the sconces in this arrangement by Boca de Lobo.
Minimalist
Pared-down modern design is a good way to describe the minimalist furniture style. Clean lines and a major emphasis on functionality define this type of furniture. It is also devoid of ornamentation or complex patterns. Logically, the color palette for minimalist furniture is neutral and understated.
Despite being pegged as furniture style that is cold and uncomfortable, today’s minimalist pieces have a softer edge and incorporate more touches of texture and nature. In fact, the growing popularity of minimalist furniture styles has led to a growth in Asian-inspired pieces that also highlight clean lines and an emphasis on functionality.
Even though the predominant color palette might be neutral, minimalist furniture can also incorporate some color, as this grouping from Petite Friture demonstrates. The earthier hues are muted and can still pass for neutral. In either case, the lines of the furnishings are straightforward, a little avant-garde and unfussy.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century-modern furniture styles are still popular today for many reasons. The characteristics of this style make it a perfect fit for today’s contemporary, modern and eclectic home interiors. A connection to Scandinavian minimalism and the incorporation of natural materials are a core feature. These pieces have clean lines, curves, and smooth surfaces. There is no excess. The materials used in these furnishings are often a combination of different or even contrasting materials.
Plywood, metal, glass, vinyl, Plexiglass and Lucite all made their appearance in furnishings of this style. The color palette is famous for bold pops of bright, sugary colors, even in the furniture. Most of the upholstery was in solid colors, save for a few graphic prints for accent pieces. Finally, with mid-century modern furniture styles, form definitely follows function: A lot of the furniture was built with the aim of being stackable, foldable and interchangeable.
The clean lines of this daybed are very characteristic of the midcentury modern era and this piece from Side Gallery was indeed created in 1955. The work of Brazil’s Gerardo de Barros, it adheres to the principle that form follows function yet has a commanding presence. It’s also a good example of why midcentury modern style endures because it’s clear that it would easily work in today’s homes.
Eclectic
The rule for this furniture style is that there are no rules. It’s a freewheeling style that mixes and matches with abandon. It’s ultimately casual and budget-conscious because different pieces of furniture mixed together easily. Often, you can pair up disparate furniture pieces creatively. It’s easy to mix globally-inspired furnishings with a glam piece and flea market bargains. This is a furniture style that is highly creative and expressive. it’s In fact, perfect for those who really want to have an interior express all their diverse personal favorites.
When it comes to breaking rules, eclectic style is the leader and this particular room fits no preconceived mold. It’s also a nice example of eclectic style that is not based on global or bohemian decor. Rather, it combines some elegant pieces with a traditional room structure and street-style graffiti on the wall. Any traditional space can replicate this artful, intriguing combination. It’s actually the juxtaposition of the graffiti with the old-fashioned portraits and traditional molding and wall panels that really make this design work.
Coastal
Definitely an all-American style, Coastal style is inspired by life in the beach. While most associate it with the East Coast, it is a furniture style more about a feeling than a particular theme. There’s no need for fish and seashells.
Mainly, coastal furniture styles feature a casual, airy neutral color palette where any hues are cool greens and blues.
The wood used is usually left in a natural state or painted in white or cream. Sea-inspired patterns like stripes — particularly blue and white – are most common. The main idea behind this furniture style is to evoke a vacation vibe that is relaxing and casual
The iconic combination of blue and white is used for this seating area that follows coastal style. The natural foundation of the sisal rug highlights the painted cane furniture and white cushions, highlighted by the spare blue piping. The real blue and white drama comes from the striped curtains that provide privacy for this sheltered sitting area.
Glam
Ultra-luxe and over-the-top, this furniture style is a definite statement maker. Sometimes called Hollywood Glam or Hollywood Regency, it’s full of bold color and opulent textiles. Glam furniture pieces feature plenty of shiny finishes like mirrors and metallics.
Upholstery fabrics are animal prints and jewel-toned velvets, brocades or silks, which might have plentiful tufting. Their lines may be curvy but also include clean lines, like those found on a tuxedo sofa. These furniture styles are ideal for a boudoir-like bedroom or a dramatic living room.
This bedroom design has glamour in spades. A largely neutral palette relies on finishes and textures to create a luxe feeling. From the gray-blue leather headboard to the metallic bench and the massive chandelier dripping with oversized crustal drops, there are plenty of over-the-top details in this fabulous bedroom. The coffered ceiling adds a substantial element to the room.
Country
Hand-crafted and sturdy, country furniture styles are homey and comfortable. Today, some people also call this farmhouse style. With country furniture, the only ornamentation on the wood is turned elements, such as legs and spindles. This style has no glitz, glam or metallic elements.
The shapes are basic and the finishes simple, such as natural wood or whitewashes. Nonetheless, country pieces can become iconic: For example, the Windsor chair is a widely- recognized silhouette for wooden chairs. Upholstery in country furniture styles is not opulent or fussy. The overall color palette for these pieces is white or off-white.
The style impact of this country room comes from the simple wood and vintage design of the cabinet. Unadorned wood is characteristic and the accessories emphasize the country theme because they incorporate rustic wood and metal.
The piece has an easy vibe that is natural and laid-back. Unvarnished and conveying the feel of a past useful history, country style creates a homey and unpretentious room.
French Country
Another twist on farmhouse style is French Country style furniture, which obviously has its roots in the European country of its name. Earthier than its American counterpart, French country style uses a palette reminiscent of the Tuscan one: soft hues like brick red and golden yellow pair with natural materials like wood, stone and brick. The furniture pieces are more ornamental than American country furniture styles and usually have a well-worn look. Textiles are cottons and linens, some with ornate French country prints.
You could call the French Country style Europe’s answer to the farmhouse trend, but it’s probably the other way around. It existed long before our farmhouse trend ever saw the light of day. This living room, with its neutral palette, is an ideal fresh version of French Country style. Chairs with traditional silhouettes have plain fabric upholstery. They pair with rustic wood and a vintage country chandelier. In many ways, it’s a slightly more sophisticated version of today’s farmhouse style.{found on erinsanderdesign}.
French Provincial
Very popular among furniture styles, French Provincial is inspired by French provinces in 17th and 18th century France, especially Bordeaux, Brittany, Normandy and Provence. These pieces are appealing because they are somehow lavish and laid-back at the same time.
This type of furniture is usually distressed and painted or stained. In addition, the color palette includes white and muted shades of deep red, gray and blue. The wooden furniture often includes ornate carvings and curved legs. Other materials used include wrought iron, marble and natural stone. Textiles are damask or linen, embellished with floral motifs or intricate designs.
With a slightly “buttoned-up” feeling, French provincial style is more traditional than French country and it tends to include pieces with more formality. Gold is frequently used, the draperies are lavish and other elements are not far off from Parisian chic, such as the use of mirrors and round side tables covered with floor-length tablecloths that pool on the ground. Sofas and chairs all have a classic look.{found on pchi}.
Industrial
Inspired by the lofts that urbanites started calling home decades ago, industrial-style furniture styles have a number of defining characteristics. Not only do industrial interiors feature raw elements such as exposed brick and pipes, industrial furnishings often do as well. Many are made from repurposed industrial elements combined with reclaimed wood pieces. Industrial furniture has a factory vibe that is masculine and rough yet chic.
Industrial silhouettes have clean lines and are functional. Elements that might have been included in working pieces inspire the ornamentation: old cogs, table bases from factory parts or stools made from machinery sections are typical. Moreover, industrial pieces can be mixed with modern or minimalist elements for a unique interior.
You might think that all industrial pieces are mainly gray metal but this table by Tice, made from heavy-duty 5-ton screw jacks, shows otherwise. The red finish is vibrant and striking, allowing you to add a big jolt of color to a loft dining room or other space with industrial décor. An added benefit of industrial pieces is that they tend to be quite durable and heavy-duty, since they have already survived a previous working life.
Scandinavian
Inspired by simplicity, Scandinavian design focuses on minimalism, functionality and quality, all hallmarks of furniture designed in the Nordic countries. Built for durability, these pieces are will be handed down through the generations.
Each piece is designed to be used. Materials like solid wood, form-pressed wood, steel, aluminum and plastics are common. They have no frilly ornamentation and the function is just as important as the clean lines. The woods used are light in color and the upholstery is natural or embellished with graphic designs – think Marimekko. Scandinavian furniture styles are very versatile and can be mixed into many existing décor styles.
Probably the most versatile style around, Scandinavian design’s simplicity and functionality help it blend well with many styles. This dining set and cabinet from Karl Andersson are a characteristic example. These pieces are built to last. Simple structures, solid wood and hand-crafted construction make them timeless family heirlooms.
FAQ
What is my furniture style?
To figure out what your furniture style is, try to categorize the furniture and decor that you own and love. If you’re basically starting from scratch, consider what your ideal room looks like. Is it casual or formal? Edgy or conservative? Calming and neutral or bold and bright? Then, consider some questions like these:
- What furniture style appeals to you most?
- Do you embrace color?
- What kind of art and accessories do you like.
Can you mix furniture styles?
Yes, you can! That said, do so with a plan and purpose so that you don’t look like a second-hand shop. You’ll want to unify your furniture pieces around a common thread like a color, metal finish or furniture feature. You’ll also want to confine your color palette to a few hues to keep things looking coordinated.
If you have a statement piece you love, create the rest of the room around it. Don’t choose other style pieces to compete. Lastly, keep in mind the usual guidelines like scale and composition when putting together your mix of furniture styles.
Is painted furniture still in style?
As you know, trends come and trends go. While painted furniture has been a fad lately — can you say chalk paint?– this style of furniture has been around forever. Importantly, it’s not going away, especially with today’s popularity of vintage and upcycled pieces. The specific types of paint job may evolve, but painted furniture is always in style.
Is tufted furniture in style?
The bottom line here is that tufted furniture never goes out of style. You can find great tufted pieces in lust about every style of furniture, from traditional to modern. Just look at the Chesterfield sofa: This style looks just as fresh today as it did decades ago. Besides, a great tufted piece mixes easily into many existing decor schemes.
Where to donate furniture?
If you don’t have the time or desire to sell your used furniture, you’ll likely want to donate it. Before you look for a charity to take it, you have to decide if you can move it there, or if you need someone to come pick it up. After that, you’ll need to do some research in your specific area.
Some charities only accept certain types of furnishings. Many nonprofits also reserve the right to refuse pieces if they look too worn out or damaged. That said, some can be extremely selective depending on their end-use. A charity that aims to sell them will be pickier than one that helps the formerly homeless or those escaping abusive situations.
Finally, if you want to give your furniture away, there’s always Freecycle, where you post what you have and someone will come take it.
How to refinish furniture?
Refinishing furniture is a popular DIY project. However, if you haven’t done it before you should know that doing the job right is an involved process. After cleaning the piece, you have to remove the old finish, which is the most time-consuming part of the job.
To get rid of the old finish, you have to either sand it off or use a chemical stripper. After the surface is clean, dry and finish-free, you have to seal the wood before staining or painting it. Finally, you must apply a finish like an oil or polyurethane product
How much to tip for furniture delivery?
After you’ve already forked over a substantial sum for new furniture, you might balk at tipping the delivery guys. Actually, some surveys have shown that at least half of customers tip furniture delivery workers. While the range is about $5.00 to $25.00 per person, the average is $10.00 each.
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