Furnishings - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

home decor

Furnishings refer to the various items such as furniture, curtains, carpets, and accessories that are used to decorate and fill a living space.

Synonyms

accessories, decor, furniture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
furnishings	Utilized broadly to describe items that decorate or equip a space, typically encompassing both furniture and small decorative items. The interior designer carefully selected the furnishings for the living room. Our store specializes in high-quality home furnishings.
furniture	Specifically refers to larger functional items in a space, such as sofas, tables, and chairs. We need to buy new furniture for the living room. The furniture in this hotel is very luxurious.
decor	A broad term used to describe the overall style and arrangement of a space, often considering both furnishings and accessories. The restaurant's decor is inspired by Italian architecture. I'm updating my bedroom decor to a more modern style.
accessories	Refers to smaller items that are added to a room for decorative purposes, such as lamps, cushions, or artwork. She chose a few colorful accessories to brighten up the kitchen. Home accessories can transform the look and feel of a room.

Examples of usage

The furnishings in the living room were modern and stylish.
She spent hours browsing through different furnishings for her new apartment.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Old French word 'fournir', meaning 'to supply'.
In the 17th century, furnishings began to represent not only furniture but also decorative accessories like curtains and artwork.
Royal courts in Europe used opulent furnishings to display wealth and power, influencing trends in home decor.

Cultural Significance

Different cultures have unique styles of furnishings, such as minimalist Japanese designs or intricate Moroccan patterns.
Home furnishings can reflect personal identity and cultural background, showcasing heritage through color and design.
In many traditions, the layout and arrangement of furnishings symbolize family values and social hierarchies.

Design Trends

Sustainable furnishings are gaining popularity, with a focus on eco-friendly materials and practices.
The Industrial Revolution transformed furnishings, introducing mass production which made designs more accessible.
In recent years, smart furnishings with built-in technology have emerged, enhancing functionality and convenience.

Psychological Impact

The style and arrangement of furnishings can influence mood, fostering feelings of calmness or creativity.
Studies show that comfortable furnishings can improve productivity and focus in workspaces.
Color theory indicates that the hues of furnishings can affect emotions—soft blues can promote tranquility, while vibrant reds can energize.

Literature and Art

Furnishings frequently appear in literature as symbols of character traits, wealth, or social standing.
Artists like Van Gogh and Monet often depicted scenes with specific furnishings to evoke moods or highlight themes.
In interior design literature, the role of furnishings is analyzed as essential to creating narratives within spaces.

Origin of 'furnishings'

The term 'furnishings' originated in the 16th century from the Old French word 'fournir', meaning 'to provide or supply'. Over the centuries, it evolved to encompass all the items needed to make a house or room ready for use. Today, furnishings play a crucial role in interior design and home decoration.

See also: furnished, furnishing, overfurnish.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,431, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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10428 complying
10429 ironic
10430 irregularly
10431 furnishings
10432 manually
10433 severally
10434 dictatorship
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Furnishings Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations