What is Furniture – Have you ever realized that in almost every daily activity we cannot be separated from furniture? From sitting relaxed on the sofa, eating at the dining table, to storing things in the cupboard, all of that is furniture! But have you ever thought about what furniture actually is, what is its history, what are its functions, types and materials? Well, this article will answer everything in a relaxed manner, so it won’t make you dizzy.
It turns out that furniture has a long and interesting history, guys! It’s not just about style or design, but also about how humans have developed to create new functions from everyday items. Starting from classic wooden chairs to modern furniture made from metal, it turns out there are lots of exciting things to explore about their functions and types.
So, if you are curious or looking for references to upgrade your home interior, don’t skip it, okay? This article will give you interesting insight into history, 10 important functions of furniture, and various types and materials that can make your home more comfortable and cool. Come on, keep reading!
List of contents
What is Furniture?
So, what is furniture? Simply put, furniture is objects that we use to beautify, organize and maximize the function of space in the house or other places. You must be familiar with tables, chairs, cupboards, or beds, right? Well, all of that falls into the furniture category. Apart from providing comfort, furniture can also be a decorative element that makes a room cooler.
Furniture Explanation
Furniture refers to objects designed to support various human activities, such as seating, beds, storage, or simply for decorative purposes. Furniture or furnishings includes items such as chairs, tables, beds, sofas, cupboards, shelves, and other accessories used in homes, offices, schools, and various other settings.
Furniture has both function and aesthetics in the interior space. Functionally, the furniture functions as a comfortable and ergonomic seat, bed and work area, as well as a storage solution to keep things tidy.
Aesthetically, furniture contributes to the overall design and atmosphere of a room or space, reflecting personal style and enhancing visual appeal.
Furniture can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, glass and fabric. Starting from simple and practical designs to complex and ornamental ones. The choice of furnishings depends on individual preferences, intended use, available space and budget.
History of Furniture
Long before there were modern furniture shops, ancient humans began to create simple furniture from natural materials such as stone, wood and animal bones. For example, stone tables found in Scotland, which are said to date from the Neolithic era. Continuing into the Ancient Egyptian era, they were even more creative by making furniture from wood decorated with carvings and precious metals. Very luxurious, right?
In ancient Greece and Rome, furniture began to become a symbol of social status. Marble tables, chairs with carved details, and soft beds are starting to appear. Then, as time goes by, furniture styles continue to develop, from the grand European classic style to the minimalist Japanese style which is simple but functional. So, every era and culture has a unique story about furniture, you know!
Functions of Furniture in Everyday Life
If you think about it, furniture really has many functions besides being a place to sit or sleep. Come on, let’s see more about the 10 functions of furniture that we often encounter every day!
1. Seating
Chairs or sofas are the most basic furniture. You probably often sit on dining chairs, chairs in the living room, or even benches in the park. Without a comfortable chair or sofa, life can feel incomplete, right? So, a chair is really important to provide comfort when you need to rest or chat with friends.
2. Storage
Furniture such as cupboards, bookshelves and cabinets have the main function of storing goods. With this furniture, the house becomes tidier and items can be arranged properly. So, there is no longer a reason for the house to be messy, because storage furniture really helps to keep everything in its place.
3. Sleep
Mattresses, beds and sofa beds are furniture that functions for sleeping needs. Without a comfortable mattress, your sleep will definitely be disturbed. Especially if you have just come home from work or after a long day of activities, getting a good night’s sleep is very important. Sleeping furniture also helps support health, so choose a mattress that suits your needs.
4. Employment
Furniture for work is also no less important. Ergonomic work desks and chairs are examples of furniture that supports productivity at home. A comfortable chair and a table that is large enough to place a laptop or other work tools will make you more focused and productive. So, don’t just choose a chair or work desk!
5. Eat
A dining table and dining chairs are mandatory furniture in the house, especially if you like eating with family or friends. Without a dining table, it would be quite difficult to eat comfortably. This furniture is not only for eating, but also a place to chat and gather with those closest to you.
6. Decoration
Apart from being functional, some furniture can also function as a decorative element. For example, a unique coffee table or an artistic wall shelf. Furniture with cool designs can really add style and beauty to the space in your home. So, it’s not just used, but also beautifies the house.
7. Space Divider
Sometimes, furniture is used to divide space without the need to create permanent walls or partitions. For example, a large bookshelf or tall cupboard that can separate the living room and dining room. With this dividing furniture, your home can look neater and more organized.
8. Convenience
Soft sofas, bean bags, or lounge chairs are furniture that make a room more comfortable. This furniture helps you feel more relaxed and comfortable when you are at home, especially if you like relaxing in the living room or watching movies. Just imagine, watching a film on a soft sofa is definitely very different from watching it on a hard chair, right?
9. Security
Some types of furniture, such as safes or drawers with locks, are also designed to keep valuables safe. So, apart from having a practical function, this furniture is also important for protecting personal belongings or important documents from theft or damage.
10. Additional Functionality
Multifunctional furniture is also the right choice for small spaces. For example, a sofa bed that can become a bed when opened or a folding table that can be folded and stored when not in use. This is very helpful, especially if you live in an apartment or house with limited space.
Types of Furniture
In the world of furniture, there are many types, guys. Each has a different role and function, so you can choose according to your needs and tastes. So, here are some of the most common types of furniture you will find at home.
Living Room Furniture
Furniture for the living room usually includes a sofa, coffee table, TV stand, and additional chairs. The living room is the first place people see, so the furniture in this room must be comfortable and attractive. A soft sofa, stylish coffee table and cool TV stand can make the living room a comfortable place to chat or relax.
1. Bedroom Furniture
The bedroom is a place to rest, so the furniture here must support your sleeping comfort. Beds, wardrobes and dressing tables are some of the important furniture. A comfortable bed and a wardrobe large enough to store clothes are basic needs. Meanwhile, a dressing table or nightstand can be an addition that makes the bedroom more functional.
2. Dining Room Furniture
The dining table and dining chairs are the main furniture in the dining room. Usually, in the dining room there is also a cabinet or buffet for storing eating utensils. This furniture supports eating activities with family or friends, so choose something that is strong and comfortable!
3. Furniture Kantor
Ergonomic work desks and chairs are furniture that must be present in a workspace or office. A comfortable chair and a spacious table will support your productivity, especially if your work involves a lot of activities at the table. Don’t forget a filing cabinet to store documents neatly.
4. Furniture Outdoor
Outdoor furniture is usually made from weather-resistant materials, such as hardwood or metal. Examples of outdoor furniture are park benches, picnic tables, or large umbrellas to protect from the sun. This furniture is suitable for those of you who often spend time outdoors.
Material Furniture
The materials used in making furniture are also varied, guys. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. So, you also need to know the type of material used for furniture at home.
1. Wood
Wood is the material most widely used for furniture. Solid wood such as teak or mahogany is very popular because of its long durability and aesthetic appearance. However, the price of this solid wood is quite expensive. Apart from that, wood also needs care to remain durable.
2. Metal
Furniture made from metal, such as iron or steel, is suitable for those of you who like industrial style. This material is strong, durable, and suitable for use in furniture such as work desks or TV shelves. Metal can also be combined with other materials such as glass to create modern designs.
3. Plastic
Plastic furniture is usually lighter and cheaper. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t require special maintenance, but unfortunately it’s less durable than wood or metal. Plastic is often used for chairs, small tables, or outdoor furniture that is easy to move.
4. Glass
Glass is often used as a table or shelf surface. Furniture made from glass has a modern and elegant impression. However, the weakness is that glass breaks easily, so you need to be careful when using it.
5. Rattan
Rattan material is more often used for furniture in a boho or tropical style. Rattan is light and comfortable, so it is widely used for outdoor chairs or tables. Apart from that, rattan also gives a natural and warm impression to the interior of the house.
6. MDF dan Plywood
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and plywood are artificial materials that are cheaper than solid wood. Even though the price is more affordable, if the quality is good, these two materials are still sturdy and durable. MDF is often used to make cupboards or tables.
Cover
Earlier we discussed a lot about what furniture is, history, 10 functions, types and materials. Well, it turns out that furniture not only makes your house cooler, but also has many functions that can make your life more practical. From classic wooden materials to modern materials that are anti-mainstream, there are now more and more furniture choices and they are sure to really suit your style.
So, g Hey, have you found the right furniture for your home or work space? If not, let’s find out more and don’t hesitate to explore new ideas! If you have any interesting experiences or tips about furniture, just share them in the comments column, okay? Who knows, your experience could be an inspiration for others. Don’t forget to keep an eye on this blog for other exciting information about furniture and decoration!