- Comfort
The most important consideration while selecting a piece of furniture is comfort. The livability of a home depends largely on its comfortable furniture items and furnishings. The ready-made furniture available in the market is according to certain standard measurement, considering the average population. People who are larger or smaller inbuilt than the average population standards, needs to go in for customer made or ergonomically designed furniture, which are presently in vogue. Comfort in furniture depends on shape, size, design, materials used, the finish and the workmanship. Upholstered furniture’s are more comfortable than the basic ones.
- Expressiveness
The theme of the room limits the choice of furniture. For example, a cottage style expresses informality, comfort and simplicity and calls for furniture of the same characteristics. Some of the ideas that are expressed in homes consciously or unconsciously –repose, naturalness, sophistication, intimacy, formality, coolness, delicacy, strength, freshness, antiquity etc. Formal drawing room may include sofa set with coffee table, a rocking chair and a few other furniture items like display units, television, music systems etc.. A room with potted plants and large natural flower arrangements may express freshness. Use of glass and plastics may look modern, where as carved antique and heavy upholstered furniture gives a gorgeous look.
- Style
Sometimes furniture’s are bought because they represent certain styles. The three possible choices of style can generally be grouped as period/cottage, modern and abstract. The style of construction of the house should also be kept in mind while selecting the furniture style. If the house is constructed in a cottage style, the furniture items used in such a house should also be of the same style. For example, divan has become an important piece of furniture with bolsters and cushions and one or two piris or low stools adorning the living room gives an appeal of traditional/ cottage style. Along with Indian color schemes, these houses present a decor-typically Indian. Modular spaces saving furnitures are well suited for modern homes, which are known for comfort, space saving and good built in storage units.
- Beauty
One general rule to follow as a guide in the selection of furniture is simplicity which is the better choice in the long run. Simplicity should be the thumb rule in the selection of beautiful furniture items along with comfort, expressiveness and style. Simple furniture items are easy to maintain, beautiful, and functional. Modern styles of furniture are simple, beautiful and easy to maintain. Antique and heavily carved furniture are appreciated for their beauty, but collects dust easily and needs a regular dusting and maintenance.
- Utility
The furniture requirements of every room should be carefully studied and planned. Before making the final purchase, their utility should be analyzed in terms of the space available and their functional utility.
Unit furniture usually built against a wall makes the most economical use of space within a room and simplifies cleaning. Storage compartments designed within the furniture can be great space savers. For instances beds may have drawers underneath, useful for storing blankets, linen/other articles. Occasionally tables often include space for magazines, books, and lift-up tops can be used to store toys, needlework etc.
The most utilitarian furniture procurable is the modem unit furniture consisting of cupboards, shelves, tables, radio, Television, music systems Hi-Fi recorders, cabinets, desks etc, following units designed to fit into a compact, group. The unit should be in line with architectural features, which gives an effect of the pleasing continuity, simplicity and orderliness.
- Balance and scale
The actual dimensions of a piece of furniture are basic in determining its scale and proportions, the way it is designed can sometimes have suitable effects in providing comfort and aesthetically pleasant. A room where most of the furniture is squeezed into one area looks un-balanced.
Draw an imaginary line through the room and balance the furniture placed in each half for symmetrical arrangements. Symmetrical arrangement can help bring a designed feel to a room For example, if an armchair is placed to the left of the fireplace; position another to mirror it on the right hand side. You may not have the space or furniture or inclination to follow this rule completely and then asymmetrical arrangements are more interesting and a challenge to a designer and stimulating for the user.
- Construction
Well constructed furniture are always an asset because of their durability and satisfactory service. Every piece of furniture should be studied from the point of view of its construction. Drawers, doors, drop-leaves, surfaces, edges and joints to be studied for its workmanship, sturdiness and easy operation.
- Firmness and rigidity
Firmness depends largely on how the different parts are joined. The legs and frame should be fastened together with glue and also with the dowels, screws, steel clips, and corner metal plates. These joints should not break or make creaky noise when the furniture is put to use. The joints in wood are of various types. Mortise and tenon or dowel are the two common types of joints that are widely used in furniture construction
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