Furniture to Last A Lifetime

When buying furniture, it’s worth remembering that the bigger pieces, such as sofas and dining tables, will often remain with you for many years. So while it’s easy to be persuaded by discounts and trends, it’s important to try and find good quality pieces that will stand the test of time.

When it comes to furniture, it’s no secret that price usually indicates quality, so spending a bit more money upfront can save you a lot in the long run. But what makes quality cost more? Read on to find out just what you’re spending those extra dollars on.

Materials

If you want your furniture to last for years, look for pieces made from long lasting materials. For wood furniture, the following materials are all resistant to cracking: Ash, Cherry, Oak, Walnut, Birch, Mahogany and Maple. Try to stay away from soft timbers such as Pine, Cedar or Redwood. Leather is a popular material for chairs and sofas. If you can, make sure they are made from real, hard wearing hides that will endure your lifestyle. If your furniture is not being upholstered in leather, make sure it’s made from thick, tightly woven fabrics such as linen, cotton or wool.

Consider the Craftsmanship

Examine the structure of any wood pieces carefully. You should note whether seams fit well together and that doors, hinges and drawers open and close smoothly. You should also make sure that your furniture does not squeak or wobble, or that its structure is weak or flimsy.

Quality Checks

Low quality furniture will often have unfinished seams and screws that stick out noticeably. You should check the areas that are not visible on a piece of furniture for the best indication of quality. For example, if the underside of a table or couch is not finished neatly, then it’s likely that the whole piece was not manufactured to a high standard. Check the seams

in upholstery and make sure there is no pulling or splitting. You shouldn’t be able to feel any springs in furniture and any padding should be thick but comfortable.

Test It Out

You should always test out furniture before committing to it. Furniture shops exist so you can get an idea of how furniture will feel and look in your home, and judge the quality of a piece for yourself. Check for comfort and make sure the size, colour and feel are exactly what you want.

Avoid Materials That Are Man-Made

If your main goal is longevity and durability, try to avoid man-made materials such as plastics, bonded leather, melamine, MDF and laminates. While it may be difficult to avoid these materials altogether, you can at least look for furniture that is predominantly made from natural materials such as metal, stone, marble, leather and hardwood.

Buy Australian Made or From Local Stores

Although the idea of buying furniture online is appealing, it’s certainly not recommended when making a decision about an expensive life-long piece of furniture. Visiting a furniture store is the only way to truly know what you are purchasing. Spend a few days visiting stores in your town or city to get an idea of everything that is currently on the market. Make sure you look at local furniture stores as well as larger chains. If you’re looking for a bespoke piece of furniture, you’re more likely to find it in a smaller, local store. Good furniture is a wise investment and like all investments, it should be given the appropriate amount of consideration, trial and testing.