When we think of expensive furniture, the first thing that comes to mind is the price. Expensive furniture means costly wood, imported materials or designer labels. But this is not what gives furniture an expensive look. When the colour, texture and finish are combined, that’s what makes furniture look premium.
That’s where a simple wardrobe or TV unit can provide a sophisticated look if the right finish is chosen. On the other hand, expensive materials can look ordinary if the materials are not used in the correct manner.
Here are six design principles that can help furniture look more premium.
- Keep the Finish Simple
A finish doesn’t have to be bold to stand out.
Very loud patterns or shiny surfaces can sometimes make furniture look outdated. A warm wood finish, muted solid colour or stone finish can give high-end pieces a clean, expensive finish.
If you want expensive-looking furniture on a budget, pay close attention to the finish before anything else.
There are a wide range of decorative laminates available today that can give your furniture a different look that’s within your budget. The prime focus should be on choosing the right finish that will go well with the room, rather than going for their appearance.
- Balancing the Colour Combination
Colour can completely change the look of furniture. Even ordinary furniture can look expensive if the right shade or colour is chosen.
For instance, a warm wood finish combined with beige can make a room feel elegant and comfortable. Similarly, darker wood with muted grey can give a more contemporary feel.
You don’t necessarily need multiple colours. Selecting the right combination usually works better. Choose shades that feel timeless, not too loud.
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So if you are trying to make your furniture look expensive, then colour is also one of the options to elevate furniture.
- Texture Can Make a Difference
A flat surface can look different from the one with a textured surface.
Woodgrain, stone-like patterns, fabric-inspired surfaces, and matte finishes can add depth to furniture. This is also where laminate designs are available in various options. Instead of choosing between plain colours and basic wood finishes, homeowners and designers have many options.
Still, don’t choose a texture just because it is looking good in a catalogue; check a sample in your own lighting. The same finish can vary depending on where it is used.
- Avoiding Overdoing the Mix
Mixing can make a piece look interesting, but we need to understand the limit.
A wood finish with a plain colour can work nicely, but if you add wood grain, a marble pattern and a high-gloss surface to the same cabinet, it will look crowded, spoiling the feel of the furniture.
This is very important in modern interiors, where the overall look is clean. Just one main finish with one supporting finish works great for elevating furniture.
- Finishing Details Matter
Laminate does not alone make the furniture look expensive; it’s the finish as well. Cabinet doors should be lined up properly. Edges should look neat. Handles must suit the design. Gaps should be even.
These are small details, but noticeable once you start looking at the furniture closely. If the finishing is poor, even premium laminates won’t make a piece look high-end.
- Consider the Entire Room
A perfect furniture finish may be beautiful by itself but still not work in the room.
Before choosing a finish, always consider the lighting, wall curtains, flooring, and other furniture in the room as well. A dark wood finish may look great in a large room but make a smaller room feel heavier.
The same goes with bold patterns. If the room has already got too much, then a simple and elegant furniture finish can be better.
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The expensive look comes with considering all the elements rather than making the piece a centre of attraction.
It’s More About the Overall Look
This is no single laminate or finish that will automatically make the furniture look expensive. It depends on how the materials are used.
A simple finish, a sensible colour combination, and some texture and quality of work can go a long way. Before making a final decision, look at the actual sample, compare them in your room and think about how they will look after installation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many finishes should I use on a single piece of furniture?
You can use multiple finishes, but using too much can make your furniture look busy. One main finish combined with another finish can be enough to create contrast.
- Are decorative laminates good for expensive-looking furniture?
Yes, decorative laminates come in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns, so they can be used to create furniture if you choose.