So many pieces of furniture are made from various plastics, but it’s often hard to know what the differences are between them and which plastics are better than others. Plastics are used in their solid form to make moulded chairs, as a fabric to make faux leathers and even as a fibre to make faux rattan. This is a quick guide to some of the common plastics in furniture and their advantages and disadvantages.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a very common plastic used across a variety of household and other applications from furniture to food containers. With a higher melting point than many other plastics, this is a fairly strong and durable plastic. Polypropylene is also easy to add colour to, which lends itself to the wide variety of colours available in plastic furniture, such as the Replica DSW Dining Side Chair. 

Polyethylene

Polyethylene has a lower melting point than polypropylene however is much sturdier. The main advantage of polyethylene is that it is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted, remoulded and then returned to a solid state. This makes it great for moulding products such as the Kerkazze Big and Junior Lamp by Ronda for Casamania and also means that it can be recycled by melting down again and remoulding. 

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

PVC has various applications in furniture from synthetic rattans such as the Terra Casual Sofa to an alternative to leather as used in the Morgan Childrens Table with Sophia Lilac Chairs. PVC in its plasticised form (as used in faux leathers) is incredibly common across furniture. Not only does this provide a more cost effective solution than leather, PVC is also very popular for heavy duty use such as in commercial applications or even children’s furniture. Unlike leather, PVC is easier to care for and less likely to crack in the same way that many natural leathers will. It’s resistance to water is another one of the advantages of PVC and a great reason to use it in children’s furniture. Possibly the main downside to PVC is it’s lower resistance to sunlight meaning it is best to keep PVC products out of direct sunlight. 

Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is one of the strongest types of plastics available, making it great for furniture. This means that entire pieces of furniture can be moulded from polycarbonate including the legs, while still maintaining a reasonable amount of strength. The Replica Victoria Ghost Dining Chair is made from either a clear or coloured polycarbonate which has been moulded to form the entire chair. Polycarbonate is also a slightly more environmentally friendly plastic than other types such as PVC and is recyclable. 

Nylon

Nylon is a reasonably strong material and has been used in many industrial applications. It can also be made clear which makes it perfect for use in the translucent Marlene Chair by Smith for Alma. One downside to Nylon is its very low resistance to heat and therefore it is best kept away from any sources of heat.