The term furniture is most often used to describe moveable objects that support human activities in the built environment, such as chairs, tables, beds, desks, wardrobes and chests. The word is also commonly used to refer to fitted items such as curtains, carpets and window treatments.
Furniture can be made from a range of materials, including timber, metal, plastics and fabrics. They can be designed and crafted to fit into different interior spaces, for example kitchens and bedrooms, as well as to function in social environments such as public parks or shopping malls.
Modern and contemporary designs incorporate sleek lines, clean shapes, white, beige, and other neutral colors. They often make use of glass, metal, and shiny black lacquer.
Traditional designs are more elegant and often include rolled arms, skirted bottoms, and rich hues of red or other colors. They may be embellished with carved details or decorative patterns.
Casual design is usually friendly and relaxed and uses plaids, small prints, and other patterns to create a cozy atmosphere. It can incorporate elements of traditional, modern, and contemporary styles as well as art, craft, and natural materials such as stone, wood, and fabric.
Furniture design is a broad discipline that incorporates a variety of disciplines, from industrial design to architecture, art, and business. In addition to incorporating utility, furniture design must also consider aesthetics, theory, materiality, fabrication, commerce, and sustainability. It can also influence the social role of furniture, as well as its form and shape, which can have a direct impact on how people interact with it.
