Home Furnishings Merchandising
Home Furnishings Merchandising
The Home Furnishings Merchandising Degree at UNT is only one of a very few programs nation-wide that focuses specifically on the myriad of home furnishings products that continually arrive on the market. This multi-billion dollar industry is responsible for the creative, aesthetic and functional outcome of an entire innovative industry that is constantly analyzing information and transforming ideas into products to shape the home environment.
Graduates of the program pursue careers such as:
- Furniture and decorative accessories companies
- Home accent and decorative accessory companies
- Home builders
- Home centers
- Manufacturers
- Sales representatives
- Showroom management
A degree in home furnishings merchandising differs from a degree in interior design*. In home furnishings merchandising, the curriculum emphasis is on product development, merchandising, and residential aesthetics. As a home furnishing merchandiser, graduates may be involved in creating, developing, sourcing, manufacturing and merchandising products within the broad categories of home furnishings and decorative accessories.
Home furnishings majors take courses in decorative accessories, estimating, drawing and planning, consumer behavior, buying, sourcing, aesthetics, furniture industry, textiles for home furnishings, and historic furniture. In addition, students complete a minor in general business or marketing and logistics.
HFMD 2380 - Foundations for Home Furnishings
Overview of the furniture and home furnishings industry. Topics include product development, manufacturing, distribution and merchandising of these products. Introduction to industry terminology, resources and career opportunities.
Fibers, fabric, construction and finishes applied to selection, use and care of home furnishings fabrics.
Survey of furnishings in the built environment from the 16th century to the present. Emphasis on technological, cultural and social influences on historic and contemporary styles.
Development of basic drawing and drafting skills. Emphasis on incorporating hand drafting techniques specific to the planning of cabinetry/fixture placement and home furnishings arrangements.
Concentration on CAD applications in the planning of home environments, including kitchen and other work zone areas. Focus on planning criteria for these spaces addressing function, aesthetics and economics.
Overview of decorative accessories in historical contexts and in current industry applications. Examination of production and merchandising of products including giftware, lighting, home accents, rugs, accent furniture, softgoods and tabletop.
Practical aspects of home furnishings and interior treatments; professional practices in home furnishings merchandising.
