|
The modern style of furniture has it roots in the post-World War II era beginning in the 1940’s and 1950’s. It came about after the war when American consumers found themselves with more positive outlooks, more modern desires, and more discretionary dollars to spend than any previous generation.
The modern movement was all about new, innovative, non-traditional looks and materials that created an atmosphere of sophistication and sleekness.
 A number of modern style trends emerged in those years, and many of those trends are seeing a resurgence in the 21st century.
Matching sets
The epitome of modern styling and affluence was the matching furniture set. Bedroom sets, dining room sets, and living room sets roared into popularity.
These sets were typically designed with a modern, sleek look, and constructed with lighter, brighter materials like blonde woods.The pieces were very streamlined and without ornate decorations or embellishments.Smooth surfaces were in, textured or decorated surfaces were out.
It was quite common for newlywed couples to make a matching bedroom set their first big purchase. A typical set included two twin beds, one or two night tables, and a matching dresser with or without a mirror.The total effect was to create a bedroom that was modern, sleek, and well suited to the advancements of the modern world.
Space age furniture
With the space age came a new trend in modern style furniture. Molded plastics and other synthetics were made into one-piece designs that were often white.Colorful floor cushions, pillows, and chair pads were used to increase comfort and allow families to personalize their modern furniture while still staying true to the innovative shapes and styles.
Outdoor furniture
Prior to World War II, only the most affluent Americans had manicured backyards and the leisure time to enjoy them. Following the war, though, the explosive growth in home ownership and disposable income meant that more and more people could realize the American dream and have their own home with a backyard.
Demand was created for outdoor furniture that was modern and stylish, but functional as well. Wooden patio furniture abounded, as did metal and aluminum pieces that were especially easy to care for and store. A truly modern yard also included accessories like bird feeders, planters, statues and other yard decorations.
 Rec room comfort and freedom
The growth in home ownership and leisure time also led to the new trend of a dedicated rec room where families could play games, watch TV and relax together.
Modern style furniture in these rooms included so-called easy chairs complete with ottomans for the feet, as well as freestanding bars and snack stations for entertaining. Of course every bar needed bar stools to complete the modern style, so padded stools with and without backs grew in popularity as well.
Home accessories
Modern style furniture trends include more than just the furniture itself. Every home needs accessories, and the modern style included such unique accessories as lava lamps, electric fondue pots, cocktail shakers, and plastic wall clocks.
The resurgence of retro styling
The original types of modern style furniture from the 1950’s through the 1970’s are experiencing a tremendous resurgence. Flea markets, secondhand stores, and online auction sites offer a wide range of retro furniture and accessories, and modern manufacturers are cashing in on the trend by producing reproductions of retro styles.
On today’s market, original furniture and artifacts fetch quite a good price.
Many people who want to create a retro feel in their home are set on being as authentic aspossible, so when they find a bona fide piece of modern style furniture from the 50’s, 60’s or 70’s they will take great care to restore it to as close to original condition as possible.
So don’t throw away that old dinette set sitting in the garage just yet.You may be able to find it a new home with a family that loves retro styling.
|
on my EBooks and Reports.