Jim Oak Home Improvement

What Is Designer Furniture?

Designer furniture is furniture that has been designed by a company or an individual to be very fashionable and contemporary in style. It is often custom made furniture and usually made from top quality materials. Because designer furniture is very stylish and made very well, it is usually more expensive than mass-produced furniture.

Some people are under the impression that designer furniture is uncomfortable and expensive but this is not the case. Admittedly sometimes pieces are uncomfortable and overpriced but most are designed with comfort as well as style in mind and most are priced to reflect the materials and workmanship and not just the label.

Throughout history there have been notable furniture designers that have made outstanding creations that are still very sought after. 

An example of a notable furniture designer is Charles Rennie Mackintosh. He was a Scottish designer and part of the Arts and Crafts movement. He is well known for his striking chairs with high backs. These were comissioned for the Argyll Street Tea Room. A more modern furniture designer is Terence Conran who founded Habitat.

A business well known for furniture design is Knoll. Their famous tulip chair, by Eero Saarinen was designed in the 1950’s but is still very much in demand today. It is made from moulded fibreglass reinforced plastic and aluminium and can be customised with a choice of coloured seat pads. The simple design is beautiful. They are also famous for the Barcelona Chair by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe. This was designed in 1929 but has been copied widely since the 1960’s.

The designers of today could one day be in this league and so it pays to look after any pieces you buy.

When you look to purchase designer furniture you obviously need to make sure that you are getting the genuine article so look for makers marks. Also look at the quality of the workmanship and the materials used.

If you are wanting to make an investment in the hope that it will rise in value, make sure that you research the designer you are interested in and see how the value of their furniture has changed over the years. Also look at how well known they are compared to what potential you think they have. Buying the work of a young design graduate before they make the big time can net you a great bargain.

If you are buying designer furniture make sure that you really like the piece because they don’t always go up in value. 

Designer furniture is trend setting because it leads the way and the High Street follows. It is crafted from quality materials. If you love top quality goods and fashionable design then this type of furniture could be just for you.