The devil is in the details, as they say. However, we believe that the beauty is in the details. In fact, it’s these details that make the difference. In interior design, the things we tend to overlook at first glance end up being the elements that contribute to the uniqueness and personal style of every space. In this article, we are zooming in on the furniture of a space.
The finishes of any piece of furniture are a fundamental part of the overall aesthetic of the piece and have a tremendous effect on the overall interior design of the room. So, let’s dive into the different choices available in terms of furniture finishes and how each one highlights our home in the most special of ways.
Practical or stylish furniture
Sturdy finishes or delicate surfaces? Whether you should choose a high or low maintenance piece of furniture depends on your lifestyle. For example, if you have kids or toddlers, you might think twice before buying that glass coffee table.
On the other hand, if you have a black cat with lots of fur, you might want to avoid getting a white couch. And finally, if you love dinner parties with red wine and various foods, is a white rug or carpet the best idea for your home?
Always adjust your interior design style to suit your daily lifestyle. Remember, some pieces are investments and changing your furniture every year can be a hassle.
Fabric
Fabric is the perfect combination of look and feel. It’s an elegant detail to the eye and it can also provide comfort and cosiness. But which type of fabric is best for your home?
Synthetic vs. leather
Should you choose synthetic or leather fabric for your furniture? Well, that’s mostly up to the overall aesthetic of your space. No one can deny that a dark leather sofa matches an industrial-style home perfectly. However, on hot summer days, the feeling of leather may not be very pleasant, especially on naked skin.
Synthetic fabric, on the other hand, has a neutral feeling and also comes in various colour shades and patterns.
Tip to remember: Even though velvet might feel good, we suggest you think twice (or even three times) about using that fabric for furniture. Due to its thickness, velvet easily absorbs dust, microorganisms, and stains, making it difficult to clean. Further, it has a slightly lower light resistance than other fabrics and should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid fading or damage.
Wood and metal
Wooden furniture matches traditional or rustic households and screams warmth and cosiness.
However, does a house full of exclusively wooden elements lack liveliness? Yes, and that is why the best way to balance out your home full of wooden furniture is to add metal details.
A trendy but classy option for your home would be going for furniture that combines both wood and metal in the same piece. For instance, you can get a dining table with a wooden surface and metallic legs, giving the piece a sense of elegance and style.
Another common option is having metallic cupboards and closet handles. This can give a great contrast effect to the existing wooden furniture in your home.
Last but not least, you can also combine wood and metal for your staircase. Even though wooden staircases grant a homey feeling, you are not obligated to go with wooden handlers as well. A steady, safe and modern option to go for is steel or iron handlers instead.
Types of metallic finishes
Some examples of metal finishes that are recommended for furniture include:
- Aluminium
- Copper
- Steel
- Brass
- Iron
Types of furniture styles
In addition to the different types of metal, you can also choose from different styles that are suited to your liking, including:
- Antiqued
- Brushed
- Hammered
- Polished
Should you mix metals and styles?
It is best to stick to uniformity when it comes to furniture, especially if you are marrying different styles and elements. If you do mix metal styles and colours, try to have a specific reason for going with this.
Neutral tones or splashes of colour
As a general rule, the larger the size of the furniture, the more muted the colour should be - unless it is a statement piece.
The selective use of colour against a backdrop of neutral / muted tones is a great way to guide your visitors' eyes throughout the space. Adding a splash of colour allows you to curate what you want them to look at. You can even guide them through the rooms you want them to visit with this technique!
To sum up, furniture finishes are a major factor that can determine the overall interior design and feeling of a home. Therefore, the two must be in harmony and agreement with each other. Every element carries a meaning, an identity that adds to a quality lifestyle.