Relationships between design and materials: mini showcase cabinet / Dora Paul Sajep

Designing furniture is not and never has been the sole prerogative of anyone profession. Furniture-makers, artist, engineers, architectures, talented amateurs and others have all designed furniture. Designing is indeed a very challenging task. With the guidance of theme and concept of design, also in consideration of elements and principle of design, the wanted design will be achieved. Good design always takes into account the technique of production, the materials to be used, and purpose for which the object is wanted. Over the centuries, each style of furniture represent the relationship between design and materials; traditional and provincial furniture has relationship with the used of solid wood meanwhile contemporary furniture has relationship with the used of manufactured materials. Even where form and decoration have greater play, there is still a natural relation between design and material itself. The design should grow out of the material and be consonant with its qualities and characteristic. Today there are variation of materials selection in the market, ranging from wood, wood based materials, metals, plastics, glass, furs and many others. The materials to be used for any product should be chosen with care, not only to be economical from manufacturing point of view, but to wear well in use.