Modern Sofas: a History of Evolution Towards the Practical and Simple

Do you have a modern sofa at home? Have you ever wondered what exactly are the stages that the history of furniture design had to go through for these types of pieces to reach so many homes? Modern designs became one of the most demanded categories in furniture stores and a point of reference for how Modernism influenced this discipline strongly linked to architecture.

The historical stage of modern furniture can be identified between the end of the nineteenth century and the present, although if we talk about Mid-Century Modern in particular, we'll be referring to a period between the 1930s and 1960s, which continues to this day with great relevance.

As in other professional areas and disciplines of all kinds, Modernism had a tremendous influence and defined certain standards derived from the post-WWII philosophy that prevailed in the world: a focus on practicality and the commodification of materials as one of the main attractions of any product, creation, or trend.

A midcentury sofa clearly reflects that philosophy, taking into account that it's almost always robust and durable furniture, devoid of any excess of ornamental details that were typical in models from previous centuries, and represented the most common way of designing and producing furniture.

The Leap Into The Future

You're probably used to seeing models that fit the previous description, but in historical terms, it was a big leap, an obvious departure from the way the furniture was designed up to that point. Gone were the styles that gave great importance to the decorating arts, such as Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, and Victorian.

The most important thing now was practical and functional aspects. A simple aesthetic was cultivated with an elegance based on geometric shapes and designs that could meet a need. It was no longer unusual to find a modern sectional in a new small house where it was necessary to make the most of the space.

The fact that the architecture also took on an eminently modernist character had a direct influence on the appearance of these furniture pieces. The houses were now smaller, built quickly to attend to the population's massive displacements to the large metropolises, which gave rise to the appearance of many houses and apartment buildings with basic areas, focused on meeting the most urgent needs that brought the fast-paced lifestyle of contemporary adults.

The appearance of new technologies and industrial techniques was also an incentive for the diversification of leather sofas, fabric sofas, and even models with upholstery made of synthetic materials, resistant to fire and humidity.

The advantages of modernism represent exactly what many people need to make their homes and workplaces efficient, pleasant, comfortable, and ergonomic. The best sofas within this style mean the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics. There's practically a model for every taste, and yours may be waiting for you in the varied catalog of Manhattan Home Design.