Although we often consider furniture design as unrelated to architecture, almost all great architects have their signature furniture (Eames Chair, Barcelona Chair, etc.) This furniture has shaped the history of design to affect our modern decoration understanding and material preferences. So, it does not hurt to look at what we should consider when it comes to furniture design.
Ergonomics
A successful piece of furniture is the ergonomic one. Ergonomics is also very, very important in architectural design. But in the furniture design, ergonomics is everything. Even the smallest mistakes are unacceptable since the product’s primary purpose is to be ergonomic and serve the user. Otherwise, furniture that looks very beautiful but we cannot use it.
Aesthetics
Furniture design is just like the architectural design. Naturally, aesthetics is a point of furniture design that we cannot ignore. Trying innovative aesthetic ideas on furniture is a great start. Some architects see furniture designs as small experiments, both in terms of construction time and because they can get a faster response.
Material
Material preference in furniture design is an area that does not tolerate error because you have nowhere to store your chosen material. The user touches the material directly, interacts with it, and experiences the material. For this reason, if you have a furniture design, it is best not to rush material choices. Today, we know that many materials can take different forms, thanks to the architects who once experimented with them unlimitedly.
Form
Unlike aesthetics, we have to talk about form when talking about furniture design. Because furniture design mostly develops on material preferences. And the forms each material can take are different. Pushing the material to its limits or manipulating it can take an extended trial period. In short, it is quite logical for architects to use furniture design as an experiment.
Joins
Another point that cannot be considered independent of material and form is your furniture’s combination details. One can sometimes draw furniture details in interior design even at 1/1 scale. That is because the joints and shapes directly affect the entire design. Incorrect combinations can ruin furniture design as well as deteriorate ergonomics.