There are so many different design terms; it can be confusing to someone that is not a seasoned professional to understand the difference. Maybe you have struggled to decipher the difference between modern, traditional, transitional, retro, minimalist, farmhouse, antique industrial, rustic, art deco, Victorian, Chippendale, craftsman, or colonial design styles. Or asked sheepishly, what’s the difference between “contemporary design” and mid-century modern? Don’t worry you are not alone in your curiosity or confusion. Some styles are distinctly different, but other style characteristics cross over so defining features might not be that recognizable. Some styles are so similar they are seen as interchangeable such as mid-century modern and contemporary. There are actually subtle differences between these two-design aesthetics. If you are an industry outsider in the market for outdoor furniture and you want to impress a designer with your use of terminology or navigate a trade show with ease, then keep reading below to unpack these two common categories of outdoor furniture styles to increase your expertise.
What is “CONTEMPORARY DESIGN”?
At its core, contemporary design is centered on simplicity and minimalistic design. This design concept can be both current, futuristic, and forward-thinking. Contemporary is popular, present, and trendy; this style is not stagnant and changes every ten years. Contemporary furniture features sharp corners and dramatic angles reminiscent of contemporary architecture. This furniture is most often crafted from wood, steel, or plastic. Resin and polycarbonate are popular materials for contemporary outdoor furniture. The contemporary color palette leans towards cool hues, neutrals, and crisp white.
Imagine an outdoor space outfitted with contemporary design aesthetics. A small porch or patio might be home to two white rope hanging chairs with white cushions. Calling in tone-on-tone colorways, there might be a white wove tall stool between the two. Envision a sleek and modern look. A larger landscape would feature straight lines in the physical furniture pieces and arrangement. Contemporary patio furniture is notably movable so the owner an push the boundaries of design. A combination of sling chaise lounges and modern outdoor sofa sets might outline the perimeter of a symmetrical patterned outdoor rug. The seating might have smooth textured natural fiber fabric cushions that emphasized a minimalistic design. The occasional tables would be minimal materials like polished wood, sleek metals, or stone. If the exterior is grandiose, then perhaps there might be freestanding movable metal screens or railings as a space divider separating an outdoor dining area. The space divider would not only offer function and flexibility but it would also create an air of sophistication and exclusivity. A concrete fire pit would add to the ambiance. String lights on trees or fencing would be the finishing touch of contemporary outdoor décor.
What is “MID-CENTURY MODERN DESIGN”?
While contemporary characteristics are more current, mid-century modern calls back to 1950s nostalgia. The Art Deco 1920s was the start of the mid-century modern era that ended with the 1970s now vintage styles. World War II sparked a whole new epoch of creativity and technology that influenced interior and exterior home designs. Mid-century modern design revolves around clean lines, simplicity, and comfort. Mid-century modern furniture is most often made of natural materials like wood (especially for teak patio furniture or ipe patio furniture), glass, and metal (especially chrome for indoor furnishings, and aluminum patio furniture for your outdoor space). The mid-century modern color palette is characterized by bold bright colors. The fabrics are warm tones like warm reds, yellows, and oranges; the furniture incorporates earthy colors and deep hues like brown woods.
Envision a mid-century modern exterior living space. The sliding glass doors of the home might open up to an outdoor dining room with a natural teak wood table front and center on display. The textured wood grain table would be complimented by matching club chairs and soft comfortable cushions that have woven pattern upholstery and color pops. Or perhaps an aluminum curved sectional set is the hallmark of the exterior space; the curved clean lines accompany the sleek silhouette of the metalwork. In the right environment, the space might be accented by outdoor heated table lamps which are both functional and warm. A featured accent wall would be an additional organic element to a mid-century modern classic outside space. Think of a wood plank wall with shelves or shadow boxes as staging space for greenery in geometric shapes. Mid-Century modern patio sofa seating is a fantastic way to relax outdoors and make your outdoor living space feel like a natural extension of your home.
Jewell is a regular contributing author to Patio Productions. Based on the East Coast, Jewell has worn many hats: she worked over a decade as a designer and consultant in the fashion industry, was a freelance writer, and now owns and operates a holistic wellness studio with a focus on yoga practice, meditation, movement therapy, and self-care. She is passionate about Nature, outdoor living, health and wellness, and all-things product design. She extends these passions to the outdoor furniture industry here at Patio Productions.
