Welcome to this comprehensive glossary of modern furniture buzzwords, presented to you by the team at Furniture Outlet. Are you sometimes confused by the jargon used to describe modern furniture and want to understand what this terminology actually means? Well, worry no more, because here you will find quick explanations for the contemporary furniture & interior design terms that you need to know.
Latest Update: January 2024
Art Deco
Short for Arts Décoratifs in French, Art Deco is a popular decorative design style originating from the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterised through the use of bold, stylised geometric patterns and modern materials such as glass and chrome. Early plastics like Bakelite were also frequently used in the manufacture of Art Deco furniture at the time. The style was particularly popular in cities like Paris, London and New York, where skyscrapers and other modern buildings were being constructed. The sleek lines and glamorous aesthetics of Art Deco made it a perfect match for these urban environments. Art Deco also often represents the luxury, glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. Today, Art Deco continues to be a trendy design style, and its influence can be seen in many modern pieces of furniture and home decor.
Saison Cream Velvet Ottoman Bed
View our range of Art Deco inspired Saison Ottoman Beds
Bed Rot or Bed Rotting
Bed Rotting is a recent Gen Z trend on TikTok and other social media platforms, that involves lounging in bed for extended spells to recharge, rejuvenate or just chill out. For some, it’s self-care, a way to battle stress and life’s chaos. Yet, a cautionary note is sounded by those who fear that bed rotting might not play nice with your mental and physical well-being, potentially messing up your mood, sleep routine and body clock. Use the hashtags #bedrot or #bedrotting to see examples on social media.
Read More: Selecting A Mattress For The Bed Rotting Trend
Boucle
Derived from the French word bouclé, meaning a curl or loop, boucle is an on-trend soft fabric for interiors used on everything from sofas, armchairs and storage ottomans to beds, pillows and cushions. Boucle is widely beloved for its warm look and comforting feel. The highly textured, fluffy upholstery on boucle furniture is reminiscent of a teddy bear or lamb. It is a durable and easy-to-care-for fabric that is resistant to pilling, making it perfect for high-traffic areas of the home. Boucle is also a popular choice for creating a cosy, Hygge-inspired atmosphere, which is why it is often used in Scandinavian and Japandi interior design styles. The stuff of showhomes, boucle continues to be one of the UK’s leading interior design trends for 2024 and beyond.
Imogen White Teddy Boucle Sofa
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View our selection of Boucle Armchairs
View our selection of Boucle Beds
Read More: Why Boucle Is The Hot Sofa Trend
Cantilever Dining Chair or Cantilever Chair
Born from the innovative spirit of the early 20th century and influenced by the minimalist Bauhaus movement, the cantilever dining chair showcases a distinctive design with a singular, curved base. Introduced by Marcel Breuer in 1928, this departure from traditional four-legged chairs results in a suspended and visually dynamic form. Characterised by a continuous line from back to floor, the cantilever chair embodies a modern, weightless aesthetic. Crafted from materials like chrome-plated steel, it seamlessly blends form and function, serving as both functional dining seating and a statement piece in contemporary interiors. The cantilever dining chair’s evolution reflects a timeless fusion of avant-garde design and functionality, still making it a sought-after choice in today’s modern homes.
Cavezzo Dove Grey Cantilever Dining Chairs with Chrome Base
View our selection of Cantilever Dining Chairs
Read More: Cantilever Dining Chair Buying Guide
Extendable Dining Table or Extending Dining Table
An extendable dining table features a tabletop that can easily extend to comfortably accommodate extra guests to your home or increase the table’s work surface for other purposes. When not in use, you can reduce the size of the dining table to make the most of the space available in your dining room or kitchen. They often have a hidden mechanism that allows for the table to expand or retract with ease. Some extendable dining tables have additional leaves that can be added to the table, while others have a butterfly leaf system where the table can be easily adjusted with one or two leaves. An extendable dining table is a great option for those with smaller dining spaces or open-plan living areas, as it can save space while still being functional.
Aprilla Extendable Dining Table
View our selection of Extendable Dining Tables
Read More: Extendable Stone Dining Table Styling Ideas
Hygge
Hygge, pronounced “hue-gah” or “hoo-guh, is a Danish interior design concept that focuses on creating a cosy, warm and inviting atmosphere that promotes comfort, relaxation and wellbeing. Hygge design often employs soft textures, warm lighting and natural materials like wood and wool to create a feeling of cosiness and intimacy. The concept is about creating a sanctuary within the home, a space to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Hygge design is centred around simplicity and minimalism, where every piece of furniture and decor serves a purpose.
Japandi
Japandi is an on-trend design style that blends the modern minimalism of Japanese aesthetics with the warmth and rustic charm of Scandinavian design. This style is characterised by simplicity, functionality and natural elements, with a focus on neutral colours, clean lines and uncluttered spaces. Japandi furniture often features natural materials like wood, bamboo or stone, and incorporates organic shapes and textures. The overall effect is a calming, peaceful space that promotes mindfulness and relaxation. Japandi is a popular trend in interior design, especially among those who seek to create a home sanctuary in the midst of a busy world.
Le Corbusier or Corbusier
Known popularly as Le Corbusier, Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris was an influential Swiss-French designer and one of the leading pioneers of the 20th century’s modern architecture movement. Le Corbusier’s iconic Grand Confort armchair from 1928, a cube-shaped leather club chair with a chrome-plated steel frame, is regarded as a masterpiece in modern furniture design. The chair’s revolutionary design is also ergonomically sound, ensuring that it provides both comfort and style. Now simply referred to as a Corbusier chair, this modernist style of furniture design continues to be a popular choice for interiors to this day.
Montana White Teddy Boucle Chair, inspired by Corbusier’s groundbreaking club chair design
View our selection of Le Corbusier inspired Armchairs & Sofas
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern interior design emerged in the USA during the mid-20th century, from the 1940s to the 1960s. It is characterised by a fusion of minimalism and functionality, with a focus on clean lines, organic shapes and natural materials such as wood, leather and metal. Mid-century modern design often features bold and bright colours, abstract patterns and graphic designs. Mid-century modern interiors often feature iconic pieces of furniture from famous designers, such as the Eames lounge chairs, Saarinen tulip tables and Nelson bubble lamps. The style has made a resurgence in recent years and is popular for its timeless appeal and ability to blend seamlessly with contemporary interiors.
Organic Modern Style
Organic modern style is a popular interior design trend that creates comfortable and luxurious living spaces. It’s inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, mid-century modern design and bohemian styles. This design style focuses on natural materials, gentle curves and organic shapes. This trend is all about embracing the raw beauty of natural fibres, showing off expressive wood grain and mixing ‘n’ matching contrasting metal finishes to create a luxurious and tactile experience in any space. It also features furniture and lighting with sculptural, asymmetrical shapes that provide contrast to the clean, straight lines commonly seen in modern design.
Read More: How To Get The Organic Modern Look
Ottoman Bed
Ideal for smaller bedrooms and studio apartments, the ottoman bed frame can flip up to access a storage space underneath the mattress. Powered by gas-lift hydraulics, the lifting mechanism on an ottoman bed requires minimal effort by you to actually use it. Ottoman beds are a great place to safely store away seasonal bedding or occasional use items – such as duvets, blankets or pillows – until they are needed. They come in a variety of upholstery choices and colours to complement any bedroom decor. With their practicality and versatility, ottoman beds have become a popular choice for those seeking space-saving solutions without sacrificing comfort and style.
Saison Black Velvet Ottoman Bed
View our selection of Ottoman Beds
Read More: Ottoman Bed Buying Guide
Scandi or Scandinavian
Scandi, short for Scandinavian, is a furniture design style originating from Nordic countries including Denmark and Sweden in the 1950s that focuses on simplicity and functionality. Scandi style generally employs natural materials like wood, neutral colours and minimalistic, clean lines. In addition to wood, materials such as leather, wool and linen are also commonly used in Scandi design. This style has remained popular throughout the years and has inspired many other design movements, including the Japandi style, which blends Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics for a minimalist yet cosy look. Scandi style is often associated with Hygge, a Danish term that encompasses a sense of cosiness, comfort and well-being.
Enza Oatmeal Fabric Dining Chairs with Black Metal Legs
View more of our Scandi inspired Enza Dining Chairs
Ski Lodge Chic
Ski lodge chic is an interior design style that combines the cosy and rustic charm of a mountain cabin with modern touches to create a luxurious and stylish living space. The design style typically features natural materials such as wood and stone, warm and rich colour palettes, and plush furnishings that evoke a sense of comfort and relaxation. It may also incorporate elements of vintage ski equipment – such as skis, snowshoes or sleds – to add a sense of nostalgia and adventure to the space. Overall, the ski lodge look aims to create a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for a cosy mountain getaway.
Read More: How To Get The Ski Lodge Look
Sofa Bed or Sleeper Sofa
This generic term typically refers to a large, multifunctional sofa with a built-in mechanism that easily converts the sofa to a bed. Sofabeds are a handy option for smaller apartments or homes that don’t have the space for a traditional guest bed. Also known as a sleeper sofa or pull-out sofa. They are available in a range of materials – including leather, fabric or velvet – with some featuring additional features such as storage drawers and chaise lounges. Some modern sofa beds also come with advanced mattress technologies, like memory foam or pocket coils, to ensure maximum comfort for guests. Additionally, many sofa beds offer different levels of adjustability to suit various sitting or sleeping positions.
Lexington Moon Silver Corner Sofa Bed (Sofa Configuration)
Lexington Moon Silver Corner Sofa Bed (Bed Configuration)
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Read More: Sofa Bed Buying Guide
U-Shape Sofa / U-Shaped Sofa
Sofas configured in a U-shape work equally well in both large and small living areas. The chaise lounge sections on the sofa, that form the left and right sides of the U-shape, can be equal or different lengths to best match the available space in the room. They come in a range of materials, colours and textures, from leather to velvet. Some models even include built-in storage compartments or recliner functions, adding even more functionality to the sofa. Already an ideal option for lounging and entertaining guests in your home, U-shaped sofa beds can also comfortably accommodate visitors staying overnight.
Aspen Graphite Velvet U Shaped Corner Sofa Bed
View our selection of U-Shaped Sofas
Modern Furniture Buzzwords – Ask Us For Help
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