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Transitional Furniture Is IN Right Now. So, Um, What Does That Mean?

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So your home decor quiz said you have a penchant for transitional design…what does that even mean? More importantly, what kind of furniture should you be looking for? We’ll cut to the chase: Transitional style uses traditional elements as its foundation (think: cabriole legs, dark woods and warm jewel tones) while sprinkling contemporary accents throughout (i.e., luxe finishes, tuxedo palettes and clean, rounded shapes).

“Keep your big furniture and investment pieces traditional. That way, you won’t be sick of them in two years—and regret the money you spent on them. Then, for your accents, like throw blankets, pillows, side tables and lighting, skew more contemporary,” says Casey Hardin, Decorist designer and creator of The Karma Corner. So, in the spirit of show, don’t tell, find 10 of our favorite transitional furniture pieces for 2021.


Here’s What Transitional Style *Actually* Means (and 6 Tips to Nail the Look)


Neiman Marcus

1. Four Hands Aleida Kitchen Island

Not sure where to start? Think of your furniture as visual representations of two styles coming together. Here, the mixture of rich wood, polished white marble and brass drawers practically screams transitional sophistication. Plus, forget about hiring a designer—a piece that’s *this elegant* automatically makes you a part of the big league.

2. Vernon Upholstered Barrel Accent Chair

You want your accent pieces to be contemporary but not too contemporary. Between this chair’s clean lines, luxurious velvet upholstery and warm, classic color… all we have to say is *chef’s kiss* (psst: Check out Threshold designed with Studio McGee for more transitional pieces).

3. Milan Dining Table By Modshop

When you decide to splurge on something, you always want to follow two rules of thumb: 1) make sure it’s something you’ll use and 2) go with something less trendy and more timeless. So, yeah, we’d say this luxurious, hand-beveled dining table from ModShop is well worth the price tag.

4. Wire Frame Upholstered Dining Chair

The key to bringing this look together is with sleek, contemporary accents. Besides, what would your classic dining table be without some trendy chairs?

5. Fluted Side Table

While we’re on the subject of what’s trending, fluted details are all the rage in 2021 (and we don’t see that changing anytime soon). Go with a luxe metal side table to ensure everything is looking au courant.

6. Hermosillo Console Table

The entryway style sets the tone for the rest of your house. If you want your overall aesthetic to say “transitional,” start with a console that makes a statement.

7. Catalina Mudcloth Round Ottoman

Round out a reading nook or a cozy corner with an upholstered ottoman with classic-contemporary details (like this one’s leather piping and cream-colored fabric). Remember: Less is more, people.

8. Marley Collection- Glass And Antique Bronze Rectangle Coffee Table

Curved edges, brass accents and clean lines—now this is what the design quizzes mean when they say your style is “timeless transitional.”

9. Queer Eye Wimberly Nightstand

Hint: Cane and rattan accents are *not* the exclusive property of boho style. Throw in some contrasting color with brass hardware, and you’ve got yourself a modern classic.

10. Auburn Classic Bed, Simply White

Following the advice to have your bigger pieces skew more classically elegant rather than trendy contemporary, we’re all about opting for a more traditional bed. (Oh, and going with bedding that is so right now).


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Sydney Meister

Assistant Editor

Sydney Meister is PureWow's Assistant Editor, covering everything from interior design and dating trends (helloo, rizz) to relationship advice, weddings, real estate, parenting...
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