Modern Furniture
This Season’s Highlights
What Is Modern Furniture?
Though the term “modern” refers to anything of the present age, the process of defining modern furniture is not quite as simple. Modern furniture design as we know it is defined by a variety of furniture styles that differ in construction, inspiration, and purpose.
Modern furniture is largely defined as a clean-lined and ultra-functional departure from pre-war convention, which favored intricately embellished furnishings made from expensive, impractical materials. Termed mid-century modern furniture (sometimes abbreviated MCM furniture), furnishings from this period of the early-to-mid-1900s reflected the growing popularity of modernism, a movement that prioritized function and ease of production over traditional opulence and time-consuming ornamentation.
The 20th century modern design umbrella eventually grew to encompass other modern styles, highlighted within the breadth of assortment at Leone Beige:
Modes of Modern: Styles for Different Ways of Life
Nordic Minimalist
With roots in Danish design and Japanese minimalism, Nordic Minimalism embraces warmth and restraint. Like other modern design styles, Nordic Minimalism features pared-down, clean-lined designs chosen primarily for their function and the value they can add to one's life. Monochromatic black-and-white color schemes with warm wood highlights and matte finishes are hallmarks of this style.
Post Modern
One of the most visually intriguing and experimental mid-century design styles, postmodern design embraces boldness: saturated colors, punchy patterns, and sculptural forms. A departure from the strict focus on function inherent to many other mid-1900s design styles, post-modern designs play with mixed materials and unconventional shapes. Postmodern design is often favored by a young audience for its bold scale and focus on sustainability.
Bauhaus Industrial
Created around the modernist belief that form follows function, Bauhaus Industrial design marries art and industrial functionality. Bauhaus Industrial furniture is streamlined and geometric, often crafted of natural and manufactured materials. However, it isn't devoid of life - it incorporates thoughtful dashes of saturated color. Read our History of the Bauhaus to learn more about the school and design movement that inspired this style.
Italian Contemporary
Italian Contemporary design represents a refined approach to modern design. Similar to the Bauhaus Industrial style but slightly more indulgent, Italian Contemporary design puts a modernist spin on classic opulence. The Italian Contemporary color palette is cool, featuring chrome-plated metal, black leather, glass, acrylic, and stone.
How to Furnish Modern Spaces
1. Living Room.
Understanding the tenets of mid-century modern design is the first step to furnishing an authentically MCM space. The next steps are to choose and arrange furniture pieces that embody those tenets and accommodate your needs.
As a primary gathering space and multipurpose area, the living room is one of the most important rooms in the home in which to apply modern design principles, as your design choices will affect not only the look and feel of your space, but also how your household and guests will enjoy and engage with it. When designing a modern living room, it’s a good idea to work from the center outward, starting with a conversation set of a sofa or sectional and accent chairs anchored around a mid-century coffee table. Employ low, unadorned silhouettes, tapered legs, monolithic shapes, and contrasting materials; for example, a marble block coffee table and a plush, overstuffed sectional with chaise. Balance your seating so that people are facing each other or the coffee table when they sit. Place a two- or three-seat sofa opposing two matching armchairs, or nestle your coffee table in the crook of an L- or U-shaped sectional.
With central pieces chosen, you can work outward. Add convenience with side tables and chairs and supplement lighting with table lamps and floor lamps where necessary. Place bookcases and other media storage units against walls. Keep in mind where you can utilize both harmonious and contrasting materials, as a balance of unity and contrast can contribute to a well-designed space. With all functional elements in place, it’s time to decorate. Start with a living room rug, throw pillows, and coffee table decor, and work outward to mantel decor, wall art, and mirrors.
2. Kitchen & Dining Room.
Dining rooms serve a primary purpose, and thus furnishing a dining room should aim first and foremost to serve that purpose. Start with a dining set: a dining table big enough to accommodate your whole family and some guests (but not so big it overwhelms your space), and matching or contrasting chairs, depending on your preference. Solid wood is an ideal choice for modern dining furnishings as it is both sturdy and durable, but you can also choose from glass, metal, and even marble. Fill extra space with side chairs that can provide additional seating when needed or dining room storage furniture that can hold supplementary dinnerware. Don’t forget bar or counter stools for your bar or countertop, and complete your design scheme with decor: table centerpieces, tabletop accessories, and more.
3. Bedroom.
Your bedroom is a space all your own, and thus you can prioritize your own style above all else. To keep with a mid-century modern theme, pair a low-profile platform bed with one or more matching nightstands, ideally all solid wood. Make sure to choose bedroom storage furniture, like dressers, armoires, and storage benches, that can hold all your personal items. Mitigate busyness by utilizing congruent colors or materials in other pieces of bedroom furniture throughout your space – match a wood bed with wood nightstands and a wood dresser, and place a wood bench at the foot of the bed. Incorporate contrast with storage hardware: drawer pulls, cabinet handles, hinges. Cushion the floor with a cozy bedroom rug. For lighting, go with two wall sconces placed on either side of the bed, or hang a decorative modern chandelier from the center of your ceiling.
Whether you’re searching for modern bedroom furniture to upgrade your home’s interiors or you’re looking to adopt an authentic piece of modern furniture that has made design history, Leone Beige offers a superlative selection of modern furniture.
What is mid-century modern?
Mid-century modern is a design style developed in the mid-1900s. Mid-century modern furniture is functional and warm, crafted of affordable, easy-to-manufacture materials.
When was mid-century modern design popular?
The MCM design movement spanned several years – approximately from the mid-1940s to late ’60s – in post-World War II America. Though its popularity waned in the 1980s, mid-century modern design has re-emerged in recent years alongside a rise in enthusiasm for collecting vintage furniture.
Discover more in our FAQ
Why should I choose Leone Beige?
Why should I choose Leone Beige?
At Leone Beige, we see furniture as the architecture of living, and we invite you to see it the same way. Every designer piece we curate comes with insight into its vision, helping you uncover the deeper meaning behind it.
How long does it take to process an order?
How long does it take to process an order?
For in-stock furniture, processing takes about 1–2 weeks to carefully prepare and deliver your piece. For custom-made designs, please allow 6–12 weeks, as each item is individually crafted by artisans to ensure the highest level of quality and detail.
Do you ship internationally?
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we offer international shipping to select countries. Please check our shipping policy for details on destinations, rates, and delivery times.
What is your return policy?
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery, provided the items are unused and in their original condition. For detailed instructions, please refer to our return policy or contact our support team.

