Modular furniture refers to ready-made or premade furniture that can be used according to the specific requirements and dimensions of a space. It can be easily installed or dismantled and even transported from one place to another. The greatest advantage of modular furniture is that it helps to save up space, making it an ideal choice for small apartments.
Best materials for modular furniture
Modular furniture plays a vital role in the renovation of an old house or building of a new one. The finishes of these furniture items significantly impact the aesthetics of any given space. It is doubly important that you choose the right type of material for your modular furniture. Listed below are few materials that are ideally considered when buying modular furniture:
- Natural Wood
Natural wood is the most widely used material in modular furniture pieces. The most commonly used natural wood varieties are rosewood, teak, and maple wood, among others. Natural wood can be stained and varnished as per the desired color, and the different textures and grains that are present on its outer surface can help in adding finesse to the overall space. Another advantage of using natural wood is that its finish lasts for a long time.
However, it is important to note that natural wood can be easily attacked by termites, wood borers, and insects if it is not treated before installation and maintained regularly. It can also get damaged due to prolonged exposure to moisture.
- Laminates
Laminates are an ideal option if you are looking for modular furniture that is not too heavy on your pocket. Many people choose laminates over wood because they are inexpensive and resistant to infestation and damage. These are made from sheets of paper and plastic resin that are put in between decorative outer surfaces; they are further protected by a layer of tough plastic. Normally, these are pasted on a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) that enhances their strength. These laminates come in both glossy and matte finishes and their surfaces can also be digitally printed to improve the look.
However, some laminate floorings are known to release formaldehyde, an organic compound that can have various health effects. Laminates are also prone to peeling and clipping.
- Wood veneers
Much like laminates, wood veneers are made of thin wooden sheets pasted on a substrate, such as MDF. It is easily recyclable and lends a certain sleekness to furniture pieces. Wood veneers also comprise grains on their surface, just like natural wood, but they are more economical. They can have either glossy or matte finishes.
The drawback of wood veneers for modular furniture is that they are sensitive to sunlight. When exposed to the sun, the material can quickly lose its color and luster. They can also face damage if exposed to water for a long period of time.
- PVC
This is another popular material that goes in the creation of modular furniture. Made from plastic composites, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sheets are oil-proof and waterproof, which makes them ideal for kitchen cabinets. They are easy to install, pocket-friendly, and don’t need to be pasted on a substrate. You can easily find an extensive range of PVC modular furniture in the market today, mostly available in light shades and faux-wood finishes. This type of furniture is low-maintenance too.
The drawback of using PVC modular furniture is that often, PVC emits toxic gases when heated. Over a period of time, it can also lose its luster and become yellow.
- Metal
Metal is mostly used to create modular kitchens . Metals like aluminum and stainless steel are popular options as they are easy to clean and maintain. They are extremely durable and strong. These days, the market is flooded with metal furniture, which is available in a variety of finishes—such as brushed and etched—and several decorative patterns. When treated and installed properly, metal furniture can last for years. This type of modular furniture is also great for gardens and other open spaces as it is not deeply affected by heat or humidity.
Metal, however, gets oxidized and rusted easily. It can also develop scratches and dents, and hence, requires good care and maintenance.
Key benefits of modular furniture
Modular furniture comes with a plethora of benefits. The best part about these furniture items is that designing or conceptualizing them is not cumbersome. The various modules can be easily disconnected from each other, making it easy to rearrange and create an all new design with separate, existing pieces.
It comes in space-efficient designs that make it feasible to spruce up even the smallest of areas, and is a quick and cost-effective way to revamp all kinds of spaces. Some of the major benefits of using modular furniture are as follows:
- Customized to fit your needs
Modular furniture can be easily customized as per your functional or technological needs. For instance, if you want to revamp your office and require some additional space around the workstations for the wires to easily reach the sockets, you can do so seamlessly if you opt for modular furniture. According to your specific requirements and the amount of space available to you, you can get everything customized in the material of your choice.
- Offers ample room for choice
Going for modular furniture is a great way to get your choice of furniture made. For example, if you want to go for a modular kitchen, it is up to you to decide how many cabinets, tables, lofts, etc. it should have, and where each should be placed. You also get to decide what material, design, and color each item should be made of.
- Blends in with the existing theme and décor
If your house already has a specific theme or design, then your modular furniture can complement it. This can help in revamping the existing interior in a tasteful manner. By installing modular furniture, you can avoid pieces that may stand out and spoil the theme of the space. So instead of discarding your old furniture pieces or purchasing mismatched items, you can simply go for modular furniture pieces that can be an extension to the existing ones.
- It is a quick, convenient, and cost-effective solution
It is extremely convenient to assemble as well as disassemble modular furniture. The installation process is quicker and easier as compared to that of other types of furniture, thereby significantly reducing time and labor. This is the primary reason behind the inexpensive nature of this furniture. Also, if a part gets damaged, broken, or bent due to any reason, you would only have to replace that part and not the whole furniture.
- It is easily movable
Shifting this type of furniture is not a burden. All you would have to do is disassemble it while moving it and reassemble it after it has been kept in a different place.
- It is eco-friendly
In most cases, particle boards and MDF are used for the outer coatings of modular furniture pieces. These materials are cheap and versatile for daily usage and even last for a long duration. These are made up of discarded materials derived from bagasse, wood, and other fibers, and hence act as an eco-friendly option.
Tips for buying modular furniture
Furniture plays a key role in determining the look of your house’s interior and aesthetics; and the right choice can enhance the look, comfort, and beauty of a space instantly. However, apart from the aesthetics, you would also want your modular furniture to be durable and last for several years. So here is a checklist that you can refer to before choosing modular furniture pieces for your space(s):
- Decide on what you really need
You must keep in mind the layout and space of your house and the activities that will be performed the most in it. Modular furniture items are available in varied patterns and sizes, and so you should choose them according to the measurement of the space in which you want to place them. While doing so, also keep in mind the aesthetic value, efficiency, and usage of those particular items. You can also seek guidance or consultation from an interior designer in case you get stuck.
- Assess your architecture
It is imperative that you choose your modular furniture in accordance with the prevailing architecture of your house, which includes columns, ceilings, beams, windows, and many other features. If you ignore the existing form and design of the space and bring in new furniture on a whim, then the latter may look completely out of place. Another thing to be kept in mind is that it should be incorporated in a way that complements the lighting of the space, instead of obstructing it.
- Decide on a theme
You should select your modular furniture in accordance with the theme of your house. Without a clear theme, the space in question may not meet its aesthetic potential. Select a theme that represents you and your home/office, and buy modular furniture pieces accordingly. You can easily find a diverse range of designs that will match your particular theme requirements.
- Get the best value for your money
Although modular furniture can be cost-effective, it is important to bear your budget in mind before buying it. It becomes especially crucial to do so as modular furniture is available at various price points. Furniture should be treated as an investment as it can thrive for years. Beauty as well as functionality should be given equal importance while selecting a piece. You must also look for the best finishes and materials, and make sure that it all fits well with your vision for the space.
- Leverage furniture services
Choosing modular furniture can be a daunting task for many. Despite knowing what you require, you may get perplexed while browsing an extensive catalog. In this case, it is best to seek consultation from a professional interior designer. You can take their valuable inputs into account while picking an item that you think suits your needs.
- Be mindful of the material
You must choose a material that is sturdy, long-lasting, and easy to maintain. Besides that, it should match the décor, theme, and usage of the space. For example, it is advisable to opt for PVC cabinets as they are not affected by moisture. On the other hand, if you want a more natural and subdued look, you must choose natural wood or veneers. Before finalizing one material, make sure that you weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all the available options.
- Opt for a reliable brand
Make sure you get a proper bill and warranty card from the company you have purchased your furniture from. If you are planning to purchase the same online, make sure you choose an authentic brand’s website ecommerce portal. It is always safer to go for a reputed brand or brands that you closely know and trust.
Modular furniture is a wonderful way to bedeck any kind of space as per one’s personal taste and requirement. You can easily get the furniture pieces built around your needs. Apart from this, the extensive range of designs and color options that come with this concept has made modular furniture ever-so-popular with a large number of buyers.
