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What does a Furniture Designer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

Furniture designers are responsible for the creation and development of new furniture products. They work closely with engineers and other team members to create prototypes and test new designs. Furniture designers typically have a bachelor's degree in industrial design or a related field.

Furniture Designer job duties include:

  • Design furniture products including chairs, sofas, tables, cabinets, etc.
  • Develop new furniture designs and improve existing ones.
  • Select materials and finishes for furniture products.
  • Prepare detailed drawings and specifications of furniture products.
  • Coordinate with other designers, engineers, and manufacturers to ensure successful production of furniture products.
  • Monitor trends in furniture design and materials.
  • Keep up-to-date with latest computer-aided design (CAD) software programs.
  • Conduct research on ergonomics, aesthetics, and function of furniture products.
  • Present ideas and designs to clients or company executives.

Furniture Designer Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for furniture designers, although many have a bachelor's degree in fine arts, industrial design, or architecture. Furniture designers must be able to create designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. They must have knowledge of different materials and construction methods, as well as an understanding of ergonomics. In addition, furniture designers must be able to work within the constraints of a budget and timeline. Some furniture designers also have experience working in a retail environment, which can be helpful in understanding the needs of customers.

Furniture Designer Skills

  • 3D modeling
  • AutoCAD
  • SketchUp
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Woodworking
  • Furniture making
  • Upholstery
  • Metalwork
  • Welding
  • Finishing
  • Product design

Related: Top Furniture Designer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Furniture Designer

There are many ways to become a furniture designer. One way is to get a degree in furniture design from an accredited college or university. Another way is to take courses in furniture design at a community college or online. There are also many apprenticeship programs available that can give you the hands-on experience you need to become a furniture designer.

The most important thing for anyone wanting to become a furniture designer is to have a passion for design and a creative eye. Furniture designers need to be able to see the potential in a piece of wood or fabric and envision how it can be transformed into a beautiful and functional piece of furniture. They also need to have the technical skills to be able to create their designs on paper or on a computer and then bring those designs to life.

If you have the passion and the talent, becoming a furniture designer can be an exciting and rewarding career. With hard work and dedication, you can create beautiful pieces that will be enjoyed by people for years to come.

Related: Furniture Designer Resume Example

Related: Furniture Designer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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