Classifications
of Furnitures
Reporter: Geraldine A. Aresgado
Furniture refers to movable objects
designed to support various human
activities such as seating, sleeping,
storage, or decoration. It includes items
like chairs, tables, beds, sofas, cabinets,
and shelves that are used in homes,
offices, and other spaces.
Furniture can be classified into various categories
based on different factors. Here is a comprehensive
classification of furniture based on different criteria:
Function-based
Material-based
Style-based
Room/Area-based
Ergonomics-based
Outdoor/Indoor-based
1. Function-based
When referring to a function-based
classification of furniture, it means
categorizing furniture based on the
specific purpose or function it
serves.
Here are some common categories in
function-based furniture classification:
a. Seating Furniture:
Seating furniture provides a comfortable place for
individuals to rest, work, or engage in activities.
b. Sleeping Furniture:
Sleeping furniture is typically found
in bedrooms or sleeping areas.
c. Storage Furniture:
This category comprises furniture pieces
designed to store and organize items.
d. Dining Furniture:
Dining furniture provides a surface for
meals and seating for individuals or
families during mealtime.
e. Desks and Workstations
These furniture pieces provide a
dedicated space for individuals to
perform tasks comfortably.
f. Entertainment Furniture:
is a piece of furniture designed to
house consumer electronic
appliances and components.
g. Outdoor Furniture:
Outdoor furniture is typically made
of materials that can withstand
weather conditions.
h. Children's Furniture:
Children's furniture is designed with
safety, comfort, and age-appropriate
features in mind.
2. Material-based
Material-based classification of furniture
categorizes furniture based on the primary
materials used in their construction.
Here are some common
categories in material-based
furniture classification:
a. Wood Furniture:
This category includes furniture made primarily
from wood.
Wood furniture is known for its durability, warmth,
and natural beauty.
b. Metal Furniture
This category comprises furniture made
primarily from metal, such as steel,
aluminum, iron, or brass.
c. Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture is lightweight, easy to clean,
and often used for outdoor furniture or in
settings where practicality and affordability are
important.
d. Glass Furniture
Glass furniture can provide a sleek and
modern aesthetic while adding a sense
of transparency and lightness to a
space.
e. Upholstered Furniture
This category includes furniture with fabric or
leather upholstery.
Upholstered furniture typically has a wooden
or metal frame with padded cushions or
upholstery covering.
f. Rattan/Wicker Furniture
Rattan or wicker furniture is often used for
outdoor settings or in spaces with a tropical
or bohemian style.
g. Leather Furniture
Leather furniture is known for its durability,
luxurious appearance, and comfort.
h. Fabric Furniture
Fabric furniture offers a wide range of colors,
patterns, and textures, allowing for versatile
design options.
3. Style-based
Style-based classification of furniture categorizes
furniture based on the design style or period it
represents.
Here are some common categories in style-based
furniture classification:
a. Modern Furniture:
This category includes furniture characterized by
sleek lines, minimal ornamentation, and a focus on
functionality.
b. Contemporary Furniture
Contemporary furniture can vary widely in design
and may incorporate elements from various
styles, making it versatile and adaptable to
different environments.
c. Traditional Furniture
This category includes furniture that draws
inspiration from classic design periods such as
Victorian, Renaissance, Colonial, or French
Provincial.
d. Rustic Furniture
Rustic furniture often features raw or reclaimed
wood, distressed finishes, and simple
craftsmanship. It evokes a cozy, cabin-like feel
and is associated with a countryside or log cabin
aesthetic.
e. Industrial Furniture
This category draws inspiration from industrial settings,
such as factories or warehouses. Industrial furniture
often features metal elements, exposed hardware,
and utilitarian designs.
f. Scandinavian Furniture
Scandinavian furniture is characterized by
simplicity, clean lines, light-colored wood, and a
focus on functionality. It aims to create a sense of
calm, minimalism, and warmth.
g. Mid-Century Modern Furniture
Mid-century modern furniture features organic shapes,
tapered legs, bold colors, and a mix of materials like
wood, plastic, and metal. It embodies a retro, vintage
aesthetic.
h. Coastal Furniture
Coastal furniture often features light colors, natural
textures, and materials like wicker or rattan. It aims to
create a relaxed and breezy atmosphere reminiscent
of coastal living.
4. Room/Area-based
Room/Area-based classification of furniture
categorizes furniture based on the specific
room or area in which it is commonly used.
Here are some common categories in
room/area-based furniture classification:
a. Bedroom Furniture
Bedroom furniture is focused on providing
comfort, storage, and a relaxing
atmosphere.
b. Living Room Furniture
Living room furniture is aimed at providing
comfortable seating, entertainment options,
and storage for books or media.
c. Dining Room Furniture
Dining room furniture is designed to provide a
space for meals, display dishware, and offer
storage for dining essentials.
d. Home Office Furniture
This category includes furniture designed for
home office spaces or workstations. Home office
furniture is focused on providing a functional and
organized workspace.
e. Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand
weather conditions and provide comfortable
seating or dining options.
f. Entryway Furniture
Entryway furniture is focused on providing
storage and organization for shoes, coats, and
other items. This category includes furniture
designed for the entryway or foyer area of a
home.
g. Children's Furniture
This category includes furniture designed specifically
for children's rooms or play areas. Children's furniture is
designed with safety, functionality, and age-
appropriate features in mind.
h. Bathroom Furniture
Bathroom furniture is focused on providing storage
and organization solutions while complementing
the overall bathroom design.
5. Ergonomics-based
Ergonomic furniture is designed to provide
maximum comfort and support to the human
body. It focuses on factors such as posture,
adjustability, and user-friendly features.
Here are some common categories in ergonomics-
based furniture classification:
a. Ergonomic Chairs
This category includes chairs designed to provide optimal
support and comfort for extended periods of sitting. They are
designed to promote proper posture, reduce strain on the body,
and prevent discomfort or injuries.
b. Height-Adjustable Desks
Also known as sit-stand desks or standing desks, height-
adjustable desks allow users to alternate between
sitting and standing positions throughout the day.
c. Keyboard Trays and Adjustable Keyboard Stands
These accessories are designed to position the
keyboard at the proper height and angle to reduce
strain on the wrists and forearms. They can be
attached to the desk surface or integrated into
ergonomic office chairs.
d. Monitor Stands and Mounts
These accessories ensure that computer monitors are
positioned at the appropriate height, distance, and
angle to reduce eye strain and promote proper neck
alignment.
e. Footrests
Footrests are used to support the feet and promote
proper leg and lower back alignment while sitting. They
help relieve pressure on the legs, improve blood
circulation, and reduce the risk of swelling or discomfort.
f. Ergonomic Accessories
These accessories are designed to provide additional
support and promote proper alignment of the spine,
wrists, and hands during prolonged sitting or computer
use.
6. Outdoor and Indoor
Outdoor and indoor furniture can be
classified based on their suitability for
specific environments and the materials
used in their construction.
Here's a classification of outdoor and indoor
furniture:
OUTDOOR
a. Patio Sets
They are designed to withstand outdoor weather
conditions and are often made from materials like
weather-resistant wicker, aluminum, or teak.
b. Garden Benches
These are stationary seating options for outdoor
spaces like gardens or parks. Garden benches
are usually made of materials such as wood,
metal, or stone.
c. Outdoor Dining Tables and Chairs
They are available in different sizes, shapes, and
materials to accommodate various outdoor
spaces and preferences.
d. Outdoor Lounge Chairs and Chaise Lounges
These are reclining chairs or loungers designed for
relaxation and sunbathing. Outdoor lounge chairs may
have cushions or fabric covers that are weather-
resistant.
INDOOR
a. Living Room Furniture
This includes sofas, armchairs, coffee tables, and
entertainment centers designed for indoor living
spaces.
b. Bedroom Furniture
This category comprises beds, dressers,
wardrobes, nightstands, and other furniture items
designed for bedrooms.
c. Dining Room Furniture
This includes dining tables, chairs, sideboards, and
display cabinets used in dining areas.
d. Home Office Furniture
It includes desks, office chairs, bookshelves, and file
cabinets designed for productive work environments.
Home office furniture often focuses on ergonomic
features to support comfort and functionality during
extended work hours.
Thank you for listening. God Bless Everyone.
