Don’t kid yourself, are you expecting that piece of furniture you’re eyeing on right now to last for years? Furniture is an important investment. And furniture-shopping can be a serious chore when you are not just looking out for style but also quality. To have a furniture investment that pays off, you will need to know the nature and advantages of different materials to make the best choice. Additionally, you will need to be educated on the proper maintenance of the different furniture material, in order for your furniture to be in a long-lasting condition with great appearance to suit your beautiful home and decor.
Whether you are driven by practicality or style, we have the right furniture fit for you:
1. Sofas, chairs or loveseats are soft surfaces that set the tone for style, comfort, and practicality.
Leather
Depending on the leather type, leather is the epitome of practicality and trend it is also an ultra-durable plus heavy-duty material against sticky prints, and spilled drinks can also be wiped off with just a damp cloth. Nonetheless, leather comes in various qualities such as artificial and genuine leather. Artificial leathers are attractive but tear and wear easily, at the same time difficult to repair if damaged. To reduce costs, some manufacturers may combine different leather types on one sofa. As it is difficult to differentiate between artificial and genuine leather, do inquire on the leather used before you make a purchase on your next leather furniture piece.
Natural Fibers
Linen, Cotton, Silk, and Wool make up the list for natural fibers. Exuding a familiar warmth that welcomes a good cuddle at night, Cotton, Linen, and Wool are the most durable natural sofa fibers. However, they are susceptible to damage from sunlight and moisture. Be careful of highly processed fibers treated with synthetic dyes and chemicals that are tagged as “natural”. If you are seeking to avoid these chemicals on your furniture, look for the label “Certified Organic”.
Synthetic Fibers
Polyester and Nylon are the most commonly used synthetics fabrics for sofa. They are often blended with natural fibers to add resistance from stains and fading. Do note that some synthetics fibers resemble natural fibers, for example, Acrylic and Wool are similar in texture and appearance. If you are a pet owner of cats and dogs, here’s a bonus tip for you, go for microfiber upholstery furniture as it resists staining and claw marks.
2. For hard surfaces like Coffee table, Work Desk, Dining table, and Shelves go for a sleek, sturdy and easy to clean material.
Marble
Commended as elegant, timeless, and chic, marble varies in color tone and vein marking from furniture to furniture. Meticulous maintenance is required, to avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners; a mild dishwashing liquid and a soft brush to clean is sufficient to keep your marble furniture in a good state.
Wood
Solid and durable, nothing feels as dependable as solid oak or walnut. Both hardwoods are known for their stability and exquisite furniture design that is usually covered in various lines, shapes, and lines. Another type of wood that is known as softwood is pine and cedar, they are known for being flexible and easy to bend. Softwood furniture is usually used in children’s rooms because of its softness. Wood furniture is definitely one of the most popular furniture material as it is versatile in any setting. To ensure that your wood furniture is well-maintained, wipe it clean with a damp cloth and use coasters to prevent water stains. To maintain its original appearance, use brightener and oil to protect the wood furniture against weathering.
3. Other durable materials to consider
For example, Metal, as it does not show signs of deterioration against day-to-day tear and wear except if it is left under heavy pressure or environmental condition that causes it to rust. Metal is stronger than wood and it's flame-resistant, thus making it a safer material as your furniture option. Other metal types to consider for your furniture are Steel, Aluminium, and Wrought Iron. For additional protection, apply a rust protective finish to prevent rust from forming on your metal furniture.
4. A material that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use is the Rattan.
It is flexible, aesthetically pleasing, and brings a natural boho feel to any home and decor. Furthermore, it is built to last with its resistance to cracking, splintering, and corrosion. To be more environmentally friendly you may choose natural rattan material as it is eco-friendly and 100% recyclable. As for maintenance of rattan furniture, it requires virtually no care other than routine cleaning with mild soapy water.
5. Plastic furniture can be made to resemble other materials such as wood.
It is low maintenance and does not require painting or sealing. It is durable and portable as it can be stacked with other items in the room. There are 2 types of plastic material: Resin and Polymer. Resin is known as a high-quality and strong plastic that is built to be resistant to moisture, stains, and insects. On the other hand, Polymer is a low-quality plastic that is non-recyclable. For low-quality plastic furniture, look for UV-stabilized pigments to reduce fading. Plastic furniture can be cleaned with just water if dirty.
When choosing a material for your furniture, it is important to consider the long-term benefits of it. Cheap and fragile furniture may call for the repurchase of a new one sooner or later. However, an investment in high-quality, durable furniture reaps rewarding returns that last for a long while. Whether you love entertainment, have a family to raise, or simply want a comfortable space at home to stay cozy, the right furniture material makes all the difference.
At Taylor B, we are able to recommend you on the right material for your furniture needs. Don’t hesitate to drop us an email or fill up the inquiry form with details on your furniture style and requirement. We’ll revert with our wide array of furniture options, especially for your needs. Carrying over 30,000 different furniture items in our inventory at any one time, you are sure to have a worthy piece of furniture
investment when you shop with us.