Furniture is household equipment that provides a comfortable and practical environment for a house’s inhabitants. It may be as simple as a pine chest or stick-back country chair or as elaborate as a marquetry work cabinet or gilded console table. Furniture can be made of wood, metals, plastics, marble, glass, fabrics and other materials, and its form and function have varied throughout history according to economics and fashion. It is a major investment and it is important to balance one’s affinity for pieces with durability, functionality, necessity and aesthetics.
Before shopping for furniture, it is a good idea to have a clear understanding of a home’s design theme and to know how much room there is in a given space. This will help avoid buying furniture that does not complement the rest of a home’s décor and will prevent impulse purchases. It will also help a person stay within their budget.
Functionality should be a primary consideration when shopping for furniture, because it is important that the pieces in a home suit a household’s needs. For example, if there are children in the home, it might be wise to purchase furniture that is durable and stain resistant. If a family entertains frequently, it might be useful to have a dining table that can be expanded to seat more people.
It is also a good idea to consider the storage requirements of furniture when purchasing it. Some pieces, such as an armoire, can double as a home office or a display space. Others, like a chest or a bed, can be used to store clothing, blankets and linens.