Purchasing new furniture is a significant investment that you expect to last for many years. You don't need to obtain bachelor degree and specialize in infrastructure problems to choose a right furniture for yourself.
However, its longevity depends on the type of material you choose. Many different materials are available in the market, which makes the selection process more challenging. However, understanding the pros and cons of each material can help you decide the best fit for your home.
There are also other factors to consider, like the cost of the material.
Some materials are more expensive than others, so if you’re on a budget, stick to it. Another crucial factor is the location where you’ll place the furniture. Outdoor furniture materials differ from indoor furniture materials. Plus, you also have to be considerate about your style and preference when choosing furniture. The materials used for modern-style furniture differ from those used in classic-style furniture.
If you've been wondering how to choose a good material for your home furniture, this post is for you. This article outlined the best furniture materials and crucial factors to consider when selecting them, so read on.
Types Of Furniture Materials
Before purchasing new furniture for your home, you must be familiar with the types of furniture materials available. These types include the following:
Wood
Wood is popular and among the best materials for furniture because of its desirable qualities.
Different wood types can be used for furniture, each with unique properties and characteristics. The most common ones include cherry, oak, pine, teak, mahogany, maple, and walnut.
It offers numerous benefits, making it an ideal furniture material. For instance, wood is a strong and durable material that withstands wear and tear. With proper care and maintenance, your wood furniture can last for many years. Plus, wood is versatile, which means you can design different styles, including modern and traditional ones. It can be bent, curved, or shaped to create sophisticated designs. Also, different wood types have unique grain textures and patterns that add character to your furniture.
Wood's colors, grains, and patterns also enhance its natural beauty. This complements other design styles in your home, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. It is a perfect choice if you're looking for sustainable furniture material. It is also a renewable resource that can be harvested and replanted. Furniture manufacturers ensure their wood is sourced from responsibly managed forests.
While wood has tons of benefits, there are some drawbacks. For instance, high-quality wood furniture is expensive, especially those made from exotic wood. However, you can find cheap outdoor furniture made from wood. Additionally, wood furniture can be damaged if exposed to excessive moisture. Wood also requires regular maintenance, such as dusting, polishing, refinishing, and treatment.
Wood remains among the top choice for furniture due to its strength, durability, versatility, and natural beauty. Despite its drawbacks, such as cost and maintenance, responsible sourcing and proper care can ensure long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing pieces for your home.
Plastic
Plastic is usually in the form of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. It has made its way into the top furniture materials because of its many benefits. For one, plastic furniture is more affordable than other materials such as wood, metal, or aluminum. This makes it a suitable choice if you have budget constraints.
Moreover, plastic furniture is durable and withstands exposure to external elements. This makes it an excellent material for your outdoor furniture. Plastic is also lightweight, making it suitable for areas where your furniture needs to be frequently moved.
Additionally, plastics are more versatile, meaning it can be molded into various sizes, shapes, and colors. This makes it a great material for creating unique and innovative designs. The flexibility also means that manufacturers can make plastic furniture to complement decor styles in your home. What's more, plastic furniture requires less maintenance. All you have to do is wipe it down with a damp cloth.
However, plastic furniture has some potential drawbacks. For one, the production process of plastic furniture has negative environmental impacts. Plastics are non-biodegradable, contributing to environmental pollution. Moreover, plastic furniture isn't as comfortable as wood and leather furniture. This means you can't relax on your plastic furniture for long periods. Finally, though durable, plastic furniture can be damaged if exposed to extreme temperatures.
Plastic furniture offers affordability, durability, and versatility, making it an attractive option for those on a budget or in need of outdoor furnishings. However, it is essential to consider the environmental impacts and potential comfort limitations before making a decision.
Metal
Metal is another popular material for different types of furniture. Among the different metal types used are steel, aluminum, brass, and iron, but steel is the most recommended.
Metal is strong and sturdy, making it a good choice for furniture exposed to elements or experiencing heavy usage. Plus, metal furniture requires little to no maintenance, meaning it's more cost-effective in the long run. It's also easy to clean as it doesn't stain or absorb moisture.
Metal furniture also comes in a wide range of styles, making it ideal for any décor theme. It can also have different finishings, such as polished, brushed, or painted. Moreover, metal furniture has increased functionality, as it can be used indoors and outdoors.
However, some metals, such as iron, are prone to rust and corrosion when improperly maintained. Also, metal furniture can be uncomfortable when exposed to extreme temperatures.
For instance, metal furniture absorbs heat during summer, making them uncomfortable to sit on.
Metal furniture offers strength, durability, and versatility for both indoor and outdoor use, with low maintenance requirements. While some metals may be prone to rust and be uncomfortable in extreme temperatures, the careful selection and proper care can result in long-lasting, stylish furniture.
Leather
Leather is another great furniture material used for many years. It's mainly used to make chairs and sofas because of its high comfort. Different types of leather are full-grain, top-grain, bonded, split, and nubuck leather. Full-grain and top-grain leather are high-quality. Finally, metal furniture can be heavy, making rearrangement difficult.
Leather furniture has gained popularity because of its benefits. For example, high-quality leather is durable and can withstand wear and tear. Also, it's resistant to stains and spills, thus preserving its original look. This means that if you care for your leather furniture, it can last for many years.
Leather also comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, which means it can complement different styles, including both traditional and modern. It can also be used alongside other materials, such as wood and metal, making it easier to incorporate them into existing decor.
However, leather furniture can be expensive, especially if you choose high-quality leather. Also, leather can be uncomfortable when exposed to extreme temperatures. For instance, it becomes hot and sticky in summer and cold and stiff in winter.
All these considered, leather furniture offers a luxurious and comfortable option with its durability, stain resistance, and compatibility with various styles. Although it can be costly and sensitive to temperature fluctuations, proper care and investment in high-quality leather can result in long-lasting, elegant furnishings.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Furniture Material
When choosing a material for your home furniture, you should keep a few things in mind. These include:
The Cost
The money you'll spend on your furniture material should match your budget. However, this doesn't mean you should choose the cheapest furniture material available. This can get damaged before giving you good services. In many cases, the furniture material used influences the furniture's price. For example, solid wood and high-quality leather furniture are more expensive. However, these furniture materials are a good investment in the long run, as they're durable and don't need regular replacements.
When studying the cost, it's also essential to consider other costs that add to the overall cost. This includes delivery costs and the maintenance cost of the furniture material. Considering all these aspects helps you choose a furniture material that suits your budget and needs.
Functionality
Functionality is crucial when choosing furniture material. The material used affects durability, weight, strength, and maintenance, impacting the furniture's functionality. For instance, if you're looking for outdoor furniture material, you'd want one that's water-resistant and withstands harsh weather. In such a case, plastic would be your perfect choice.
Likewise, if you're looking for furniture material for your kid's playroom, you'd want one that's durable and easy to clean, such as leather.
Plus, the function of the furniture helps determines the right material to choose. For instance, if you want a dining table, you'll choose a material strong enough to hold a lot of weight, such as wood. For your couch or bed, you'd choose a comfortable material like leather.
Durability
Durability is a factor worth considering, as you want to avoid ending it with poor-quality material that will be damaged without giving you any services. A durable material can withstand wear and tear even when exposed to external elements. Furniture is a significant investment that you want to last for years. Therefore, choosing a durable material guarantees that your furniture will last longer, reducing the need for constant repairs and replacements.
That said, you must learn to distinguish between durable and non-durable furniture materials. Shop from reputable companies that are associated with durable furniture.
The Style Of Your Home
Your home's interior and exterior designs influence the type of furniture material you choose. In other words, the furniture material impacts your home's overall aesthetics and should complement the existing decor.
For example, if you've got a modern home style, you'd want a furniture material with a sleek and fashionable appearance like metal or plastic. On the other hand, if you have a traditional home style, you'd want a material with a classic look and feel, like leather or wooden furniture. Generally, a good furniture material should create an appealing and cohesive look with your home's decor and style.
Comfort
Comfort is among the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing a furniture material. A furniture material impacts the overall comfort of your seating or sleeping experience. For instance, if you want a comfortable sofa or bed, choose soft materials like leather. Plastic furniture is less comfortable as it's less pliable.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right furniture material for your home can be overwhelming, given the many options available. Fortunately, with this article's guide, you can choose a material that makes you happy and complements your overall aesthetics. However, if you're still overwhelmed with the process, consult furniture experts for the best cause of action.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aleksandra Djurdjevic
Senior Content Creator
Aleksandra Djurdjevic is a senior writer and editor, covering jewelry, accessories, and trends. She’s also works with services, home décor. She has previously worked as ESL teacher for English Tochka. Aleksandra graduated from the Comparative Literature department at the Faculty of Philosophy in Serbia. Aleksandra’s love for the environment, crafts and natural products over the years helps her continue to be a top expert at Wooden Earth.
