Furniture In The Early Twentieth Century

By Author: Jane Cooper
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Furniture has continued to evolve all through history, styles have changed constantly and designs have become more elaborate. Ever wondered about the history behind the furniture you use? Well this article strives to reveal the innovative methods of technology and manufacture behind furniture in the twentieth century.

One of the most revolutionary periods in the history of furniture has been in the twentieth century where great changes can be seen in design and styles. By the twentieth century furniture making had evolved from handicraft to a commercial industry that spans the globe. Exclusivity was the name of the game with designs being created and given to the factory to manufacture and then on to the retailer to sell to the customer, the end user. The choice of designs and styles are extensive and universal.

Also known as the period of classic furniture, contemporary furniture and modern furniture, the twentieth century has brought into being the use of new materials, quality design solutions and advanced technology.

The furniture of the early twentieth century was largely unpretentious and dignified. ...
... One of the better known styles was the Mission furniture, which grew out of England’s Arts - Crafts movement of the late 19th century and is closely associated with designer William Morris. This type of furniture is considered to be one of the first great twentieth century designs. Morris and his cohorts took a firm stand against shoddy workmanship, the use of cheap materials and the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian era furniture, because of their belief that the Industrial Revolution was undermining traditional craftsmanship and in turn the quality of life.

America in the midst of a Victorian Era of excess welcomed the Mission style with open arms. The furniture is characterized by bold, clean lines and solid construction. The simple lines and ease of manufacture by hand, bringing to the fore the hand-crafted, home furnishings struck a chord in America and the Mission style gained momentum.

The Mission style symbolized a return to simpler times and values, and also appealed greatly to the rugged individualism of the Americans. Mission Furniture adopts a no-frills style with shades of similarity to the Shakers, a religious sect that fostered a genius for good design. The pioneers of Mission style furniture Gustav Stickley and his brothers introduced the ‘Craftsman’ collection to usher in the change in attitude adopted in 20th century furniture design.

Mission style and Arts and Crafts merged becoming a dominant force that continued until the 1930s when it fell out of favor and almost disappeared, and Art Deco and other modern trends took over to radically influence the people’s taste in interior design. However, the Mission style was down but not out and came back in full force in the late 1980s and ‘90s. Today, manufacturers are hard pressed to keep up with the demand for Mission style furniture.

Houston furniture design and manufacture continues to evolve every day but as a connoisseur and collector of the finer things in life you would be well advised to seek out some of this Mission style furniture to enhance your lifestyle.
About Author:
Jane Cooper writes about Houston furniture and leather furniture in Houston.