Est. Reading Time: 6 Mins
When shopping for furniture in Ottawa, one of the first major design choices you’ll face is whether to lean toward traditional or contemporary furniture styles. These two design aesthetics stand in contrast to one another—yet both offer their charm, function, and appeal.
From the elaborate scrolls of the Victorian era to the sleek silhouettes of post-war innovation, furniture design tells a story about how we live and what we value in our living spaces. Choosing the right style for your home depends on both your taste and the functionality you need.
To help break down the differences between these two timeless aesthetics, we turned to Mary Lee Smyth, Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston, who shares insight into each style’s defining elements. With her expert input and a look at La-Z-Boy’s top offerings, this guide will help you decide which furniture style works best for your space.
Traditional furniture brings a sense of grandeur, sophistication, and classic refinement. Rooted in historic European design—most notably the Victorian era—it celebrates ornate detailing, rich wood tones, and plush upholstery.
Mary Lee Smyth explains that traditional furniture "can be widely described as elegant, luxurious, and ornate," often reflecting the artistry and design preferences of centuries past. According to her, common features include arched backs, rolled arms, claw feet, cabriole legs, and decorative trims like nailhead detailing and wood carvings. “It’s all in the details… and many details at that,” she adds.
These pieces often have heavier, more robust silhouettes and are typically larger in scale, making them ideal for spacious rooms with high ceilings or homes with a more formal feel. Traditional rooms also tend to be visually rich, combining layered fabrics, patterned wallpaper, and luxurious finishes to create a cohesive, romantic look.
To help visualize what traditional furniture can look like in your home, Mary Lee highlights a few standout pieces available at La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston:
By contrast, contemporary furniture is defined by its minimalism, function-first approach, and clean aesthetic. Emerging in the early 20th century, this style became a response to the ornate and visually dense designs of the past.
As Mary Lee puts it, “The emergence of contemporary was a response to people being tired of the overly decorative look of the elaborate Victorian style.” She explains that the rise of aerodynamic, industrial silhouettes inspired designers to strip furniture down to its essential form.
Post-World War II, this style exploded into homes with influences from the Mid-Century Modern movement. Designers started using newer materials—like bent plywood, plastics, and metal—and favored soft, simple shapes. Contemporary furniture typically features neutral tones, clean lines, and open space rather than layered textures and patterns.
These pieces are often lower to the ground, lack tufting, skirts, or decorative hardware. Instead, texture is introduced through the use of materials like stone, glass, or metal. “Contemporary design focuses more on texture than on colour or pattern,” says Mary Lee, adding that many pieces have sleek silhouettes with tapered legs and minimal embellishment.
For those seeking a lighter, more modern design aesthetic, here are some of Mary Lee’s top La-Z-Boy contemporary picks:
|
Traditional Furniture |
Contemporary Furniture |
|
|
Pros |
Timeless aesthetic, rich detailing, historical charm |
Sleek design, minimal clutter, adaptable for smaller spaces |
|
Cons |
May feel heavy or outdated in modern homes |
Can feel too simple or cold if not styled well |
|
Ideal For |
Formal living rooms, heritage homes, large spaces |
Urban condos, modern builds, minimalist interiors |
|
Materials |
Hardwood, leather, ornate fabrics |
Light woods, metal, glass, neutral textiles |
|
Style Flexibility |
Less forgiving when mixing with other styles |
Easily blends with transitional or Scandinavian styles |
If you appreciate bold flourishes, architectural detail, and a sense of timeless grandeur, traditional furniture might feel right at home. This style lends itself well to formal settings, antique décor, and cozy atmospheres.
However, if your ideal living space is minimal, open, and functional, contemporary furniture offers the flexibility and freshness of modern living. It’s particularly well-suited for condos and open-concept homes often seen across Ottawa’s newer builds and neighbourhoods like Hintonburg or Westboro.
Your lifestyle also plays a huge role in which style works best for you. Traditional furniture often requires more space and may not be as adaptable in compact rooms. It’s excellent for lounging, but its heavier frame may be harder to move.
Contemporary pieces are typically more mobile, versatile, and ergonomic, making them great for multi-purpose living rooms or family areas. The contemporary aesthetic often appeals to younger homeowners, downsizers, or those living in more compact Ottawa homes or condos.
Although traditionally more rigid in appearance, today’s design world encourages mixing and matching styles. According to Mary Lee, “If you have a traditional sofa and a contemporary accent chair, you don’t have to go to divorce court.” She insists both styles can harmonize beautifully when paired with balance and intention.
The key to success is using consistent colour schemes and thoughtfully placing pieces in ways that let each style complement the other.
Traditional furniture boasts handcrafted artistry, often with solid wood frames, carved details, and layered upholstery. These pieces are designed to last and typically age well.
Now that you understand the real differences between traditional versus contemporary furniture, it’s time to find the furniture style for you.
Visit one of our La-Z-Boy Ottawa, Gatineau or Kingston showrooms to test out our sofas and recliners in person. If you prefer to plan, you can also schedule a visit online. Our expert sales consultants and talented interior designers are always happy to help you choose the perfect furniture for your home.
Take advantage of our complimentary interior design services to see how your new La-Z-Boy piece, whether attached or detached, can transform your living space.
To learn more about La-Z-Boy furniture in general, take a look at our Living Room Furniture Guide.