How does one exactly design a piece of furniture? It is not as easy as drawing or making a pattern or copying something off from a magazine, especially when clients are very meticulous and have high standards.
Below are photos of the pieces I have previously designed following the guidelines I have mentioned. They were part of a school project.
Miniature Model of my designed wicker loveseat.
Shop Drawing: Elevation and Isometric
There are many things to consider. One of them is functionality. Although most would think that design would be the first important thing that clients, in general, are after, I found that most of them find that functionality and practicality tops their list. When I design pieces of furniture, I make sure that they serve their purpose well. For example, a simple chair is easy to design. There are various ways you can imagine how a chair looks like. But how does the client plan on using it? Is it for the office where you have to sit for hours on end? Is it for the living room where people usually stay for only an hour for a TV series? Is it for the garden where people lounge for a few hours during weekends to unwind and calm their nerves down? There are innumerable purposes for one piece of furniture and that must be clearly known to the designer well ahead of time. It is also worth noting that some clients prefer pieces that are multi-functional. They want to save money and therefore, a table would become a better option if you can place it on the den and, if need be, can be moved to the bedroom without much hassle.
Another major consideration is the quality. This goes hand in hand with functionality. A client would want a piece that will stand the test of time and not be easily replaced because it was, say, unable to carry a certain weight. Furniture designers must take note that the materials to be used should be sturdy and durable.
Decorative Bolster pillow for Furniture Design project.
Next on the list is the design. Of course, having an eye for the correct pattern, colour, texture, material, etc., should be a skill every designer should master. It is best for a designer to have a level of taste that can cater to different clients, whether they be eclectic, edgy, classic, modern, chic, and so on. The variety that are out in the market are so diversified that it is very easy to almost duplicate designs; maybe not exactly the same but something very close to an available piece of furniture. Although this is an unavoidable situation, a designer can shun this possibility by adding her own touch to the design. As they say, no two brains are alike. So when a client and a designer come together to really think through the design based on the client’s needs or preference and the designer’s creative input, you are sure to produce a design so unique and personal, something that the market has yet to offer. (Note: A designer would be doing the client a huge favour if the furniture’s design can easily blend with other parts of the house other than the original part the piece was initially designed for.)
Last but not the least is cost. Other designers would make this a last consideration but I say it depends on the clients. Some do not mind splurging on a single piece of furniture while others are working on a tight budget. A good designer can work well within whatever budget is given without sacrificing functionality, quality, and visual aesthetics.
I believe that the fine skills of furniture designing take time to enhance and develop. I am still in the journey towards being a designer of good, maybe even brilliant, furniture. Soon enough, who knows? I might be designing yours!
Great tips and ideas!
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