As a furniture designer, you will learn to combine aesthetics with functionality. By exploring new perspectives and applying creative approaches from varying disciplines to discover your voice as an artist and craft unique designs that stand out.
Experiment with different materials, creating unique design solutions. Just as plywood and plastic were groundbreaking innovations 100 years ago, technology can continue to revolutionize furniture design.
Style
Furniture designs have the power to transform spaces and leave an enduring legacy. From early cave dwellers to luxuriously gilded mansions of today, furniture provides utility and beauty in our lives. Furniture designers use everyday objects as canvasses on which to showcase their talents and show off their creativity and skill sets.
Furniture designers frequently collaborate with architects and interior designers on designs for large furniture manufacturers or work independently to design collections for themselves. Some also run their own studios, enabling them to explore various creative processes while building up a portfolio.
Furniture trends tend to follow other creative industries like fashion, music and movies closely. Staying abreast of new colours, materials and forms is essential in this industry; some of the most renowned furniture designers such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Frank Lloyd Wright and Charlotte Perriand have created iconic styles that transcend their respective eras – examples being Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Frank Lloyd Wright and Charlotte Perriand respectively. Finding your niche career path as a Furniture Designer should be your priority step towards professional success
Function
No matter if it be utilitarian (beds and tables) or aesthetic (chairs), furniture serves a purpose. That purpose could range from sleeping and eating, to adding aesthetic value in the space, as well as practical use like beds and tables.
Functionality also involves understanding customer needs. This means understanding who will use the piece, when and for how long. Furniture designers must take all these factors into consideration when creating new designs.
Are You Exploring Beyond Furniture Design? There Are Plenty of Opportunities
Materials
When designing furniture, it is crucial that careful thought be given to which materials will be used in its construction. Wood is an established choice, while other materials could also work just as effectively.
Laminate is an economical and straightforward option that mimics wood’s appearance, being simple to clean and offering various color options. Cotton or linen fibers offer soft comfort while being versatile enough for upholstery to create unique looks.
Glass furniture materials have long been an appealing choice, due to their malleability. Glass can be formed into unique forms for an eye-catching modern aesthetic in any space; often combined with metal for strength and durability while remaining lightweight; plus it can even be recycled easily!
Sustainability
Sustainability has long been an issue within the furniture industry and many designers have worked tirelessly to incorporate sustainable principles into their designs. Pressure (and in some countries legal requirements) for companies to practice responsible design practices and reduce their environmental footprint have increased substantially in recent years.
Search for furniture constructed of eco-friendly materials that are renewable or recyclable, such as bamboo. Bamboo grows quickly without needing fertilizer or pesticides to flourish. Reclaimed wood also saves raw materials by diverting waste away from landfills.
Consider also a company’s manufacturing and shipping practices when selecting furniture to purchase. Look out for carbon offsetting, electric delivery vehicles and recyclable packaging as indicators of responsible production and shipping practices. Furthermore, opt for durable designs that can last long-term to cut wasteful replacement of furniture pieces; this may involve purchasing more costly, longer-lasting options; however this often works out cheaper over time.