Furniture: meaning, definitions and examples
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furniture
[ˈfəːnɪtʃə ]
Definitions
for interior design
Furniture refers to movable objects intended to support various human activities such as seating, eating, and sleeping. It is often made of materials like wood, metal, or plastic.
Synonyms
fixtures, furnishings, household items.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| furniture |
Use this term when talking about movable objects in a house that support various human activities like seating, eating, and sleeping. It is a general term for items such as chairs, tables, beds, etc.
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| furnishings |
Use this word to refer to decorative items and accessories, including furniture, that make a room or building feel complete. It encompasses items like rugs, curtains, and cushions.
|
| fixtures |
This term is best used for items that are fixed in place and not meant to be moved. These include things like sinks, bathtubs, and light fixtures.
|
| household items |
This term is general and can be used to talk about all sorts of items found in a house, including both furniture and smaller objects like kitchen utensils, cleaning products, and tools.
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Examples of usage
- The living room furniture includes a sofa and a coffee table.
- She bought new furniture for her bedroom.
- The antique furniture in the dining room adds a touch of elegance.
- We need to rearrange the furniture in the office for better functionality.
for selling
Furniture can also refer to the movable objects that are used to make a space suitable for living or working, such as tables, chairs, and beds.
Synonyms
fixtures, furnishings, household items.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| furniture |
General term for large movable equipment, like chairs, tables, and sofas, used to make a room or building suitable for living or working.
|
| furnishings |
Collective term for decorative items and accessories that make a room or building feel homely, including rugs, drapes, and cushions.
|
| fixtures |
Items that are permanently attached to a building or structure, such as light fittings, kitchen cabinets, or sinks.
|
| household items |
Broad term for various objects used in a home, including both furniture and smaller items like appliances, kitchenware, and cleaning supplies.
|
Examples of usage
- The store specializes in selling modern furniture.
- They offer a wide selection of furniture for every room in the house.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Furniture dates back to ancient civilizations; the oldest known piece is a 30,000-year-old wooden stool found in ancient Egypt.
- In ancient Rome, furniture was often made of marble and had intricate designs, showing wealth and status.
- In the Middle Ages, furniture became more functional and was often built into the architecture of homes.
Cultural Significance
- In Japanese culture, minimalist furniture reflects a philosophy of simplicity and harmony with nature.
- The design of furniture can reflect societal changes, such as the rise of comfort-driven styles during the industrial revolution.
- In many cultures, handcrafted furniture pieces are seen as heirlooms that connect families across generations.
Art and Design
- Modern furniture design blends function and art, where pieces are often more sculptural than practical.
- Mid-century modern furniture is renowned for its clean lines and simple forms, becoming a beloved style in homes around the world.
- Artists like Frank Lloyd Wright incorporated furniture into their architectural designs, blurring the lines between structure and decoration.
Economic Impact
- The global furniture industry is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, impacting economies and job markets worldwide.
- Sustainable furniture design has gained popularity, focusing on eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices.
- Flat-pack furniture, popularized by companies like IKEA, transformed how we think about home furnishings, emphasizing DIY assembly.
Psychology
- The arrangement of furniture in a space can influence mood and behavior, with open layouts encouraging social interaction.
- Color psychology in furniture design affects how we feel in a room; for example, blue tones can promote calmness.
- Comfortable furniture has been linked to increased productivity and well-being in workplaces, making it an essential consideration in office design.