Modern vs. Contemporary: What Is the Difference?

Are your home interiors more modern or contemporary?

Contemporary bedroom with geometric-patterned wallpaper, wood wall paneling, curved accent furniture and gray upholstered bed.

The terms "modern" and "contemporary" are often used interchangeably, but they actually represent two separate design eras! Sometimes the differences between these styles are so subtle that they're easy to confuse for one another. That's why in this guide, we settle the modern vs. contemporary debate by defining each design style, drawing comparisons, and ultimately helping you decide on the best style for your interiors.

What Is Modern Design?
What Is Contemporary Design?
Contemporary vs. Modern Design: Comparing Styles
Modern vs. Contemporary Aesthetics: Which One Is for You?

What Is Modern Design?

The modern design movement encompasses art, architecture, and interior design movements that occurred between the early 1900s and the 1970s. The original purpose of modern design was to move away from more traditional, ornate styles and more towards practical, functional, and uncluttered designs. Modern design includes styles like minimalism, mid-century modern, Scandinavian, and post-modern design. Modern interiors feel clean, simplistic, and practical while also being warm and inviting with the right blend of furnishings and decor.

Key Design Elements:

Color Palettes: Neutral, earthy, monochromatic.
Furniture: Clean-lined, sleek, and functional.
Decor: Clean-lined, neutral, abstract, and nature-inspired – but manipulated.
Materials: Human-made plywood, concrete, fiberglass, or acrylic paired with steel, natural stone, solid wood, bamboo, or leather.
Patterns: Geometric, abstract, retro, or graphic grid patterns.

What Is Contemporary Design?

Contemporary living room with a curved sofa, a pair of boucle chairs, a multicolor abstract rug, and silver coffee table.

The contemporary design movement goes from the 1970s to the present and started as a reaction to modern and postmodern styles. Contemporary design has a quirky, forward-looking vibe that's fluid, ever-evolving, colorful, and explorative when it comes to design – but without being too ornate or cluttered. It incorporates art deco influences and futuristic design for a unique blend of styles. Learn more in our guide on What Is Contemporary Style?.

Key Design Elements:

Color Palettes: Neutral, neutral with pops of color, or bold complementary color pairings.
Furniture: Curved- or abstract-shaped furniture balanced with clean-lined pieces.
Decor: Futuristic, abstract, multicolored, or textured.
Materials: Human-made concrete, fiberglass, or acrylic paired with steel, natural stone, solid wood, bamboo, or leather.
Patterns: Geometric, abstract, or fluid curves.

Contemporary vs. Modern Design: Comparing Styles

Minimalistic modern bedroom with a leather upholstered bed, green bedding, and a large floor-to-ceiling window.

So, what is the difference between modern and contemporary design? Below, we've made a list of key similarities and differences to help you further distinguish between these two design styles.

Similarities:

Both incorporate clean-lined, paired-back furnishings with tapered or splayed legs.

Both prioritize an open, uncluttered vibe in the home.

Both love to include a mix of human-made and natural materials through furnishings, decor, and flooring.

Both utilize geometric and abstract patterns through area rugs, wall art, and other decor.

Differences:

Modern design prioritizes square-shaped or angular pieces while contemporary design prioritizes more abstract-shaped or curved pieces.

While modern-style furnishings and decor prioritize function, contemporary-style furnishings and decor are more ornamental (decorative).

Modern design prefers neutral or monochrome color schemes, while contemporary design prefers a bit more color.

Similarly, modern neutral color palettes tend to lean towards warm, earthy neutrals, while contemporary neutral palettes lean more towards black, white, and gray.

Modern interiors lean into matte or brushed finishes for metallic furniture pieces, decor, and hardware, while contemporary interiors lean more towards glossy or mirrored finishes.

Modern design has clear boundaries, while contemporary design provides more room to play with style.

Modern vs. Contemporary Aesthetics: Which One Is for You?

Now that we've gone over the differences between modern and contemporary design, let's figure out which is the right style for you. Here are a few questions to consider to determine if you're more into modern or contemporary style:

You Might Prefer Modern Interiors If …

You find warm neutral color palettes or monochrome spaces soothing.
You prioritize multifunctional furniture pieces or those with space-saving designs.
You keep decor to a minimum, but the pieces you do include make a statement.
You find peace and comfort in rooms with minimal furniture and clean, paired-back silhouettes.

Tip!

If modern interiors are more your thing, review these Modern Decor Ideas: 21 Ways to Master Modern Style.

You Might Prefer Contemporary Interiors If …

You like changing things up and incorporating trends as they happen.
You find comfort in neutral color palettes but also love color.
You love furniture pieces that use shape and form to make a statement.
Your style is rooted in modern design but you like to merge it with other design styles like boho or glam.