Furniture in interior design is an essential element that holds the desired aesthetic together. Whether you’re a minimalist or love to surround yourself with luxury, your interior design can turn out several ways, and however it may turn out, furniture plays an important role.
Furniture adds a visual appeal to your space and can define your space organization. Furnishings provide comfort and functionality and can also help create that unique aesthetic you’re going for.
This post will discuss a few important pointers to help you select the most suitable furniture for your space.
Types of Furniture
Depending on factors such as their functionality, material used, availability, etc., furniture can be of a few different types. Let’s have a quick overview.
1. Based on Functionality
a.) For Seating
Furniture that is useful for seating purposes comes under searing furniture. This type of furniture can further be single-seat (such as a chair, bean bag, stool, rocking chair, fainting couch, bar stool etc.) or multi-seat (such as bench, sofa, divan, davenport, etc.).
b.) For Lying down or Sleeping
Be it in your bedroom or your bedroom, furniture like beds, sofa bed, futons, and so on are a common sight. These are furniture for sleeping/lying down.
c.) For Entertainment
If you have the budget and space, entertainment furniture such as a billiard table, chess table, home bar, jukebox, etc., can be a part of the interior design.
d.) Tables and Sets
Several tables can fill the interior, such as a dining table, coffee table, writing desk, computer desk, countertops, folding table, etc. Then various sets can help fulfill an objective and define an area, such as a bedroom set, dining set, patio set, portable lamps, etc.
e.) For Storage
Furniture that helps store your things, such as a bookcase, cabinetry, pantry, sideboard, coat rack, floating shelves, etc.
2. Based on Material
Furniture can also be categorized based on material, such as- wooden furniture, bamboo furniture, concrete furniture, glass furniture, metal furniture, wicker furniture, etc.
3. Based on availability
Based on availability, we can generally divide furniture into-
a.) In-built furniture
The furniture that you build into the space architecture such as cupboards, shelves, wall units, etc., which is already planned for the space.
b.) Commercial Furniture
Furniture that’s available to buy in retail stores, or online, is commercially produced for mass distribution. It is easily available, and there are plenty of designs and budget ranges customers enjoy.
c.) Custom Furniture
Custom furniture is created specifically for a particular space, and can take a little time to design and create. Custom furniture is popular amongst people who have a unique vision, and aren’t satisfied with commercial options.
Things to Keep In Mind While Choosing Furniture for Your Space
a.) Space size and layout
First and foremost, consider your space well. Every interior design element, including your furniture, depends on the size and layout of the area you’re trying to design. So, take a good look at your space to get an idea of what furniture will be suitable and where it’ll go.
b.) Function
Even though furniture does provide a certain aesthetic, it should serve a specific function in your space. For example, a bed set in your bedroom serves its position, or a sofa or coffee table in the living room serves a specific function while being part of the broader aesthetic.
c.) Style and Comfort
Your unique vision is what mainly separates your space from any other. How elements should go with the area, and each other, is something you should consider. Your furniture should reflect the unique tone you’re going for and want to create.
Along with being stylish, it should also be comfortable. Avoid bringing something awkward merely to maintain a look for your space.
d.) Quality
The furniture you are interested in should have more than external appeal and needs to be well-made from quality materials. Not only how it looks but the design-development approach and the material used (texture) also matter when it comes down to choosing the right furniture for your space.
e.) Sustainability
Sustainable options are not only suitable for your interior but are also a more environment-friendly solution. Make sure that whatever you decide, the functionality, grade, and durability are not affected in any way. You can find good options in the market or opt for custom solutions as well.
f.) Budget (shop around)
Last but not least, try to find suitable options that fit within your finances. Take your time and look around, ask for recommendations (from trusted sources), and check options online (read reviews and comments).
What Are the Popular Furniture Trends Right Now
Several popular trends are popular amongst the current furniture-buying demographic. Here are some of them.
a.) Sustainable and natural Furniture
People have been leaning towards furniture manufactured from sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled wood, recycled plastic, etc. People have also shown interest in using natural materials like wood, stone, marble, etc., instead of artificial materials.
b.) Minimalism and outdoor living
Many people have embraced a minimalist approach to furnishing instead of a traditionally richly populated interior. It is also a stable trend.
The living space has popularly extended to the outside, with people setting up furniture in their landscape.
c.) Multifunctional pieces
People have shown interest in furniture that serve multiple functions, such as a sofa with storage and a convertible bed.
d.) Personalization
Instead of populating the space with what’s popular, people are opting to personalize their home interior to a greater degree through their choices in commercial furnishings and investments in custom furniture.
The Don’ts of Furniture Shopping
Here are some things you can avoid while choosing your furniture-
● Do not neglect the space for your choices. Make sure what you select is in consideration of the area.
● Do not invest in poor-quality furniture, even if you’re satisfied with the outer appearance. Think long-term.
● Do not populate your space with unnecessary (functionless), disproportionate, contrary pieces. Be thoughtful of the entire aesthetic.
● Do not buy furniture if you’re not sure about the quality. Also, consider function and comfort before any other thing.
Conclusion
Choosing furniture for your space is one of the most crucial aspects of developing the interior design. If you’re looking for help with the selection, you can hire a good interior designer to help you through your process. To choose an interior designer, you can ask around or check online for established, reputable firms or contractors.
Alive Studio is a leading architectural and interior design firm based in Gurgaon, and they provide custom furnishing to interested clients. A team of the best residential architects in the Gurgaon area, the company has been active for the past several years.
Want to choose the best furniture for your interior? Read this post to find out your options and how to choose what’s best for you.
FAQ’s
Q- What is the most significant piece of furniture in the house?
A- It depends. For people who spend most of their time working in their home offices, their workstation is probably the most significant piece (set) for them, or people who lie to lie down/sleep most of their time at home, beds, couches, maybe the most significant pieces. It entirely depends on the space and the individual interacting with it.
Q- When buying furniture, what should we consider?
A- When buying furniture, you should consider how it will serve your space and you, if it’s well-made (with high-quality materials), relaxing and to your liking, and within your budget, among other things.
Q- How can you judge furniture quality?
A- have a close look at the furniture. It should be well-made, with quality materials. If you feel it’s shaky or flimsy, don’t buy it. Test your choices thoroughly, and don’t buy till you’re satisfied. Read reviews and ask for recommendations.
