Ergonomics in furniture design: comfort and functionality

Content:

1. What is furniture ergonomics

2. Where ergonomic furniture is used

3. Principles of ergonomics in furniture design

4. Materials and shapes

Furniture should not only meet the aesthetic needs of the buyer, but also provide convenience for everyday life. Household items with ergonomic design create a space in which the furniture harmoniously combines with the overall style of the room and takes into account the physiological characteristics of a person. In this article we will look at what furniture ergonomics is, where it is used, and what principles underlie it.

What is furniture ergonomics

Furniture ergonomics allows you to create comfortable and functional interior items. The purpose of such production is to adapt household items to human needs.  

Incorrectly selected furniture causes scoliosis and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. If you work for a long time at a table that is not adapted to working conditions, this can cause increased fatigue and even worsening vision. 

This happens because standard furniture does not take into account the peculiarities of human anatomy. The ergonomic design is created taking into account the structure of the human body, thereby reducing the load on the musculoskeletal system. This helps prevent diseases associated with poor posture and movement. 

According to experts, ergonomic furniture provides a number of advantages:

• reduces the likelihood of high blood pressure;

• helps to avoid breathing problems;

• increases concentration and productivity;

• reduces the load on the lumbar and shoulder girdle.

A typical example of ergonomic furniture is an office chair. The design should include a comfortable backrest that provides back support and adjustable armrests for a comfortable arm position. In addition, office chairs are equipped with wheels that allow you to move around the office space.  

In this way, the requirements for ergonomic furniture are met: comfort (it is convenient for the user to stay in such a chair for a long time) and functionality (working conditions are improved).

Where ergonomic furniture is used

Ergonomic furniture design is used in spaces where proper organization of space for work or leisure is important. At the same time, each room requires an individual approach and consideration of user needs.

• House and apartment. Ergonomics is important in residential areas because... This is where a person spends most of his life. Furniture for the bedroom, kitchen, living room and children's room should be comfortable and safe. Kitchen sets should be comfortable when preparing food, and beds and sofas should support correct posture during sleep and rest.

• Office. In workspaces, design using ergonomic principles helps improve employee productivity and health. Ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks and multifunctional meeting room furnishings create a comfortable and productive workspace.

• Educational institutions. In schools and universities, ergonomic furniture is used for better learning. Desks and chairs must be adapted to the age characteristics of students and provide comfort, because students spend a long time at them.

• Public places. In high traffic areas, ergonomic furnishings help create a cozy atmosphere. Examples: stylish and comfortable tables and chairs for cafes and restaurants, soft and cozy chairs for libraries and recreation areas.

Ergonomics in furniture includes physical characteristics (height of chairs and tables, backrest angle, seat depth) and psychological aspects (color, texture and shape of objects). It is important that the furniture is not only functional, but also aesthetically attractive, because... this affects overall perception and mood.

Principles of ergonomics in furniture design

When creating ergonomic furniture, manufacturers adhere to principles that allow them to create comfortable and functional items. It is important to consider various aspects, ranging from physical comfort to visual appeal. This is required in order to ensure maximum user convenience and safety. 

• Comfort. Ergonomic furniture should provide a comfortable body position during prolonged use. It is important to consider such parameters as the height and depth of the seat, the angle of the backrest, the presence of armrests and a headrest.

• Safety. Furniture design should not contain sharp corners or unstable structures.

• Functionality. Furniture should be comfortable to use. This includes additional features such as height adjustment, convertibility and additional storage space.

• Adaptability. Household items must be suitable for the different physical characteristics of users. For example, office chairs often have mechanisms for adjusting height and angle of inclination, which ensures comfort for people of different heights and builds.

• Aesthetics. It is important that the furnishings remain attractive. Colors, shapes and materials should be harmoniously combined with the overall design.

When creating ergonomic furniture, they often resort to testing and collecting feedback. This involves observing how furnishings are used in everyday life. Collecting feedback helps improve the design and functionality of furniture.

Materials and shapes

The choice of materials and shapes plays an important role in ergonomic design. Modern technologies make it possible to create designer furniture from various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, glass and their combinations. Each of them has features that need to be taken into account when developing interior items.

• Tree. Natural material for making furniture that provides warmth and comfort. Wooden interior items are often used in residential premises and offices.

• Metal. Such designs are often used to create office furniture due to their strength and durability. Metal also allows you to create light and graceful shapes, which has a positive effect on the aesthetic side.

• Plastic. Plastic furniture is popular due to its low cost, lightness and the ability to create various shapes and colors. It is often used in children's rooms and public places.

• Glass. Transparent elements add lightness to the interior. Glass is used in combination with other materials such as metal or wood.

The choice of materials directly affects such an aspect as durability. Due to the nature of ergonomics, which involves frequent changes in the position of furniture, it is extremely important to achieve a durable frame. 

To get the desired result, designers resort to mixed media and composite materials. In this way, it is possible to achieve the combination of frame flexibility and structural strength required for ergonomic furniture. 

The shape of the furniture also plays an important role in ergonomics. Curved lines and smooth surfaces help a person achieve a comfortable posture. The absence of sharp corners and protrusions increases the safety of household items, which is important for families with children. Modular designs allow you to adapt furniture to specific needs and areas of different sizes, which is useful for owners of small apartments and offices.

To create a comfortable and functional interior, it is important to choose furniture that combines ergonomic design and quality materials. Our company offers a wide range of furniture in Art Deco and Neoclassical styles, designed taking into account the principles of ergonomics. 

Our models meet the latest design requirements and will fit into the interior, be it laconic minimalism or spectacular eclecticism. We produce functional and stylish furniture from high quality materials that can last for years. Choose ready-made solutions presented in our catalog, or contact the manager and order unique pieces of furniture to order.