Fashion trends affect every facet of living, although the word “fashion” is often applied more to clothing than anything else. However, even in furniture, trends do appear – and disappear – about as quickly as they do in makeup or jewelry! How important is it, then, to pay attention to furniture fashion?
You may be the kind of person who likes to stand out, which would cause you to look for a piece of furniture that is different and unique. Changing a dining table or bedroom set when the furniture fashion changes, or you are now tired of what you purchased, isn’t as simple as changing a few things in a wardrobe. After all, if you have purchased high quality Mennonite furniture, you will have invested more in it than the price of a pair of brand quality jeans. Also, the motive you may have had in investing in Mennonite furniture is to have something that will last and not need to be replaced for a long time...if ever. What to do in a world where fashion, even in furniture, seems to matter?
Remember that furniture is a foundation. Your style of décor can be built around, and on (literally) the furniture of each room in your home. Décor, such as wall art, table blocks, lamps, table runners, and throws are much more easily changed as your tastes in style change, than the furniture in your home. Purchase furniture that can easily morph between a few different vibes, be it boho, primitive, or rustic. You may be someone who’s attention has
been captured by bold modern, but only a few years ago, preferred a traditional classic decorative approach. Not to stress! Furniture can be chosen and made that could be used in either setting. Furniture undergirds the aesthetic of a home, but it doesn’t have to decide it.
Take some time to think about what draws you. When you visit friends and family, when you are window shopping, or browsing online, what vibe do you return to again and again? Is it uncluttered and minimalist? Then chunky legs on a table, or heavy chairs, are likely not the best choice for you. Nor would a lot of dark, rich colors in your furniture. A harvest table, or fine trestle table, would meet your space needs and lighter colors tend to make your space seem larger. So, if your home space is small, lighter stain with a furniture style that is clean and simple will likely last in your liking for a long time to come...and better yet, never goes out of style.
Maybe what you are drawn to is a warm and rich approach, with the fireplace, throws, and rugs. If so, then a sawcut aesthetic on a bedroom set, or live edge end tables and coffee
tables in your living room, will meet that core connection. A harvest trestle table with heavier chairs, or a rustic x-base table with more solid chairs, would suit you. Throw in some wildlife wall art, a cozy cabin throw pillow or two, and candles! Warm brown tones in stain will make that kind of furniture welcoming to you, and you will revel in the fireside friendliness you feel – and your family will, too.
Perhaps you go back to the inspirational photos of bold black and white, straight edges, and unique shapes. Try black chairs at a simply white table, with a black sideboard in the room, and simply white modern end tables beside your black leather sofa and chairs.
Black chairs are making furniture fashion sense right now, but it doesn’t matter. Does black ever go out of style? Black Mennonite chairs last a long time, but black chairs can be paired with almost any color of wood stain – making them one of the most neutral pieces of furniture fashion in your home.
Are you just plain practical? Choose your furniture according to your common sense, and not according to the commands of fashion. A large family requires a large dining table. A small bedroom doesn’t fit a king log bed frame very well. Occasional company might need an expandable table with leaves that can be stored away. A decent sized living room does need a coffee table and end tables, but shelves under those tables would make storage sense. Be practical in your furniture fashion choices, and you will be satisfied with what you invest in for many years to come.
Foundationally, just be you. Furniture fashion isn’t really all that important. If you choose something too unique, you may tire of it before anyone else does! If you decide on all black and white furniture, simply because that is what fashion dictates, when you would really rather have dark walnut and wilderness...you’ll have invested in the wrong atmosphere for your home and heart. God created us with our personalities and preferences. He loves for us to embrace our faith in Him, not furniture fashion, through allowing what He has created in us to shine in our space, and to our family and friends.
Will you find freedom in furniture fashion? No, but you will through faith in Jesus Christ!
~ Katherine
Comments