Concrete has been around and used since time immemorial. Some proponents claim civilisations from about 4,000 years ago, like Mesopotamian and Roman empires, utilised a ton of the material. But concrete furniture is actually a modern concept. Once thought to be too cold, dull, and rigid, concrete is no longer known as a road or wall material. Today, it is used in furniture, both indoor and outdoor pieces.
Read on to know about concrete furniture and how to use it to complement your existing home design and functionality.
Working with Concrete Furniture Indoors
Concrete, especially polished concrete, has become a regular part of Instagram and Pinterest feeds. Although it is mainly prized for its sturdiness, concrete has more to offer. This material is now widely known for its versatility. For example, concrete is used in artistic media, such as sculptures.
Concrete has gone through centuries of development and enhancement, which resulted in different moulding and setting methods. Just like concrete flooring, concrete furniture is made up of aggregate, cement, and various admixtures. Combining these components creates workable concrete that can be turned into structurally sound furniture pieces.
There are several ways to incorporate concrete furniture for interior design. For example, concrete bathroom vanity sinks are an ongoing trend.
Concrete has always been known for its strength and durability. That’s why it is the perfect material for bathroom sinks, which can even double as a benchtop or countertop. For a design that complements an already minimalist bathroom style, you can go for a subtle palette with softer and lighter colours. Don’t worry about the sink/counter getting lost in the background. Concrete vanity sinks are impactful while still allowing the centrepieces to shine.
Here are more ideas in using concrete for indoor furniture:
- Kitchen Table Tops: Much like vanity sinks in the bathroom, concrete counters in your kitchen are required to have reliable strength. Benchtops are typically made by hand to achieve precision. Concrete increases the functionality and look of the kitchen counter. Plus, it’s easy to clean, which is why it’s suitable for almost all types of kitchens, including residential and commercial.
- Dining Tables: Have you ever seen a dining table made of concrete? It’s an emerging trend that has caught many people’s attention. Concrete is used as a dining table surface. You’ll see the similarities between benchtops and dining tables in design. The difference, though, is that tables are movable while benchtops are fixed. That’s why designers have to be more careful in creating concrete dining tables.
The beauty of using concrete is that the material allows endless repairs and refinishing. The concrete piece could have a scratch or stain, or perhaps you have neglected it for a long time. Despite that, it can be repolished and revitalised easily.
Bolstering the Look of Your Outdoor Space with Concrete Furniture
Outdoor furniture should be designed for outdoor use. Therefore, it should be resilient, especially under the harsh sun and changing temperatures. Concrete furniture is durable and can be designed to be weather-resistant.
A common worry that several homeowners share is the hardness of the material. Concrete benches and chairs are thought to be uncomfortable. However, this material, as mentioned, has gone through many modifications, including improved comfort.
Many other materials popularly used for outdoor furniture can rot, stain, or sag. It will not fall apart, either, even in bad weather. That means you do not have to run outside to try and save the furniture in case of heavy rain or snow. After all, concrete is designed for outdoor use. It’s easy to see why many homeowners and even businesses have started switching to concrete furniture.
Aside from resiliency, concrete is stunning. You’re not required to use concrete furniture throughout the yard. You can also use other materials. And a great thing about concrete is that it can work with commonly used materials, such as teak and wicker.
Concrete Furniture is for Everyone
There’s nothing that can be as flexible as concrete. It caters to everyone, including all budgets, tastes, and styles. Concrete furniture is so easy to work with, especially if you’re looking to keep everything to a minimum. But it’s also a fantastic choice for those who prefer a striking furniture design.
One thing you need to know is that concrete can still crack or develop fine lines. Usually, these issues appear after several years. However, they primarily do not affect the integrity and durability of the furniture piece. Nevertheless, it is essential to pay attention to the dos and don’ts when using concrete furniture.
Indoor and outdoor furniture can take some time for you to get used to. While the pieces generally do not require heavy maintenance, you should not abuse them. Caring for concrete furniture does not need hours of cleaning and scrubbing down. Simply wiping the surface can help revitalise the surface. Here are other things that you need to know when using concrete furniture:
- Take the transition as slowly as possible. Most homeowners are used to upholstered or wooden furniture. If you have been using those materials for years, you will see and feel the difference between them and concrete. It’s not a good idea to go all out immediately. Concrete does not appeal to all people because of our unique preferences. To make sure you do not regret your decision, start with smaller pieces first. You can transition from tabletop décor to lighting fixtures before moving on to bigger chairs and tables, for example.
- Concrete is not as curvy as you may think. But don’t worry; concrete is not the same blocky shape you probably imagine. Moulding technology has improved dramatically, which enabled concrete to create curvier forms. However, it is not as shapely as other materials out there. You will typically find concrete with sleek lines and edges, definitely not rounded.
- Concrete furniture can be the focal point of the living area but can be used as an accent, as well. Look for striking, adventurous designs to work on. Small concrete tables, for instance, are excellent accent pieces.
Concrete furniture is more than interesting as a part of your interior and exterior design. It is functional and flexible. You can even move an indoor piece outdoors without using a different type of sealer. It’s also the safer choice because the material is non-toxic. For your decorative concrete needs, get in touch with us today.
