IELTS Speaking Practice: The World of Furniture

Yes, my reading chair is my absolute favourite. It’s a deep blue armchair next to the window in my living room. I love it because it’s incredibly comfortable and the perfect spot to unwind with a good book after a long day, especially when it’s raining outside.

Useful language:unwind with a good book

Probably simple, practical furniture with natural materials like wood. I’m quite organised and I don’t like clutter, so I prefer clean lines and pieces with plenty of storage.

Useful language:clean linesclutter

Yes. As a teenager I liked bright colours and anything trendy, but now I prefer neutral colours and better-quality pieces that will last.

Useful language:trendybetter-quality pieces

I like a mix. Modern furniture is practical and comfortable, but one or two traditional pieces, like an old wooden cabinet, give a room character.

Useful language:give a room character

I enjoy visiting second-hand and vintage shops, because every piece is different and there’s always a chance of finding something unique at a good price.

Useful language:second-hand and vintage

A few months ago I bought a standing desk, because I work from home and wanted to avoid sitting all day. It’s made a real difference to my back.

Useful language:standing deskmade a real difference

Very important. A good arrangement makes a small flat feel bigger and more relaxing. I like to keep pathways clear and place my desk near the window for natural light.

Useful language:natural light

Yes, an old dining table from my grandparents’ house. We’ve had countless family meals around it, so it feels like part of the family history.

Useful language:countless family meals

I’d like to talk about my grandfather’s wooden desk, which now sits in my home office. It’s made of solid oak, with carvings along its edges and three spacious drawers on each side.

I inherited it when my grandfather passed away five years ago. He was an accomplished writer who spent countless hours working at this desk, and my family felt I should have it, since I share his passion for writing.

The desk now occupies a central position in my office, facing a window that overlooks our garden. I arranged it so that I get plenty of natural light while I work, which I know my grandfather would have appreciated. I use it every day — for studying, writing and even just paying bills.

It’s important to me for several reasons. First, it’s a tangible connection to my grandfather, who was a big influence on my life; every time I sit there, I feel inspired by his dedication. Second, the desk itself is beautifully crafted — it’s over seventy years old but still sturdy, representing the kind of quality craftsmanship that’s increasingly rare today. And finally, using it daily creates a sense of continuity across generations. Sometimes I imagine him sitting at the same desk, struggling with words just as I do, and that makes this piece of furniture far more than just an object.

Useful language:inheriteda tangible connectionbeautifully craftedquality craftsmanshipa sense of continuity

Furniture design is a fascinating mirror of a society’s values. Societies that value tradition often keep historical motifs and craftsmanship passed down through generations — Japanese furniture, for instance, reflects minimalism and harmony with nature. Today’s focus on multifunctional, space-saving furniture shows how we’ve adapted to smaller homes, and the demand for sustainable furniture reflects growing environmental awareness.

Useful language:a mirror ofmotifsmultifunctionalenvironmental awareness

It has become lighter, more modular and more affordable, largely thanks to flat-pack furniture. Designs are more minimalist, and there’s far more focus on comfort, ergonomics for home working, and storage for smaller apartments.

Useful language:flat-packergonomics

Partly. Mass production has made skilled carpentry less common because handmade furniture is expensive. However, there’s a growing market for handcrafted and sustainable pieces, and many young makers are learning traditional techniques, so I think craftsmanship is surviving in a smaller, more specialised form.

Useful language:handcraftedmore specialised

We’ll see more multifunctional pieces — beds that fold into walls, tables that extend, sofas with hidden storage — and furniture designed to be moved easily. Modular systems that can be rearranged as needs change will also become more common.

Useful language:fold into wallsmodular systems

An increasing role. Manufacturers are using certified wood, recycled materials and less toxic finishes, and some offer repair or take-back services. Consumers are also buying more second-hand furniture, which keeps items out of landfill.

Useful language:certified woodtake-back servicesout of landfill

I expect more ‘smart’ furniture, such as desks that adjust height automatically, sofas with built-in charging and beds that track sleep. 3D printing and digital design tools may also allow furniture to be customised to individual spaces.

Useful language:smart furniturecustomised

Iconic pieces usually combine a distinctive look with excellent function and quality, so they stay useful and attractive for decades. Many also capture the spirit of their time, like mid-century chairs, and are associated with famous designers, which adds to their status.

Useful language:distinctivecapture the spirit of their time

More than people often realise. Comfortable, well-arranged furniture helps people relax and sleep well, while a cluttered or uncomfortable home can increase stress. Ergonomic furniture also prevents physical problems, especially for people working from home.

Useful language:well-arrangedclutteredergonomic