Knowing your furniture style can make furniture shopping easier, more
time-efficient and rewarding.
Most of us aren't purists in any single style -- but getting a fix on our
general style preferences is an important first step toward making our houses
into our homes.
Here are key attributes of five styles. Which one works for you?
Casual
Casual: A comfortable, overstuffed recliner sofa
from La-Z-Boy
Casual styles cater to today's easy-living lifestyles. Think overstuffed
sofas, carefree fabric covers, matte finishes and a range of wood including oak,
pine, ash and maple.
Combined with earthy, neutral colors, textured upholstery and personal
keepsakes, casual interiors are spaces of warmth, friendliness and lived-in
ease.
Contemporary
Contemporary: Fairlee Audio Center from Pompanoosuc
Function is the focus. Contemporary encompasses all
things simple, streamlined and sleek. Evolving since 1900, the look is modern.
Bold colors. Sharp lines. Minimalist patterns. Larger-scale accessories and
art pieces are often used to complement metal and glass – setting the stage
for refreshing, uncomplicated interiors.
Country
Country: A "good for flopping into"
recliner from Norwalk Furniture
Country-style decors exude welcoming, heart-warming coziness. Timeworn
furnishings, distressed and painted woods, plump sofas and ruffled skirts are
reminiscent of the style pioneered by the settlers of North America.
Country's hallmarks include pine and oak, rounded and soft cushions, floral
prints, bold stripes, gingham and plaid fabric covers. Accent pieces comprise
quilts, braided rugs, folk art, antique bottles and jugs plus old American and
state flags.
Traditional
Traditional: Victorian era
writing desks from Decorative Crafts
Formal in every sense – symmetric designs, graceful
carved curves, rich and mellow colors, dark polished wood and elegant
upholstery. The style includes reproductions of antiques made before 1900,
such as: Biedermeier; Chippendale; French Empire; Hepplewhite; Louis XV; Queen
Anne and Sheraton.
Wingback chairs, camelback sofas, damask and chintz fabric covers, cherry and
mahogany woods, and Oriental carpets are classic examples of this time-honored
traditional style.
Eclectic
Highly individualistic, eclectic interiors feature a mix of
compatible styles. Collected objects from around the world, ethnic or artisan
pieces may be highlighted accents. Furniture and textured fabric covers cross
styles and periods, while color is often the common denominator. True eclectic
style reflects a unique eye and personal interests.
Source: American Furniture Manufacturers Association and
Catherine Bailly Dunne, A.S.I.D.
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