22 FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN SELECTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF FURNITURE

M.R. Thilagam

FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN SELECTION AND ARRANGEMENT OF FURNITURE

A house is a dwelling unit consisting of walls, floors, doors, windows, roofs etc. in which human being live. A house may have number of rooms. Each room will be only an empty space until it is furnished properly. Furnishings give meaning to a house. A space become a living room or a dining room based on the furnishings used in the room.

Furnishing includes arrangement of furniture, use of floor coverings, treatment of windows and doors proper lighting and use accessories. These features tastefully arranged can result in a home will bring comfort, health happiness and personality of the owner.

Today we shall study various aspects of selection and arrangements of furniture.

Furniture

What are furniture?

They are movables either for use, comfort and ornament with which house is equipped. It acts as a mediator between people and architecture.

Function’s of furniture

A  Furniture

1.      Fulfils the specific function required such as sitting, sleeping.

2.      Provides comfort for our activities.

3.      Organizes the space within the room and

4.      Exhibits one’s personal taste.

5.      Brings forth the personality and character.

Factors to be considered are classified under

I.  Utility and economy

 II. Beauty and character and

III.Construction

I.Utility and economy

The major aspects include the following:

a)      Utility

When selecting furniture one should consider its usefulness for a particular purpose. There are varieties of furniture to perform various activities such as sitting, sleeping, relaxing and study.

b)     Mobility

Furniture should be movable or movable arrangements can be fitted to heavy furniture so that they are easy to move. A furniture should not be heavier than necessary for use, strength and stability so that they are easy to move. The people in transferable jobs can feel easy in purchasing light weight furniture or dismountable and reassembled furniture.

c)      Comfort

Comfort is related to pieces of furniture on which one sit or sleep as well as the height of the tables, chairs and desks and the legroom around them. Besides the handles of chairs, knobs on doors and drawers should be well placed, to give a firm to pull out and push in. Chairs and tables should have smooth finished surface. The upholstery furniture should be provided with proper spring for comfort.

d)     Flexibility

This pertains to furniture that can be used in more than one room and for one purpose. Eg. sofa cum bed, dining table used as work table, study table ironing and so on. They occupy less space, cost and serve many purposes.

e)    Space

Space required for placement of furniture has become increasingly important in recent days as the home spaces are becoming smaller. The present day designers have reduced the protruding, mouldings and curved legs of traditional furniture. Foldable and stacked furniture help to conserve space to a great extent.

f)    Cost

Cost includes initial and maintenance cost of the furniture. Initial cost of furniture depends upon the materials used, design and construction. Cost of maintenance includes the cost incurred on cleaning, repairing, refinishing and reupholstering. Since furniture costs are generally high one should buy essential furniture first and then add gradually whenever the budget allows. Furniture should be bought only from well established reputed shops and great care should be given while buying furniture on discount sales or auction.

g)   Length of service

This factor depends upon both physical and psychological durability. Physical durability depends on material used, the design, construction and finish. Psychological durability depends on the liking of an individual in future towards the furniture selected at present.

II.   Beauty and character

Beauty and character is entirely a subjective appraisal because individuals vary markedly in their taste. Some may prefer ultra modern design while others prefer charm of antiques of synthetic materials. This can be revealed by the expressiveness and style of furniture.

a)   Expressiveness:

The furniture should express the theme of the room (Ex.) A cottage expressing informality comfort and simplicity calls for furniture of the same characteristics.

 The furniture should suit to the style of the house.

The furniture styles are of,

1.      Traditional

2.      Contemporary and

3.      Modern

1.  Traditional

Furniture design that have come to us from past generation (Ex.) Queen Anne style.

2. Contemporary

It refers to a rather broad category of current designs. Many of these draw upon traditional styling for inspiration without actually reproducing any one style in particular.

3.  Modern

The modern style developed in the early part of the twentieth century breaks all ties with previous designs. New forms, unusual proportions and use of modern materials characterize furnishings that bear little, if any, suggesting past heritage.

III.    Construction

Proper constructions of furniture make it sturdy, comfortable and increases it’s durability. The purchaser should check the bottom, sides, back inside and the front of each furniture piece. They have to consider the firmness, joints, and corner blocks, legs and posts used in the furniture.

The style and quality of any particular piece will determine how many steps are necessary for its production from beginning to end. Naturally, the more labour involved, the higher the production costs and these are always reflected in the retail price.

Furniture construction is a complicated process. It is necessary for the consumer to know in detail the techniques, but there are few points that should be discussed because there influence quality and cost.

Shaping

For whole pieces that will be made of solid wood or for some parts such as pedestals and legs, the lumber is cut to the desired size by saws. A plane may then be used to shape the edge. If no decorative effects are required, the next step may be finishing. Much of this can be done by machine but some areas still require hand finishing.

Carving

Certain types of decorative carving can be done by machine, but the results are somewhat crude and this process is used on m ass-produced inexpensive furniture only. For better qualities, the initial work may be done by machine, but hand labour is used for the finishing. Hand carving is found expensive because the process is slow and laborious. It must be done by skilled craftsman who are trained in the art.

Some carved effects are achieved by the use of a wood compound moulded to the desired shape. The motif, often a beaded moulding, is then glued in place on the piece of furniture.

Turning

Legs, posts and bases may be shaped by a turning lathe, which cuts symmetrical indentations to form a design. The effect of a twisted rope is achieved when the block of wood is moved slowly along the cutting machine.

Fluting

Length wise grooves may be cut into posts, legs and pedestals.

Reeding

The term reeding refers to a decorative process of applying parallel rows of beaded mounting that project from the surface. it is opposite of fluting, and it too is used to legs and posts.

Joining

The various sections of a piece of furniture must be joined firmly and securely. Careful joinery is an art that is utmost importance to the customer, yet most of it is hidden from view in the finished piece. One must therefore rely on the words of the manufacture that the piece has been joined with care and precision.

Nails, screws and glue are also used to hold section together at points of strain. Nails are the least desirable, but they are quick and cheap to sue. Screws and bolts are more desirable when they are inconspicuous. They are frequently used for added security. A metal washer under the heal prevents the screw from wearing away at the wood. Good quality glue is also used to hold surfaces together. old fashioned glues would be eventually dry out, but new developments have produced glues that are firm, durable bonding agents. They are resistant to the ordinary hazards of use, such as heat and moisture.

Various methods are used to join the framework of chairs, chests, tables, desks and so on. On high quality furniture the joining areas near perfectly matched as possible, smooth and tight. One should beware of crevices and gaps that have been filled in with glue or other filler. These reflect a low standard of workmanship.

The various types of joints used in wooden furniture are as follows:

Butt: This is a simple joining made by nailing or gluing two ends together. It will not withstand much strain.

Mitter: Each edge is cut on a 45 degree angle and the two are held together with glue, nails or brads. Used on mouldings, pictures and so on.

Lap: Two pieces have equal – sized grooves so that they are flush when placed together.

  Tongue and Groove: A projection on one edge fits into a matching groove on the other edge. Used on drawer sections and wood panels used for wall coverings.

Dovetail: A series of projections fits into a series of grooves; the grooves are often fan shaped. This is a secure joining that usually indicates good craftsmanship.

Dowel: A small peg of wood is used to join two edges. The dowel pins are sued for various types of joining on chairs, frames for upholstered pieces, and so on. Double dowels provide added stability. Sometimes the dowels are grooved so that air can escape when the dowels are driven into place.

Mortise and Tenon: This is one of the strongest joining for frames of chairs and other casegoods. A groove (mortise) on one edge is cut to fit a projection and the groove may be square or triangular. Sometimes glue or screws are added for extra reinforcement.

Drawers and doors. If the piece in question has drawers, these are frequently a good indication of the general level of workmanship.

The drawer should glide back and forth easily. Those mounted on metal tracks often have wheels or ball bearing to ensure easy movement. A drawer-stop, or tiny lock on the back of the drawers, prevents it from pulling all the way out unless the level is realized.

The insides of the drawers on good quality furniture are smoothly finished and treated with a coat of shellac or varnish. The top edges on the back and sides are rounded for smooth operation.

Drawer sections are joined by dovetailing on better-quality furniture. If the wood used in the drawer is good quality. This is a secure method of poor quality, the tiny projections split away and the drawer will fall apart. This is another example in which quality is dependent on a combination of good material and good craftsmanship.

Drawer pulls also offer some indication of quality. All handles and hardware on any piece of furniture should be firm and substantial enough to withstand strain over a long period of time. Drawer handles should be fastened in place by screws or bolts that go through the drawer panel. On some inferior furniture and hardware is merely nailed in place on the exterior.

  Glass doors

Cabinets and breakfronts often have doors made with panes of glass set into a wood frame. On high quality furniture, the door might be composed of a rather intricate lattice work of wood with each piece of glass set in place as an individual section. This process, called muntin or mullion, is expensive, especially if the glass sections are curved or bent. Less expensive copies of such design often use one panel of glass with a wooden lattice or fret superimposed on it.

Hardware

Naturally the design of the handles and drawer pulls should be in keeping with the style of the piece. Well made metal hardware is heavy and substantial.

The hinges on doors and drop-leaf tables should be carefully examined. They must be sturdy and firm. Screws are usually more desirable than nails for holding hardware in place.

Supports

Tables and desks that open out require some sort of support for the surface. In the case of desks, wooden brackets that may be pulled out to support the writing surfaces are desirable. Extension tables should usually have some of extra legs or braces to support the centre section when the table is used with several leaves.

Finishes

Manufactures of fine quality for nature take great pride in selecting materials. The surface of the wood is treated and polished to develop a beautiful colour and patina-a mellowness or ‘glow’ that comes from much rubbing and polishing. The grain pattern is carefully placed to enhance the design of the piece; sometimes panels are formed of matched sections to form an intricate design. On poor-quality furniture, the surfaces colour and gloss may be applied in the cheapest and quickest manner possible, often a quick coat of varnish in which even the brush marks are evident. There is a hard shine rather than a subtle sheen.

The initial steps of furnishing may be done by machine, but the final operations in high quality furniture are usually done by hand. Several sealings and application of stain develop a uniformity of colour and bring out the beauty of the grain pattern. Some woods must have a ‘sealer’ to close off the pores of the grain. Any special decorative effects, such as ebony finish or tortoiseshell would be applied at this stage.

Wood finishes are applied for various reasons; to

·         produce or develop colour

·         seal off the pores and produce smooth, level surface

·         protect the wood from heat, moisture, alcohol and so on

·         decorate the surface

In fine finishing several applications of stain, glaze, oil, or wax require sanding or rubbing in between. As these processes are repeated a richness and depth of tone develops.

Naturally, the number of operations affects retail costs, but high quality finish must be applied in a series of processes and can’t be hurried.

Distressing

This is a process used to give an old look to new woods. The surfaces is beaten and dented with light chains and then rubbed to develop a patina.

A.Construction of case good

Firmness: Firmness is an important feature of good construction. It depends largely on how the different parts are joined. It is rigidity under pressure.

Joints: The various sections of a piece of furniture must be joined firmly and securely. As most of the joints are hidden from view in the finished piece one has to rely on the words of the manufacture. Nails screws and glue are also used to hold sections together at points of strain. Nails are the least desirable, but they are more desirable when they are unseen.

 Corner blocks: They are triangular block or strip cut to fit into unseen back of corners and glued or screwed to the frame for reinforcing the joints.

Legs and posts: Legs should stand firmly on the floor. They should look large enough to run the length of the leg or post. This increases the strength of the furniture.

Drawers: The drawers should glide back and forth easily. The inside of the drawers should be smoothly finished. The guide strips under the drawer should hold the draw straight.

Hardware: The quality and appearance of the hardware are important well designed strong hinges and stoppers, easy closing and opening of doors, latches, caster, wheels and their sockets, and smooth movement furniture should be checked for.

Upholstered furniture: Generally wooden furniture and other furniture are not very comfortable to sit because of the hardness of the material. Hence it is furnished with cushioned surface. This is called ‘upholstering’. Many prefer to use removable cushioning of foam rubber or coir foam, instead of permanent upholstery. Permanent upholstered furniture should be checked for its springs, filling, fabric etc.

Metal

Metal furniture has gained entry into the modern home, offices, waiting rooms, porches and gardens. It is highly utilitarian as it is durable, fire proof, light in weight, dry artificial heat does not affect it, humidity in atmosphere does not cause drawers to stick. The metal furniture can give a beautiful look if the design is an original one and not an imitation of wooden design. Metal for furniture is gaining new heights of popularity. Wrought iron furniture – beds, garden table and chairs, dining tables with glass tops are now popular. Along with wrought iron – plain or enamelled, brass, steel, copper and aluminium are also being used by furniture designers.

Plastics

Synthetics have become a vital part of the home furnishings field in many areas including the actual construction of furniture. Moulded chairs represent for modern design, a complete break with traditional methods. Sturdy, durable, light in weight, interesting in texture, easily cleaned and maintained and relatively inexpensive, the plastics would seem to quality for a major role in furniture construction.

B.  Construction of upholstered furniture and bedding

Frame: Oak, teak, maple etc. are the commonly used ones as they take glue and finish well.

In case of cheap furniture items less expensive food is being used.

Seat: The comfort is a desirable feature in any furniture and thus the seat should eb comfortable. Coir, and cotton material make poor cushions and generally synthetic foams make a more comfortable seat.

Welting: Welting is a length of fabric, usually tubular in shape, used to reinforce and disguise seams on upholstery, slip-covers and bedspreads. Welting is frequently used on the seams of upholstered furniture items for added strength and durability.

Seam: Seams should be well-finished, smooth, even and strong. A firm, clean finish with no projecting ends, shows good workmanship. In cheap quality furniture seams start coming out after a short span of time.

Webbing: Webbing stretched across the seat frame is the basis of all traditional upholstery. In the case of chairs and sofas, webbing is closely interlaced, springs are fastened to webbing and to the frame securely.

Spring: The coil spring is the best one and is generally used in good quality furniture and is used closely to each –other. Proper turning of spring is important to keep it tight.

Stuffing: Well-made furniture has ample amount of filling selected, so that it will retain its shape for a long period of time whereas poor workmanship will be evident after a relatively short period – the filling will shift and shape gets distorted.

Muslin: A layer of muslin is added and covered with the final upholstery fabric. Black calico is used to cover the underside of the seat.

Fabric: The furniture that will receive hard use should be covered with a fabric that resists both soil and wear. Closely woven fabric is a good choice for the upholstered furniture that will receive hardwear.

Gimp and Braiding: Tacks and the raw edges of fabric on chairs are concealed under banding or gimp. Bands of the cover fabric may be laid over the tack heads and fixed with decorative nails.

Tacks,nails and pins: Tacks made of steel should always be used for upholstery. Fine tacks have small heads. Decorative nails, used to conceal raw edges, are made in several finishes.

Beds and mattresses: Good beds are major item in furnishing a home. Hence they should be selected with special care. There is a wide variety of types available in different sizes and different prices. The popular type of mattresses is foam, rubber, care foam and cotton felt.

Cotton felt are sued commonly in India, and are less expensive. Cotton batting or cotton fabric that have not been felted or poor quality cotton tend to mat and may cause the mattress to become lumpy. Well constructed mattress are stitched through cover and filling to prevent the shifting of materials. A sturdy reinforced edge will prevent the mattress form sagging at the sides.

The furniture thus selected with great care should be carefully arranged to make the house look beautiful and comfortable.

Furniture arrangement: General rules applied to furniture arrangement include the following:

1.      Select furniture based on the proportions to the room and to the family using the furniture. Place large pieces of furniture on large walls areas and small pieces on small wall areas parallel to the structural line of the room to retain good proportion.

2.      Select a center of interest and subordinate all other interests.

3.      Observe the rules of balance.

•  Large pieces of furniture on one wall should balance doors, fire place, windows or large pieces on the opposite wall and
•  Each wall should be balanced from top to bottom.

    4.      Keep traffic lanes in the hall and in each room clear.

5.      Avoid using too many furniture in a room. All the furniture should not hug the wall at the same time should not occupy the center floor area. Scatter upholstered pieces of furniture among wooden pieces.

6.      Arrange all furniture with purpose and function of the room.

Guidelines for arrangement of furniture in different

Living room

Living room should be livable for all family members. Select a centre of interest around which the furniture may be arranged. The furniture may be grouped based on the activities such as entertaining guests, recreation with music corner, study or reading and so on. A comfortable sofa and several chairs are most essential pieces in the living room. It should express the spirit of welcoming the friends and relatives of the family hence it should be treated in an impersonal way.

Dining room

Dining area can be arranged either in the center of the room or towards a wall area. The chairs should be arranged around the table with adequate space around the chairs for the users to pull them out for occupying them comfortably and for serving of food. A serving table should be placed near the kitchen so that easy transfer of the food, store the cutlery, crockery, dishes sued for meals or dinner.

Use less number of pieces to create a restful effect. Keep the background simple and use only a few objects. Keep the table wares orderly so that they can be handled carefully.

If a separate room is available for dining area arrange the furniture either in the center of the room or towards a wall area. Arrange a conversation area along one wall area. Serving table should be placed near the kitchen so that easy transfer of the food items are possible. Fridge should be placed parallel to the wall area.

Bed room

Location of doors and windows restricts bedroom furniture arrangement.

Arrange furniture for conveniences with a center of interest. A flexible arrangement should be made so that each piece of furniture serves more than one purpose of the room. Good ventilation should be provided. The furniture should be arranged in such a way that it may keep extending to the middle of the room or all placed parallel to the walls and in the corner thus leaving the middle space full. A well lighted space in front of a window is best for arranging a table. Storage cabinet should be provided for extra bedding. Personal belonging should be placed in the bed room. Bed side lamp should be operated from bed. Furniture for reading and writing can be placed here.

References:-

•  Craig and Rush, Homes with Character
• Dorothy Stepat – De van. Home Furnishings
• Faulkner and Faulkner (1975), Inside Today’s Home, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, New York.
• Gandotra.V, Shukul.M, and Jaiswal.N, (2011) Introduction to Interior Design and Decoration, Dominant Publishers and Distributors New Delhi.