Modern, contemporary or classic? Before you choose a rug, a chandelier or a fireplace, it helps to know which look you are designing toward. This guide to modern vs contemporary vs classic interior design explains what sets each style apart, how to recognise the one you are drawn to, and which pieces from our collections bring it to life.
Modern vs contemporary vs classic: the quick difference
People often use modern and contemporary as if they mean the same thing, but they do not.
- Modern refers to a specific period of design, rooted in the modernist movement of the early and mid twentieth century. It is defined and does not change: clean lines, honest materials, little ornament and a focus on function.
- Contemporary simply means the design of now. It borrows from many eras and keeps evolving, so today it tends toward soft curves, layered textures, warm neutrals and a relaxed, collected feel.
- Classic, sometimes called traditional, draws on European design of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries: symmetry, carved detail, rich materials and a sense of permanence.
None is better than another. The right one is the style that fits your home, your architecture and the way you like to live.
Option 1: Modern
A modern room feels calm, ordered and uncluttered. Every piece has a clear shape and a reason to be there, and the materials do the talking rather than decoration.
How to recognise it
- Straight lines, geometric forms and open, uncluttered surfaces
- Natural materials shown plainly: stone, leather, wood, metal and glass
- A restrained palette of black, white, grey and warm neutrals
- Few accessories, each chosen for its form
Pieces for a modern room
- Orbit Brass Globe Chandelier
- Nero Marquina Marble Fireplace Surround
- Travertine Modern Fireplace Surround
- Salt and Pepper Cowhide Rug
- Alabaster Ovoid Vase
- Hammered Brass Bowl
Styling tip: keep the fireplace wall simple and let one strong material lead, such as a slab of black marble or honed travertine, with a single sculptural light overhead.
Option 2: Contemporary
Contemporary design is softer and more personal. It mixes old and new, rounded and straight, and feels comfortable rather than strict. It is the easiest style to live with if you like change, because it welcomes new pieces over time.
How to recognise it
- Soft curves and rounded shapes alongside clean lines
- Layered textures: knits, natural hides, ceramics, stone
- Warm neutral bases with one or two bolder accents
- A relaxed mix of pieces from different eras
Pieces for a contemporary room
- Aurelia Crystal Cascade Chandelier
- Carrara Marble Fireplace Surround
- Brindle Cowhide Rug
- Sculpted Clay Vessel Trio
- Chunky Knit Throw
Styling tip: layer texture rather than colour. A brindle cowhide under a cream sofa, a chunky throw and a group of clay vessels on the mantel create depth without clutter.
Option 3: Classic
A classic room has a sense of history and occasion. It is built on symmetry and proportion, with carved stone, gilded frames and crystal that catches the light. It suits period homes beautifully, and it can also give a newer home real character.
How to recognise it
- Symmetrical arrangements around a central focal point, often the fireplace
- Carved and moulded detail: mantels, mirror frames, chandelier arms
- Rich finishes such as antique brass, gilding, crystal and marble
- Collected objects: candlesticks, busts, mirrors and art
Pieces for a classic room
- Louis XV Carved Stone Mantel
- Limestone Hearth Mantel
- Versailles Brass and Crystal Chandelier
- Maison Twelve-Light Crystal Chandelier
- Florentine Gilded Chandelier
- Gilded Baroque Wall Mirror
- Brass Taper Candlesticks, Set of Two
- Classical Plaster Bust
- Classic Black and White Cowhide Rug
Styling tip: centre the room on the fireplace. A carved mantel, a gilded mirror above it and a pair of brass candlesticks set up the symmetry, and a crystal chandelier completes the look.
Which style is right for you?
A few quick questions can point you in the right direction:
- Do you love clean, empty surfaces? You are probably modern.
- Do you like mixing pieces and changing things over time? Contemporary will feel most natural.
- Are you drawn to detail, symmetry and a sense of history? Classic is your style.
- Does your home have strong period features? Classic or a contemporary mix usually suits them best.
You do not have to choose only one. Many of the most beautiful rooms blend styles, for example a classic carved mantel with a modern globe chandelier, or a contemporary sofa over a natural cowhide. The key is to decide which style leads and let the others support it.
Choose your style and we will help
Tell us which direction you prefer, modern, contemporary or classic, along with a little about your room, and we will suggest the cowhides, lighting, fireplaces and decor that fit. Send us a note through our contact page, or browse the full collection to start building your look.