Leopard print is one way to make traditional furniture modern.
Modern traditional furniture is furniture that is manufactured in the current day, but is based on a much older design. Earlier design styles encompass the 18th century, 19th century and first 50 years of the 20th century. Some retailers offer both styles in a range of pieces for the kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedroom. According to Cecil Hayes in "9 Steps to Beautiful Living," "An impressive 75 to 85 percent of all furniture purchases are in the traditional style." From colonial period furniture in the 1700s to the mid-century modern furniture of the 1950s, modern traditional furniture is a popular and commonly found choice for decorating. Does this Spark an idea?
History
Traditional furniture has a long history, since it is based on English designs brought to America by early settlers. 18th century furniture from the Federal and Georgian periods is noted for its rich mahogany and classical lines. Later, in the mid-19th century, the Victorian style took hold. Dominated by richer colors and much more decoration, Victorian style was popular for the rest of the 1800 s. Modern furniture styles grew out of a new aesthetic popularized in the mid-20th century by new man-made materials and the rise of the modern era. Traditional furniture styles receded to the background while modern styles came to the forefront. Today, both modern and traditional furniture styles are popular.
Traditional Style
Traditional style is characterized by high-quality materials like real woods and metal hardware, clean lines, and a classical influence. Different traditional styles may be Federal, Queen Anne, Chippendale, Victorian and Mission. Traditional furniture pieces stay in style, regardless of the current decorating trend.
Types
Modern traditional furniture is furniture that is made today but recalls earlier furniture styles, like a reproduction Victorian sofa or a modern cabinetmaker's Federal high-boy. A traditional piece of furniture may be given a modern twist based on safety or technology, such as a drop-leaf table with safety hinges, or an armoire converted into an entertainment center. Or, a traditional antique may be refreshed with a modern paint color or fabric.
Reproductions
One way to have a modern piece of traditional furniture is to find a reproduction. Quality varies with reproductions, and some reproductions are based on traditional pieces rather than actual replicas.
Benefits
Combining the best tools of today and the classic styles of yesterday is a definite benefit of modern traditional furniture. "Traditional design respects the past while blending periods for today's living," writes Mary Ann Young in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Decorating Basics." One sure benefit is the cost reduction. High-quality reproductions and antiques are expensive; lower-cost furniture pieces may be found made with middle grade materials. There are many benefits to having modern traditional furniture.
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