Skirted furniture, once associated with the excessive decor of the 1980s, is making a comeback with a fresh and modern twist. While some may still view it as uptight and outdated, design tastemakers are finding new ways to reimagine and recontextualize this traditional style.
According to interior designer Eerdmans, skirted tables were often seen as over-ruffled and bad decorating in the 80s. However, she emphasizes that there were brilliant versions of this style, especially when used by legendary designer Mario Buatta in historic spaces. Skirted furniture can provide an ideal canvas for tour de force tailoring, adding tailored effects like ruffles, fringe, and contrast welt.
Brooklyn-based weaver Scott Bodenner suggests using fringe to add movement and shimmer to the skirted look, while still maintaining the furniture’s graceful lines. Ottomans with trimmed fringe can bring softness to a space while also maintaining formality. Today, the focus in skirting is more about form, drape, and pliant materials.
While skirted furniture may have been considered fussy and old-fashioned in the past, there is now a new appreciation for its charm and elegance. Design enthusiasts are rediscovering and romanticizing this traditional style from a fresh perspective. For example, Colin King’s upholstery collection for Future Perfect combines English country aesthetics with a cutting-edge approach.
As trends often skip a generation, there is a delightful mix of fondness and horror associated with the episode of Sex and the City where Charlotte goes bedding shopping with her mother-in-law, Bunny MacDougal. Bunny’s insistence on a dust ruffle reflects a taste that resonates with many design tastemakers today.
In conclusion, skirted furniture is no longer confined to the realms of outdated decor. It is being reinvented and embraced by designers who are finding new ways to infuse it with modernity and style. Whether it’s through tailored effects, fringe, or a reinterpretation of traditional aesthetics, skirted furniture has found its place in contemporary design.
FAQs about Skirted Furniture:
1. What is skirted furniture?
Skirted furniture refers to pieces of furniture that have a fabric skirt or valance attached to the bottom, covering the legs. It is a traditional style that was popular in the past but is now making a comeback with modern adaptations.
2. How was skirted furniture viewed in the 1980s?
In the 1980s, skirted furniture was often seen as excessive and bad decorating. Many considered it over-ruffled and outdated.
3. Who were some notable designers known for using skirted furniture effectively?
Legendary designer Mario Buatta was known for using skirted tables in historic spaces in a brilliant way. He showed that skirted furniture can be stylish when done well.
4. How can fringe be used to enhance the skirted look?
According to weaver Scott Bodenner, using fringe can add movement and shimmer to skirted furniture while maintaining its graceful lines. Ottomans with trimmed fringe can bring softness to a space while also adding formality.
5. Is there a new appreciation for skirted furniture?
Yes, there is now a rediscovery and romanticization of skirted furniture from a fresh perspective. Design enthusiasts are appreciating its charm and elegance, and designers are finding new ways to modernize and embrace this traditional style.
6. What are some examples of contemporary approaches to skirted furniture?
Colin King’s upholstery collection for Future Perfect combines English country aesthetics with a cutting-edge approach, showcasing how skirted furniture can be reinvented and infused with modernity and style.
7. What is the significance of the episode of Sex and the City mentioned in the article?
The episode of Sex and the City where Charlotte goes bedding shopping with her mother-in-law, Bunny MacDougal, reflects a mix of fondness and horror associated with the taste for dust ruffles, a style that resonates with many design tastemakers today.
8. Is skirted furniture still considered outdated?
No, skirted furniture is no longer confined to outdated decor. It is being embraced and reinvented by designers who are finding new ways to incorporate modern elements and contemporary aesthetics.
