Modern Furniture Trend Leaves Everybody Echoing "Long and Low", Cultivating a "Serene, Harmonious Conversation of Parallel Lines"
Groovy throwback to the 70s? The comeback of low-profile furniture is more than just a retro trend; it's a chic, modern twist on classic design. Long and low furnishings, similar to those found in nostalgic lounges and groovy vinyl bars, are making a splash in interior design today. And there's a reason for this resurgence – the style exudes a certain timeless elegance that's hard to resist.
From floor-to-ceiling cabinetry to long and low bench seats and console tables, there's a growing appetite for minimalist and vintage interiors, embracing the long and low look. But what makes this style so visually appealing?
According to Nashville-based interior designer, Hans Lorei, "Long and low pieces align heights to create a beautiful, calm dialogue of shared planes, making the room appear more spacious and inviting."
Whether it's part of a minimalist living room design or a loving nod to vintage aesthetics, the long and low look offers a unique shaping effect that marries function and form. This harmonious balance results in a design that keeps up with the latest trends while remaining effortlessly timeless. Are you as smitten with this symmetrical style as I am? Here's how to bring the long and low look into your interiors, straight from the experts.
There's something hypnotic about low-profile furniture – research shows that anything long will stretch space perception subtly. Interior designer Hans Lorei explains, "Long and low pieces emphasize horizontal lines, contrasting them with the vertical lines in a room (like shelves or artwork). This draws the eye around the space, widening the room and creating a relaxing, modern aesthetic."
Paris-based designer Thomas Vlach takes it a step further, stating, "Long and low furniture stretches the volume of the room, adds rhythm, offers easy storage, and provides an appealing surface for objects and decor."
Achieving the perfect long and low look can be a bit tricky, but with a little planning, it's definitely possible.
Hans Lorei is a Nashville-based designer known for his eye for good design and sharing his discoveries on popular design trends. Thomas Vlach is a Paris-based designer and the founder of Studiovlach, who seamlessly blends minimalistic and narrative-driven design aesthetics.
Long and Low Furniture: The Ultimate Design Secret
When incorporating long and low furniture for your contemporary living room designs, Hans advises, "It's paramount to align the seat heights of multiple pieces. This helps create a cohesive, visually appealing arrangement that draws inspiration from iconic 60s designs."
But the height of the furniture itself is also crucial. Thomas notes, "If it's too low, the arrangement can seem weak – I aim for heights that align with tables, providing good proportions and functional storage space." Just make sure to contrast the long, low look with some vertical elements such as tall floor lamps, plants, shelves, or artwork for added dimension and visual interest.
Hans affectionately refers to long, low benches or console tables adorned with artwork as "one of my favorite things to do whenever possible." He explains, "The effect is powerful – it widens the room and adds depth without taking up much space."
Get creative with unconventional forms of long and low furniture, such as floor cushions or an extended headboard paired with level nightstands, to put your own spin on this trend.
Shopping Long and Low Furniture: The Essentials
Looking to add long and low pieces to your home? Here are three must-have items:
- An elegant wall-mounted TV stand from Wayfair, perfect for displaying your favorite shows while stretching the space.
- A multifunctional piece from La Redoute, featuring multiple drawers and cabinets for storage plus unique texture on the front paneling.
- A versatile, wall-mounted design from Wayfair that offers both shelf and cabinet space in the design – perfect for adding personality while keeping the look sleek.
Long and Low Styling Tips
The key to nailing the long and low look lies in focusing on the furniture's function and purpose. Thomas advises, "While I prioritize decorative elements, style, and texture, functionality should always come first."
Incorporating long, low furniture in small spaces? Hans cautions, "Keep the depth in mind. I love deep sofas but sometimes the space isn't available for it. Always consider the natural flow of traffic in the room to create an open, inviting space."
When it comes to achieving a polished long and low aesthetic, both Hans and Thomas agree that a tonal piece works well in minimalist designs, while contrast creates an eye-catching visual impact in larger spaces.
Don't forget the power of small details such as colorful cabinet pulls, which can transform the character of the piece and tie the room together. Embrace the long and low trend, and prepare to make a serious style statement.
- In the realm of interior design, the comeback of low-profile furniture is more than just a retro trend; it's a chic, modern twist on classic design, exuding a timeless elegance that's hard to resist.
- Integrating minimalist and vintage interiors, with long and low furnishings, is becoming increasingly popular, as these pieces offer a unique shaping effect that marries function and form.
- Hans Lorei, a renowned Nashville-based interior designer, suggests that long and low pieces align heights to create a beautiful, calm dialogue of shared planes, making the room appear more spacious and inviting.
- Long and low furniture, such as floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, long and low bench seats, and console tables, emphasize horizontal lines, contrasting them with vertical lines in a room, drawing the eye around the space and creating a relaxing, modern aesthetic.
- Whether for a minimalist living room design or as a loving nod to vintage aesthetics, the long and low look provides a harmonious balance that keeps up with the latest trends while remaining effortlessly timeless.
- Paris-based designer Thomas Vlach takes it a step further, stating that long and low furniture stretches the volume of the room, adds rhythm, offers easy storage, and provides an appealing surface for objects and decor.
- To achieve the perfect long and low look, it's essential to align the seat heights of multiple pieces, contrast the design with vertical elements like tall floor lamps, plants, shelves, or artwork, and thoughtfully plan the depth and proportions of the furniture in the space.
