Furniture is a product that we rarely buy, so it is important that this purchase remains not just functional, but remains suitable for the interior, and your lifestyle. Below we will figure out how to choose the perfect interior items from all points of view.
Important characteristics of furniture
There are several criteria for which quality furniture is valued:
- Functionality. Each piece of furniture fulfils its narrow purpose. But in addition to the basic functions, modern furniture can be supplemented with special properties. So, beds often have a niche for linen, a chest of drawers can be equipped with a changing table, and a dining table with a bedside table for storing cutlery.
- Durability. It’s great if you have the opportunity to update the interior regularly: once every couple of years. But often there is no such possibility, and there is no need to do this if you can choose furniture that meets all your needs. It is optimal to choose solid wood furniture, but it is quite expensive, so you can pay attention to models made of MDF with veneered coating.
- The beauty. Yes, this is a special moment that should be given maximum attention. Furniture should reflect the individuality of its owner, show taste preferences, and fit well into the design of the room.
- Price. Today, this is not the most important criterion, because there are many ways to reduce payments, and programs. But you still need to pay attention to the price of furniture, because sometimes you can buy furniture from better materials at a low price, while not the most durable set is estimated at the same amount.
There are other selection criteria, but they are not as significant as those listed.
We have built for you a simple scheme for choosing durable, comfortable, functional furniture:
1. Choose options by the appearance
We start with the appearance of the furniture, simply because the choice always begins with a review of the options. Why evaluate the internal component of the headset, even if outwardly it did not attract your attention?
When choosing by design, pay attention to the colours:
- wenge;
- mahogany;
- nut;
- coffee with milk.
Why these particular colours? The reason is that they are quite dark. Firstly, dark colours are not easily soiled; obvious pollution does not remain on them. Secondly, dark tones do not bother, and bright shades are often boring, forcing furniture owners to choose a new set in 2-3 years.
2. Choose by functionality
If the subject suited you in style, you can proceed to the analysis of its internal component. See what functionality this or that piece of furniture has, and how it fits into the room: connect spatial thinking. Think of:
- are there enough drawers for storing small things on the table, are they needed at all;
- is there enough space in the closet or chest of drawers;
- Is there enough space on the couch to sleep?
There are similar characteristics in every piece of furniture, just think about how you use them, it will become easier to choose, and perhaps you will come to the conclusion that you do not need a separate type of furniture at all.
3. Choose the materials of manufacture and quality
Furniture on the modern market is made mainly from three types of materials:
- Natural wood – such furniture is chosen by connoisseurs of quality like hampton living room furniture. Wood is harmless, environmentally friendly, reliable, and durable. But, there is one big “BUT” – the price of solid wood products is much higher than that of representatives of the next two classes.
- Chipboard – boards made of wood shavings. This material is produced from wood waste. Wood shavings are pressed, and fastened with various resins. Not the cleanest material from an environmental point of view, but it is quite durable and retains its qualities for a long time.
- MDF – compressed fine wood fraction. No third-party components are used here to fasten the sawdust; when heated, the material releases the component that fastens the fibres. This material is safe, does not emit harmful substances, and it is used even for the manufacture of furniture for children’s rooms.
We figured out the basis for manufacturing, but in addition to it, there are additional elements used to decorate furniture.
- Coating with polymer paint. The coating is resistant to thermal overload, scratches, mechanical damage, and chemicals – therefore, furniture with this finish is most often installed in the kitchen.
- Colouring, varnishing. Paintwork materials are used that are well tolerated by various overloads: mechanical, and temperature. The main advantage of finishing is an unlimited choice of colours.
In addition to classic wood products, chipboard and MDF, the market offers a choice of metal furniture, as well as interior items designed using a variety of combinations: glass + wood, metal + wood, coated MDF + glass.
4. Checking the fittings
It seems to be a minor detail. Indeed, no one sees what is inside the furniture. But, the quality of the fittings = the durability of the furniture. Imagine that the curtain broke in the kitchen: you need to go buy a new one, put it (not the fact that in the old place), and installing non-native fittings is a deterioration in the driving performance of the furniture.
Today, the furniture market offers accessories from manufacturers from different countries:
- China;
- Italy;
- Germany;
- Poland.
So far, products from Europe remain of better quality, but Chinese manufacturers are gradually catching up with Europeans, and their price is much lower than that of European ones.
5. Choose by price
When all the previous stages have been completed, you should have a list of your favourite interior items. Now it remains only to compare the price-quality ratio, to choose the best furniture option.