Home décor is reflective of the owner’s personality, which is why it is important to pay attention while decorating your interior. Messy homes mean messy residents, while modern and classy décor reflect a cultured mindset. As such, it is essential to make the right choices for people who are just setting up their homes. When it comes to furniture, there are two options and most people debate over choosing wooden or metallic furniture for their homes.
Here, we’ll discuss both types of furnishings with respect to the crucial factors that every homeowner should consider before buying furniture for their place.
Aesthetic Value
The debate regarding metal vs. wood furniture begins with the aesthetic appeal of the two. While heavy pieces of wood with antiquated carvings were a norm a few years back, it is not the case today. In fact, sleek wooden finishes are among the top trends for home décor in 2019.
Modern design approaches for wooden furniture dictate a sleek and classy look while retaining its natural beauty. However, if you are looking for a delicate piece of furnishing in terms of appearance, metal furniture should still be your preference as wrought-iron furniture gives off a fancy yet delicate vibe.
Durability and Strength
Wood is strong, sturdy and reliable. It can bear heavy weight and a lot of wear and tear. Metal, on the other, can be equally sturdy, but only if the welding and joining of parts follow a high-quality standard. Wood also ages well, with the furniture becoming more beautiful with time irrespective of scratches or fading, while metallic furnishing can rust or become dented and dull with time.
However, your choice of metal vs. wood furniture should also be based on your use. Metal is the best bet if you are looking for outdoor furniture or a fireproof alternative. Keep in mind though, that metal absorbs heat, and your furnishing will become warm under the sun if you are placing it outdoors, which might not be the case with a wooden alternative. Wooden furniture will, however, fade with time if kept under the sun for long.
Variety of Designs
Both wooden and metallic furniture can give you a range of designs to choose from. When it comes to wooden furnishing, you have the freedom to design it as you please. Some available options include the style of the piece you want to decorate your home with, the type of wood you want to use, the colour of the wood, its polish, and so on. You can also determine whether or not to polish your wooden pieces as they often look beautiful in their natural colour as well.
On the other hand, metallic furniture is more pliable. You can thus create elaborate carvings and floral designs on your furnishing as needed. Metal is also your go-to choice if you want to paint your furniture in a vibrant colour, such as pink, red or blue for your kid’s bedroom. Be sure to get all the rough edges smoothened though, as sharp metallic edges can scratch your skin.
Price Range
When you consider purchasing wooden or metallic furniture, price matters to a great extent. Wooden pieces are not as cheap as compared to the metallic options you’ll find in the market, but in the long run, wood furniture has a better resale value. Thus, if you think you’ll need to redecorate after a few years, getting rid of your wooden furnishing will be easier.
Need for Maintenance
Wooden furniture is long lasting, but it will require regular maintenance for daily use. Polishing the wood and fixing the scratches can give a new life to your furniture though. In contrast, metal furniture is more accepting of tougher handling. As metal cannot be damaged by pests or insects, it retains its quality for longer, and a quick wipe with a cloth can keep it looking like new.
Ease of Mobility
The choice of metal vs. wood furniture can make a big difference in terms of mobility because although both materials are heavy, wooden pieces are bulkier than wrought-iron alternatives. A point in favour of wooden furniture is that while metallic furnishings have parts that are welded together and cannot be torn apart, most wooden furniture is connected together using screws and is easy to pull apart for transportation. Rebuilding a wooden wardrobe or bedframe in a new location is also relatively easy, as all you need are a few necessary tools including screws of the right size and a drill.
These are just some of the many factors that people consider when they are buying wooden or metallic furniture for their homes. There are pros to both types of furnishings, and the choice depends not just on the kind of décor you want in your home, but also on the use, durability, and price of the pieces you want to purchase.
Remember that there are no set rules for decorating your home. If a blend of wood and metal works for you, go for it. Show off your unique take on home décor and wow your guests. Good Luck!
