Many positive things have happened in the last year. People are spending more time at home with their families, they are organizing their lives, and they are updating their living spaces. For many, that means investing in some quality furniture. Unfortunately, some people look to save money and find themselves browsing the aisles of their nearby Target.
Affordable furniture can cost more in the long run when you find out how quickly it needs replacing. As Ben Franklin said – “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”
That leads us to the question – does high-quality furniture have to cost more?
Of course, the answer is yes, the best quality furniture will always cost more than a similar, cheaply-made product. However, that does not mean quality is out of your price range.
Websites such as Wayfair, Ashley, West Elm, and Ikea offer various items – ready to ship. The problem is that you will soon discover that the furnishings are not holding up a year or two down the road as well as you anticipated. From everyday wear and tear to company recalls (an Ikea problem with dressers), you may discover that paying a little more would have saved you quite a bit in the end.
How to Tell Quality Furniture from Cheap Furniture
There is another saying – you get what you pay for in life. Chances are, if you buy furniture online through Walmart’s website, it will not be of the best quality. A $500 sofa probably has about $250 worth of materials in it – at the most. You may be lucky to get a couple of years out of it with normal wear and tear. If you have kids that will be climbing or jumping on it, you may find the cushions and springs going in about a year or two. Sofa and chair cushions are the first things to break down. The thicker they are, the more expensive they are to produce, and the longer they will last.
Fabric Is Key for Quality
Fabrics are another quality concern source when looking at buying new home furniture. When shopping for furniture, check to see that the fabric is a performance quality fabric that will hold up to the test of time. Upholstery fabrics are usually a tighter weave as they are denser and heavier. They are made for furniture. For example, faux leather also will not hold up as well as real leather. Depending on use and performance of the furniture, fabric is key for quality.
Solid Wood Is Better Than Plywood
When looking at quality furniture, know that you will pay more for solid wood frames than for plywood frames. Shopping online furniture stores can lead to a host of problems. You have no idea what the quality and comfort factors are until the items arrive. After weeks of waiting, many people opt to keep it rather than sending it back. They have furniture they are not happy about for years to come. Or, if you do decide to send it back, now you are back to square one again.
When it comes to the best place to buy quality furniture, you have two options – do a significant amount of research on the best furniture reviews or contact an interior designer. In the end, working with an interior designer who can offer insight into furniture stores and quality furniture brands is the right choice. That way, you have someone with the experience and knowledge guiding you in your search. You may also discover that the designer’s connections with furniture makers can lead you to that one-of-a-kind custom piece at an affordable price.
The Difference Between Cheap Furniture and Quality Furniture
Back in the day, as the older generation might say, people bought quality wood furniture that was meant to last a lifetime. When they wanted a change, they reupholstered the sofa and had a whole new look. Today, many people look for the best place to buy furniture on a budget since they only plan on keeping it for a few years. We live in a disposable world – which only costs us more money in the end and fills up the landfills.
Cheap furniture will not last. Buying furniture is an expense no matter how you look at it. Paying $500 now for an inexpensive sofa that has to be replaced in three years or spending $1000 or more on one that will last significantly longer is a tough decision for many people. They look at the moment – what their budget can handle. However, if you budget it out over time, spending more on quality furniture right now can save you money in the long run.
The difference between cheap and quality furniture is significant. One will offer you long-lasting comfort, beauty, and functionality. The other will be adequate – for now. There is also a misconception that you need to turn to high-end furniture brands to ensure quality. Again, that is where the help of an interior designer becomes invaluable. With the right guidance, you can transform your home’s look with furnishings that will last you well into the future.
HK Interiors has been transforming homes and lives for years. Contact us today at 954-401-8542 for more information.