Style Guide: Contemporary Vs. Modern, What’s the Difference?
A Guide to Contemporary and Modern Furniture and Interior Design Styles
Have you ever wondered about the difference between contemporary and modern styles? If so, let this guide be your beacon to chic style enlightenment!
Contemporary and modern are both general style categories that are used to describe a wide range of interiors and furniture. The terms are also a bit unique because, unlike design styles that reference a specific era, contemporary and modern are both styles that change according to the prevailing tastes of the time.
Aside from changing over time, contemporary and modern also share some standard design motifs that can make them seem similar at first glance. Below we'll go over distinguishable facets of each style so you can tell themapart quickly and easily.
Here's the quick answer:
The term contemporary refers to a style that aligns with current tastes, but the modern look is one that's based on making a statement with elements that look to the future and emphasize innovation. In other words, contemporary is used to describe furniture that “fits in” with today’s preferences while modern is used to describe furniture that “stands out” in a new or unexpected way.
What is Contemporary Style?
In previous decades, namely from the 1990s to the 2010s, contemporary style was all about simplicity and neutral tones. Picture neutral-colored walls paired with light brown wood floors or off-white carpets, and furniture with clean, straight lines like track-arm sofas. It was a look that felt calm, polished, and effortlessly chic.
What About Today's Contemporary Style?
Fast forward to today, and contemporary style has undergone a major glow-up! Since around 2020—when we all started spending way more time at home—this design trend has embraced more curves, colors, and character. While straight-lined furniture remains the foundation, the new contemporary aesthetic is all about layering in unexpected elements to create spaces that feel fresh, dynamic, and uniquely yours.
(Pictured above, the Bromley 3 Pc. Sectional)
Here’s what today's contemporary rooms look like:
- Clean Foundations: Large-scale furniture pieces still dominate contemporary spaces. Think low-profile sectional sofas with sleek track arms, practical rectangular dining tables, and crisp-painted bedroom furniture.
- Vintage Accents: Once the basics are in place, homeowners are adding bold statement pieces to shake things up. Imagine pairing a cozy living room sofa set with a cottage-inspired china cabinet or a striking mid-century modern accent chair. These surprising combinations make rooms pop!
- Maximalist Touches: Forget minimalism—contemporary design is leaning into maximalist vibes with colorful artwork and decor from different eras. It’s all about creating visual interest while staying true to those clean-lined roots.
Contemporary Favorites at Furniture Row
Devon Sofa
Clean lines, tall back cushions, and plush seating make the Devon Sofa an instant “ahhh” moment the second you sit down. With sleek track arms, dark faux-wood finished legs, and durable polyester upholstery (in charcoal, stone, slate, or bronze), it’s an easygoing anchor piece that still looks totally pulled-together.
Gaucho 4 Pc. Bed Set
Rustic charm just got an upgrade—meet the Gaucho 4 Pc. Bedroom Set, crafted from solid acacia and acacia veneers in a dark, basalt gray finish with wire-brushed texture. The storage bed includes two roomy drawers, while the matching dresser, mirror, and nightstand bring chunky proportions and clean lines to the whole look.
Largo 5 Pc. Dining Room Set
The Largo 5 Pc. Dining Room Set is a ready-to-go dining refresh that makes it simple to pull your space together fast (and yes, it’s a full five-piece set). It also comes in multiple finish options, so it’s easy to dial in the vibe—whether your dining area leans warm, cool, or right down the middle.
Teagan 3 Pc. Sectional
Built for laid-back lounging, the Teagan 3 Pc. Sectional brings casual comfort with a distinctive chaise that practically begs for movie marathons. It’s made by Jonathan Louis and comes in a stylish navy blue color that will look great for years.
Bennett Upholstered Bed
Want instant “main character bedroom” energy? The Bennett Upholstered Bed turns heads with a stunning winged headboard, luxe gray velvet upholstery, diamond-pattern button tufting, and glam chrome details—from the nailheads to the metal feet.
Dogwood Counter Height Set
The Dogwood 5 Pc. Counter Height Dining Set brings an elevated, bistro-inspired vibe to everyday meals. Its counter-height design makes it a great pick for quick breakfasts, game-night snacks, or a cozy dining nook that feels effortlessly current.
Popular Contemporary Styles
1: Boho
Boho is a free-spirited, imaginative style that started in the 1960s and 70s and continues to be used in today’s contemporary homes. Boho starts with clean-lined foundational pieces that showcase natural materials like leather, organic fabrics, and occasional tables made from wood.
Where boho really leaves its mark is in its use of playful retro accent pieces, artwork, and, of course, texture! Boho pieces like accent chairs, side tables, and beds are often curvy and eccentric with shaggy upholstery or hand-carved design elements; and boho decor mixes hand-woven accents and retro artwork with flowering prints and plants.
Learn more about boho style on our Boho Style Guide post!
2: Eclectic
Eclectic is an unconventional style that is very much in line with today’s tastes. The eclectic look is defined by integrating pieces that showcase different styles, materials, or colors that aren’t usually paired together, but can be to create a refreshing new dimension.
The main difference between eclectic interiors and contemporary interiors is that contemporary interiors still prefer straight-lined foundational pieces whereas eclectic interiors can opt for a mix of anything.
What is Modern style?
Modern style is all about looking ahead—it’s sleek, innovative, and packed with wow-factor design. This trend prioritizes cutting-edge materials and streamlined shapes that feel futuristic yet sophisticated.
Unlike contemporary style (which is broader and blends various influences), modern design focuses on being bold and unexpected. Where contemporary interiors favor straight lines and relaxed upholstery, modern furniture turns heads with unexpected curves, unique details, and high-end finishes.
Modern furniture almost always attempts to convey some sort of “wow-factor”, and it often does this by being different than contemporary furniture.
(Pictured here, the Laurent Channel Sofa)
If you aren’t sure if something is modern here’s a quick check list:
- Check the lines of the piece. If the arms, back, and bottom of the piece all showcase simple, straight lines like many contemporary pieces, without an element that makes them unique, then it probably isn't modern.
- Check the construction materials. If the piece you’re considering is made with common materials in neutral or “standard” colors, then it is most likely not modern.
- Check the features. If the product has failed the first two checks AND it doesn’t have some kind of innovative functionality, then it is definitely NOT modern!
Modern Favorites at Furniture Row
Roxy 3 Pc. Sectional
The Roxy 3 Pc. Double Chaise Sectional is a bold, lounge-forward statement with a modern silhouette and just the right touch of relaxed style. With two chaise zones and channeled lumbar cushions, everyone gets a stretch-out spot—no seat negotiations required.
Ivory 5 Pc. Dining Set
The Ivory 5 Pc. Dining Set serves instant modern drama with a rectangular tabletop clad in 8mm thick white marble veneers and a crisp, straight-lined base finished in bold black for major contrast. The parsons-style chairs keep it sleek and versatile with chic gray upholstery, so your dining space looks elevated (even on a random Tuesday).
Contempo 4 Pc. Bed Set
The Contempo 4 Pc. Bedroom Set is all about a clean, confident bedroom refresh that feels current, curated, and effortlessly cool. With curved silhouettes, it’s the kind of modern foundation that makes the rest of your decor look instantly more intentional.
Gatsby Power Reclining Sofa
The Gatsby Power Reclining Sofa brings modern comfort with a built-in upgrade: power reclining that lets you find your perfect “kick back” angle in seconds. With a cool round shape, the Gatsby is sleek, relaxing, and ready to turn everyday lounging into a full-on luxury routine.
Sol 5 Pc. Dining Set
The Sol 5 Pc. Dining Set is a modern dining moment made easy—streamlined, stylish, and ready for everything from weeknight takeout to weekend hosting. With a sunburst veneer tabletop and buffalo leather chairs, it’s a total refresh that makes the whole room feel more polished (without feeling too formal).
Santa Barbara Upholstered Bed
Want a bedroom that feels high-end the moment you walk in? The Santa Barbara Upholstered Bed delivers with bold channeled, latte-colored fabric upholstery across the headboard, footboard, and sides—so it looks comfy, modern, and fully finished from every angle.
Popular Modern Styles
1: Glam
Glam, also known as “Modern Glam,” is an opulent, confidence-boosting style inspired by Old Hollywood’s golden era, complete with that dramatic, dressed-up energy that never really goes out of fashion. It starts with sleek modern foundations—think clean lines and streamlined silhouettes—then turns up the sparkle with luxe details like mirrored accents, rich jewel tones, and geometric or art-deco-inspired patterns.
Where glam truly shines is in the textures: velvet, fur-like throws, and other touchable finishes layer in softness and romance, giving those strong modern shapes a glamorous, elegant edge.
2: Organic Modern
Organic modern style is a serene, grounded look that blends modern and minimalist design with a generous dose of earthy warmth and natural texture. It starts with streamlined, clean-lined foundational pieces (think sofas and beds with simple silhouettes) softened by cozy, natural-feeling upholstery in calm, neutral tones.
Where organic modern really comes alive is in the accents: exposed wood, gentle organic curves, and statement materials like stone and marble that add depth without adding clutter. Finish it off with layered greenery—because in organic modern, the more living plants your space can handle, the better.
Learn more about organic modern on our Organic Modern Style Guide post!
So, What's the Main Difference Between Modern and Contemporary?
Here’s the final answer: Both modern and contemporary are terms that change with the times, but contemporary can be applied to many different pieces while modern is less broad in scope.
Contemporary refers to furniture with style that is in-line with the tastes of the present-day, but the modern look is generally one that looks futuristic and prioritizes innovation in some fashion. In other words, contemporary is used to describe furniture that “fits in” with today’s preferences while modern is used to describe furniture that “stands out” in a forward-looking way.
We hope you enjoyed our guide on the difference between contemporary and modern interior design styles! If you’d like to learn more about anything to do with furniture, be sure to check out our new and improved Furniture Glossary which has helpful definitions for many more furniture design styles, general furniture terminology, and aesthetic design elements found on furniture the world over.
Happy decorating!
