Furniture is usually the focal point of any interior design project since it determines how the room will feel and look. The various materials used to make furniture bring out different designs that make them eccentric. Each material fits in a particular theme making them necessary in interior decor. So what are the most popular furniture raw materials that most furniture makers prefer? Here’s a list and their description.
Wood
Wood is the most famous furniture material and has been in use for centuries. Acquiring wood is easy, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so popular among carpenters. You customize furniture made from wood to fit various designs and sizes. Quality comes from the integrity of the wood. There are several types of wood categorized into hard and softwood. Hardwood furniture is more expensive compared to soft one.
Mahogany is the most used hardwood for furniture. Due to its properties, the piece becomes long-lasting, saving people money in the long run. With the emergence of sustainability issues, people had to improvise on obtaining wood without affecting the environment. These reforms include: using reclaimed wood, reforestation, and switching to alternative raw materials.
Benefits of wood as furniture material
- Wooden furniture has strength and is durable.
- They create a natural feeling in a room.
- They are sustainable as long as it is acquired correctly.
- Wood offers a variety of materials.
Metal
Metal is another good material for furniture. Various types of metals in use for furniture production are; aluminum, steel (stainless, carbon), iron, etc. The type of metal used determines the finishing, service, and design of the final product. Cast iron is applicable in many outdoor furniture; however, it is best to use alloys rather than pure iron due to its oxidation properties. Aluminum is a good material since it’s non-corrosive and lightweight. For steel, stainless steel is the most preferred. Stainless steel is also non-corrosive and has additional features like strength and durability. Metal furniture is gaining momentum in modern interior designs. You can make the furniture through welding in a small-scale setting. Carpenters are taking advantage of this idea and investing in metal furniture making. The welding materials are best stored in welding enclosures to prolong their life and usefulness.
Benefits of metal furniture:
- It’s durable.
- Metal brings out a contemporary look in a room.
- Metal is excellent for outdoor furniture.
- There is low maintenance.
- Resistant to pests.
Plastic
Plastic is widely used in industrial applications, and furniture is among the significant uses of plastic material. Several thermoplastics are applicable for furniture construction, but polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS) are the most commonly used. The process used in furniture manufacturing is mainly injection molding. Injection molding permits mass production of products leading to high productivity in a short duration and minimal cost.
Plastic has been a big part of environmental conservation concerns. Plastic is not biodegradable, meaning it causes a lot of pollution and waste accumulation. However, there are ways of using plastic and still adhering to sustainability. For instance, you can use recycled plastics and repurpose old plastic items to make furniture.
Benefits of plastic furniture:
- It is affordable and accessible to many.
- Plastic is resistant to water and other elements.
- It can be sustainable.
Glass
Glass is a new addition to the furniture material. Contrary to popular belief, glass can produce great furniture pieces that will wow your customers. Like plastic, glass can also be molded into various designs, allowing designers to go all out in furniture designs. Glass is commonly used to make tables, stools, stands, shelves, cupboards, and rarely chairs. The glass used for furniture making has a higher strength than regular glass.
Although glass produces a tremendous appeal in furniture, it is used minimally due to its vulnerability to break. Glass cannot withstand a lot of weight, making them more of a decorative item than furniture. In some instances, furniture makers mix glass with other materials such as wood and metal to increase its usage and durability.
Benefits of glass furniture:
- Glass is elegant and produces a nice aesthetic. It is suitable for unique interior decor ideas.
- It is environmentally friendly.
- It is easy to maintain.
Leather
Leather is among the most expensive materials used to upholster furniture. It is a quality material that makes furniture look appealing and sophisticated. The various kinds of leather used in furniture are grain leather (full, top, and split), nubuck leather, faux leather, bonded and bi-cast leather. They each have different properties that are applicable in various settings.
Benefits of leather:
- Leather provides comfort.
- It has top-notch quality.
- It is durable hence saving costs in the long run.
- It is easy to clean.
Conclusion
Interior designers want to think out of the box to blow their client’s minds when it comes to furniture. Furniture is the central attraction in any room, whether at home or office. There are many designs you can add to your furniture to make it extraordinary. Depending on which material you like, you can always ask your supplier to custom make it for you. From wood to glass, there is a lot to offer your clients when it comes to furniture.
