When it comes to choosing the right furniture for your home, there’s no one factor that you should focus on. Instead, you’ll want to consider the furniture’s look, functionality, comfort level, and durability. That’s why material is such an important component: it can affect each and every one of those factors. In today’s blog, the interior design experts at Star Furniture discuss everything you need to know about natural materials in furniture. That way, you’ll have all of the information you need to make a smart purchasing decision.
What are Natural Materials?
When it comes to furniture, natural materials refer to any organic material that’s found in nature and can be used in furniture design. Wood, marble, and metals, for example, are natural materials, while plastic and resin are man made. Generally speaking, the natural materials used in furniture design are renewable resources, which means they tend to be more sustainable and eco-friendly than other, manmade materials.
Why Choose Natural Materials
Using natural materials in your home design is one of the hottest interior design trends of 2022—and for good reason. Not only can you use natural materials across all interior design styles, but some studies show that surrounding yourself with natural materials is good for your mental health. Plus, natural materials tend to be more sustainable, more durable, and more unique than man made materials.
Popular Natural Materials Used in Furniture Design
Before you start shopping, it’s helpful to understand the types of natural materials you might encounter in your search for the perfect furniture for your home. Here are some of the most popular natural materials you can use in your home décor.
Wood
(Pictured Above: Portolone Bedroom Set)
As the most popular natural material used in furniture, you likely already have some idea of the benefits of wood furniture. Especially if it’s maintained properly, wood furniture is durable enough to last for generations. And because no two grain patterns are alike, each piece of wood looks distinct, giving a one-of-a-kind look to your home décor. Plus, there are plenty of different types of wood to choose from, all of which bring their own unique coloring and pattern. Pine wood, for example, tends to have rugged knots that add rustic charm to your home design, while cherry wood ages into a rich, reddish-brown color as it’s exposed to natural light.
Metal
(Pictured Above: Santa Cruz Reclaimed Iron Platform Bed)
While metals tend to be used in tandem with other materials, they’re still an important natural material when it comes to home design. Whether it’s a stainless-steel coffee table frame or a reclaimed iron headboard, metal provides a level of durability that’s hard to match with other man made materials. Plus, you can easily apply finishes that add visual interest, color, and texture to the room.
Stone
(Pictured Above: Chelsea Marble Top Tables)
It’s hard to beat the natural elegance of stone. Like wood, stone features unique patterning that instantly elevates your home décor. Marble, for example, features beautiful veining, a variety of colors, and a smooth texture that works great on tabletops. Stone furniture can also be incredibly durable, depending on the type of stone used. Granite, for example, features the same types of unique mineral patterns and is resistant to heat, though because of its porous nature, it can be stained.
Leather
(Pictured Above: Palermo Hill Country Leather Sofa)
Leather is another popular natural material used in home design. While other materials are used for a wide variety of furniture types, leather is predominantly used as an upholstery for sofas, sectionals, loveseats, recliners, ottomans, benches, desk chairs, and headboards. Made from animal hide, leather is durable, easy to clean, and hypoallergenic, making it a great option for people with pets or children. Whether you’re decorating with a leather sofa, leather dining chairs, or a leather headboard, leather furniture can instantly add style, sophistication, and comfort to any room. And with a little routine maintenance, your leather furniture should last for years to come. Not sure what different leather terms mean when you’re shopping for furniture. Star Furniture’s guide to leather furniture terms can help you make sense of the lingo, so you get exactly what you’re looking for.
Fibers
(Pictured Above: Sundance 3-Piece Entertainment Wall)
Natural fibers like jute, rattan, and bamboo are often used to create durable, lightweight furniture and rugs that lend a textured, organic look to your home. While many people think the term wicker furniture refers to a specific material, it actually refers to a variety of fibers like vines, grasses, and plants that are then woven into furniture. While these natural fibers are often used in outdoor furniture, certain interior design styles make use of them indoors. Boho, coastal, and farmhouse style homes, for example, may take advantage of a variety of natural fibers to create an earthy, laid-back, organic look.
Now that you know about the different natural materials you can utilize in your home décor, it’s time to start shopping Star Furniture’s huge selection of living room furniture, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, home office furniture, and home décor. In the meantime, check out our interior design blog where we cover everything from how to mix interior design styles to how to clean your furniture the right way.