Furniture refers to movable articles of household equipment or personal effects, generally constructed of wood but sometimes made from metal, plastics, marble, fabrics and other materials. Its functions include seating (chairs, stools and sofas), eating (tables and chairs), working and sleeping (beds and cots).
Decorative aspects of furniture are often important, and some pieces are crafted with artistic intent as well as function. Furniture design, which is a type of applied art, has been influenced by historical and social factors, as well as by economics and fashion. Furniture styles have varied over time, with each era providing its own unique variations and idiosyncrasies.
When purchasing new furniture, consider what your needs are before you buy. Determine how much seating you will need, for example, and what size table you will require. Also, decide how much storage space you will need for things like books and media items.
Once you have established your needs, start browsing furniture online or in stores and look for pieces that speak to you. It can be helpful to make a mood board or scrapbook of images that you love to help identify your style. Once you have defined your style, it is important to define a budget before you begin shopping. This will prevent you from getting carried away with the latest trends and spending beyond your means.
When choosing a piece of furniture, it is important to check for quality and stability. Give a piece of furniture that you are interested in a good shake and tug to ensure it is not going to fall apart. When in doubt, opt for solid wood construction over particleboard or other fabricated materials.