When selecting furniture, it’s easy to be drawn to current trends or enticing prices. However, selecting quality furniture will give you pieces that endures both in style and durability. At Jae Taylor Designs, I guide clients through local furniture showrooms, where they can experience each piece firsthand—sitting on upholstery, examining finishes, and seeing quality construction up close. Here’s a guide to help you make well-informed furniture choices that stand the test of time.
Choose High-Quality Materials
- Solid Wood vs. Particle Board: Solid wood furniture, often found in retail showrooms, outlasts particle board. I encourage clients to examine both options closely to feel the difference.
- Durable Upholstery: Leather and tightly woven fabrics typically resist wear better. Sitting on these fabrics in person allows clients to gauge both comfort and durability firsthand.
Inspect Construction Quality
- Joinery: In-store, I point out joinery methods like dovetail or mortise-and-tenon, which last longer than simple nails or glue.
- Heavy-Duty Springs: Sitting on sofas with eight-way hand-tied springs provides a clear sense of support quality, which I encourage clients to experience.
- Stability: In a hands-on setting, clients can check for wobbling in tables and chairs, helping them see firsthand the importance of stable construction.
Opt for Timeless Designs
- Classic Silhouettes: Mid-century, transitional, or traditional pieces often endure well beyond fleeting trends. By experiencing them in person, clients can appreciate their versatility across styles.
- Neutral Colors: Viewing larger furniture in neutral tones allows clients to envision how the pieces can be adapted with various decor styles over the years. You can continually update pillow fabric and switch out accessories to change your color palette. Not to mention, it’s pretty inexpensive to make these minor changes when you’re ready to freshen up your space for a new look.
Test for Comfort
- Sit Before Buying: In-store shopping offers the invaluable chance to try seating for comfort, ensuring that each piece suits individual preferences. I highly recommend a “sit test” before purchasing upholstered pieces. I’ve experienced countless clients who purchased an online chair or sofa only to be disappointed by the lack of comfort or quality.
- Cushion Composition: High-resiliency foam or down-wrapped foam provides enduring comfort. Feeling these cushion options firsthand allows you to make informed choices. Lesser quality will wear out fairly quickly, begin to sag, and won’t protect the durability of your fabric over the long haul.
Pay Attention to Warranty and Maintenance
- Warranty: Many retail showrooms offer a selection of quality furniture with manufacturer warranties that cover construction and materials, a good sign of durability. Additionally, most local retailers also offer insurance to protect against accidents. Accidents happen, and kids, pets, and guests are the biggest offenders. Purchasing accident insurance covers cleaning and repair, offering peace of mind worth its weight in gold! Whereas if the retailer cannot fix the problem, they will replace your damaged piece. Most of the policies I’m familiar with cover your furniture between 3 and 5 years.
- Easy Maintenance: In person, we can discuss care needs with showroom staff and select materials with easy maintenance features like stain resistance and sun exposure.
Think Beyond Initial Cost
- Cost per Use: Though high-quality furniture has a more significant upfront investment, I help clients understand its long-term value, as they can see and feel the difference between quality and lower-cost options. One question you should ask yourself is, how often do you want to replace your furniture? With daily use, lower-quality pieces generally last a few years. High-end pieces can be handed down from generation to generation. And while you might not want to invest in “the best,” many middle-tier furniture lines last 15 to 20 years.
- Resale Value: Quality pieces often retain their resale value, particularly those from respected brands or artisans. On the other hand, lower-cost pieces will generally net you pennies in the dollar. If you’re looking for high-end furnishings but don’t have the funds, consider looking at high-end furniture consignment shops. You might get lucky enough to score a deal!
Selecting quality furniture that will last for years is about making informed choices. By guiding my clients through in-person visits to local showrooms, I help them see, touch, and test furniture for quality, comfort, and durability. Choosing quality furniture is more than an aesthetic choice—it’s a decision that provides lasting value and style in your home.
Ready to Find Furniture You’ll Love for Years?
A bit of expertise goes a long way when selecting quality furniture as an investment; having a knowledgeable guide can make all the difference. If you’re planning your next furniture-buying trip, let’s make it a success! Schedule an appointment with me, and together, we’ll find pieces that fit your style, needs, and budget—pieces you’ll love for years to come.
Let’s get started! Contact me today to schedule your personal shopping experience!
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