Furniture is portable equipment for supporting human activities in a built environment, including structures for seating (chairs, stools and sofas), eating (tables), working (desks), and sleeping (beds). It may also support other activities such as storage and display. Furniture is usually made from wood, metal, plastics, marble, glass, and fabrics. Its function, form and decoration have been influenced by economics and fashion throughout history.
A key role for furniture is to facilitate social interactions and enhance the ambiance of a room or living space. For example, a well-designed dining table provides the foundation for family gatherings and celebratory events. Well-chosen furniture can also enhance productivity and efficiency in the workplace by encouraging healthy work habits such as good posture and ergonomics.
When selecting furniture, it is important to consider whether the piece will serve its intended purpose well, if it is comfortable and relaxing, and if it fits your budget. The best pieces are durable and of high quality, so choose carefully.
The earliest examples of furniture are primitive and utilitarian, but as materials became more plentiful and available, designers developed increasingly elaborate forms. In the 1910s and 1920s, Alvar Aalto and Frank Lloyd Wright experimented with new construction materials such as plywood and tubular steel that revolutionized furniture design. The resulting innovations led to the development of modernist styles that emphasize function over decorative appearance. Today, many manufacturers offer furniture that is both stylish and functional. These pieces blend the latest trends with classic designs to create a look that is unique and welcoming.
