THE EDITORIAL ARCHIVE
The Journal.
Thoughtful by design.
A growing library of design history, materials notes, buying advice and interiors essays. Follow the ideas that interest you.
Furniture has stories: the people who designed it, the material it was made from, the problems it set out to solve and how it feels to live with today. This archive collects those stories and gives each a practical point of view.
Editorial note
We distinguish design history from modern interpretations and do not present desk research as hands-on product testing. For research standards and relationships, see our policy.
DESIGN HISTORYOriginal or Inspired? Understanding Authenticity↗DININGThe Dining Room Layout Guide↗MATERIALSHow to Choose Furniture Fabric↗WOODOak, Walnut or Veneer?↗INTERIORSA Living Room Without the Showroom Look↗BUYINGThe 12-Question Furniture Checklist↗CHAIRSThe Modern Dining Chair Buying Guide↗TABLESChoosing the Right Coffee Table↗MATERIALSOak, Walnut, Marble & Travertine↗SEATINGWhat Makes a Great Accent Chair?↗RESEARCHHow to Compare Furniture Brands↗STYLESMid-Century Modern vs Contemporary↗