Struggling to close deals on custom furniture?
You’re not alone. For many furniture businesses, especially those offering bespoke, custom pieces, the sales process can be slow and complicated. Customers want to see what they’re buying before they commit, but vague sketches just don’t cut it. This also takes manual work and time for the sales team to produce the quote for design changes. Buyers are hesitant to decide, and time-consuming quoting causes low sales close rates.
That’s where 3D visualization software makes a big difference. With the right tool, you can turn “maybe” into “yes” by giving buyers a transparent, interactive view of their custom design—down to the last detail. In this article, we will review the top 3D visualization software options that help furniture brands increase sales and boost conversion rates.
What is 3D visualization?
3D visualization is the process of transforming ideas into visual representations of objects, spaces, and scenes in three dimensions. This process is widely used in displaying furniture or architecture—demand for highly accurate modular/ built-in logic.
3D visualization typically involves modeling, rendering, and configuration. It can be static—meaning it renders—or interactive, allowing for configuration. This can confuse merchants when selecting 3D visualization software. If so, let's clarify everything below!
- 3D modeling
3D modeling allows for building 3D models for furniture based on computer-aided design (CAD) or building information modeling (BIM) files. However, these files often have a lot of polygons, potentially making the models heavy and slowing down the software. That’s why you need more optimization when approaching this 3D visualization software.
Designers can use 3D modeling furniture software to optimize their designs
- 3D rendering
After building 3D models, where we have accurate virtual prototypes, the next step is 3D rendering. It allows us to add lighting, shadowing, and rich textures to create stunning, catalog-ready images. In other words, they are effective in showcasing simple designs.
- 3D configuration
Many furniture businesses choose to utilize 3D product configuration. This technology empowers users to build, customize, and visualize product designs immersively. It’s ideal for complex, bespoke furniture, effortlessly handling diverse variants and combinations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC-90iYX3ro
With this 3D visualization software, users can freely edit and see changes reflected in 3D designs in real time. Advanced visual configurators can also do space planning (3D room planner) besides configuration, so users can see how products look in a particular space. 3D visual configurators can also work with Augmented Reality (AR). This enables users to easily experience their photorealistic 3D designs in their own spaces via mobile devices.
How 3D visualization is used in the furniture industry
3D visualization software has been reshaping the furniture industry. You can find its application in different business activities, from design and manufacturing to marketing. This will clarify how merchants optimize the role of 3D visualization in their businesses:
#1. Product design and manufacturing
3D visualization software helps accelerate creativity and precision for complex products. Designers craft virtual prototypes of sofas or shelving systems, testing models without physical builds. Some interactive tools, such as 3D product configurators, use rules for better accuracy. This ensures that the furniture designs are practical for manufacturing.
Automation in product design and manufacturing by using 3D visualization software also helps save prototyping time. It is a must-have for high-end or modular furniture makers who aim for perfection before production starts but reach the best resource optimization.
#2. Architecture and interior design
3D visualization lets architects and designers develop interactive, real-time designs 360 degrees. As an integral part of product design, this technology also offers the flexibility to experiment with different materials, dimensions, colors, and sizes before finalizing items.
3D visualization often combines virtual furniture showrooms to provide a more immersive experience. Buyers can see how furniture fits in their homes, leading to better-informed decisions. Even 3D room planners, enhanced by AR and VR, have revolutionized more complex furniture (e.g., kitchens and baths)—the number of layouts and details matters.
#3. Sales & Marketing
3D visualization software cuts down on the back-and-forth talks between buyers and sellers. You can also use 3D rendering software for furniture or a 3D product configurator to deliver instant furniture design. This helps optimize the sales processes and save time.
Regarding marketing aspects, 3D visualization enhances buyer engagement by allowing for exploring products from multiple angles and offering an interactive shopping journey. Especially when you ensure high-quality, flawless 3D product configuration, you can easily make a first positive impression on customers and establish your brand identity.
Top 3D Visualization Software for Furniture Businesses
Each 3D visualization software caters to different needs. Below, we explore the best 3D design software for furniture that is highly evaluated for its performance and budget. Let’s explore what makes them stand out for your furniture manufacturing and branding.
3D Modelling
#1. Fusion 360
Fusion 360 is now called AutoDesk. One of its most famous features is its collaborative cloud workspace, where everyone can easily collaborate and stay updated together. Fusion 360 also empowers CAM and simulation to ensure manufacturable prototypes.
#2. SketchUp
SketchUp is 3D modeling software for furniture designers who seek simplicity and speed. Its intuitive interface lets users craft 3D models effortlessly. SketchUp also stands out in the 3D Warehouse, with numerous pre-made furniture models and LayOut for 2D drawings. Don’t forget to utilize its Push/Pull tool to make wardrobes or tables a breeze.
SketchUp is a renowned 3D modeling software for furniture brands
#3. SolidWorks
The final name in the 3D modeling list is SolidWorks. It is created as a professional-grade solution, making it perfect for complex furniture pieces. And integrating SolidWorks with extensive add-ons like SWOOD for woodworking can ensure more technical accuracy.
#2. 3D Render
#1. Lumion
Lumion is an emerging but potential rendering solution with two standout products: Lumion View and Lumion Pro. This section will focus on Lumion Pro as it directly reflects its ability to finish the professional rendering stage and deliver product visualizations.
Lumion Pro relies primarily on excellent graphics cards instead of CAD, making it simple and reachable for beginners and pros alike. However, it demands complex, strict GPU and CPU values, system memory, and hard drive to ensure a smooth operation workflow.
#2. V-Ray
V-Ray is one of the most common 3D rendering software for furniture and can integrate seamlessly with SketchUp software. Thanks to its adaptive lighting and material libraries, users can work on and finalize unique and impressive furniture designs. Additionally, V-Ray’s GPU acceleration speeds up rendering but ensures high-quality catalog images.
V-Ray is 3D rendering software for furniture with seamless integration with 3D modeling software like SketchUp to create impressive product designs
#3. Keyshot
Keyshot stands out with fast, high-quality rendering for furniture designs in real-time. This allows users to see exactly the preview of each furniture finish and combination. Combined with its drag-and-drop texture system and accurate lighting, this ensures photorealistic images—they can be viewed in a digital showroom called Keyshot Studio.
3D product configuration
- VividWorks
VividWorks 3D product configurator can help sell complex and highly customizable products fast, without stress and errors. This is because it has built-in rules for different modular products to ensure workable finalized designs, making VividWork a trusted design-to-order software.
VividWorks also features Visual Configure, Price, Quote (Visual CPQ), and 3D space planning. While Visual CPQ ensures real-time 3D configuration, pricing, and quotes, the 3D room planner allows users to plan spaces and configure products simultaneously. This can bring a true-to-life feeling and immersive and interactive shopping experiences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC-90iYX3ro
Top brands like BoConcept, Montana, HAY, Blä Station, and Kesko Corporation use VividWorks' 3D product configuration software to enhance customer engagement, minimize errors in custom orders, increase conversion rates, and streamline their sales process. These brands operate in different niches, from shelves to kitchens & baths. This also indicates VividWorks' strong power to transform how furniture is displayed and sold.
If you want to explore VividWork 3D configurator, book a free demo with experts today!
- Threekit
Threekit is famous as an AI-powered visual commerce solution in eCommerce, including the furniture industry. It typically allows sellers to create and manage 3D product configurations and interact with interactive visuals powered by augmented reality (AR). You can also use its 3D Asset Management system to store all 3D models and CAD files.
- Zakeke
Zakeke enables users to interact directly with simple product designs, like shoes or cups, on their 3D product configurators. They can freely modify colors, materials, and sizes to ensure the finalized items (2D/3D) meet their demands. Also, Zakeke offers real-time visualization, 3D Digital Asset Management (DAM), AR, and some AI-powered features.
The bottom line
3D visualization software has remarkably revolutionized furniture businesses, enhancing design, manufacturing, marketing, and sales. While you can find diverse 3D visualization solutions to showcase your designs, the first things to look for should be 3D modeling, 3D rendering, and 3D product configuration. Based on your demands and product niche, embrace the best fit to increase your sales results and elevate your brand effectively!
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