A Guide to Furniture Styles

So, you’ve created a brilliant Pinterest board that’s filled with all the furniture pieces you find most appealing; however, you don’t know what style of furniture these pieces best represent, making it challenging for you to purchase the right items in-store or online. This article will help you put a name to the various furniture styles out there, so you can focus your time and money on what you love.

Types of Furniture Styles

Antique

If you like historical furniture pieces, you’ll want to look at antiques. Most pieces in this category are at least a century old. The pieces are unique and have ornate details on them. Antique furniture pieces are almost always made from wood, and dealers will be able to accurately date authentic pieces.

Traditional

Combining elements from Chippendale, Queen Anne, and Sheraton styles, traditional furniture pieces are known for their straightened lines, simple yet elegant ornamentation, and tapered legs.

Vintage

If you like antique furniture but don’t want to buy anything too dated, you may want to consider looking for vintage pieces. Vintage furniture is at least a few decades old, but you can easily purchase them used. Keep in mind that although people use the terms “old” and “vintage” interchangeably, vintage actually refers to an artistic flair that was prevalent a few decades back.

Rustic

Rustic furniture pieces lend coziness and warmth to any space. This style of furniture is usually made from natural materials like timber, hide, linen, or cotton. If you like the rustic look but don’t want to replace your entire furniture set, consider purchasing accent pieces that can help you achieve the style.

Retro

Retro furniture features modern designs that try to imitate fashion trends. This style of furniture can give your space a colorful, whimsical look.

Modern

Furniture that is made using materials like plastic, leather, vinyl, or steel and features a predominantly monochromatic color palette is said to have a modern style.

Minimalist

Minimalist furniture combines elements from Scandinavian and Modern styles, resulting in pieces that have a utilitarian look with smooth edges and round shapes. If you believe less is more, you’ll find this style of furniture appealing.