Furniture design is a field that encompasses all of the different aspects involved in creating pieces of furniture. It is a creative field that requires many different skills and qualifications.
Furniture designers need to have a range of skills from drafting designs and technical drawings to working with builders, production workers and clients. They also need to have good communication skills.
Function
Furniture design is the art of creating movable objects that are specifically built to support human activities, such as seating (chairs and sofas), eating (tables) or storing items. It also includes decorative pieces intended to improve the aesthetics of a space.
Modern furniture design focuses on function instead of ornate design to reflect the social and economic shifts of the 20th century. These designs are simpler and lighter, less expensive and less prone to wear and tear.
They also focus on problem-solving to eliminate structural weaknesses before production and ensure that their design aesthetic reflects how consumers plan to use their furniture. They select materials that pair well together and communicate with other experts in their industry to produce functional pieces that are affordable, durable and attractive.
Form
Furniture design is the process of creating movable items such as chairs, tables, closets, and lampshades. These items are essential to human life and help to form a sense of order and circulation in space.
The form of a piece of furniture should always be considered during the design process. It should be functional, comfortable, and stylish.
Modern furniture designs are different from traditional styles and have simple forms and shapes with straight lines and squared edges. They also have less ornamentation and use shiny surfaces to increase the sense of space.
Materials
The furniture material you choose has a direct influence on the aesthetics of your home and also dictates the level of comfort. It is important to consider your design aesthetic, current home decor, the weather where you live and your budget before choosing a furniture material.
Wood continues to be one of the most popular materials used in modern furniture design. However, manufacturers are exploring new alternatives to this traditional material.
These include recycled plastic, metal and glass – all of which are environmentally friendly. They offer designers more design possibilities than other types of materials and can help reduce the amount of waste produced during the manufacturing process.
Craftsmanship
Despite the advancements of industrial manufacturing, there is still a place for traditional craftsmanship in furniture design. Whether it’s the meticulous sewing of seams or the careful tufting selected for a backrest, every detail adds to the character of a piece and is often the difference between a good piece of furniture and an exceptional one.
Craftsmanship is the ability to create something by hand with a thorough understanding of materials and techniques. It takes practice and patience to develop the skills necessary for this work.
The Arts and Crafts movement was born out of a desire to preserve artisanship, and it was a reaction against the deterioration of craftsmanship during the Industrial Revolution. It was spearheaded by John Ruskin and William Morris, who emphasized the importance of handwork over industrial methods.
Industry Connections
There are a number of industry connections that can help an aspiring furniture designer to make the most of their career. They include apprenticeships, which can teach new professionals the basics of running a small business and managing multiple projects at once.
Students may also take classes in the arts or industrial topics that can give them practical knowledge for designing stronger, longer-lasting pieces. They can also learn math skills that will help them think logically about potential design problems and solutions.
As the furniture industry continues to evolve, it will be important for designers to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in style and fashion. They can interpret these designs through fabrication, forms, colors and materials to create unique pieces that reflect a consumer’s personal style.