Furniture is a decorative piece that helps make your home more comfortable and welcoming. It also reflects your style and taste. Furniture can be a big investment, so it’s important to choose pieces that you will love for a long time. Before making a purchase, consider your lifestyle and the long-term needs of your home. Whether you’re looking for modern or traditional styles, there are many options available to suit your taste and budget.
Historically, furniture was built to be movable, so it could be easily carried or moved from one place to another. It was often multifunctional, such as chairs that folded away and trunks that opened into beds. In the early modern period, furniture making became an art form, as craftsmen created heirloom-quality pieces to pass down through generations.
Furniture consists of articles used for the support and comfort of people and animals, such as tables, chairs, beds, and cabinets. It is usually made from wood, but can be made of any material that can be shaped, including metals and plastics. It may be upholstered with a variety of materials, including fabric, leather, or cloth. The upholstery may be secured with tacks, nails, buttons, clips, or grommets.
The term furniture is derived from the French word fourniture, which means equipment or furnishings. The corresponding word in most other European languages is mobel, and in Latin, the term was mobilia, meaning “movable property”. Furniture can be purchased either brand new or used, and it is sold in furniture stores, outlets, auctions, estate sales, and flea markets.