Certain contexts allow for the interchangeable use of the terms 3D visualization and 3D furniture rendering services. Technically, 3D rendering is the final step in a 3D visualization workflow—a process that involves creating 3D models, applying textures, and adding shadows and lighting. For example, when someone refers to CGI (computer-generated imagery) of a bridge or makes a lifelike digital drawing of a concept car yet to be produced. 3D rendering is a computerized method of transforming an assortment of 3D assets into a photorealistic 2D image.
Every 3D model can be rendered; it might be a commercial product, a scene of a green landscape, fantastical creatures, humans, animals, and architectural objects like furniture set or decoration. A 3D render should look indistinguishable from an actual photograph, given accurate model geometry, true-to-life textures, and proper lighting setup. CGI is arguably the most significant thing that has happened to the architectural industry, and it has revolutionized the way architects and engineers perform their duties.
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3D modeling and 3D rendering companies have become the go-to means of visualization during project planning and reliable communication tools to improve collaboration with clients, investors, and marketers. Since CGI also works well for smaller projects and simpler objects, even furniture designers can take full advantage of the technology to provide their clients with better services. 3D rendering requires advanced CAD software, and a render artist may use two or more programs during the project to achieve high-quality visualization. Revit, Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, SketchUp, Cinema 4D, and Modo are among the most popular software packages.
There are also some plugins to enhance the realism effect and simplify the task, such as V-Ray and Corona Renderer. All 3D furniture modeling and 3D furniture rendering services have software requirements, but many use one or more programs mentioned above. The software of choice is often dictated by the desired file formats or intended rendering usage. Some 3D file formats are best for static images, while others are ideal for interactive or animated visualizations.
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Types of 3D furniture rendering
There is a broad range of CGI services for the furniture design industry. All studios and artists who market themselves as 3D furniture rendering professionals are capable of providing 3D modeling services, too. As mentioned earlier, 3D rendering is the final step in a CGI-based visualization process, and it is impossible without first creating the 3D models. There are several types depending on the purpose:
- Low-poly models: a lightweight or relatively low-quality 3D model typically used for game assets and online product configurators. They still are geometrically accurate, but the textures and colors are not the priorities.
- High-poly models: although textures and colors are not the focus of the workflow, high-poly models are dense and heavy. They contain detail and are suitable for product rendering as marketing materials.
- STL (Standard Triangle Language): the file format required for 3D printing. In this case, a low polygon count does not mean poor detail; in most cases, low-poly speeds up the printing process.
Another common 3D modeling service is retopology, which optimizes 3D model surfaces to make the file smaller without sacrificing details. It is useful when the source file is a scanned asset.
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Static rendering
The most common type of 3D furniture rendering is static or still images. A render artist builds a 3D furniture model or takes an existing asset and applies realistic textures, colors, and lighting tools to the object. The result is an accurate digital depiction of the furniture identical to the actual item. The static render comes in two options:
- Silo: a 3D rendering of furniture against a plain white backdrop. The main purpose of a silo render is to immediately draw the viewer’s attention to the object without distraction. There is only one object in the render, and it often takes two or more images with different perspectives to help viewers visualize the furniture.
- Lifestyle: unlike a silo, a lifestyle render presents the main object and complementary items against a complex backdrop. For example, a desk is depicted as standing in the center of a well-decorated office, and the desk is beside a floor lamp, a cabinet, and an office chair.
Much like a silo render in different styles or viewing angles, lifestyle images visualize various settings in which the main product is the highlight. If a silo allows viewers to inspect the furniture in detail, a lifestyle render offers an easy understanding of the product’s dimensions.
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Animated rendering
With 3D animation services you can take the sophistication level a notch higher. Whether depicted in a silo or lifestyle render, the furniture does not stay still but moves about just like a video. It takes at least 24 still renders to build a second of animation (a frame rate of 24fps) for smooth motion. At the high end, an animated render can be 60fps at Full HD resolution or higher. As for the content itself, it entirely depends on the animation project brief. The video may showcase the furniture components being disassembled, reassembled, rotated, or a combination, and it can be in a “lifestyle” mode or silo.
3D Animation – 360-degree view
With the aid of a 360-degree panoramic rendering artist, when the main product is furniture, an animated render usually is embedded with an interactive feature. Instead of playing automatically on a screen, viewers can control the animation by tapping virtual buttons or using a keyboard/mouse. Typical controls include functions to rotate, zoom, and flip. A 360-degree view can be a simple sequence in which the object only rotates from right to left and vice versa. There is also a multi-row 3D animation where the object can rotate in all directions; it is more complicated, but the feature allows viewers to look at the furniture from any angle.
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Product Configurator
A product configurator is one of the more advanced types of animated render in the furniture design industry. The rendering is dynamic in the sense that viewers have the chance to play around with the design before making a purchase. They can modify the product online by choosing specific materials, colors, finishes, and dimensions.
Although the options or modifications are likely limited by component availability, a 3D configurator is always a welcome addition to any online furniture store. However, it only works if the furniture is designed to be modular with interchangeable components or when the sellers offer a made-to-order business. IKEA and Herman Miller are among the few well-established furniture companies to have implemented product configurator features in their online stores.
3D rendering cost
It is almost impossible to set standard pricing for furniture rendering services. Each project is unique, and the exact cost depends on various factors, including complexity, size, and urgency. The former costs more since every 3D render starts with a 3D model.
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Based on the model complexity alone, there are four pricing tiers for 3D modeling services:
- Simple: solid 3D model comprises basic geometry such as cubes, spheres, squares, and cylinders. It has a low level of detail but is good enough for print media. Simple modeling is effective for minimalistic furniture styles, costing between $40 and $60.
- Medium: a 3D furniture model of medium complexity still revolves around basic geometry. However, it offers a reasonable intensity of decorative elements and is fairly large, for example, workstations, kitchen cabinets, office chairs, and TV consoles. The cost starts from $80 to $120.
- Complex: the complexity level is higher when the 3D model is too difficult to build using basic geometry. A complex model typically comes with intricate shapes or assemblies and ornaments and features detailed stitches and pronounced textures. The cost is around $140- $200.
- Highly complex: a furniture set made from premium materials and sophisticated functionality is worth the best possible visualization. A highly complex 3D modeling calls for well-defined details throughout every inch of the furniture. Furniture pieces with many accessories, patterned cushions, custom textures, and moving parts also increase the modeling difficulty level. The price starts from $220 to $400.
As for 3D rendering, prices are often determined based on resolution and frame rate. A simple breakdown of the average cost is as follows:
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| Type | Resolution/Style | Views | Cost |
| Silo | Full HD (1920 x 1080p) | 1 | $20 |
| 4K (3840 x 2160p) | 1 | $30 | |
| 4K | 6 | $150 ($25 per image) | |
| Lifestyle | Full HD | 1 Object | $200 |
| Full HD | 3 Objects | $300 | |
| Full HD | 6 Objects | $400 | |
| Animated | Full HD | $60 per second |
The fee for 3D modeling/rendering firms does not always cover the 3D modeling price. Some studios will use readily available 3D assets from online libraries to reduce costs. The 3D modelers do not have to work from scratch, and the turnaround time should be quicker. Working with a freelance furniture design service is likely more affordable than hiring a 3D modeling and rendering firm. However, some 3D assets are quite expensive, so calculate correctly and consider the uniqueness factor. An animated render is always priced on a per-second basis.
The proliferation of CGI has opened the door for freelance furniture engineering services to heighten market competition. It is an effective experiment tool to build a new variety of furniture or improve existing products without purchasing a bulk of materials and upholstery or investing in woodworking and metal fabrication equipment.
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3D modeling and rendering are products of digital drawing. Thanks to free-of-charge modeling software, such as Blender, SketchUp Free, and Vectary, anyone can be a 3D furniture designer if they have time to learn the software. The results of every rendering are considered virtual designs and can be treated as blueprints for the manufacturing process of the actual products.
How Cad Crowd can assist
Whether you are a small business or working in a large company, Cad Crowd can assist in connecting you with one of our vetted designers for a variety of 3D rendering projects! Tell us your budget, and a few details of what you are hoping to achieve and we’ll handle the rest. Get a free quote today!
