It’s tough to tell the difference between really good furniture and ones that just look nice in pictures but don’t hold up well. You might see something online or in a store that seems perfect, but then it starts falling apart sooner than you thought. It can be disappointing. That’s why it’s important to know what makes furniture really good, so you don’t end up with something that lets you down. Let’s talk about how to figure out the real deal when it comes to furniture quality.
Soft Close Feature:
Having a soft-close feature might not seem like a big deal at first, but it’s actually a telltale sign of high-quality furniture. This feature lets you close drawers or doors smoothly without any slamming or banging noises. It might seem like a small thing, but it shows that the furniture was made with attention to detail and care. So, if you notice that a piece of furniture has this soft-close feature, it’s a good indicator that it’s of good quality.
Solid Wood Or Veneer:
When it comes to durability, solid wood furniture stands out. If you see that a piece of furniture is labeled as “solid wood,” it means it’s built to withstand the test of time. Solid wood has a stronger frame compared to veneer, which is just a thin layer of real wood glued onto materials like MDF or plywood. While veneer may look like wood, it doesn’t have the same durability and longevity as solid wood. When checking the description of furniture, be sure to look for details in the materials section to ensure you’re getting the quality you desire. Here’s an example:
Product Used For Description: Natura Reza Round Coffee Table
Mortise And Tenon Joint:
One of the hallmarks of high-end quality furniture is the presence of mortise and tenon joints. These joints not only demonstrate the durability of the piece but also signify superior craftsmanship. Unlike joints in low-quality furniture, which are often simply glued and screwed together, mortise and tenon joints are handcrafted, enhancing the strength and longevity of the furniture. You can easily spot these joints by flipping the furniture over, particularly in items like chairs, bar stools, and other pieces where they are commonly used. Take a look at the attached picture below to get a clearer idea of what to look for.
Product Used For Description: Chair By Canadel.
Top Grain Leather And Split Hide Leather:
When it comes to leather furniture, understanding the difference between top grain leather and split hide leather is crucial. Top grain leather refers to the full, intact hide, while split hide leather is made from the lower, inner layers of the hide. If a product description doesn’t specify the type of leather used, it’s essential to ask your sales advisor for more information. This detail is often included in the product description, so be sure to check there as well. Refer to the image below.
Product Used For Illustration: Las Vegas Mandalay Sofa
Assembled And Unassembled Furniture:
When it comes to assembled versus unassembled furniture, the way it arrives can give you clues about its quality. If your furniture comes fully assembled or requires just a couple of steps to put together, it’s likely of higher quality. This is because the frame is typically made of solid wood, which can’t easily be broken down into pieces. On the flip side, if your furniture arrives unassembled in a box that requires hours of assembly, it’s often made of veneer and may sacrifice durability for a lower price point. In these cases, the focus tends to be more on affordability rather than quality.
Furniture isn’t just about filling space; it’s what turns a house into a home. However, what many people don’t realize is that opting for lower quality products can end up costing more in the long run. It’s better to invest in pieces that will last for years rather than settling for something cheaper that will need to be replaced sooner. If you are looking for high-quality furniture, Cricklewood Interiors in Calgary is the place where designers shop.