It’s hard to scroll through social media, watch a TV show, or read your local paper without being inundated with ads for furniture stores and furniture sales. You’ve probably heard your grandparents or parents lament that “they don’t make things like they used to” and furniture is no exception.
If that’s the case, how do you distinguish high-quality furniture from mass-produced, “fast” furniture? If you’re looking for some tips on how to find good quality, sturdy furniture that will hold up for decades to come, you’re in the right place. Here are 5 signs to identify high-quality furniture.
1. Hardwood Frame in Upholstered Furniture
When you’re buying upholstered furniture and can’t see the frame, be sure you check with the company or salesperson to ensure that the frame is made of solid wood. This will allow you to reupholster in the future as the material wears out. This means you can extend the life of your piece as well as change the upholstery as trends change.
2. Drawer Construction
When purchasing a dresser, end table, chest of drawers, china cabinet or other piece of furniture with drawers, be sure to pull them out and test how easily they roll as well as how they are constructed.
You want to look for dovetailed, mortise, or tenon joints, as this makes them stronger and able to hold more weight. Make sure there is no particle board used either, as this will wear out over time and cannot hold as much weight.
3. Manufacturer
Choose brands that have been around for a long time and have a reputation of building sturdy, heirloom-quality furniture. There are many American-made brands that meet these criteria, such as Wesley Allen, Norwalk, Parker Southern, and Temple Furniture.
4. Upholstery
A well-made piece of upholstered furniture shouldn’t have any loose threads, uneven seams, or patterns that don’t match up. Look at the other side of the cushions as well. If they are upholstered on both sides, rather than one side being tan or other colored cheaper material, they will last longer as you can flip them over every few months to reduce wear-and-tear.
5. Test the Cushions
If you’re buying a chair, sofa, loveseat, or another upholstered item, make sure the cushions are firm, yet soft. Check the springs and make sure they are tightly coiled and no more than a few inches apart. Remember, you don’t just want your furniture to look nice, you want it to be comfortable too!
High-Quality Furniture to Pass Down For Generations
High-quality furniture that is well made is timeless. It can be passed down from generation to generation, unlike mass-produced, assembly-required furniture that many seem to favor due to the low cost and ease of purchase. If you want to stop this cycle, use this guide to invest in quality pieces that will remain in your family for decades to come.
Visit our furniture store in Fort Wayne where you can find the type of furniture your parents and grandparents reminisce about. Most of our products allow you to customize the fabrics, colors, and finishes to get exactly what you want.