Imagine scrolling through your favorite online furniture store, leisurely browsing the selections. You click on a few sofas, imagining how they might look in your home. And then you find it – The One. It looks stunning in the photos, the description promises ultimate comfort, and the price is just right. Without hesitation, you “add to cart” and eagerly await its arrival.

Fast forward a year (or less), and that once-beloved sofa is now sagging, the fabric is worn, a leg is wobbly, and the back pillows are lumpy. Ugh! Total bummer. Truth is, opting for retail furniture may initially seem like a win — it’s affordable, attractive, and cozy (at first). But when those low-quality materials start to falter, often much sooner than you’d expect, you’re left with buyer's remorse.

Investing in the furniture that you’ll use frequently is smart — trust me, you’ll thank yourself down the road. But, how can you tell if a piece is high-quality? Well, my friends, I’m here to help guide you in the right direction…

What Defines High-Quality Furniture?

Appearances can be deceiving, especially when it comes to assessing the quality of a sofa or chair. Let’s take a look at some of the essential elements of furniture that distinguish furniture built to endure:

1. Frame & Cushion

When it comes to sofas and chairs, the real level of quality is hidden on the inside. 

A solid wood frame with coil springs signifies superior craftsmanship, far surpassing those retail alternatives constructed with flimsy particle board and elastic webbing. When you try to lift that sofa, does it feel heavy? If so, that’s a good sign.

Equally important as the frame and suspension are the cushions. High-density foam will remain supportive and last for at least 10-20 years, unlike low-quality foams, which will break down in 1-3 years.

2. Local & Customizable

Another good sign of high quality furniture? It’s made here in the USA and is customizable to your preferences. When you choose a piece that allows for changes and adjustments, it’s likely that real artisans are handcrafting your furniture with care. And that, my friends, translates to greater durability, lasting quality, and tailored perfection.

3. Fabric Choice

Did you know that the way a fabric wears down can actually be measured? Yep, it’s called a wear factor, and it's tested by calculating how many rubs it takes to wear through the fabric. Obviously, a higher wear factor will point to a higher quality fabric, which is something you’ll definitely want for your frequently used sofas and chairs.

Navigating Furniture Selection

So, we’ve determined the important factors in quality furniture, but the biggest question remains: Where can you find the high quality options? Your best bet is to partner with a designer. An interior designer will expertly guide you through the selection process offering sooo many benefits along the way. Here’s how we do it…

1. Establish Your Investment

One of the first things we look at as we begin your furniture search is your desired investment level. We like to give a high to low range for what items can cost so that we’re on the same page before making any initial selections.

Important Note: Buying high quality furniture is an investment, and it’s one that pays off in the long run, sparing you the need for frequent replacements. We always recommend investing in the furniture that you’ll spend the most time in. For example, prioritize comfort and durability for your family room sofa and chairs, which endure daily use.

2. Consider Refinishing

Before rushing into sourcing new products, we like to assess what you already have. If you own existing furniture that is well-made and comfortable, recovering or refinishing it can give it a brand new life. 

We love repurposing and mixing old and new to create timeless designs. Case in point, our Deborah Drive Remodel, pictured below. We repurposed some of their high-quality antique furniture by recovering with new fabric, and we custom ordered new pieces, as well. The result? A classic and deeply personal design that’s super comfortable and will be for years to come.

3. Source Products

It’s time to shop! After establishing your investment level and whether we’ll refinish any of your existing furniture, we begin sourcing. One major benefit of buying furniture with us is that you gain access to our network of trade-only vendors that specialize in high-quality furniture unavailable to the general public. Another bonus: items from these vendors check all the boxes, so you know you’re getting something that will last. 

We search for the most well-made products available that align with your investment range, aesthetic, timeline, and lifestyle. Achieving your furnishing goals can be a balance – we may strategically spend more on an item like your sofa and save on end tables and lamps to stay within your investment goal. 

Whenever possible, we encourage you to sit-test upholstery pieces to determine the ideal seat height and depth for your comfort. This insight guides us when it’s time to customize your sofa or chair. And while choosing custom furniture is absolutely worthwhile, keep in mind that it can take longer than ordering retail – after all, it’s being built just for you, and quality craftsmanship takes time.

Loving Your Furniture for Years to Come

And there you have it! The scoop on retail vs. high-quality furnishings isn’t something that everyone is aware of, but they honestly should be. Trust me, you don’t want to be back at the retail showroom in a few years… that expensive cycle can repeat endlessly. Investing in durable, long-lasting furniture is a decision you will never regret.

Finding furniture that you love and that will last for years to come doesn’t have to be hard — as long as you know where to look. If you’re ready to start that journey, I’d love to be your guide. Reach out to me here, and let’s chat about bringing your perfect furnishings home.