When it comes to furnishing or refurnishing a home, most people set a budget and try not to overspend. But this doesn\’t mean that you should aim to buy as much as possible with the money you have available. Generally it is advisable to buy the best you can afford and compromise in terms of quantity rather than quality. At the same time it is sensible to make sure you get good value for the money you are spending.

How do you differentiate between “high-end” and \”low-end furniture\” – and how do you compromise between the two when you need to?

You might consider household furniture to be simply a practical aid to comfortable living, but in fact good quality furniture can be an investment. Rather than losing value over time, quality fine furniture often appreciates in value as it ages. At the very least it will last considerably longer than inferior, mass-made items. It will also look stylish or elegant, and will usually be more comfortable.

If you can identify quality furniture, you don\’t need to compromise at all. Just go back to the concept that you should buy the best quality you can afford to meet your own personal needs.

What to look for when buying new furniture

Apart from aspects like color and design, which are important for interior decor to be successful, you should always pay attention to both the materials used to make each item, and the quality of workmanship in making it.

Inexpensive upholstered furniture like chairs and couches are often constructed from the least expensive wood available. Since the item is upholstered, you won\’t see what the framework is made from – or indeed how it has been made. Low quality pieces are simply nailed or stapled together. Inexpensive foam is often used to pad the poorly constructed framework. Then it’s covered with a suitable material that might be some sort of fabric, leather or even vinyl.

While low-end chairs and couches might look gorgeous in the shop, poorly constructed frames are more likely to break, and thin and inexpensive padding will wear down rapidly. Low quality fabric and leather is likely to deteriorate more quickly than materials that have more substance and have been correctly treated to minimize damage and staining.

But you can ask questions – for example how the frame was made and what materials were used. You can also do your own visual examination to see what the stitching looks like and how solid the framework feels. Often upholstered furniture has wooden elements including feet and arms. Examine these carefully, paying special attention to joints and finish. Also be aware that manufacturers often claim to have treated fabrics to make them easy to clean. Unfortunately most don\’t stand the test of time.

Reputable companies that produce beautiful-quality upholstered furniture pride themselves on the craftsmanship of their designs. Instead of churning out as many items as they can, many hire trained artisans and invest in the best machinery for them to use. They are also selective in terms of the leather or fabrics they use.

Whatever the price of what you are buying, if it\’s a bench, chair or couch, sit on it. If it\’s a bed, lie on it. If it\’s a table or sideboard, run your hands over the surface; open the drawers and ask to see the back of the piece of furniture. You should be able to see, feel and experience quality – or on the other hand, realize that you aren\’t getting quality.

How quality affects price

While not all low-quality furniture is \”shoddy\”, generally low-priced items will have a much shorter lifespan than well-crafted high-quality furniture. It stands to reason that the less money dealers ask for items of furniture, the less they have paid for it. Certainly some will trim profit margins to get the deal. But when a manufacturer has invested in the machinery and man-power to ensure a superior product, there will be no contest in terms of price.

Quality, in most cases, costs more, but it’s worth a whole lot more.

What you can expect from low-quality furniture

– It won\’t stand the test of time.

– It won\’t become a family heirloom.

– Fabrics are likely to stain more easily than good quality upholstered items.

– Fabrics are more difficult to clean, and stitching will eventually start to pull apart.

– Wood will also tend to stain or break more easily because in most cases, less attention is given to the finish.

What you can expect from high-quality furniture

– Often it’s hand-finished.

– Can be unique, not necessarily in terms of design, but for example in terms of wood that cannot be reproduced

– Some manufacturers will also upholster on demand, so customers can choose the finish they want.

Ultimately quality fine furniture, whether machine-made or hand-crafted, will last considerably longer than low-quality mass-produced items. At best it can become a family heirloom that you will want your children and their children to continue using.

Quality is real value

While price on its own is not an indication that you are buying quality, you can be sure that unless you spot a real bargain (and they do come along from time to time), you\’re going to get what you pay for.

Reputable manufacturers are \”reputable\” for one reason: they have built their reputation over time. Not only are the products they produce good quality – they also offer supportive customer service.

So be selective and expect to pay more for quality.

To learn more about quality furniture visit the Bracko Brothers where you will find an assortment of home furnishings including hand crafted, custom built and modern styles to suit your lifestyle.

To learn more about quality furniture visit http://www.brackobrothers.com where you will find an assortment of home furnishings including hand crafted, custom built and modern styles to suit your lifestyle.

Author Bio: To learn more about quality furniture visit the Bracko Brothers where you will find an assortment of home furnishings including hand crafted, custom built and modern styles to suit your lifestyle.

Category: Advice
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