Modern vs. Contemporary Home Interior Design Style
While many consider modern and contemporary home interior design styles the same, they differ significantly. Exploring those differences can help you identify which one you prefer for your home.

At Blind King, we can help you determine which aesthetic suits your personality and lifestyle. We'll pair you with the right Hunter Douglas modern or contemporary window treatments to tie your space together.
What are the Differences Between Modern vs. Contemporary Home Design?
Modern home design gained popularity in the 1960s and ‘70s, but has roots in the Industrial Revolution era. It's focused on functionality, with a neutral color palette, clean straight lines, and an emphasis on natural materials, like wood and leather. Overall, it creates an uncluttered look that's the basis for many other interior design styles, like postmodernism and mid-century modern.
Conversely, contemporary design is an up-to-the-minute style with constantly changing trends. The elements that are contemporary right now won't be considered that style in five or ten years. Today, contemporary homes favor bold color contrasts, eco-friendly materials, sustainable practices, and technology. They can also include a mix of:
- Colors.
- Textures.
- Patterns
- Shapes.
Similarities Between Modern and Contemporary Design Styles
Both styles trend toward simple, uncluttered spaces that use clean lines to create a feeling of peacefulness. They also tend not to be overly ornate, but as contemporary style fluctuates, so can the décor style.
Each style uses various materials for decorative purposes, like:
- Wood.
- Glass.
- Metal.
Types of Modern Window Treatments
For modern design, window treatments ideally blend into the background. Select neutral colors, metal hardware, and natural materials, including fabrics like linen and cotton.
Here are a few Hunter Douglas examples of modern window treatments you can include in your home:
- Parkland® Wood Blinds: The hardwood adds warmth, while the wood is a natural material, and the straight lines create a clean look.
- Vignette® Roman Shades: These Roman shades have straight flat folds, use natural materials, and are available in over 25 shades, including neutrals.
- Skyline® Panel-Track Blinds: Create a clean, streamlined look for large windows.
- Duette® Cellular Shades: These functional shades help conserve energy, use natural materials in neutral colors, and have clean and unfussy straight lines.
Types of Contemporary Window Treatments
Contemporary design incorporates creativity and bold color choices. Unique shapes and fabrics can create flair for window treatments, while motorization can contribute to functionality.
Some Hunter Douglas examples of contemporary window treatments include:
- Pirouette® Sheer Shades: Create a chic, polished look with fabric vanes that contour to control light.
- Luminette® Sheer Panels: Ideal for wide or large windows, these provide light control and privacy.
- Designer Roller Shades: A functional system with bold, contemporary fabrics, colors, patterns, and designs.
- Designer Banded Shades: Alternating bands of sheer and opaque fabrics provide light control and a splash of color in bold, straight lines.
Shop Modern and Contemporary Window Treatment Near Providence, RI
When you know whether you prefer a modern versus contemporary home interior design, Blind King in Providence, Rhode Island, can help you find corresponding window treatments. We can help tie your home together in the style you love.
Get started calling (401) 521-1611 or requesting a consultation. We serve the greater Providence, RI, area, including Barrington, Cranston, Narragansett, Middletown, Newport, Lincoln, and Cumberland, RI; and Boston, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, MA.
