What is 20th Century Design-
The 20th Century introduced a completely new vocabulary to the world in its vocabulary. Modernism thus became a vague and generalized term for any new design that emerged during that period. The 20th Century designers brought a radical new approach to furniture design. They rejected classical styles in favor of an avant-garde approach. Inspired by Bauhaus and other styles from other periods, they gave furniture designs a renewed sense of vibrancy.
The 20th Century Furniture Designs were mostly influenced by two major world events, the First World War and the decolonization of certain countries. The First World War altered the style of furniture making all over the world. Here in Australia, World War I had a significant impact on the design. Many traditional designs such as the Antique Dining Furniture had to be adapted to the new conditions of post-war life. The Colonial Period also had an important effect on the 20th Century Furniture Styles. Decades later many home furnishings had to be made of organic materials and natural materials.
Modernism in Furniture Designs-
Modernism, as it is popularly known, was born out of the revolutionary spirit of the 20th Century. This movement embraced the rationalism of the age and raised objections against the excessive exploitation of nature. The movement called for a return to a simpler, rural life, based on crafts and craft made items. In reaction to the renewed rejection of the rationalistic approach to design, the 20th Century furniture makers went back to the basics and began to use mass production techniques. Mass production techniques were essential for increasing the speed and efficiency with which items could be made. The 20th Century Furniture Designers thus had to go back to basics again and get the creative juices flowing.
The return of craftsmen to the village craft workshops led to the evolution of the rural style to the more urbanized style. The mechanization of factories had greatly benefited the industrialists. They now had the capacity to mass produce items quickly and efficiently. The result was increased leisure time and an improvement in the living standards of most people. The 20th Century modern furniture design evolved to accommodate these changes. Designs took on a rationalistic approach and became much more flexible.
Art Deco Movement –
Art Deco, the Art Deco movement, actually had a profound impact on furniture design. This Art Deco Style was first noticed in the Japan and it exerted a strong influence on the type of furniture that was made. It is essentially influenced by the art of geometric shapes and symmetrical compositions. It is an art Deco style that exudes sophistication and classiness yet can be found inorganic pieces of furniture as well such as tables, chairs and end tables.
Art Deco influenced design movements in the 20th Century saw the introduction of new materials, fabrics and colors. Cubic shapes, heavy lacquer and shiny metals became the vogue. Forites, a form of geometric decoration, were also introduced along with hues like green, blue, ivory and white. Cubic and symmetrical patterns were used to design furniture.
Symmetry in Furniture-
The style of cubic and symmetrical furnishings became popular with the onset of the 20th Century modernism. With the advent of modernism in the 20th Century, there came a move towards simplicity and functionality of furniture. Furthermore, minimalism came about with the development of computers and other technologies that were used to design and create pieces of furniture. With minimalism, the art Deco influences of the previous Art Deco movement was given a new lease of life and 20th Century Design became more functional and multipurpose.
In mid-century modern design, geometric patterns and lightweight and natural materials prevailed. Black, gray, and white were the main colors and the furniture made of these colors were lighter in weight. Solid woods such as oak and walnut were used while metallic or glass based on form and function of furniture pieces became the in thing. People no longer looked at furniture as an object of art but rather looked at it as part of their home decor. People’s tastes for art Deco style and modernism has made the mid-century modernistic furniture style a favorite among people from all walks of life.