When it comes to buying furniture, your options are endless. While fashion and style are key, buying furniture is not like picking out a seasonal spring sweater. It's a long-term investment. That's why it's crucial to arm yourself with the right knowledge for your furniture-buying journey. Aim for pieces that aren’t just stylish, but also high-quality and durable, capable of enduring year after year.

By focusing on quality, you ensure that every piece you bring home is not only well-crafted but also offers real value for its price. A great place to start is at a trusted store like Star Furniture, where our dedicated design team is eager to assist you in finding the perfect pieces for your space. With our help, you can be confident that your furniture will not only look stunning but also withstand the test of time.

So, how do you choose well-crafted furniture, and how do you spot high-quality materials? Check out our guide on how to choose furniture that stands the test of time.

The Essence of Craftsmanship in Furniture

Furniture pieces are made in a variety of ways, and they're not all created equally. When a furniture manufacturer combines time, skill, and intentional workmanship into a piece, the evidence is clear. True craftsmanship doesn't cut corners for the sake of efficiency. Instead, high-end manufacturers go above and beyond to create timeless pieces that are built to last. 

The hallmarks of quality craftsmanship include:

  • Attention to detail
  • Skilled artisanship
  • Superior materials

High-quality craftsmanship ensures that you're buying something that was made with quality materials, thoughtful consideration, and exceptional skill. Because of this, your furniture will last longer and look good for years to come.

Understanding Furniture Materials

Furniture is made from a variety of materials, depending on its purpose and the aesthetic you're trying to achieve. Some common furniture materials include:

  • Wood: Wood is used to create all types of furniture, ranging from dining room tables and chairs to bookshelves and dressers. Craftsmanship ranges greatly in the species of wood that are used and the way each piece of furniture is constructed.
  • Metal: Iron, aluminum, and steel are all used to build certain types of furniture. Modern bookcases, bed frames, and even coffee tables can be made from metal. Identifying the craftsmanship and attention to detail will determine how well it's made and whether it's designed with longevity in mind.
  • Upholstery: Linen, velvet, and cotton are a few options when it comes to upholstery. Although your taste and preferences should guide your purchase, it's also important to consider the craftsmanship of the furniture you choose. 
  • Leather: Long-lasting and naturally beautiful, leather is a popular choice for living room furniture. Although it may look similar to the real thing, faux leather is typically less comfortable and won't age as beautifully as leather. 

The Beauty and Intricacy of Wood Furniture

Wood furniture can vary greatly in terms of craftsmanship. Once you know what to look for, it's easy to spot a high-quality piece. Superior wood furniture depends on the:

  • Wood species: Look for furniture made from sturdy wood like oak, hickory or mahogany. Softer wood types are suitable in some cases. High-quality wood furniture will be sanded evenly and finished in a way that enhances the natural beauty of that particular wood species.
  • Stability of the piece: Wood furniture should feel solid and not wobble or creak under pressure. Drawers should slide out smoothly, and doors should fit well and close seamlessly.
  • Joint construction: Look for dovetail joints, dowels, and Mortise-and-tenon joints. Nails, staples and glue are seldom used to connect joints in high-quality pieces.
  • Finish type: Quality craftsmanship is often evident in the small details, such as the evenness of the stain and the precision of the carvings or inlays. Remember to ask about whether the finish is water-resistant and scratch-resistant.

The Strength and Modern Look of Metal Furniture

Metal furniture can be very cheaply made or carefully crafted by a high-end manufacturer. Here's what to look for in a high-quality piece:

  • Sturdiness: Does the furniture bend or wiggle when you put pressure on it? High-quality metal furniture should feel solid and substantial, not flimsy or unstable.
  • Examine the welds: They should be smooth, even, and without gaps or bubbles, as poor welding is a telltale sign of substandard craftsmanship.
  • Use of floor protectors: Added features like plastic or rubber gliding tips ensure that your furniture doesn't damage the floor when it's moved.

The Style and Durability of Leather

When selecting quality leather furniture at a furniture store, there are several key factors to consider:

  • Type of leather: Full-grain and top-grain leathers are top-tier options, known for their durability and ability to age gracefully. 
  • Investigate stitching: Check the stitching and seams for evenness and strength, as these are indicators of good craftsmanship. 
  • Framing: Make sure the frame is made from solid wood or metal for long-lasting durability. 

Remember, genuine leather will have natural imperfections and variations in color, which contribute to its unique character. Sit on the furniture to test its comfort and the quality of its construction; quality leather furniture should feel sturdy and supportive. Don't hesitate to ask for details about the maintenance and care requirements, as quality leather furniture is an investment that requires proper upkeep to maintain its beauty and longevity.

The Art of Joinery

Cheaply made ‘fast furniture’ can be spotted by looking at the way wooden joints are connected to one another. Staples, glue, and nails are rarely indicators of a high-quality piece. Instead, look for joints that are clean, sturdy, and prove excellent craftsmanship. Dovetail joints, bridle joints, and finger joints require careful precision and extra time, but the end results are beautiful and long-lasting. 

In fact, the joints are one of the best ways to determine whether a piece of furniture is well-made and heirloom worthy. Instead of gluing pieces of wood together an artisan carefully cuts each piece so that they fit together firmly, like a glove, creating a sturdy and beautiful joint.

Finishing Touches: Finishes and Protective Coatings

A piece of furniture can be well-made, but without the right finish, it won't last very long at all. Finishing and protective coatings keep the wood from being damaged by scratches or moisture over the years. This is especially important for pieces like dining room tables, cabinetry, and coffee tables. Polyurethane is one of the best varnishes to use on wood furniture because it protects the wood while highlighting its natural beauty.

Design and Functionality: A Balancing Act

High-quality furniture stands the test of time in terms of both aesthetics and functionality. Look for pieces that match your decor and personal tastes, but don't skimp on quality. Otherwise, you'll be shopping for the same piece of furniture in a few years. Well-designed furniture is carefully crafted to last for years, enduring the daily wear and tear of normal use. When shopping for furniture, you should never have to choose between quality and aesthetic appeal. A well-crafted piece that's made with intentionality will look authentic and will be perfectly functional for a variety of purposes.

The Impact of Care and Maintenance

Quality furniture will last for years, but its lifespan will depend greatly on how well it's maintained. Proper cleaning, dusting, and repairs are crucial to keeping it looking its best. Always refer to the maintenance guide that comes with your purchase to best approach cleaning and care. As a rule of thumb, dust your wood surfaces and vacuum upholstery often. This keeps debris from accumulating and breaking down the furniture, and keeps it looking its best for years to come.

Recognizing Timeless Styles

While trending colors and fashionable designs come and go, certain timeless styles never fade. When choosing well-crafted furniture, it's wise to select pieces that will maintain their allure for years to come. Trend-driven styles might capture your attention today, but they can quickly become dated. 

When selecting these timeless pieces, pay attention to their functionality and how they fit into your lifestyle. Furniture that combines aesthetic appeal with practical use is always a wise choice. By selecting wisely, you create a living space that is both stylish and enduring, a true reflection of timeless elegance and practicality.

Pro tip: Classic pieces like chesterfield sofas and wingback chairs have been around for centuries, and they aren't going out of style anytime soon!

The Cost of Quality: Understanding Value Over Time

It's no secret that high-quality furniture costs more than their low-end counterparts. Although you're spending more initially, a well-crafted piece is well worth the investment. Cheap, low quality furniture is built with mass production in mind. Fast furniture manufacturers often skip crucial steps that ensure furniture will last, resulting in customers having to repurchase the same piece after only a few years. Well-crafted furniture, on the other hand, is made with integrity and precision, ensuring that each piece meets excellent standards with high-quality materials, so customers can take pride in their furniture that will last for years.

Shop Star Furniture for The Best in Quality-Made Furniture

The most crucial advice we can offer in your quest for high-quality furniture is to choose a retailer you can trust, such as Star Furniture. By doing so, you'll have confidence in the quality, durability, and style of your furniture purchase. At Star Furniture, we carefully curate our collection, handpicking only the finest pieces from our chosen manufacturers. This meticulous selection process ensures that our customers receive the very best for their homes.

Remember, investing in high-quality furniture is not just about making an immediate impact in your space; it's about making a lasting choice that you'll cherish for years to come. At Star Furniture, we're proud to be part of that timeless choice, helping you create a home that's as durable and stylish as it is welcoming.