Furniture is a general term for movable objects that equip or furnish places inhabited by human beings. Furniture can also refer to a group of objects that serve a particular purpose, such as a conference table or dining room set. Throughout history, furniture has been made from a wide variety of materials and constructed in many styles.
Wood is the most common material for furnishings, although bronze, iron, and silver furniture has been produced since ancient times. Until about 1840, most furniture was handcrafted in small workshops. By the late 19th century, most furniture was manufactured in factories that used water, steam, and electrically generated power machinery designed to save labor and facilitate mass production. Today, much inexpensive furniture is manufactured using newer types of material such as particle board and plywoods made by shredding, heating, gluing, and laminating woods (see forest products).
The quality of furniture is generally assessed by its craftsmanship, the materials from which it is composed, and the degree to which it is designed to withstand use and the environment. A piece of furniture is generally considered to be of high quality if it is sturdy, well-constructed, and elegant. It may also be of high quality if it is comfortable, aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and fits into its surroundings.
Purchasing furniture should be an informed process that takes into consideration the space in which it will be placed, how it will be used, and the buyer’s budget. Some furniture requires assembly, so buyers should be aware of the timeframe and costs associated with delivery and setup. Buyers should also consider whether they are comfortable with assembling furniture themselves or prefer to hire professionals.