What is furniture? The difference between furniture and mebel, with examples

Furniture plays an important role in everyday life. From the living room to the bedroom, furniture helps create a comfortable and functional space. 

However, we are often confused between the terms "furniture" and "mebel." Here, we will discuss the differences between furniture and mebel, as well as provide examples to help you understand them better. 
 

What is furniture?

Understanding furniture comprehensively is essential in interior design. Furniture is not just household items, but essential elements that can enhance the aesthetics and comfort of a room. 
 

Definition of furniture

Furniture refers to any kind of objects used to support human activities, such as sitting, sleeping, eating, and working. 

In the context of interior design, furniture becomes a key component that helps organize the function of a room and gives it a certain character. 

A space without furniture will feel empty, while the right furniture can transform a room into something more vibrant. 

Furniture is not only about function but also about aesthetics. As a prominent visual element in a space, furniture can reflect the taste and style of its owner. 

A minimalist sofa in the living room can create a modern atmosphere, while a carved wooden chair in the dining room can give a classic touch. 
 

Definition of furniture according to experts

Interior design experts often define furniture as a multifunctional element. Besides providing physical comfort, furniture also affects a person's visual perception of a space. 

Famous designers like Charles Eames and Le Corbusier emphasize that furniture should have a balance between function and form, making it a key element in interior design. 

This expert opinion strengthens the importance of choosing furniture that suits your needs and lifestyle. In a household environment, comfortable and aesthetic furniture can influence the quality of life, while in commercial spaces, the right furniture can boost productivity and customer comfort. 
 

Furniture according to KBBI

According to the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (KBBI), furniture or "perabot" refers to items used to furnish a house or space. In Indonesia, the term "furniture" is often used interchangeably with "mebel," although there is a subtle difference that will be discussed further. 

This understanding helps clarify the usage of the term furniture in everyday contexts in Indonesia. While furniture and mebel are often used interchangeably, there are specific differences in their use that we will outline later in this article. 

Read also: Move to a new house? These furniture need to be prepared
 

Types of furniture

There are many types of furniture you can choose from based on your needs and space. Here, we will discuss various types of furniture based on their function, material, and style. 
 

Furniture by function

Furniture can be distinguished by its function, whether it is used in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or other spaces. By understanding the function of each furniture type, you can more easily determine which furniture best suits your room. 
 
  • Living room furniture: In the living room, sofas, coffee tables, and TV stands are common examples of furniture. Each piece of furniture serves to provide comfort for guests while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. 
  • Bedroom furniture: For the bedroom, beds, wardrobes, and bedside tables are some essential furniture. Bedroom furniture should provide maximum comfort, especially for quality sleep. 
  • Kitchen furniture: In the kitchen, furniture like dining tables, chairs, and storage racks are crucial. Kitchen furniture should be multifunctional and easily accessible to facilitate cooking and dining activities. 
 

Furniture by material

Furniture can also be classified based on the materials used, such as wood, metal, and plastic. The material of the furniture affects its durability, aesthetics, and price. 
 
  • Wood furniture: Wooden tables and chairs are examples of wooden furniture that provide a natural and classic feel. Wooden furniture also has high durability. 
  • Metal furniture: Metal racks or chairs are more commonly used in rooms that require higher durability. The design of metal furniture often looks modern and minimalist. 
  • Plastic furniture: Plastic chairs or folding tables are examples of practical furniture often used for temporary events or outdoor spaces. 
 

Furniture by style

In addition to function and material, furniture can also be categorized based on its design style. 
 
  • Minimalist style: Minimalist furniture often has simple yet functional designs, with clean lines and few ornaments. Examples include tables or chairs with simple but elegant designs. 
  • Classic style: Classic furniture is usually adorned with intricate ornaments and details. This design is often found in dining rooms or living rooms that want to create an elegant and luxurious atmosphere.
 

The function of furniture

Besides practical functions, furniture also plays an aesthetic role in a room. Here, we will discuss some of the main functions of furniture. 
 
  • Main function of furniture: The main function of furniture is to provide comfort and convenience for its occupants. For example, a sofa in the living room serves as a comfortable seating area, while the dining table serves as a gathering place for family meals. 
  • Aesthetic function: Furniture also has an aesthetic function. Choosing the right furniture can enhance the beauty of a room, create harmony, and even influence the mood of its occupants. For instance, an elegant dressing table can be the focal point in a bedroom. 
  • Practical function: Furniture facilitates various everyday activities, such as eating, working, and relaxing. This practical function of furniture is crucial in creating an efficient and comfortable space. 

Read also: 15 Multifunctional furniture solutions for limited space
 

What is the difference between mebel and furniture?

Although they are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between mebel and furniture. In general, mebel refers to products made from wood, while furniture has a broader scope. 
 

Definition of mebel

Mebel refers to furniture typically made from natural materials such as wood and crafted through craftsmanship. Traditionally, mebel is viewed as an art piece that pays attention to detail, ornamentation, and aesthetic beauty, often reflecting local culture or historical values. 

Mebel is not only functional but also serves as a decorative element that enhances the character of a room. 

The use of mebel is commonly found in interior designs that prioritize warmth and a classic feel. The materials used, especially wood, add a natural touch to the space, creating a warmer and cozier atmosphere. 

Mebel products are often more durable and have high artistic value, making them a preferred choice for those seeking an authentic and classy room appearance. 
 

Definition of furniture

Furniture is a broader and more modern term that encompasses all types of furnishings designed to support everyday activities in a space, whether in homes, offices, or public areas. 

Furniture can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, glass, or a combination of several materials, often designed with an emphasis on functionality and aesthetics. 

As it evolves, furniture has become an integral part of modern interior design that prioritizes comfort and efficiency. The term furniture refers not only to functional items but also to design elements that create a certain atmosphere in a room, whether for a minimalist, industrial, or modern look. 

The flexibility in design and materials makes furniture more varied and adaptable to different needs and lifestyles according to your preferences. These are the factors that distinguish furniture from mebel. 

Read also: Modern minimalist furniture choices to celebrate Eid with spacious and stylish ambiance
 

What are some examples of furniture?

Furniture includes many items used daily at home, both for aesthetic and functional purposes. Below are some examples of furniture by room: 
 

Living room furniture

In the living room, furniture serves to create a comfortable atmosphere for guests and occupants. Examples of living room furniture include sofas, coffee tables, TV stands, and chairs

Sofas can become a focal point, often accompanied by coffee tables and TV stands to complement the room layout and design, ensuring symmetry and alignment. 

These furniture choices are often tailored to the room's style, whether minimalist, modern, or classic. A compact TV stand, for example, can enhance the aesthetics without sacrificing function. 
 

Bedroom furniture

Bedroom furniture plays a vital role in creating a comfortable resting environment. Examples of bedroom furniture include beds, wardrobes, and dressing tables

The bed is the centerpiece of the bedroom, available in various sizes and designs according to the user's preference. Wardrobes help keep clothes and other items organized, while dressing tables offer additional storage and mirrors for daily needs. 

This furniture as a whole functions to organize the space and provide comfort, ensuring that the room not only feels cozy but also looks beautiful. 
 

Kitchen furniture

In the kitchen, furniture helps maximize the functionality of often limited space. Examples of kitchen furniture include dining tables, chairs, storage racks, and kitchen cabinets. 

The dining table becomes the main gathering place for meals, while chairs ensure comfort while sitting. Storage racks and kitchen cabinets help organize food supplies and cooking tools, keeping the space tidy. 

Kitchen furniture designs often emphasize efficiency, ensuring all kitchen tools are easily accessible. This keeps kitchen tasks efficient, and the space remains visually pleasing. 

Read also: Inspirations for minimalist home interior design and the latest modern styles
 

Why Choose IKEA Furniture Products?

IKEA is widely known for offering high-quality, functional, and affordable furniture. Here are some reasons why IKEA products are an ideal choice for furnishing your home: 
 

Quality and design

IKEA products are designed to high standards, both in terms of material quality and innovative design. Materials like eco-friendly wood and durable metal ensure that their furniture is not only visually appealing but also long-lasting. 

Each item is designed to meet various lifestyle needs, ranging from minimalist to modern styles. IKEA also keeps up with global design trends, ensuring their collections remain relevant in a dynamic market. 

With modular designs, IKEA furniture offers flexibility in arrangement. This means you can easily change your room layout or add new elements without feeling tied to a specific style. 

IKEA's designs are not only aesthetic but also offer maximum functionality to make the most of every corner of the room efficiently. 
 

Functionality and flexibility

IKEA pays great attention to the functional needs of its customers. We offer furniture solutions that can be adapted to various room sizes, even for smaller spaces. 

Products such as folding tables, wardrobes with hidden storage, or sofa beds are designed to provide flexibility without sacrificing comfort. This makes IKEA a favorite choice for those living in apartments or homes with limited space. 

Additionally, many IKEA furniture pieces are designed with a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) concept, allowing customers to assemble their own products. This not only adds a personal experience to owning the furniture but also reduces shipping and installation costs. 

This flexibility makes IKEA furniture adaptable to various spatial needs, whether for family homes, apartments, or even small office spaces. 
 

Accessibility and convenience

One of IKEA’s advantages is the wide accessibility of its products. With numerous showrooms, a user-friendly website, and various delivery options, you can easily choose and purchase furniture to suit your needs. 

IKEA also offers affordable prices without compromising on quality, making our furniture accessible to different groups, from students and young families to professionals. 

In addition, IKEA ensures customer convenience by providing multiple purchasing options, including online shopping with various payment methods. You can easily browse IKEA’s online catalog, compare products, and select furniture that fits your style and budget without leaving the comfort of your home. 

This makes IKEA a practical solution for many who are looking for high-quality furniture with a comfortable and efficient shopping experience. For the best furniture choices from IKEA, visit our product page at www.ikea.co.id or your nearest IKEA store! 

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