How to Find the Best Rajasthani Furniture in India: A Complete Buying Guide

When purchasing furniture made in Rajasthan, you would have to consider various options right from the beginning. Should it be made out of sheesham or mango wood? Should it be carved or painted? Brand new or refurbished?

Expertise is not needed to take these decisions. If you have knowledge about the fundamental aspects of wood, joints, and finishing, then purchasing furniture won’t be hard for you at all. This Rajasthani furniture buying guide will help you to purchase furniture without any trouble.

Choosing the Right Rajasthani Furniture for Your Home

Buying Rajasthani furniture for your home is not only economical, but also gives your home that traditional feeling. It doesn’t require you to buy an exquisitely crafted, expensive piece of furniture. It could just be a wooden table or a cabinet or even a painted colorful chair – it depends on your needs, your budget, and the availability of space.

Before shopping, one must look at the quality of the material used, as well as other aspects such as finishing and size. Comparing prices is also very important and could save one much-needed time and money. Consider the placement as well as the usefulness of the particular piece of furniture.

Best Wood Types for Rajasthani Furniture: Sheesham, Mango and Acacia

Three woods account for most of what you'll find on sale: sheesham, mango, and acacia.

Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo) is very tough, durable, and hard, with a density of 750-800 kg/m3 at 12% moisture content, as per information from PROTA. It maintains its shape well and is excellent for carvings in furniture and tabletops. It has a golden to dark reddish-brown color, with light-colored sapwood near the edges being usual.

Mango is lighter and softer than Sheesham and, therefore, more suitable for furniture that will be painted. The same study by FAO mentions it as one of the types of wood used most frequently by the Jodhpur industry.

Acacia wood is heavy, streaked, and hard enough for making benches and dining tables.

In any case, inquire about the seasoning of the wood. Both kiln and air-drying methods are acceptable. However, one of them must have been carried out correctly, since this is the main reason why the drawers slide freely in August after the first monsoon. It is also reasonable to ask about the source of the wood. If someone responds readily, they are quite familiar with their merchandise.

How to Identify High-Quality Handcrafted Rajasthani Furniture?

• Lighting: See for any defects that are concealed by the showroom lights.
• Joint Check: See whether the joints and corners of the drawers are well-fitted and firmly constructed.
• Stability Check: Place the furniture piece on the leveled surface and see whether there is wobbling of the legs.
• Drawer and Door Check: Check for ease of movement and closing.
• Carving Check: Check for neat carvings, cracks, incomplete work, and even polishing.
• Hardware Check: Check hinges, handles, and other fixtures. Ensure the material matches what the seller has told you.
• Material and Finish Check: See what wood it is made from and how it is made. See that all surfaces have been polished properly.
• Product Check: See whether the measurements and construction match the online product description.

Good-quality handcrafted Rajasthani furniture is not only well-constructed but also well-finished.

Antique and Reclaimed Rajasthani Furniture: What Buyers Should Know

True antique furniture from Rajasthan is scarcer than most tags say it is. Age-related signs in antique furniture can be seen in terms of uneven wear, darkening of the finish in the joints and corners, and saw marks on surfaces that are not visible to the naked eye. However, these characteristics cannot determine the age of the furniture in itself. New fittings on an old piece of furniture raise many questions regarding the restoration process.

Reclaimed Wood Furniture made by artists in urban areas like Jodhpur can be a third alternative. It is significant to seek clarifications from the seller about the source of the wood used, prior repairs done, any pest management measures taken and restoration process followed.

There are certain laws that should be kept in mind while purchasing antique pieces of furniture. The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act of 1972 regulate export of Antiquities and Art treasures. All the wooden furniture older than 100 years are not necessarily considered as antiques under the law.

Tips for Buying Rajasthani Furniture Online

Buying Rajasthani furniture online will be much simpler if you pose all the questions you would have posed in-store.

• Images of the construction quality should be asked for, including those that provide close views of the joints, interiors of the drawers, and the underbelly of the cabinet.
• Seek reviews from actual customers about the quality of construction, finish, and delivery.
• Ensure that proper measurements have been taken and marked on the floor for the easy delivery of the cabinets.
• Request pictures or videos shot in even light to see the actual color of the cabinet.
• Confirm the species of wood, finish, and information on its curing process in the product description.
• Ensure that you have everything covered in terms of packing specifications, shipping, and the assembly process.
• It is also important that you are informed about the period of warranty and the period within which claims for any damage during transportation can be made.
• Know the return policy and order cancellation policies, particularly for custom-made furniture pieces.

Look up the reviews and ratings of the product before purchasing it to evaluate the quality, durability, and customer satisfaction level of the furniture. The reliability of purchasing furniture online becomes easier when the seller is ready to give answers in writing. Make sure that you know the policy of Lakkadhaara Furniture before ordering from them.

5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying Rajasthani Furniture

While there may be many things that one can learn from this guide on buying Rajasthani furniture, here are the five most important questions that must be asked by you before placing the order:

• Are the joints solid and are the pieces well crafted?
• Is the finishing smooth and uniform, especially the carved parts?
• Are there any warranties in writing offered, along with time limits for reporting damage during transit?
• How will the seller respond if furniture is found defective or damaged upon arrival?
• In case of antique furniture, is there any information about its history?

After delivery is completed, it is important that you follow all the maintenance directions provided by the manufacturer. Make sure not to keep your furniture in places where there is direct sunlight or air conditioning, and always dust it and apply furniture wax when necessary.

Conclusion

A well-made furniture item from Rajasthan has a traditional touch and is sturdy at the same time. While making the purchase, ensure that you examine the joints, look at the finish of the unseen parts, and are sure of the type of wood used along with the measurements provided by the seller. Additionally, be sure about the delivery process, assembly process, warranty period, and replacement policy to save yourself from any trouble in the future.

FAQs

1. Which one is preferable to be used at the dining table, Sheesham wood or Mango wood?

Sheesham wood is generally preferable because of its strength and durability. But ultimately, it all depends on the requirements and budget of the purchaser.

2. How can I take care of the painted cabinet during the monsoon season?

The furniture should be kept away from wet walls and any kind of water. It should be cleaned as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.

3. Can Rajasthani furniture suit a modern apartment?

Yes. Have one piece as an anchor for your room, while everything else in that room should be kept simple. This can be done by keeping the wood tone matching that of the surrounding doors or flooring.