Make your style statement without words with some showstopper furniture

Standout furniture needn't be expensive, but must reflect the personality of the buyer; it is bought for the long run and isn't something that changes with seasons

Standout furniture or statement pieces add the kind of panache to your your space that's sure to grab the eyeballs at first glance -- provided, of course, that they are chosen with care, as such exclusive items are for the long run, not something that changes with seasons. 

But first, what exactly defines statement furniture? According to Meenu Agarwal of Mads Creations, “Every home evokes a culture, habit or a sense of being in general defined by its occupants, and this DNA is carried forth in the interiors of that home. A statement furniture as the head turner product is that single entity that anchors or leads the space and the surroundings follow.” Agarwal adds that the statement piece needn't necessarily be bold and beautiful or expensive. “It’s an assertion of a thought around which the smaller things in the personal space are designed. Every home needs a piece as such, to make its whimsical interiors remarkable, to break the monotony of everything good and in sync.”

The chandelier rules the living room with an air-meets-light notion. highlighted with fine glass making technique. The piece is from a collection titled "Light-Airy" by Sans Souci, a luxury brand from the Czech Republic

Choosing the right piece 

How does one go about identifying the ideal piece for the living room? One needs to deep dive into one’s own likes and dislikes to spot a piece that defines the buyer's personality or reflects a long cherished dream he or she has been nurturing. In other words, it's a piece the buyer will regard as a valued possession. However, the main thing is that it should be the highlight of the room. As Meenu Agarwal puts it, “Everything around the piece can be planned not to steal its thunder but rather to enhance its appeal.” 

It’s a misnomer that a statement piece is all about jolting the onlooker with a big surprise or making a shocking personality statement with a massive size or funny colour. On the contrary, a statement piece is never a happy accident but an outcome of well-thought design that makes for a cohesive story in that particular space. It’s essential for the piece to fit in rather than pop out, as it is not part of temporary arrangements but must stand the test of time and even renovations. 

This study console by Beyond Designs makes a striking statement with contrasting shades of its wooden body in black matt finish and legs and handles in gleaming brass. The table top in Indian leather with brass inlay renders it a totally contemporary piece of furniture

Needn't cost a bomb

What kind of statement furniture is trending these days? It’s not a question of what is trending as much as what appeals to the individual, says Adita Bhaskar, Creative Director, Ishatvam, “It could be a chair in a strong colour, a coffee table with interesting designs, a quirky chandelier, an unusual mirror or more. Again, to create a statement doesn’t require you to have deep pockets...It’s more a question of having an eye for the unusual and the ability to put it together to make an interesting room.” With people moving towards simplifying things, multifunctional pieces combined with handcrafted authenticity is on searches. Luxed velvets for the head boards and blush undertones are getting the maximum hits.

Furniture can't be confined to one box of expression but is dependent on the needs of its owner, says Nitin Kohli - Nitin Kohli Home. The world of statement furniture is characterized by “innovative metals, curvy shapes, bold colours such as the Color of the Year 2019 - Living Coral.” Kohli adds that our global effort is to turn eco-friendly for a more sustainable living. On a lighter note, Kohli adds that an investment in a good interior designer will bring out statement pieces rather effortlessly in anyone’s home. 

Dos and dont's of laying out statement furniture
 

The Dos:

1. Remember, statement furniture is the anchor to the surrounding elements       
2. Think beyond the surprise element, as it will be a routine highlight       
3. The element, be it colour, size, style, should stand from the surroundings       
4. The show stopper works well with better lighting. Plan it well       
5. The statement piece is a single entity. It’s best to stick to a single item rather than trying to create a cacophony of statements with each piece yelling to be noticed.       
6. Keep some space for the audience. Let there be more circulation space to strike the eye and appreciate or experience the piece.        

The Dont’s:        

1. There should be no distractions. Make sure you don't overload the space with other stuff so that the statement piece gets overshadowed.       
2. Don’t over-expose or under-expose to light, as it is important to catch the details.       
3. Do not clutter the immediate surrounding.
4. Don't treat it like the rest of the furniture. It needs special maintenance so that it is a visual delight and not an eyesore.