The most fundamental definition of furniture is an object that supports human activity. It holds objects at a convenient height for work and storage. Here are some important types of furniture to consider when shopping for them. Read on to learn more! And, don’t forget to consider style and value. We’ll touch on the last three in the article. Furniture can be found in almost any home, whether it is for a bedroom, dining room, or living room.
Wood
Wooden furniture has been around for centuries. The industrial revolution, however, changed the way we made furniture. While it was cheaper to produce metal or plastic furniture, wooden furniture has maintained its popularity. Wood has many properties that make it attractive to look at and feel. It also lasts for years and requires little maintenance. You can mix and match wood furniture with other types of furniture, ranging from modern, minimalist, and ethnic styles to classic and traditional styles.
There are several different types of wood used for furniture, ranging from solid wood to engineered wood. Hardwood is more dense than softwood, and comes from deciduous trees. Softwood, on the other hand, grows more slowly and is less durable. Some of these woods are used in engineered wood, manufactured wood, and plywood. Each wood type is suitable for a particular purpose, but some types are more durable than others.
Softwoods
While you may not think softwoods are suitable for furniture, there are exceptions. These woods are not used for furniture in general, but they do make excellent lumber for building houses. These woods tend to retain pitch pockets, which can remain in the wood for many years. If you’re not careful, these woods can leave sticky wood pitch on your clothes. Here are some tips on how to select softwoods for furniture.
Douglas Fir is a wood with straight grain and a reddish tint. It is inexpensive, and takes stain well. Although it is not the most attractive wood for furniture, it is highly durable. Douglas-fir and hemlock are common softwoods, although both have their advantages and disadvantages. Douglas-fir is a relatively strong and durable softwood, but tends to have more knots. These woods are also easy to work with, so they are ideal for making furniture.
Styles
There are various styles of furniture. Some are more traditional than others. Classic styles have been around for centuries, and some have come from more modern times. Traditional styles are often based on the designs of antiques, and there is a definite trend towards ethnic style furniture. Ethnic styles are also influenced by travel, especially in the eastern world. Incorporating elements from the past into contemporary designs is a popular trend among twenty-first century people.
The farmhouse style pays homage to the romantic designs of the past. The look is rustic and often made of distressed wood. It often features floral motifs and wrought iron. This style is relatively expensive, but it gives a home a distinct edge. It is also one of the most popular. You can even find a beautiful piece of furniture that’s reminiscent of a rustic barn. It might be an expensive investment, but it’s well worth it.
Value
You may have heard that condition has a lot to do with determining the value of furniture. In reality, condition is the current state of a piece. Whether it is antique or contemporary, its condition will play a big part in determining its value. Pieces in excellent condition will be worth more than ones in poor condition. Besides color, finish, and overall condition, there are also other factors that increase or decrease its value.
The overall quality of the furniture is also a major consideration in determining its value. Strong tenons and dowels are a good indication of high quality, while tight fitting seams and joints are indicative of higher-end items. Additionally, specialty veneering patterns and wood species add to the value of your piece. Finally, age can add to the value of your furniture as a collectible, as compared to its availability in the local market.