With the furniture of the modern Bauhaus period, the beginning of the modern movement, which covers the period between 1917 and 1933. Most modern furniture designed between 1930 and 1940 was bulky, bulbous, brightly colored, with bright finishes and rich in shiny hardware or fabrics. The public liked it, but not the critics or the experts. Little by little, and most notably after 1945, stylistic details were filtered from more progressive levels of design to appear as commercial trends, such as sectional seats and storage units, metal structures in the shape of a spider and seats with plastic shell; the Victorian whatnot (set of open shelves to display bric-a-brac) was revived, independent and rectilinear, as a room divider. Convertible sofa beds and radio and television cabinets were almost all commercially designed.
Around 1940, union workers fought hard against the innovation of foam upholstery, but within 15 years it had become commonplace in furniture for sleeping and sitting. The furniture that was produced during this time is known today as classic modern or mid-century modern furniture. Mid-century modern design is by no means the only furniture style that has returned to fashion after its time. Refined and at the same time natural, it is one of the most sought after pieces associated with the movement of classic modern furniture.
Furniture manufacturer Herman Miller was synonymous with mid-century modern style during its peak. In this series, we'll explore some of the most influential furniture styles, including traditional, transitional, modern, and contemporary. Not only can wood help achieve the perfect balance in a room, but mid-century modern wood furniture is available in a variety of hardwoods, each offering its own style and benefits. Modern furniture refers to furniture produced from the late 19th century to the present that is influenced by modernism.
The LC2 represented the new and modern concept of designer furniture in the minimalist style of Le Corbusier, with a steel case that gave an industrial touch. Conservative (but not imitative) in style, well-built and thoughtfully finished, the best modern furniture has earned a reputation for being tasteful. This style originated in the mid-20th century, hence its name, but thanks to its elegant simplicity and timeless aesthetic, modern MCM furniture from the mid-century is still very popular in contemporary interior design.
