Furniture
The term ‘furniture’ refers to moveable objects that are used to support human activities in the built environment. However, it can also be used more widely to refer to fitted objects and equipment.
Furniture tends to be of a craft-based design type that can be functional, decorative, symbolic, ceremonial, and so on. Many different materials are used in the manufacture of furniture, most commonly; timber, metal, plastic, fabrics, leather, and so on.
Furniture is subject to frequent changes in fashion, and tastes for furniture can vary widely from person to person.
Some of the main types of furniture include:
- Furniture for sitting: Chairs, stools, sofas, futons, etc.
- Furniture for eating or working: Tables, desks, etc.
- Furniture for sleeping: Beds, cots, bunks, etc.
- Furniture for storage: chests, wardrobes, etc.
- Garden furniture: Chairs, tables, etc.
- Street furniture: Benches, barriers, street lamps, traffic lights, bollards, etc.
Furniture can be grouped together with other components as 'FF&E' (furniture, fixture and equipment). FF&E might be procured separately to the main construction contract (or elements of them), particularly by clients that already have systems in place for procuring fixed and loose furniture, fittings and equipment; for example, schools, universities, or hospitals. For more information, see Furniture fixtures and equipment FF&E.
Interior designers are often associated with specifying furniture, analysing how a space is to be used and how best it can be planned with the most appropriate objects, considering functionality, aesthetic, space efficiency, circulation requirements, and so on. For more information, see Interior design
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations define requirements for the fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings and other products containing upholstery. These Regulations are enforced by Trading Standards.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Climate Emergency Retrofit Guide
LETI publishes guidance for energy efficient home retrofits.
The new normal for ventilation
Predictions about adequate post-pandemic IAQ in non-domestic buildings.
Government publishes plans to 'build back greener'.
Fire safety exclusions and insurance
The contentious nature of claims associated with cladding, fire safety and EWS1 forms.
ECA comments on low-carbon heating systems initiative and Heat and Buildings Strategy.
Victorian dust heaps of London
Cinders and other forms of domestic rubbish created filth but also generated great wealth.
Young professionals in construction survey
CIC 2050 Group requests input to find out priorities for future industry leaders.
Conservation Principles for North Ireland
IHBC publishes response to consultation.
Budget 2022 - CIOB Ireland responds
Institute applauds funding initiatives but presses for additional retrofit and tax measures.