What's Your Style?

When you are looking for furniture, the salesperson will often ask you, "What style furniture are you looking for?"  At our store, we feature a few different styles.  I thought it might be helpful to point them out and that way, you'll have a better idea what to say if a salesperson asks you that question in the future!

Contemporary or Modern Style:
This style is characterized by rounded edges.  Usually there is no hardware on the doors or drawers, just a slot-style cut-out for the fingers to pull open the drawer or door.  Sometimes you will find round wood knobs, but not always.  The lines on Contemporary or Modern style furniture are rounded, clean, and smooth.  No sharp corners.  No fancy trim.  See the pictures below for Contemporary or Modern style examples.

Traditional style:
Traditional style is characterized by classic-style trim.  There may be crown molding, dentil molding (looks like little squares...or teeth, hence the name 'dentil'), or other types of trim that give the furniture that classic appeal.  Traditional style furniture can also have wrapped moldings - where the trim is not only across the front, but it extends around the sides of the piece, such as can be found on TV stands, desks, or dressers.  It can also be found with flush sides - where the trim is only across the front.  This is handy for bookcases, where they will be set directly next to each other, or a TV stand that fits between entertainment piers.  That way, with flush sides, the pieces can be snugged right up to each other.  See the pictures below for Traditional style examples (these examples all have wrapped moldings).

Mission style:
Also known as Arts & Crafts style, Mission style furniture has enjoyed immense popularity over the years.  Comprised of mostly straight lines, this style is clean and elegant.  Craftsmen such as Gustav Stickley popularized it in the early 1900s and desire for its understated beauty has not diminished.  Although it is often seen in a reddish brown "Cherry" stain, many manufacturers offer other finish colors that also look beautiful in this style.  See the pictures below for examples of Mission style.

Rustic style:
The Rustic style is one characterized by a distressed finish, where wood rasps have roughed spots on edges, nail holes are made in the surface, all to make the appearance of being worn and aged over the years.  Rustic furniture can also incorporate the use of stonework, such as natural slate inlays, to enhance its charm.  It is a particularly popular style for cabins or homes in the Southwest.  See the pictures below for Rustic style examples.

Besides these 4 styles - Contemporary, Traditional, Mission, or Rustic - there are other furniture styles, but these are the basics.  They will help you identify what you have or what you like and hopefully help you in your search for furniture which complements your style.

Thanks for reading!  Have a great week!  :-)