The word "furniture" comes from the office fit out French suffix fourniture, office fit out refurbishment meaning "equipment" and office refurbishment the Latin adjective mobilis," which means "moveable." Although the English word is much more widely used, European terms describe furniture more accurately. In addition to being durable, furniture must be movable, and must meet a certain degree of residential permanency. Listed below are some of the most common types of furniture. They are used in a variety of settings, from offices and public spaces to homes and private apartments.

Furniture consists of various types of household equipment that serve a variety of functions and styles. They can be simple wooden chests to elaborate marquetry work cabinets and gilded console tables. Chairs, for example, are almost always for sitting in. Some are very comfortable, while others are highly ornate. Accessories are smaller, subsidiary items that complement the general interior scheme of the room. They may also be functional. In the workplace, the right furniture and lighting can make or break your productivity.

Furniture prices have fallen dramatically, but many independent manufacturers are struggling to compete. The average price of furniture has dropped 42 percent since 2000, and consumers don't know where to find cheap furniture. Ashley Furniture is the top retail furniture company, and has a number of "outposts" in the southern U.S., where they display their furniture. Campaign sofas, for example, have steel frames inspired by the automotive industry. Robotic welding and laser cutting are used to manufacture the frames.