Eames Abstract

Modern furniture as a merger of technology and art

The term "modern furniture" refers to a variety of modern style pieces produced from the late 19th century on through the present days. The new trends and patterns, emphasizing function and accessibility have entirely changed their looks from visually heavy to visually light.

Modernism has manifested itself in everything - from the use of vinyl, tubular aluminum alloys, cane and jute to less straight, curly lines - to make familiar sharp straight traditional design obsolete.

Today, nothing can be taken for granted as palette, patterns and curves constantly evolve and change. Yet, the modern furniture stands out with its increased functionality to help you to keep everyday things and reduce clutter in your home.

The new thinking in design emerged from the Werkbund, the Bauhaus School and Art Nouveau, works of visionaries such Frank Lloyd Wright, Mies Van Der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Eileen Gray and Charles, Ray Eames, George Nelson, Herman Miller, Florence Bassett, Hans Knoll. These designers defied the established tradition and searched for new ways of creating pieces embodying the "function over form" approach. As a result new designs of furniture, in particular modular sofas and highly abstract lamps came into life.

No surprise that customers would go any lengths to acquire such a unique piece. It is therefore they do not mind as much the cost. A hallmark of the current trend is that the more different the piece is, the more chances it has to gain wide acclaim. The practice of looking at catalogs and ordering furniture is gone.

Modern design made the landmarks of old style furniture to disappear. This way wood is replaced by vinyl. Dark contours with musty wooden smells are no longer seen. Instead bright color patterns with butterflies, flowers and abstract shapes abound; browns and blacks are out and turquoises, tangerines, crimsons and chartreuses are in. Tubular alloys of aluminum and steel overwhelmingly squeezed wrought iron out of use.

The new furniture-manufacturing technologies introduced over the past decades have established a good balance between individual style and manufacturing costs. Now there is a lot less handwork in the furniture and more machine work. Yet you will surely enjoy all the benefits that come with the use of modern furniture - less clutter, more space and tidy rooms.

Through years to come design rather than make will define the value of furniture. You may still exercise your freedom to buy with peace of mind. The modern furniture never seems to go out of style.

About the Author

Paul Grindsey made a review of modern furniture designs as the merger of technology and art.

MOD LIVIN MID CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE