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If you’ve ever watched HGTV or any home makeover show on TV, you’ve probably heard terms like “modern”, “cottage”, “contemporary”, “old world”, and more. But what do these furniture styles really mean and how can you tell the difference between them?

Let’s take a look at several common and popular furniture styles to get a better idea of where the differences lie.

Asian

Asian style décor can feature the bold colors and ornate designs of Chinese design as well as the calming Zen-like feel of bamboo, stone, and other natural materials commonly found in Japanese design. Look for carved designs, hand-painted details, and high-gloss surfaces, or designs that feature natural materials and subdued colors to bring the Far East into your home.

Coastal
Coastal style décor is classified by the breezy, fresh and clean tones found in its nautical prints, white washed wood, and sea grass rugs. You don’t have to live on the water, however, to embrace coastal living. Coastal interior design creates a modern yet relaxed atmosphere that is transitional and simple enough to work in a city townhouse or summer lake cottage.

Contemporary
Contemporary styled furniture is often industrial and streamlined – high-tech in look and sometimes function. Contemporary style is a continuation of the modern era, but are new designs created today. While contemporary style is often described as being basic, bold, and structural, it can be comfortable and welcoming at the same time. Look for furniture pieces that are simple with clean geometric lines and no decorations.

Cottage
A cottage styled home is charming and comfortable. Cottage decor features simple, weathered looks in lighter, muted colors and vintage finishes. Painted wood, wicker, and beadboard, paired with overstuffed chairs and sofas, are found together in cottage interiors. When it comes to fabrics, any type of patterned fabric works in cottage design. In fact, it looks best when a variety of patterns are used together in one room, from checks and plaids, to stripes and florals.

Country
Country style is a blend of American Country style with elements from all over the world, including the English Country and French Country styles. Country interior design features a comfortable, lived in feel.

American Country style is characterized by large, practical wood furniture pieces and seating covered in cotton, leather, or any other natural fabrics. Accent with wrought iron and antiqued metals, floral and plaid patterns, braided rugs, and charming knick knacks.

English Country styled furniture features cherry and mahogany wood pieces, overstuffed upholstery, and tweed and leather textiles. The color palette features deep reds, dark browns, and forest greens.

French Country styled furniture features a brighter color palette of purples, yellows, and blues. Pine furniture, caned back chairs, and four poster beds are defining furniture pieces of this interior design trend.

Mission
Mission style features strong, straight lines and a simple, rustic appearance with dark stained oak wood and natural elements. Mission style was made famous by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the Arts and Crafts movement.

Modern
While similar to Contemporary styled furniture, Modern interior design features the graphic, pop-art retro feel of furniture and home decor from the Mid-20th century. The works of Eames, Noguci, Le Corbusier, Eileen Gray, and Meis van der Rohe are the defining designs of mid-century modern interiors. Use sleek and clean lines, man-made materials like teak and plastic, and a mix of colors and textures when designing a Modern home.

Old World
Old World interior design features a mix of various European influences spanning the Medieval, Renaissance, and Classical eras. Ornate and oversized furniture pieces accessorized with marble, tile, limestone, wrought iron, and heavy textured fabrics with tassel and fringe classify this type of interior design style. Old World furniture and décor makes a grand statement.

Rustic & Lodge
Think Southwestern, North Woods, or Log Cabin to get an accurate picture of the Rustic & Lodge furniture style. Achieve this look with an abundance of lumber and timbers, leather and plaid textiles, iron and copper accents, and wildlife themes like antlers, twigs and pinecones.

Shaker
Shaker furniture is similar to Mission styled furniture in that the furniture is simple with little to none decorative elements. Shaker furniture was developed by the Shakers in the late 1700s, a group of United States English immigrants that were highly religious and hard working. Shaker craftsmanship is plain and sturdy, mimicking their simple, practical way of life.

Traditional
Traditional style focuses on balanced details, matching colors, upholstered furnishings, scrolling edges, classic nail head trims and tailored cushions. Achieve the look with peach, green, egg plant, and tan tones. The look is timeless and will last through the years as traditional never goes out of style. Traditional style is elegant and comfortable, opposite of anything modern or trendy.

Transitional
Transitional design blends together Traditional and Contemporary styles to highlight elegant and uncomplicated enduring designs. Furniture is sophisticated and generous in scale but not overwhelming. The transitional palette includes ivory, taupe, beige, and tan combined with deep wood finishes like espresso and black.

Tropical
Tropical décor mimics the islands with exotic, natural textures and warm colors. Tropical furniture includes wicker, rattan, bamboo, and abaca weave materials. Colors like ivory, light yellows, olive, jade, and citrus combine with sea, sky and vegetation motifs to create a breezy, relaxing tropical retreat.

Tuscan
Exude the rustic, sun-baked glow of the Mediterranean with Tuscan interior design. Think Italian countryside – terracotta, gold, dusty red, sienna, and cobalt blue. Tuscan furniture features sturdy, wrought iron scroll-work, tiles and mosaic accents, and warm-hued wood tones. Imagine yourself wine tasting at a vineyard to to get an accurate picture of Tuscan style.

So what is your style? You don’t have to have one style preference. I know I prefer cottage with a mix of modern elements. In the end, it’s just a matter of finding the pieces that you like.