5 Factors to Guide Your Choice in Furniture

Choosing the right one isn't as simple as it looks

As you compare furniture products or collaborate with a vendor on your furniture design, carefully consider the material(s) you choose. Furniture materials can have a significant impact on the look, feel, and functionality of a space.

With so many options to choose from, zeroing in on the right materials for your facility can be a challenge. We compiled a list of five critical factors to help you compare your options. Consider these factors and focus on the priorities that matter most to you to find your perfect material choice.

1. Style

First impressions of furniture are typically all about the furniture’s aesthetic, and much of that aesthetic is attributed to the furniture’s material. Consider the overall design vision for your space, and then choose furniture materials that complement this vision. For example:

- Polished or powder-coated hardware is a great choice for a sleek, modern, or industrial aesthetic. 

- Textured fabrics and wood or engineered wood help achieve an organic design aesthetic.

- Brightly colored materials are right at home in an eclectic or maximalist space.

Whatever the look and atmosphere you’re going for, your choice of material can either help bring it to life or conflict with the vision you’re hoping to achieve. 

2. Comfort

Comfort is another primary aspect of furniture your facility occupants will notice—especially when it comes to furniture used for sleeping or seating. In addition to design factors like ergonomics, material plays an important role in how furniture feels. Keep in mind that comfort isn’t just about the physical feel of a material but about the overall sensation it gives. For example, if you’re striving to create a guest room that feels cozy and inviting, you may choose to incorporate more textiles into the room and opt for an upholstered panel headboard for the bed. 

3. Durability

Your residents or patrons may focus on the look and feel of your furniture, but your organization should also consider practical aspects such as durability. Opt for materials that can withstand the rigors of daily use and regular cleaning without degrading too quickly. The most durable materials should resist stains, scratches, and fading to maintain their appearance over time. Durability is an especially important consideration when it comes to high-traffic spaces like student housing and facilities that require frequent cleaning like hospitality. 

4. Cost

Determine a budget for purchasing furniture and choose materials that offer the characteristics that matter to you while staying within that budget. 

Remember, sticker price isn’t everything; consider the total cost of ownership for a furniture material. A material that comes in at a lower price point may end up costing more in the long run. Lower-cost materials may lack the durability required to maintain product integrity or desirable aesthetics, which could mean you’ll need to replace them in a few short years (or risk impacting your guest rating scores or retention rates). 

For example, all Foliot-engineered wood panels are stain, scratch, heat, light, and impact resistant, leading to many years of utility and style and saving costs in repairs and replacements. 

5. Sustainability

Finally, consider the eco-friendliness of furniture materials to make a choice that aligns with your sustainability goals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the US discards more than 12 million tons of furniture annually, with just over 80 percent ending up in landfills. You can do your part to combat this issue and reduce your environmental footprint by opting for materials that are: 

- Sustainability sourced (ideally domestically to further reduce environmental impact)

- Eco-certified

- Recyclable and made from recycled materials

- Durable (so furniture won’t need to be replaced as frequently)

You can also seek out a furniture supplier that prioritizes sustainability. For example, Foliot partners with the Chicago Furniture Bank to give a second life to our gently used products so they can continue to serve people rather than end up in a landfill.