Stainless Steel Furniture
Stainless steel, invented in the early 20th century, is known for its bright, shiny gloss and its unique quality of resisting rust and other common stains. Even though it is a product of the 20th century, stainless steel has a quality that fits well into 21st century lifestyles. This is especially true when it comes to stainless steel furniture. The design and style options are just as versatile as other popular furniture materials such as wood and plastic. There are many reasons why stainless steel furniture makes an excellent choice, and Viesso can incorporate it into the design of your dreams to give you that sleek, modern elegance and durability you’ve been looking for.
What Is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is steel alloyed with chromium and nickel. Specifically, it is a 20-40 mixture. The result is a product that is essentially rust proof, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The chromium in stainless steel provides a color range from shades of gray to bright silver. It is important to understand that stainless steel is not just a coating, it is a solid material. Unlike conventional steel, stainless steel retains its characteristics all the way through. Even though stainless steel is not a new concept, it has a very contemporary look. Because of this, stainless steel was once relegated to lab equipment such as tables and desks and office equipment such as filing cabinets. Stainless steel, by nature, is hard to cut and is highly durable. As a result, stainless steel is relatively easy to work with when it is being fashioned into various furniture pieces. The chromium also results in a bright, shiny gloss, adding to the modern look of items made with this type of steel. Stainless steel, if properly taken care of, can last for many years.
Stainless Steel as Furniture
It isn’t surprising that stainless steel has been incorporated into contemporary furniture design. No longer relegated to labs and offices, stainless steel has become a viable material used in various furniture pieces. Appliance adopted the stainless steel look as far back as the early 1980s. Today, stainless steel appliances are valued because of their ability to last for a long time while retaining a natural shine. In fact, most major appliance manufacturers offer some form of stainless steel appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers. Additional uses for stainless steel in the home include:
• Cutlery
• Dishes and tableware
• Kitchen sinks
• Ovens and grills
• Garden equipment
• Interior and exterior furniture
Stainless steel has continued to evolve. It is not uncommon to find stainless steel coffee tables or even stainless steel TV stands, countertops and dining room tables. The possibilities are almost endless. Another plus is that the color range of gray and silver is neutral enough that stainless steel furniture tends to go with any decor.
Advantages of Stainless Steel
It can be easy to overlook stainless steel and go with other materials. Various grains of wood can be used to create various furniture pieces. Unlike wood, however, stainless steel is highly resistant to stains and does not get scratched or dented easily. Most people select their furniture based on material, appearance, convenience, durability and functionality. If you take a closer look at stainless steel, you will notice that it can meet many of these requirements. Wood remains the prevailing choice when it comes to furniture, partly because of its long history. Plastic and traditional metals have been a part of furniture design for many years as well. Yet, the unique qualities of stainless steel make it a perfect choice for furniture. Granted, you won’t find much use for stainless steel furniture if you are going for a traditional look, but stainless steel fits right into most contemporary designs. Some advantages of stainless steel furniture include:
• A natural shiny gloss that stays that way for many years.
• By nature of its color, stainless steel furniture tends to go with almost any decor.
• Stainless steel furniture will not rust, making it an ideal option for outdoor patios.
• Stainless steel furniture is highly sanitary, meaning it does not attract germs as easily.
• Stainless steel furniture tends to be easily to clean.
• Stainless steel furniture is lighter than most common furniture materials such as wood.
• As the name implies, stainless steel is highly resistant to stains, a plus for families with children.
Mixing Stainless Steel Furniture with Other Furniture Styles
Stainless steel furniture does not have to be all or nothing in terms of how you design a room. Stainless steel furniture is versatile enough that it can be mixed with traditional furniture selections to create a customized design for a living room, bedroom, kitchen or outdoor patio. Some furniture pieces already combine stainless steel with wood and other traditional materials. The look is unique, but it also helps make it easier to incorporate stainless steel furniture pieces into your existing decor. A stainless steel couch, for example, may use stainless steel for the legs and frame, but opt for leather or other similar material for the cushions and support areas. The same is true with kitchen chairs and stools. Stainless steel, unlike other metals, will not rush if exposed to moisture. This makes the material a good choice for outdoor furniture such as tables, chairs and grills. Stainless steel can accent just about any decor, although it typically adds a modern look when incorporated into a room such as a kitchen.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Furniture
Stainless steel furniture is very easy to maintain. Unlike wood, it does not require any special care. Stainless steel does, however, collect dust and may be susceptible to smudges, but it can be easily cleaned with a dry or damp cloth. Stainless steel furniture, like the name suggests, does not stain. Even when exposed to extreme heat or cold, stainless steel will not stain. These qualities make stainless steel ideal for several rooms, especially the kitchen and a kid’s bedroom. It is highly durable and works in both indoor and outdoor locations. Exposure to outdoor elements also has no effect on stainless steel. When used as a countertop, for example, stainless steel is highly resistant to damage from knives and other kitchen items commonly used on a counter. Antibacterial properties also make stainless steel an excellent choice in kitchens and bathrooms, explaining why it is a common material used for surgical instruments. Stainless steel is highly resistant to germs and other bacteria, making it naturally hygienic. Minimal maintenance and a natural aversion to germs only add to the appeal of stainless steel.
Going Green with Stainless Steel Furniture
Long before the green trend, stainless steel furniture was already environmentally friendly. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and has no substantial harmful effects on the environment, even when stainless steel furniture is discarded. While plastic is resistant to water damage, insect damage and mold and also requires little maintenance, it has a relatively short lifespan. Conversely, stainless steel furniture can last for many years without any changes in appearance. Additionally, when plastic decays it leaves behind harmful toxic chemicals. Even wood furniture can be detrimental to the environment since it has to treated with chemicals to create a shine and make it resistant to decay.
Stainless steel furniture includes everything from coffee tables, bookcases and couches to grills, cabinets and kitchen tables and chairs. Stainless steel furniture has the convenience, sturdiness, durability and low maintenance requirements that make it a clear choice when looking for furniture that remains useful for many years. Stainless steel may not be the cheapest furniture, but that’s what you need when you want something that rests easily at the intersection of form and function. Contact Viesso today to choose from our wide variety or order a custom made piece!