To some, contemporary and modern could be the same thing, but to others, there is a long line between them. They are too often confused, for such different things. The literal definition of contemporary is "of the present time; modern". The meaning of modern is "of or pertaining to present and recent time". That would contradict anyone trying to prove contemporary is not the same as modern. So how can two things with the same definition, be totally opposite? When you’re talking about furniture.

Living in a room full of nothing is supposedly the new big thing. Any room that resembles the inside a spaceship or museum is the true definition of contemporary. Don’t let that fool you; more time and effort is put into that room than a room full of your personal belongings. It’s also known as minimalism. Gilbert Brownstone once said "Minimalism is simple to the point of complexity," These minimalist rooms are done by architects. People who’s lives revolve around this. It would be quite difficult for an ordinary person to replicate the work of an artist.

Contemporary style incorporates materials like steel, glass and plastics, creating a feel of visual lightness and space. When we speak of contemporary furniture, we usually mean styles and trends that are current today. If you like creative, abstract furniture that is untouchable, then contemporary furniture is for you. If you like to lay back, relax and feel at home, you should steer clear.

If designing your house contemporarily, you’d choose wood over carpet, clean lines and minimalist shapes. What about function over form? Some people want to come ‘home’ after a long day at work, not to a museum, sit on a comfy chair, not a log. Why design something for looks, which you can’t use? Contemporary style is based on visual enjoyment, not comfort.

There are tons of pictures all over the web, of rooms with a lone piece of furniture in the middle. Where are the things?! You know, the trinkets. And they look nothing like that in person should you ever go see one at a furniture store The crap you have all over your house. Everything normal human beings need? Most of those aren’t even real pictures; they are 3d renders and computer graphics. To withstand a contemporary style home, you’d need a secret room stashed with that stuff. No normal person can live like that for long. Things start to get out of place, and you get tired of hiding everything.

The houses you see in magazines are nice, the expensive parquet floors and expensive furniture, it’s considered a work of art to architects and designers, but regular people need regular furniture to provide comfort and efficiency. Imagine having a pet in a home like that? God forbid the dog knocks over the coffee, or the cat scratches the leather couch. Contemporary homes are like pies you cant dig into. Eye candy, but not something you can actually live in.

Contemporary homes often look like the inside of a museum; Where you’re scared to touch anything, because it may break. Another thing you may not want to touch, is your bank, when considering a contemporary home.

When you come home after a long rainy day, all you want to do is cozy up on the couch and watch tv. What if you’re couch was designed for looks, and not comfort? Then you go upstairs to take a bubble bath, but to your delight, your bathtub was intended for design. Why would anyone want to live like that? Home is where you celebrate the holidays, you stay when you’re sick, your child first walks. Home is you’re grandmother’s house that smelled like homemade pie; A place you felt safe. The opposite? A contemporary home.

What is contemporary, anyway? Odd irregular shapes, squiggles and curves, sleek, uncluttered floor space, stainless steal, minimal furniture, and it often resembles the inside of a spaceship. Contemporary furniture is mostly chosen by those who want to display their individuality. Just like this article is doing. It is merely based on taste!