How To Start Learning Furniture Design

Design is a great career. It’s an opportunity to be creative every day (and get paid for it). What’s better than that?

Well, it’s hard to say, but designing something that can become a family heirloom or function as a statement piece in your or someone else’s home has to be right up there.

Designing furniture is not only a rewarding opportunity, it’s also a great way to make a full-time income or turn your hobby into an additional income stream.

Let’s talk about how to start learning furniture design. 

What is a furniture designer?

A furniture designer is a creative professional who specializes in the design and development of various types of furniture. They work to create functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces that can enhance the look and feel of a space.

Typically, these designers use their knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and ergonomics to develop designs that are both durable and comfortable.

They may collaborate with manufacturers, engineers, and other designers to bring their designs to life. Being a furniture designer means you need to stay up to date on the most current and popular trends. 

What does a furniture designer do?

A furniture maker will typically wear a lot of hats, most of all, they will work with clients to understand their needs and develop designs that meet their specifications.

In today’s technology era, they may use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create virtual models and prototypes of their furniture designs.

In addition to creating new designs, furniture designers may also be involved in modifying and improving existing furniture pieces. 

How Do I Become A Furniture Design?

Familiarize Yourself With the Fundamental Principles of Design

This can involve studying various styles and periods of furniture, as well as understanding the basic elements of design such as line, shape, form, and texture. 

You can also explore different materials and construction techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of how furniture is made. 

My Tip: If you are just looking for ideas, my advice is to spend some time on social media and your favorite furniture store websites to look for design ideas. Save images to a folder on your phone or laptop and then blend or incorporate your favorite aspects into your final design.

A small investment might save you a ton of time getting up to speed on your own furniture projects.

With a solid foundation in the principles of design and knowledge of materials, you can start practicing your skills by sketching and prototyping your own designs.

If you were like me and had no idea what you are doing, consider taking classes or workshops in furniture design as they can provide hands-on experience and guidance from professionals in the field. 

You might also consider taking an inexpensive course like this course by Woodskills: https://www.woodskills.com/furniture-design-course

Is There A Degree In Furniture Design?

If you are interested in a formal degree, you should consider an Interior Design, Architectural, or Industrial Engineering/design degree. These degrees will give you a deeper understanding of design, construction, style, and how to incorporate pieces of furniture into the “Big Picture”. 

(You don’t need to get ALL the degrees, just pick one) 

A degree in Industrial design or Interior design will be the most practical for furniture design. 

Learn The Materials You Will Be Using For Furniture Creation

Aspiring furniture designers need to get acquainted with the materials they will be utilizing in the design and creation of their pieces. This knowledge includes understanding the properties, strengths, and weaknesses of various materials like types of woods, metals, plastics, and fabrics, among others.

Wood

Some popular types of wood in furniture are teak, mahogany, oak, and pine due to their distinct features, strength, and texture.

Metals/ Other Materials

Metallic materials such as steel and aluminum are valued for their durability and modern aesthetic appeal, while plastic is often used for its versatility and cost-effectiveness.

Fabrics like leather, vinyl, or cotton are used for upholstery.

A Note on Sustainability

Designers should also consider sustainability and the environmental impact of their chosen materials. Designers should also think about the finishes and products they put in their furniture for chemical traits and environmental impacts in the home. 

Get To Know Your Industry

You should spend some time learning the different styles and types of furniture, as well as the various types of wood and materials used in the craft.

Familiarize yourself with the top designers and influencers in the field, and immerse yourself in the community through trade shows, workshops, and networking events. 

Youtube is a great place to do this.

Stay updated on new technologies and sustainable practices within the industry to stay competitive. 

Learn Industry Trends, Or Make Your Own

The furniture industry has been around for a while. You could argue since forever.

Styles have changed over time, and they will change again. Staying up to date on the popular trends in your area can keep you relevant for years to come. 

You can also take the opposite approach and follow other innovative designers and create their own trends rather than strictly adhering to what’s trending.

Strike a balance between taking inspiration from existing trends and injecting your personal style and creativity.

Choose a Furniture Design Software

The design software you choose is going to be your right-hand man throughout the design process. The design software you choose will be your biggest ally and biggest adversary.

In your design software, you can see how components will come together, and verify cut lengths and overall dimensions.

Many design software have built-in plan builders where you can turn your 3D models into printable (and buildable) plans. Which honestly, is the most important part of the entire design process. 

Courtesy: Sketchup

When it comes to choosing a furniture design software, there are several options available in the market. Among the most popular choices are

• Sketchup
• Autodesk Fusion 3D
• SolidWorks

Don’t forget you might need a powerful laptop.

Create Your Own Signature Style of Furniture Design

Creating your signature style of furniture design can be a rewarding and fulfilling process. Explore different materials, shapes, and colors that resonate with you and reflect your personal aesthetic. 

You can experiment with different techniques and methods to create furniture pieces that are not only functional but also visually captivating. Consider incorporating elements of local nature or cultural influences into your designs to add a deeper level of meaning and storytelling to your work.

Pay attention to the details and finishes, as these can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your designs. Embrace the process of trial and error, and don’t be afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of traditional design. 

Build Your Furniture Design Portfolio

Building a furniture design portfolio is a great way to showcase your skills and creativity to potential clients and employers. The portfolio should demonstrate a range of your work, including sketches, renderings, technical drawings, and photos of finished pieces. 

Include any collaborative projects, as well as any awards or recognition you have received for your design work.

Showcasing your process, from the initial concept to the final product, can also provide valuable insight into your design thinking and problem-solving abilities. 

This is also a great way to show your potential clients what their journey will look like.

Include a variety of styles and materials in your portfolio to demonstrate your versatility as a designer. Don’t forget to regularly update your portfolio with your latest work to show that you are actively creating and evolving as a designer.

Building a strong furniture design portfolio takes time and effort, but it can be a powerful tool for attracting new clients and opportunities in the design industry. 

Find Mentors And Build Partnerships Along The Way

Woodworking and furniture design are highly specialized fields, demanding not only craftsmanship but also business acumen. Excelling in these fields means learning from mentors and building partnerships along the way.

The compelling need to master both the art of woodworking and the nuances of furniture design necessitates guidance from experienced mentors who have unique insights and techniques to share.

Working closely with a mentor can help you sharpen your skills, refine your creativity and avoid costly mistakes. 

Partnerships are pivotal to the successful navigation in the furniture industry. Collaborations can create opportunities for shared resources, innovative ideas, and larger market access.

It’s crucial for those aspiring in the furniture industry to understand that their journey towards success should not be a solitary one, but rather one where mentors and partners play integral roles. 

Conclusion | Design Furniture for Woodworking

In conclusion, woodworking is a fundamental aspect of furniture design and a critical component of the furniture industry. It requires a unique blend of skilled craftsmanship, innovation, creativity, and a comprehensive understanding of different types of timber, their unique properties, and their best uses.

Furniture design in woodworking involves translating clients’ needs into functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces, meticulously crafted to stand the test of time.

With the increasing demand for customized and artisanal furniture, woodworking has become even more prominent in the furniture industry. The industry continues to evolve, incorporating modern technology into the craft, such as digital design tools and state-of-the-art machinery, to increase precision and reduce production time.

At the core of it all, however, remains the art and mastery of woodworking, the appreciation of the material, and the potential it holds in the hands of skilled furniture designers.