How to Spot Quality Furniture That Lasts at a Furniture Store
Not all furniture is built to last. Some pieces might look beautiful in a showroom but start falling apart after a year of everyday use. Others might hold up well but feel uncomfortable or impractical for your home. When shopping for furniture, the goal is to find something that’s not just stylish, but solid, durable, and worth your money.
Stores like Allure Furniture in Dublin, California offer a selection of well-crafted pieces, but no matter where you shop, knowing how to spot quality furniture will help you make the right choice.
1. Check the Materials
What a piece of furniture is made of will determine how long it lasts. Even the most stunning design won’t hold up if it’s made from weak or low-quality materials. Here’s what to watch for:
- Wood: Solid hardwoods like oak, maple, and walnut are your best bet for long-lasting furniture. If you see something made entirely from MDF or particle board, think twice because it may not hold up for more than a few years. Veneer isn’t necessarily bad, but check what’s underneath. If the core is solid wood, it’s a good sign. If it’s just layers of pressed material, it might not last.
- Upholstery: High-quality fabrics are tightly woven and resistant to wear. If you have kids or pets, performance fabrics are a smart choice because they’re stain-resistant and more durable. For leather furniture, be careful—bonded leather (which is made from leather scraps and glue) tends to peel and wear out quickly. Look for full-grain or top-grain leather if you want something that will last.
- Metal & Hardware: If a piece has metal elements—like chair legs or drawer pulls—give them a closer look. They should feel sturdy, not flimsy or hollow. Avoid plastic hardware if possible, as it tends to wear down and break over time.
2. How It’s Made is Just as Important as What It’s Made Of
A beautiful design means nothing if the piece falls apart under regular use. The way furniture is built gives you a good idea of how well it will hold up over time.
- Joints: The best furniture is held together with strong joinery techniques like dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints. If a piece is only glued, stapled, or nailed together, it won’t last long.
- Weight Test: Quality furniture usually has some weight to it. A solid wood dining table will feel heavy and sturdy, while a lightweight one may be made from cheaper materials. If you can lift a large piece effortlessly, that’s a sign it might not be built for the long haul.
- Drawers & Doors: Open and close drawers—do they slide out smoothly? Do they feel secure? Cheap furniture often has wobbly or misaligned drawers, which is a sign of weak construction.
3. Looks Aren’t Everything
Furniture isn’t just about appearance.It should feel good to use, too. Don’t be afraid to interact with a piece before you buy it.
- Sofas & Chairs: Sit down and see how it feels. Do the cushions immediately sink, or do they hold their shape? If they feel stiff or overly soft, they may not be made with high-density foam or quality springs.
- Tables & Dressers: Press on different areas. If a table wobbles under slight pressure, imagine what will happen after a few years of use. A well-built piece should feel sturdy and secure, not shaky or unbalanced.
Furnish with Intention
Choose furniture that stands the test of time. Discover quality pieces at Allure Furniture that bring both style and durability to your home.
