Everything you need to know about selecting quality furniture, from material choices to construction and style
When it comes to furnishing your home, one of the most significant investments you can make is in your furniture. High-quality, well-chosen pieces can make your space look beautiful and withstand the test of time (and a busy family), in both durability and style!
But how do you ensure you’re choosing furniture that won’t just look good now but will also last for years to come?
Here’s everything you need to know about selecting quality furniture, from material choices to construction and style:
1. Understanding Quality: What Makes Furniture Durable?
Before diving into specific furniture options, it’s essential to understand what factors contribute to durability. Here are the key factors to consider:
Materials: Opt for high-quality materials like solid wood, durable metals, and premium fabrics. Solid hardwood (such as oak, maple, or walnut) is typically more durable than engineered wood or particle board.
Construction: For case-goods such as tables and dressers, look for furniture made with strong construction techniques such as dovetail joints, tenon-and-mortise joints, dowels and soft-close drawers. These methods provide better structural integrity compared to staples or glue. For upholstery pieces, like sofas and chairs, one of the most durable methods in the furniture industry is the eight-way hand-tied construction method. This technique is associated with great craftsmanship and durability. Eight-way hand-tied pieces offer better support, comfort and longevity.
Finish and Upholstery: High-quality finishes and upholstery are crucial. Look for well-applied stains or paints and high-grade fabrics that resist wear and tear.
2. Choose Classic Designs Over Trends
While trendy pieces can be tempting, classic designs have a timeless appeal that can last for decades. Here are some timeless design principles to follow:
Simple Lines and Shapes: Classic furniture often features clean, simple lines that remain stylish over time.
Neutral Colors: Neutral colors such as cream, white, beige, navy, or brown tend to have longer-lasting appeal compared to bold, trendy hues. These colors also make it easier to update your decor without replacing your furniture.
Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to invest in fewer high-quality pieces than to buy multiple low-cost items. A few well-chosen pieces can be more impactful and enduring.
3. Look for Reputable Brands and Makers
Choosing furniture from quality brands or skilled artisans can often ensure higher quality. Every year, we go to High Pointe North Carolina for one of the largest furniture markets in the world. We tour factories and learn about furniture construction; we meet with lighting, textile and furniture vendors and learn about their companies and products. And, we do a lot of seat-testing! We like to sit in every chair and sofa we can! This way we can make sure the pieces we are sourcing for our clients are high quality and very comfortable!
4. Consider the Functionality of the Furniture
Furniture that is built to last should also be functional. Here’s what to look for:
Ergonomic Design: Ergonomic design ensures comfort and supports long-term use. Check for features like lumbar support in chairs and proper cushion density.
Low Maintenance Requirements: Choose pieces that are easy to clean and maintain. Fabrics that are stain-resistant for cleaning are a great option.
7. Take Care of your Investment!
Even the best furniture in the world requires care. Just like the interior of your car needs to be cleaned and cared for, as does your furniture. Here are some maintenance tips to extend the life of your pieces:
Regular Cleaning: Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for fabrics and finishes.
Protective Measures: Hire a professional to applying a protective finish to case-goods and upholstery.
Reupholstering and Refinishing: The great part about investing in quality furniture, is that you can reupholster or refinish it over time; this will extend the life of your furniture. You may even be able to pass it down to a family member!
Choosing furniture that lasts is an investment. While it can be tempting to buy fast furniture because it is cheaper and will most likely arrive quicker, it will not last and ultimately you will have to repurchase those pieces in just a few short years. Do it once; do it right. Make the investment in those key pieces; we promise it is well worth it.
We would love to help you make a smart investment in your furniture. Reach out to find out how we can help!