FURNISHINGS

     Furnishings are needed by people as an essential element both in exterior and interior spaces. They provide people comfort, increase their life standards and help to sustain activities in a more comfortable way. 

    Furnishings are essential element in peoples lives. Without furnishings, people cannot maintain their lives, nor can they perform tasks. In general, furnishings help to make spaces suitable for living. They create opportunity to sleep, sit, relax and entertain. Furnishings especially for the interior spaces, load a message to make spaces personal and special spaces for people. Furnishings include furniture fabrics, arts and accessories for interior spaces. 

    Fabric is an integral part of every room in the home. They contribute so much to the general atmosphere that they should be chosen carefully and used aesthetically.

“Decorate your home. It gives the illusion that your life is more interesting than it really is” 

Charles.M. Shulz

WHAT ARE SOFT FURNISHINGS? 

    Soft furnishings are items made of fabric such as curtains, scatter cushion (throw pillows), bean bags, bean cubes and chair coverings that are used to decorate a room. These furnishings add color, texture, softness and elegance to the furniture and help to cover the design and building flaws along with enhancing the unique features of the structure as well. It is an important part of interior decoration, being both practical and decorative.

    The essence and lifestyle of a family is greatly reflected through the interior design of home. As the name suggests, soft furnishings help in softening the look of the house by the use of different fabrics and décor items such as curtains, pillows, cushions and many more. 

DEFINITION OF SOFT FURNISHING 

1. Soft furnishings may be defined as those components of house that beautify the interiors and provide a pleasant atmosphere in the house. So, anything that is made up of soft material could constitute the term soft furnishing. 

2. Soft furnishing is the art and science of beautifying a space to enhance both the aesthetic and functional uses of that space. Put differently it refers to every home decoration that has some sort of fabric in it. 

3. Soft furnishing is defined as household textiles.  

MEANING OF SOFT FURNISHINGS 

In the modern era, soft furnishings play a crucial role in interior decoration. This term originated with the increasing use of the soft material in the living and drawing rooms that is particularly used to add beauty to the room and along with that also to add comfort to the normal life. 

    • The word soft in the term soft furnishings refers to the softness that is available in all these items, since it takes into consideration the cushion, foam, cloth and other soft material that is particularly used to design and make these items, so this term originated as soft furnishing that provides an incredible mixture of comfort and beauty to living style at home. 

    • Furnishings, sometimes referred to as soft furnishings or upholstery, are components that incorporate soft material and help create a pleasant and comfortable environment, and complement the furniture and fittings inside buildings. Furnishings can be made of fabric, chenille, velvet, silk, fur, faux-fur, cloth, foam, rubber, and so on. 

    • Household textiles, frequently referred to as soft furnishings, are fabrics used in the home. They include items frequently classified as linens, such as bath and dish towels, table linens, shower curtains, and bathroom ensembles. Related items include sheets, pillowcases, mattresses, blankets, comforters, and bedspreads. In addition, textile products contributing to the atmosphere and comfort of the home include rugs and carpeting, draperies, curtains, and upholstery fabrics. 

FUNCTIONS OF SOFT FURNISHING 

Some of the functions of soft furnishings include: 

    • Giving character to a space or home 

    • Expressing personality of the homeowner 

    • Tying the interior decorating elements together 

    • Adding color, texture and softness to a space 

    • Expressing personal style and elegance

By,

M.Darneshree,

Assistant Professor.