Whether you're furnishing a new home or looking to update your existing pieces, finding well-made, durable furniture can be challenging. Here are some tips for choosing quality furniture that will last.
1. Materials Matter
When properly constructed and finished, wooden furniture tends to withstand wear and tear better than other materials. However, not all woods are created equal. Hardwoods like maple, oak, mahogany, and teak hold up well against scratches and dents compared to softwoods. Grain direction and cut also impact durability—quarter sawn cuts produce stronger, straighter grain lines.
Upholstered pieces offer more options, some sturdier than others. Leather holds shape well and hides stains, making it a great pick for heavily used sofas and chairs. Full-grain leather resists tearing better than its bonded leather counterparts. For fabric, opt for tightly woven fibres over loose weaves. Microfiber and olefin fabrics offer stain resistance without the maintenance of leather.
Materials alone don't determine longevity. Construction quality matters immensely, too. Look for solid wooden frames over particleboard, reinforced seat cushions, durable zippers and buttons, and sturdy metal hardware.Â
2. Shop From Reputable Stores
Understanding materials is good, but it lets knowledgeable staff aid the search. Reputable furniture stores back their wares, so transparency around origins, certifications and warranties gives peace of mind.
Multi-generational stores instill more confidence. Conversely, stores changing hands frequently may not honour lifetime guarantees down the road.
Big box retailers offer lower prices but often cut corners, so quality barely matches low costs long-term. Stick to stores focused primarily on furniture, where trained staff can assess durability better than commissions-driven sellers. Reputations take decades to build but seconds to destroy, so trust intuitively feels riskier elsewhere.
3. Function Influences Durability
Consider how a piece will be used and sized accordingly. Chairs bearing the weight of larger families nightly may not withstand years as solitary seat fillers. Similarly, desks supporting intense studying deserve sturdier frames than occasional side tables.
Little ones and active households require kid-proof durability. Stain-resistant, seamless upholstery resists liquid damage better than loose-weave fabrics. Solid wood construction outperforms veneers under climbing, rolling, and kicking feet. Reinforced joints create kid-friendly sturdiness, too.
4. Care Prolongs Lifetime
No furniture gracefully withstands decline without care. Dust often, clean spills promptly, and protect from direct sunlight, which fades fabrics and finishes. Regular treatments like polish or conditioner restore lustre and shield wood from drying out. Rotate cushions to prevent impressions. Fabric and leather conditioners retain suppleness, too.