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Home furnishings often cannot be assigned to a particular style. Nevertheless, it is helpful to know what characterizes the different furnishing styles. On this basis, different styles can be combined, so that a varied interior design is created.
If a home interior is to be completely homogeneous in one style, there are also many ways to make a room dynamic and full of accents. Tips on how to do this can be found in the respective sections of the interior design styles.
Modern furnishing style
Modern is a very broad style term. However, in home furnishings, it refers to a design trend that emerged at the turn of the 20th century. Functionality and simplicity were the new buzzwords, simple designs with clean lines the characteristics of the new furniture.
Furniture in the modern style
Form follows function is the credo of the modern furniture style. Multifunctional furniture with well thought-out features should make living as pleasant as possible. At the same time, the eye should be distracted as little as possible from the essentials: Straight lines, simple designs and smooth surfaces are characteristics of modern furnishings. Curves and ornamentation are hardly to be found. This style is probably best described by the English term "sleek".
The modern furniture style is also characterized by rather low furniture that emphasizes the horizontal lines of the room. Geometric shapes often appear: Squares, circles and triangles are popular components of table or cabinet designs.
Colors in modern furniture style
A modern interior is usually kept in neutral, warm colors. Earthy tones in light and darker shades can be found equally.
Modern minimalists opt for a monochrome color scheme, that is, home furnishings in very few similar colors. The room itself, furniture as well as accessories differ only in subtle nuances. In this way, a calm, tidy ambience is created, which does not unnecessarily distract the eye. Quite in the spirit of modernity.
However, this does not mean that colors are completely dispensed with. In a modern home furnishings may also be gaudy accents. They emphasize once again this colorful restrained style.
Deco in the modern furniture style
Deco and superfluous home accessories are largely dispensed with in the modern style of furnishing. Selected pieces are used in a reduced manner and special individual pieces in simple, clear designs are given a stage for presentation. This can be a large-format, abstract mural, or an extravagant sculpture.
Minimalist furniture style
Minimalist style of interior basically emerges from the modern style. Both styles share many characteristics. Minimalists now just go one step further in terms of simplicity and clarity.
If you want to furnish your rooms in a minimalist way, you have to master the art of omission. Less is more - this is the motto of the minimalists. Simple, clear designs combined with restrained, neutral colors create a tidy aesthetic. The simple furniture designs completely dispense with ornamentation and other details.
Closely related to the minimalist furniture style is the trend of slow living, which is rather a way of living. The reflection on the important, without distraction by superfluous things is characterized in the minimalist room in particular by a lot of space, visual expanse and minimal furnishings.
Minimalist furniture
Storage space is the secret of any interior that calls itself minimalist. Many cabinets and concealed fronts guarantee visual calm and a balanced atmosphere. All geometric shapes such as cubes, cuboids and spheres are used to emphasize the simplicity of the minimalist style.
Large furniture such as cabinets and beds are combined with filigree legs. The distance from the floor makes the room look lighter, more open and wide - exactly what a minimalist interior is all about.
Smooth, glossy fronts and tabletops are combined with high-quality, cool materials such as stainless steel, chrome, glass and marble. The element of wood is also popular to add a little warmth to a minimalist home decor.
Textiles as well as upholstered furniture with covers made of leather and cotton still make the clean, minimalist style look warm and cozy.
Minimalist style colors
The minimalist furniture style is characterized mainly by the non-colors black, white and gray. In addition, muted shades of beige and brown are popular, as they appear warmer and cozier. These subtle colors are ideal partners of minimalist home furnishings: they have a calming effect and prevent visual clutter.
It is important that walls, floors as well as large furniture are in the same color range. A few, small-area color accents are certainly allowed - but you should commit yourself to one nuance.
Decoration in the minimalist furniture style
Accessories and decoration are used only minimally. However, a few selected pieces may be properly staged - for example, through targeted lighting with spotlights.
Minimalist decoration is - like the furniture designs - simple and straightforward. Geometric shapes and the renunciation of all flourishes and gimmicks guarantee maximum simplicity.
Textiles are mostly free of patterns, so plain carpets adorn the floors, while large-format paintings with abstract motifs decorate the walls.
Maximum minimalism
In connection with a minimalist home decor, Maximal Minimalism should also be mentioned. On the one hand, very similar to the minimalist style, but it has opposite characteristics. And that's what makes this style of interior design so special: Maximal Minimalism makes use of the best of two design worlds: It combines simple shapes and sleek lines with abstract forms, vibrant colors and eye-catching patterns.
With its bold furniture designs and eye-catching statement pieces, a Maximum Minimalism interior still looks calm and uncluttered.
Mid-Century furniture style
From the 1930s through the 1960s, the design industry experienced its heyday around the world. The result: sweeping, timeless designs that were and are wildly popular then and now.
An emphasis on style and function characterize Mid-Century style furniture, while in architecture, indoor and outdoor spaces merge and become one. Large glass fronts, sliding doors and terraces as an extension of the living room create a completely new living feeling and transform spaces from the ground up.
Mid-Century furniture
The Mid-Century style of furnishing celebrates subtle elegance and simple solutions. It thrives on expansiveness and an open flow of space, which is why windows are left uncovered and rooms are furnished primarily with waist-high furniture.
Furniture in the Mid-Century style works mainly as individual pieces. Chairs, armchairs and side tables are given enough space and thus a stage all to themselves. Retro Mid-Century furniture is characterized by minimalist designs and rounded corners. Solid wood and warm tones add warmth and coziness to the style.
Sculptural lamps set atmospheric highlights and give the room timeless-elegant coziness.
The special thing about the style: Mid-Century furniture designs are extremely harmonious and have more than proven themselves over the decades. If back then everyone wanted to call a piece of furniture in Mid Century style their own, today they are considered true design classics.
furniture icons such as the chairs by Eames, the plastic cantilever chair by Panton or Tulip Table and Chair by Saarinen are timeless classics that make a room look high-quality and elegant. In addition, due to their simple designs, they can be easily combined with other furniture styles and set unique accents.
Tip: A room should rather not be furnished exclusively in Mid-Century style. Instead, a lot of space should be given to individual pieces. These can be combined in a harmonious way with the modern, the minimalist or the Scandinavian furniture style.
Colors in Mid-Century style
The Mid-Century furniture style thrives on bright, warm earth tones, ranging from sand to stone and brown tones. On their basis, accents in ocher, mustard yellow, orange, petrol or avocado provide more dynamics and make the interior look timeless and modern at the same time.
Deco in Mid-Century style
Vibrant fabrics and wallpapers with eye-catching patterns are boldly combined and make the Mid-Century style so unique. At the same time, the pattern mix can sometimes be quite wild. The trick here: combine pale patterns with gaudy ones. In this way, a lively combination is created, which nevertheless appears harmonious.
Boho style
The French bohème refers to a person with an unconventional lifestyle and that's exactly what the Boho furniture style is all about: an unconventional mix of furniture and accessories.
At the same time, the popular Boho style is characterized by bright colors, lots of textiles and a colorful mix of patterns, creating a friendly, inviting atmosphere.
Storytelling is the essence of the style, because every room decorated in Boho style also tells a story with its many accessories and patterns.
Especially in recent years, Boho style has become increasingly popular. No wonder, because with the nature-oriented furniture style, in which seemingly everything is allowed, you can only feel good.
Boho style furniture
Natural solid wood, bamboo, rattan and other wickerwork are predestined for furniture in Boho style. Naturalness and casual aesthetics characterize the mostly low furniture. Benches, daybeds and stools are often low to the ground or have short legs, reminiscent of Moroccan tearooms. Cozy floor cushions arranged around coffee tables are also typical of boho style and create a home decor in which everyone feels welcome and comfortable.
The good thing about Boho style: if it doesn't fit, it doesn't exist. Vintage furniture, heirlooms from grandma and grandpa, and flea market finds can easily be combined with new furniture made of wood or rattan.
Boho style colors
The Boho furniture style is naturally subtle and bright in places. While light, neutral, earthy tones form the base, accents of jade green, pink and midnight blue add a lively touch to the style.
If a room is decorated in Boho style, you should decide on a basic tone for the walls, floors and the large pieces of furniture. Highlights in bright colors are then added in the form of decor and textiles. This creates a balanced image that looks calm and at the same time varied.
Deco in Boho style
A Boho style interior lives above all on variance. Not only different furniture may be combined with each other, but also the interaction of accessories and decoration is not subject to strict rules. Textiles such as rugs, blankets and pillows with different patterns may be combined above, below and behind each other. There is no such thing as too much - the whole should just look harmonious. The trick here? Define a red thread that gives the whole a visual framework. This can be a color, the shape or the material. In this way, wildly patterned plaids and pillows in combination look extremely coherent with each other.
Typical Boho is also the layering. The "layering" of different layers of textiles creates coziness and a casual look. For example, a kilim rug can be placed on top of a larger one made of jute, or two throws can be draped over each other on the sofa, increasing the coziness in the room.
What every Boho style interior needs: Global accessories. These can be travel souvenirs or decorations with ethnic patterns. For example, pillows with Inca patterns give bed or sofa the typical, cosmopolitan Boho charm. Playful details such as tassels or fringes provide even more variance.
Shiny accessories made of metal or glass add an elegant touch to the furniture style. In addition, glass lanterns and vases are combined with decorations in natural materials.
And last but not least: plants. Because Boho is green! Succulents and palms in macramé hanging baskets or flower pots made of water hyacinth or handmade ceramics set natural accents, while the fresh green of the plants contrasts wonderfully with the bright Boho colors.
Scandinavian furniture style
Keep it simple is the motto of a Scandinavian home decor. The credo borrowed from the Bauhaus style is reflected in the clear simplicity of Scandinavian designs. White walls, natural materials and organic shapes embody a style that is meant for everyone. Affordable, practical and simply beautiful - that's the best way to sum up the Scandinavian furniture style.
Scandinavian style furniture
Light wooden furniture made of domestic woods such as spruce, pine and birch make the long, gloomy winters more bearable for Scandinavians.
A lot of emphasis is placed on natural products made from renewable raw materials as well as genuine craftsmanship. Cotton, linen and leather are very popular as upholstery materials.
An unmistakable feature of the Scandinavian furniture style: flared legs. Tables, dressers, and chairs are supported by tapered legs that add lightness and youth to the style.
Originating from the Mid Century style, it was mainly Scandinavian designers who created true classics around the middle of the 20th century. The design icons of Eames, Wegner and Jacobsen are also characteristic of the Scandinavian furniture style and fit harmoniously into all style constellations.
Also extremely popular: Scandinavian lamp design. Tripod lamps, the Artichoke Lamp by Henningsen or lamps by Louis Poulsen are very popular as originals as well as replicas.
Scandinavian style colors
Scandinavian style of interior design is characterized mainly by neutral, clear colors. Thus, white, beige and gray are particularly popular, but cool blue tones, deep green or bright yellow also occur.
In addition, friendly pastel shades from mint to light yellow to rosé blend wonderfully into a Scandinavian home decor.
So that the whole thing doesn't look boring, dark contrasts in black or anthracite provide the necessary dynamics and give Scandi rooms more visual depth.
Scandinavian style decoration
The Scandinavian furniture style gains more coziness mainly through cozy textiles and accessories such as candles, lanterns and wind lights. Warming wool rugs, coarsely knitted blankets and pillows made of fur, felt or soft cotton convey warmth and create a homely ambience.
Plain textiles are combined with patterned ones. Particularly popular: geometric patterns such as triangles and zigzags as well as motifs from flora and fauna.
By the way, the production of glass and porcelain has a long tradition in Scandinavia. Decoration made of glass, porcelain and also metal adds a touch of elegance to Scandinavian interior. Vases and bowls in organic shapes like Aalto's model or candlesticks in geometric designs look modern and timeless and contrast finely with the many wooden furniture.
Tip: Scandinavian furniture style is closely related to boho and hygge style, so these 3 styles can be easily combined with each other, guaranteeing an atmospheric home decor.
Japandi style
Japandi counts as a sub-style to the Scandinavian interior design style. The Japandi style combines the similar aesthetic principles of two design worlds: the simple straightforwardness of the Scandinavian and the minimalist elegance of the Japanese style. Or, to put it another way, pared-down aesthetics meets thoughtful minimalism.
The Japandi style focuses on the essentials: The interior is simple, functional, natural and minimalist. The perfection of the imperfect is celebrated in a very quiet way. The necessary warmth and coziness is provided by natural materials and warm colors.
Furniture in Japandi style
The basic requirement for a Japandi style interior is order. If you are not already a minimalist, the first thing to do is to clean out and separate everything that is not essential. Because in Japandi style, every piece of furniture has its function, everything has its place and purpose. There is no unnecessary decoration. Instead, statement pieces are given plenty of space so that they can work.
In general, Japandi style strives to move away from consumerism. A Japandi interior is therefore completed with classics and heirlooms rather than new acquisitions.
Typical Japandi furniture tends to be low and delicate, evoking typical Japanese restraint. Scandinavian woods in light tones are combined with dark wood in black or anthracite, adding depth and breadth to the room. Accessories made of earthenware, bamboo and paper complement the furnishings and set natural accents.
Japandi style colors
Japandi color scheme ranges from bright-cool scandi colors to natural-warm Japanese tones. Shades of beige, cream and sand usually form the neutral base, while contrasts in black and anthracite liven up the interior and help to create more depth.
If you like to integrate more color, you can combine Scandinavian pastel shades like light blue, mint or pink with earthy colors like brown, terracotta and ocher to create exciting contrasts.
What is important in Japandi style is a harmonious balance, so that in the end the interior still looks minimalist.
Deco in Japandi style
Textured textiles made of natural linen, cotton or wool provide variety and the necessary coziness in a monochrome Japandi interior and create a homely feel-good atmosphere.
In addition, the Japandi style gets by with little decoration. Accessories made of ceramics and glass, a single large mural with abstract or nature motif set isolated accents. Especially suitable: line art. This kind of art perfectly fits the natural-reduced Japandi style.
Also part of the style: plants. However, they are used rather sparingly - in accordance with the Zen motto "less is more". In particular, tall, narrow plants with simply shaped leaves support the look of the style. Likewise, single leaves such as eucalyptus or monstera set green accents - best in a vase made of stoneware or natural wicker.
Hygge style
Hygge embodies one thing above all: coziness. Thereby, coziness and feeling good is rather an attitude towards life, which is achieved with a Hygge style interior. Specifically, the style is characterized by a lot of light and natural and warming materials.
Furniture in Hygge style
The Hygge furniture style consists mainly of Scandinavian design classics and wooden furniture with clean lines. Above all, it should be practical: a side table set with separate little tables is better than a large, massive coffee table. Mobile seating such as poufs and stools are just as functional and ideal when hygge friends come to visit.
What sounds a bit old-fashioned at first, serves only the overriding goal of coziness in Hygge style: wooden panels on walls and ceilings. Here - as with the furniture - the focus is primarily on light woods such as pine, spruce and birch. But darker shades such as walnut and teak are also popular and give the style a little Mid Century flair.
Essential for a Hygge style home decor: lights! To happily survive the long, dark winter months, Scandinavians need brightness above all. Since natural light is scarce, many light sources are combined in the Hygge style. Thus, ceiling lights, hanging lamps and lights on tables and floors create an atmospheric, cozy ambience.
Colors in Hygge style
Light, warm natural tones form the calm basis in Hygge style, while delicate pastel colors and also sometimes clear, strong tones provide contrasts. Patterns are also used with pleasure and lean strongly on those in the Scandinavian style.
Deco in Hygge style
Candlesticks, lanterns and wind lights are additional sources of light and conjure up wonderful islands of light. In addition, soft, warming textiles made of wool and fur are combined and thus also guarantee visual warmth and a cozy home.
Glam furniture style
The Glam furniture style is classy, glamorous and chic. With precious materials, vibrant colors and extravagant patterns, it adds a luxurious touch to any room.
Glam style furnishings can range from modern to playful, depending on the furniture styles you choose.
Many pieces of furniture in glam style are based on baroque or rococo forms, but more recently, discreet forms are combined with typically glamorous materials, making the style a little more pleasing and less pointed.
Glam style furniture
Heavy Chesterfield furniture is typical, but upholstery with delicate legs and straight designs can also be glam. The shapes of armchairs, sofas and cabinets range from modern to opulent, which makes the style exceedingly versatile.
Combine the large furniture pieces with consoles, dressers and tables with mirrored surfaces. Mirrored or high-gloss fronts are just as typical as covers made of velvet, velour and silk. Marble is also popular and adds timeless elegance to a glamorous home decor.
For lighting, crystal chandeliers are typical glam and make the interior shine in splendid splendor.
Glam style colors
Glam furniture style is exceedingly rich in contrasts. A neutral base in beige, sand or gray is combined with bright colors from emerald green and royal blue to purple and petrol, jade green and crimson, which give dynamism to the room in the form of large pieces of furniture or smaller accessories.
However, the glam style can also be designed with maximum contrast in black and white. So that the contrast is not so harsh, it is recommended to choose rather eggshell or subtle cream instead of white.
Tip: So that a home decor in glam style does not look overloaded, you should stay in one color family.
Glam style decoration
The decoration in glam style is mainly ostentatious. Mirrors with ornate, opulent frames, magnificent vases, decorative plates and bowls in shiny brass, gold or silver, crystal elements, lush bouquets of flowers and strong, graphic patterns put the crown on the extravagant interior.
Among textiles, thick high pile carpets and heavy curtains made of brocade dominate the style, while shiny materials like silk and velvet are standard inventory.
Classic furniture style
The classic furniture style is stylish and elegant and has a warm and homey feel. Dark wood alternates with plain and classic patterned textiles in subtle colors of the entire palette.
Classic style home furnishings are dignified and somehow also timeless - a perfect balance between coziness and elegance.
Classic style furniture
Classic furniture is characterized by subtle curved lines and elegant decorations. Furniture with ornately carved legs, chaise longues with sweeping backrests and solid cabinets and chests of drawers made of high-quality woods are predestined for a classic interior.
Dark woods such as wenge or walnut, but also reddish woods such as cherry in combination with light covers made of leather, velvet and cotton are mainly used.
Light fixtures made of glass and metal add an elegant touch to the style.
Classic style colors
Subtle, earthy colors make up the classic furniture style, with nuances ranging from light to dark. It is especially the contrasts that give the style more dynamism and variety.
Additional color accents in warm tones of red, green and blue make the classic interior even more lively.
Decoration in the classic furniture style
Classic decoration is characterized mainly by sweeping shapes and rich ornaments. Ornate mirrors and picture frames are just as characteristic as vases and candlesticks in shiny brass, gold or silver.
Rugs and pillows with classic patterns such as diamonds or subtle floral motifs make for more coziness and are ideal for setting colorful accents.
Contemporary furniture style
Contemporary or "Contemporary" is often used interchangeably with "modern" but is fundamentally different. Modern style is inspired by the past, while contemporary interior design style is influenced by the present and is continually evolving. What is considered "contemporary" today may not be in 5 years.
Basically, contemporary style is inspired by modernism and minimalism and focuses more on showing off the space rather than individual items.
Unnecessary decoration and superfluous knickknacks are largely avoided, which gives the style quite a few similarities with Mid Century style and modern and minimalist furnishings.
Contemporary furniture
Contemporary furniture is minimalist and creates a calm, uncluttered space. Simple, clean lines are combined with curves and curves - and this is new compared to the modern style of furnishing. As a result, the entire interior appears softer and more harmonious.
Colors in contemporary furniture style
Contemporary furnishings make use of the entire color palette. Neutral colors such as black, white, gray and beige are just as typical as delicate pastel shades or extreme color combinations, which is another difference from the modern style.
Contemporary style decoration
Contemporary decoration can be basically anything that is currently in fashion. From asymmetrical bowls or mirrors to large-scale murals with abstract motifs and wildly patterned rugs. Just as the future knows no bounds, the forms of contemporary home accessories are limitless.
Country style
A country style interior immediately welcomes everyone and creates a fresh, inviting ambiance thanks to the light wooden furniture and natural materials.
The furniture style has quite a few sub-styles, all of which are fundamentally different. Thus, there is the playful French country style, the rustic Alpine country style, the classic English country style and the refreshing maritime country style.
In addition, romantic shabby chic is one of the subtypes of the style.
Country style furniture
Solid wooden furniture made of pine are characteristic of the style. Often painted white or whitewashed, they create a bright, friendly atmosphere. But dark country furniture in gray or brown is also typical. In combination with carved legs and feet and typical country house shapes, they make the style distinctive.
Lush upholstered furniture that you sink deep into, voluminous wing chairs and kitchen buffets that are real storage wonders are typical representatives of the country style. In addition to natural wood, rattan furniture and lighting, as well as textiles made of linen, leather and cotton are also very popular.
Colors in country style
The typical form of the country style is bright. White, cream and beige form the basis. Accents in blue, red or pastel shades set colorful contrasts and are combined with typical country house patterns.
Decoration in country house style
Home accessories and decorations in country style are made of natural materials such as wood, wicker and ceramics. Lanterns and wind lights create more coziness, while warming plaids in coarse knit and soft pillows made of wool, cotton and linen provide even more homely flair.
On pillows as well as walls, in addition to checks and stripes, floral patterns are very popular and add a romantic touch to the style. Decoration made of metal and glass gives a country style interior the necessary breeze of elegance and sets glamorous accents.
Industrial style
Industrial as a style of interior design emerged in the 40s in North America and Great Britain. As living space became scarce, more and more workshops and garages were converted into homes.
This rough factory charm and loft style is what still defines the style today. It is mainly the combination of warm wooden elements with cool industrial flair that makes the Industrial style so unique.
Furniture in industrial style
Solid wood in warm brown tones, heavy chesterfield sofas and chairs, and sturdy, stable chests of drawers and cabinets are characteristic of the industrial style.
There is always something old and used about furniture, textiles and decorations. This typical used look gives the Industrial style its unique charm: untreated wood, lived leather with patina, visible traces of use, rivets and metal fittings are unmistakable Industrial characteristics.
Industrial style colors
Dark tones are prevalent in industrial furniture style and range from shades of brown to gray. Muted dark red and dark green are also suitable for combination.
Dark contrasts are created by black and anthracite, while bright yellow or even neon colors set accents and give the rough style more dynamism and freshness.
Industrial style decoration
Deco is used rather reduced. However, metal accessories such as mirrors and decorative objects emphasize the factory character of the furniture style.
Soft textiles such as pillows and blankets made of leather, felt or coarse wool, as well as fur rugs contrast wonderfully with the furnishings and provide the necessary degree of coziness in the industrial loft.
Which furniture styles are modern?
Basically, any furniture style can be interpreted in a modern way. However, if we talk about the typical characteristics of a modern interior, especially the Mid Century style as well as the minimalist furniture style are modern in the strict sense.
That is, reduced forms and selected furniture, straightforward, functional designs and minimal decoration create a rather puristic ambience, which may call itself modern.
How do I find my own furniture style?
Discovering your own individual furniture style can be a long journey. Often, one's furnishings grow slowly over time and only gradually does a recognizable style - or rather the combination of several furniture styles - become apparent.
The good thing about most furniture styles is that they can be harmoniously combined with other styles. So, as long as they are similar in basic principles, the result is a balanced look. And: Small breaks in style are definitely allowed and even give every interior that certain something.
Nevertheless, to identify the one style you feel most connected to, you can simply take the style quiz. After that, you'll find out which style appeals to you the most. Best of all, you don't even have to know what makes up the different styles or what they are called.
Why are there so many different interior design styles?
Individual preferences, cultural influences and historical developments are reflected in the diversity of interior design styles. People have different aesthetic preferences that are influenced by their personality, experiences and cultural background. Tastes and preferences for furnishing styles also change over time.
Another reason for the diversity of furnishing styles is that they can satisfy different needs and fulfil different functions. Different rooms require different furnishing concepts. A living room should be cosy and inviting, while an office should be more functional and conducive to productivity.
Cultural and historical influences also play a role. Furnishing styles often evolve according to time or place. For example, the Scandinavian interior style is strongly influenced by the Nordic countries and their climate.
All in all, there are many reasons for the diversity of furnishing styles, and ultimately this diversity is also positive, as it gives people the opportunity to design their living space to suit their needs and tastes.
