Although the Idea may initially disgust you, plastic and other composite materials are a very real part of Interior design these days. Gone are the badly faded plastics of Yesteryear, modern plastics and composites have been fully integrated in to interior design. Composites, and composite materials can be used in all manner of installations, and are currently being used more often in high end retail, bespoke leisure, and domestic installations. Not just high end stuff either, cheaper custom, and mass produced composite and plastic furniture can be found all over. Even in high street retail outlets for a reasonable price.

materials akin to oak, and textiles are obviously still in the status quo, and would not phase away easily. Continual evolution and inexpensive will indure these as the initial choice for decades to come. But think about for a moment, fine looking compound curves, with 0 % likelihood of deviation from a set shape. Or vibrant shades, or even just full transparency. Vulgar as it could appear initially, its combos of those original design strategies with traditional materials that may pave the way for modernisation of interior design.

It could be seen in top style venues like bars, restaurants, and designer retail outlets. A top quality finish that is best enjoyed with the flair of classic furniture.

Don't let this seemingly slanted sales pitch sway you however, plastics allow for versatility because of the wide variety of plastics themselves. Different composite materials apply themselves better to different situations, and allow for different styles to be implement. Below I will overview the main composites and plastics used for interior design and furniture manufacture, and you can make up your own decision on the versatility.

• Carbon Fibre

Yes, its the lightweight material of choice for the NASA space program, but you have to have been living under a boulder for you have not to of observed that its completely everywhere. From Autos, to bars, to bathrooms and more. Carbon fibre is taken into account for being the most luxury composite plastic of all. Strangely, most products display the weave through the plastic which gives a "performance" feel. Carbon fibre is strong, but shatters when strain gets to much.

-Acrylic

Acrylic offers different design potential to Carbon. Its mould edges are produced at the same time as the plastic itself so it is usually constrained to standardized curves or flat sheets. Acrylic furniture is usually sharp and made out of numerous layered sections. It offers a totally unique design variance, but it doesn’t blend using other materials so effectively. It is also bullet proof, & gives unparalleled strength so is often used in safety products.

GRP - Glass reinforced plastic.

Possibly the most versatile of the plastics, and far cheaper to produce GRP allows for all the benefits of Carbon fibre, and near the strength of acrylic. Glass reinforced plastics biggest short coming is that of weight. Its comparable to Acrylic, but when compared to carbon it's much heavier.

It's compound curves and large colour selections allow it to be easily integrated in to designs. Surfaces can also be designed with GRP to emulate others, such as Stone or Wood that is touch realistic. Not like the low quality you find in theme parks, but high quality realised surfaces that can be used to your design advantage.