Before discussing how to buy quality furniture, let’s think for a minute about why. For me, there are 3 reasons to choose quality: durability, comfort and last but not least, happiness. No secret that well made furniture will last longer and be more comfortable, but beyond that, there is a wonderful ‘feel good’ that comes with quality. It’s being able to display it with pride, to make it part of your lifestyle and to have the satisfaction that you made a smart decision.
Katharine Hepburn, known for her good taste and elegance, says it well in this interview from quite a few years back.
But in a world of imitations, how can you be sure you’re investing in quality? Here are some guiding principles:
Wood. Wood furniture comes in solid wood, veneers or particleboard/composite, with solid wood being the highest quality. Veneer pieces can also be of excellent quality if the base underneath is solid. Particleboard or composite wood is a short term purchase only. For durability, the best woods are cherry, maple, walnut and mahogany. Run your hands along the surface of the finish on any piece – it should be smooth.
Joints. Avoid nails or staples or anything with visible glue. Dowels and screws are the way to go. Dovetail, mortise and tenon are the best joints.
Drawers and Doors. The best test is to open and close to make sure the flow is effortless. Drawers should run smoothly on glides and have stops. Quality drawers have bottoms that are not affixed to the sides but float in a groove. Look for dust panels between drawers to improve structure.
Upholstery. Check for aligned patterns and straight seams; there should be no puckering or looseness. Sofa skirts with a lining or weights are preferred. Make sure there is plenty of padding on the arms and back.
Cushions. Look for firm foam wrapped in padding and a protective inner cover. Removable cushion covers are a plus for keeping the sofa clean longer. Reversible cushions are great because you get twice the wear!
Colour. Of course, you should choose a colour that you love, but the practical choice is to pick a neutral when you buy a sofa that you intend to keep for a long time. Save the bright colours and trendy prints for accent chairs.
Sofa Springs. The basic guideline is to be sure the sofa has bounce. Coil, cone, sinuous or grid springs can all work well; test by sitting in various spots to see whether you tip or sink. Springs should never be more than a few inches apart. If the cushions are removable, lift and press down on the deck underneath; you should feel even spacing and resistance to pressure.
Chairs. Check for solid wood backs and legs; many fine pieces will also have a metal cross bar for extra seat support.
My best advice when buying quality furniture? Know your style! If you intend to keep a piece a long time, don’t be wooed by trends. Go with what’s true to you!
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