Furniture
The right furniture selection can help define a space's function and style. Furnishings can mean anything from a sofa or bed in a residential setting, to desking and task chairs in a commercial office, to bariatric and standard seating in a hospital waiting room. Each of these interior examples requires different considerations for size, function, and durability. It is up to the designer to understand and specify the correct furniture for each application and relate it to the overall style.
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Find furniture manufacturers for both residential and commercial here and look below for some guidance on furniture selection.
Considerations
Space & Sizing
Always measure a space before specifying furniture; and don't forget to check the furniture dimensions too. Understanding a room's proportions and how furnishings will fit into that space can mean the difference between a room that feels welcome and spacious, and one that is completely cramped. This is especially important in commercial spaces where you will have to account for a specified number of furniture pieces (think desks for an office, or waiting room capacity) and the necessity for appropriate walkway widths for egress.
Style
Of course with any project there will be a defined style for the space. Selecting furniture that meets the criteria and look characterized by that style will ensure a more cohesive design. This also includes taking note of any existing furniture as well as architectural features that can be incorporated or accentuated.
Durability
The durability of a furniture piece relies heavily on how it is constructed and what finishes are applied. As a designer, you will need to understand the function of a space when selecting durable materials. Ask the client to clarify who will be occupying that space, how the furniture will be used, and for how long it will need to last. For more information on finishes, check out the Finishes section of this site.
Comfort
At a time when people-first design is at an all-time high, comfort is vitally important to a designer's furniture specification criteria. Comfort can also take many forms. For residential, it may mean comfort in a traditional sense - relaxation and relief. In the commercial sphere, it may mean appropriate ergonomics and cleanliness. There are also considerations for lighting, thermal comfort, and more. You can learn more about this through the WELL Building Standards.
Budget
Finally, while we don't typically worry about budget when completing class projects, in the real world money is a driving force for almost every design choice. When you take a look at different manufacturers consider their price ranges* for the future.
*As a note - some manufacturers may not have pricing available on their sites as there will different ranges depending on the rep and designer.