Furniture

Furniture is the general term for movable objects placed in homes, offices, or workplaces to allow people to sit, sleep, eat, work, or store items. Common examples include chairs, tables, beds, wardrobes, shelves, and cabinets.

Furniture can be classified by function: seating pieces (chairs, stools), sleeping pieces (beds, mattresses), surfaces for objects (tables, small tables), and storage pieces (boxes, wardrobes, shelves). Another category consists of built-in furniture that is part of the building structure, such as shelves fixed to interior walls.

Materials

Wood is the most common material used in furniture, as it can be carved, joined, and is durable. Steel and non-ferrous metals (aluminum), plastic, bamboo, and rattan derived from palm trees are also used. Cloth, wool, and foam are used for cushions and upholstery of chairs.

Manufacturing technique

Woodworking relies on methods of joining parts: nails, bolts, wood glue, and joinery such as mortise and tenon or dovetail joints. Large factories use CNC machines and pre-designed components that customers assemble at home (flat-pack style).

Design and culture

Furniture design reflects culture and period. In rural Somali homes, mattresses, low stools, and wooden beds with woven rope were common, portable for when people move. In cities, imported furniture consisting of upholstered chairs and large tables is prevalent. Internationally, design movements such as Scandinavian style emphasize simplicity and functionality.

Economy and environment

The furniture industry includes large assembly companies and small craftspeople working domestically. Environmental concerns include deforestation of the trees used for wood, use of chemical adhesives, and waste from discarded furniture. Solutions include sustainably harvested wood, recycling, and proper disposal.