06.03.2025
Retail furniture shapes not only the appearance of a store but also influences how the retail space is perceived by customers. Various materials are used in furniture production, which should combine durability and practicality with aesthetic appeal. Which of them work best? Below, we analyze the most commonly chosen solutions and provide examples of brands that prefer specific types of materials.
Wood and wood-like elements are among the most popular materials in retail furniture manufacturing. The natural appearance of wood brings warmth and elegance to interiors, which is especially valued in boutiques and exclusive stores. However, wood and its derivatives offer not only aesthetic value but also practical and functional benefits.
Wood derivatives, such as plywood, MDF, and particleboard, are excellent for creating furniture structures and components. Once a solid base is established, proper finishing becomes crucial. This can be achieved by covering the surface with veneer—thin sheets of natural wood—or opting for laminate, which accurately replicates wood’s texture and color.
The finishing possibilities for wood-like elements are nearly endless. Lamination, veneering, lacquering, or foil application can create diverse effects that mimic not only natural wood but also materials such as steel, leather, or stone.
Because wood-like elements serve as a robust structural base, they are widely used by various brands. In 2024, our company prepared a two-story Reserved store in London, located in Europe’s largest shopping center—Westfield White City. A significant portion of the furniture was made of wood-like elements, finished with natural veneer. These constructions warmed up the interior, creating a contrast with cold steel and concrete.
Another Ergo Store client, Levi’s, incorporates wood and wood-like materials in its store designs. Similarly, Mango, striving for sustainability, designs its stores using natural materials, including wood. In the case of the luxury brand Stella McCartney, the use of wood reflects the company’s philosophy of environmental respect.
The advantages of wood and wood-like materials include aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Properly protected surfaces (e.g., lacquered or oiled) are resistant to mechanical damage and wear. However, a downside is their susceptibility to moisture and the need for regular maintenance to preserve their original appearance.
Metal is a popular choice for shelving, frames, and structural elements due to its:
However, metal can feel cold and austere, so it is often combined with wood or glass to warm up the ambiance.
A signature feature in the stores of our client, the German fashion brand More & More, is steel structural elements painted in black and gold-transparent colors. Steel is also a key material in the latest Sinsay store concept, for which we design stores across Europe. In Sinsay stores, metal is complemented by beechwood and plywood accents.
Dark steel is another essential structural component in the retail spaces of bicycle manufacturer TREK. We have worked on TREK stores in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, where the brand’s designers prioritize furniture functionality over its finish, utilizing numerous metal elements to enhance durability.
Metal accents are also a hallmark of Killstar stores, a brand specializing in gothic and alternative fashion, where they reinforce the brand’s dark aesthetic. Similarly, Poizen Industries, which focuses on punk and rock fashion, incorporates metal elements into its retail spaces.
Although steel is low-maintenance, its longevity in a retail environment depends not only on material quality but also on effective anti-corrosion protection. With the right protective coatings, metal retains its aesthetic appeal and functionality for many years.
Glass is commonly used in display cases, countertops, and shelves, particularly in areas where product presentation is crucial. Its benefits include:
The main drawback of glass is its fragility. While tempered glass is significantly more resistant, it still requires careful handling.
The Swedish brand Weekday incorporates glass into its store interiors, reinforcing its modern image.
Various plastics, such as plexiglass and laminates, are also used in retail furniture production. Their advantages include:
On the other hand, plastics may be less durable than wood or metal, and their appearance does not always suit high-end interiors.
A contemporary trend in store design is the use of composite materials, which consist of various elements (e.g., finely ground stone) bonded with resins or cement. Originally popular in home interiors, such as kitchen countertops, these materials have successfully transitioned into commercial spaces, including checkout counters. For example, our client Reserved, part of the LPP Group, incorporates composites in its latest store concepts.
Selecting the right material for retail furniture should consider the specific characteristics of the store, customer expectations, and brand philosophy. Wood and metal work well in elegant and modern interiors, glass adds lightness, while plastics provide practicality and design flexibility. A well-balanced combination of these materials creates a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that attracts customers and enhances their shopping experience.
19.03.2025
The project, which we completed in February 2025, is a shop-in-shop located within the renowned multi-brand fashion store Modepark Röther.
