Furniture is the upholstered or hard-surfaced decorative and functional pieces of a room. It includes chairs, sofas, tables and beds. Furniture may be made from wood, metal, plastic or other materials. It is often arranged to create a specific style in a room, such as traditional or modern. Furniture can also be used as a focal point in a room, such as a fireplace mantle or a dramatic staircase railing.
Furniture can be grouped by the room in which it is placed: dining room furniture, living room furniture and bedroom furniture are examples. It can also be grouped by function: office furniture, kitchen furniture and outdoor furniture are types of household furnishings. It can be categorized by the material in which it is made: leather, wood and metal are common materials for furniture. Other types of materials for furniture include paper, cardboard and fabric.
The type of furniture in a house is often determined by the needs of the people living there. For example, a family with children might need furniture that is durable and easy to clean. Individuals who enjoy entertaining guests might want to have seating for large gatherings. The occupants of a home also might prefer more formal or casual styles of furniture.
While it is true that the cost of furniture can increase with its quality, there are ways to find well-made pieces for less money. Look for sales at local department stores and furniture outlets. Yard sales, flea markets and thrift shops are other good places to find inexpensive furniture. When shopping for cheap furniture, it is important to pay attention to the construction of the piece. Avoid pieces held together with glue or staples.
