Acrylic furniture has become increasingly popular in modern interior design due to its transparency, durability, and lightweight nature. However, one common question among consumers is why is acrylic furniture so expensive than other types of furniture.
In this article, I will cover the reasons behind the high cost of acrylic furniture and why you should invest in acrylic furniture for your home or business.
Table Of Contents
What is Acrylic Furniture?
Acrylic furniture is made from a transparent thermoplastic material called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It is also known as Perspex, Plexiglass, or Lucite.
Acrylic furniture is often used as a substitute for glass because it has similar optical properties, but it is much more durable and shatter-resistant. Acrylic furniture is available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making it a universal choice for interior design.
Why is Acrylic Furniture so Expensive?
Many factors contribute to the price of Acrylic furniture including material, complex manufacturing process, strength, etc. We will discuss this in detail.
Material
The first factor that contributes to the high cost of acrylic furniture is the cost of raw materials.
Acrylic sheets are the main component used in the manufacturing process, and they can be expensive depending on their quality and thickness.
High-quality acrylic sheets are usually thicker and more durable, which makes them more expensive.
In addition to the cost of acrylic sheets, other materials like adhesives, hardware, and tools further increase the cost.
Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process for acrylic furniture is complex and requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Unlike wood or metal furniture, which can be mass-produced, each piece of acrylic furniture requires a custom mold to be made.
This mold is made specifically for the design of the furniture and can be expensive to create.
The machinery and tools used in the process are also expensive and require regular maintenance, adding to the overall cost of manufacturing.
The Durability of the Furniture
Acrylic is a strong and durable material that is resistant to shattering, cracking, and chipping.
It is also resistant to UV light and will not yellow over time.
This strength and resilience come at a cost, and it adds to the overall expense of acrylic furniture.
Design and Aesthetics
Acrylic furniture is designed by skilled and experienced designers who are experts in working with the material.
The designer’s skill and expertise are essential to ensure that the furniture is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and structurally sound.
The designer’s experience and reputation also contribute to the high cost of acrylic furniture.
Marketing and Branding
Brand and reputation are essential factors that contribute to the high cost of acrylic furniture.
Many luxury furniture brands use their reputation and brand recognition as a selling point for their products, which can justify the higher price tag.
How Does the Price of Acrylic Furniture Compare to Other Furniture?
Acrylic furniture can be more expensive than some types of furniture, but it can also be less expensive than others.
For example, a simple acrylic dining chair might cost around $100, while a high-end designer chair made from leather and wood could cost upwards of $500.
Similarly, an acrylic coffee table might cost around $200, while a solid wood coffee table could cost upwards of $1,000.
The price of acrylic furniture also depends on where you’re purchasing it from. High-end furniture stores and designer brands tend to charge more for acrylic furniture than mass-market retailers.
Different Types of Acrylic Furniture
Acrylic Chairs
Acrylic chairs are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor seating. They come in a variety of styles, including dining chairs, bar stools, and lounge chairs. Acrylic chairs are lightweight and easy to move, making them a practical choice for amusing guests.
Acrylic Tables
Acrylic tables are another popular choice for modern décor. Acrylic tables can be used to create a minimalist look or to add a touch of elegance to a room.
Acrylic Shelving Units
Acrylic shelving units are fabulous to add storage and organization to a room without adding visual clutter. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect unit for your space.
Acrylic Desks
Acrylic desks are a great form to add a modern touch to a home office or workspace. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect desk for your needs.
Acrylic Bar Carts
Acrylic bar carts are a smart way to serve drinks and snacks to guests. They come in a variety of styles and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect cart for your needs.
Acrylic Furniture from Amazon
We have listed some acrylic furniture products from Amazon and may earn a commission if you purchase.
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Benefits of Acrylic Furniture
Acrylic furniture has many benefits over traditional furniture. Some of them are discussed below:
Durability
One of the biggest benefits of acrylic furniture is its durability. Acrylic furniture is incredibly strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
It is resistant to cracking, chipping, and shattering.
Additionally, it is resistant to UV radiation, which means it won’t turn yellow over time.
Versatility
It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, making it an excellent choice for patios and decks.
It can also be used in commercial spaces such as offices, hotels, and restaurants.
Lightweight and Easy to Move
Another significant advantage of acrylic furniture is that it is lightweight.
It is much lighter than traditional furniture, making it easy to move around and reposition.
This is particularly useful for people who frequently rearrange their furniture or move homes frequently.
Easy to Clean
Acrylic furniture is very easy to clean and maintain. It can be wiped down with a wet cloth to remove any dust or debris.
Eco-friendly
An acrylic is an eco-friendly option. It is 100% recyclable, meaning it can be melted down and turned into new products.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Acrylic furniture is a popular choice for interior designers because it is aesthetically pleasing.
The transparent nature allows it to blend seamlessly into any space without overwhelming the decor. It can be useful for small rooms.
Safe
Acrylic furniture is a safe option for homes with children and pets.
Unlike glass furniture, it is shatter-resistant, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass.
Additionally, acrylic furniture doesn’t have sharp edges, making it a safer option for families with young children.
Illusion of space
It is an excellent option for small spaces because it enhances the illusion of space as I have discussed in my article 12 Cheap Ways to Spruce Up Your Home. Because acrylic furniture is transparent, it doesn’t take up visual space in a room. This makes the room feel larger and more open, even when space is limited.
Resistant to Fading and Yellowing
Acrylic furniture is resistant to fading and yellowing, making it a great option for outdoor use. Unlike other materials, acrylic furniture won’t lose its color or yellow over time, even with prolonged exposure to the sun.
Water-resistant
It is water-resistant, making it an ideal option for outdoor use or homes in areas with high humidity levels. Unlike wood furniture, it won’t warp or rot when exposed to moisture.
FAQs
Does acrylic furniture scratch easily?
Acrylic furniture is generally quite durable but it can still be scratched with enough force. It is important to keep in mind that scratches on acrylic furniture are usually more noticeable than on other materials because of their transparency.
Is acrylic furniture strong?
Acrylic furniture is known for its strength and durability. It is made from a type of plastic that is lightweight but strong and resistant to impact. Acrylic furniture can hold up well to everyday use and is less likely to crack or break than some other materials.
Does acrylic furniture turn yellow?
While acrylic furniture is generally resistant to yellowing, it can still turn yellow over time if exposed to direct sunlight or other sources of UV radiation. The degree to which this occurs will depend on the specific type of acrylic and the conditions to which it is exposed.
Does acrylic break easily?
Acrylic is a strong and durable material, but it is not unbreakable. Acrylic furniture can crack or break under high impact or pressure, especially if it is a thin sheet.
What is the disadvantage of acrylic?
While acrylic has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Scratching
- Highly flammable
- Not biodegradable
Why is my white acrylic furniture turning yellow?
There are several reasons why white acrylic furniture can turn yellow over time:
- Poor quality or improper manufacturing
- Chemical reactions
- Exposure to sunlight or UV radiation
- Environmental factors
Is baking soda safe on acrylic?
Absolutely! Baking soda is a safe and effective cleaner for acrylic furniture. Not only does it help to remove dirt and grime, but it is also gentle enough not to scratch or damage the surface of the acrylic.
Is it safe to have acrylic furniture around kids?
Yes, acrylic furniture is safe to have around kids as it is non-toxic and does not contain harmful chemicals and it does not have sharp edges.
Is acrylic furniture available in different colors or just in clear?
Acrylic furniture is available in a wide range of colors, in addition to clear. Acrylic can be easily dyed or tinted to create custom colors, and many manufacturers offer acrylic furniture in a variety of hues to suit different tastes and design styles.
