Furniture is a type of industrial or handcrafted design that facilitates human activities, such as eating, working, sleeping, etc. It can be built from a variety of materials, including timber, metal, glass, stone, and textiles. It can also be highly stylized or crafted with a particular theme.
As people collected and treasured items of value, furniture design and construction became a cultural representation of accumulation and care. Each epoch produced new pieces for new ways of living and working.
While price and design are important factors when choosing furniture, other considerations include what the piece is made of, how it compliments or contrasts with other furniture in a room and the dimensions of the space that it will fit in. It is always best to have a general idea of the style and theme that one wants to create before shopping for specific pieces.
Another factor to consider is the amount of wear and tear a piece of furniture will receive. For example, if children will be using the piece regularly, it may be wise to invest in more durable fabrics such as linen, tweed or suede. Furniture that will be exposed to extreme heat or moisture should be treated with a protective finish. Additionally, it is always a good idea to measure the space (doorways included) before buying furniture. Purchasing large pieces of furniture that are too big for the room can be extremely costly and frustrating. Most reputable retailers will provide customers with accurate measurements.