Tothe layman, furniture is the most important aspect of interior design. It is asignificant component of design to the professional as well, since it is themost personal and intimate product relating man to a building. It is also personalbecause it can be moved from one home to the next and handed on from generationto generation, and often furniture takes an important sentimental value.

Accessoriesare even more personal, but they are less significant to the overall effect ofthe interior, since they are by nature smaller than furniture. Almost anythingthat people own or collect could be called an “accessory,” including functionalobjects, such as ashtrays, and decorative objects, such as porcelain, glass, orceramics.

Although some quite sophisticated furnitureexisted in ancient Egypt, the use of furniture was rare during the Middle Agesand only became significant in the West during the Renaissance. During mostsubsequent periods there have usually been close interrelations betweenarchitectural and furniture styles and modes of interior design. The 20thcentury pioneers of design and architecture — such as Le Corbusier and Marcel Breuer — were not able to find any suitablecontemporary furniture available in the 1920s and 1930s when they builtstructures without historical references.

The real beginning ofmodern furniture design in the United States came only after World War II, andmuch of it was first developed for nonresidential uses. Charles Eames, GeorgeNelson, and Florence Knoll are among the distinguished American designers whohave pioneered furniture design and manufacturing processes. Their furnitureprimarily was introduced to the public through use in public or work spaces.

Whatever material or manufacturing process maybe used, the important criteria that must be applied in furniture are function,comfort, and durability, together with aesthetic considerations.

Architects and interiordesigners often prefer to build in furniturewherever possible, and, indeed, some of the best historic and contemporaryinteriors contain little movable furniture. An interior without any furnitureor accessories would probably appear stark and uninviting, and it is clear thatthe personal touches possible through selection of appropriate furniture and accessories are very important. One can use avast array of decorative objects or plants as accessories. In a way, everyaccessory used in a home, office, or public space is in some way a part of thetotal composition, and must therefore be selected with care.

Furniture and Accessories