Pakistan's Furniture Types

A similar categorization is being used in Pakistan. Wood is undoubtedly the main material in Pakistan’s exports. But the country also produces some metal (wrought iron rod, steel), upholstered furniture for offices and special medical furniture. Foams are also used for cushioning in upholstered chairs and seating. As mainly solid wood of hardwood species like Sheesham (or Indian rosewood), walnut, oak and similar is used, the furniture is normally quite heavy in weight.

Also common to most developing countries is the existence of sub-segments in their domestic furniture market, such as (a) household furniture for domestic and export markets, (b) “institutional” furniture segment for schools, hospitals and other public premises, and (c) contract furniture to private sector clients in shops, banks and hotels, etc.

The four main styles are antique, mughal, modern (Italian), and oriental. Most items fall in the living room, dining room and bedroom categories. “Other” or “accent furniture” falls outside the basic living, dining room and kitchen furniture ranges. It finds its role in the smaller, casual and miscellaneous items, sometimes referred as “occasional furniture” due to its complementary role in home furnishing. Typical items are side or corner tables, magazine tables, standing small shelves (etageres), chests, nesting and pedestal tables, small chairs and home bars, etc. This category is almost without exception the biggest furniture category in the trade statistics of any country.

According to the websites of importers, Pakistan considerably produces these occasional items. Consumers in the main markets are increasingly liberal in mixing different styles and ethnic designs in their homes, and decorative Pakistani furniture often attracts buyers when they are shopping for small accent furniture for tuning a part of their interior decor. Reproduction of antique furniture is an important niche for Pakistan, as it normally fetches good prices and is favored by consumers with above-average purchasing power.