Let’s face it: For-now furniture is an essential part of your home decorating journey. No one can afford to buy everything on their wish list all at the same time. And my expert advice is that you shouldn’t, even if you could. Rooms that evolve over time are more personal, authentic and meaningful. But that said, if you’re ready to start investing in quality furniture pieces that will stand the test of time and become possible future heirlooms, here’s where you should start.
THE SOFA
Sure, your sofa won’t last forever but a higher quality sofa will last you longer. A quality sofa has better and sturdier construction, so it will feel more comfortable and you won’t get the sagging, bowing or slipping that comes with lower-quality options. It’s a heavily used item, so that’s important. And a sofa takes up a lot of visual real estate in your living room, so investing in the best one you can afford will go a long way toward giving your room the look and feel of a sophisticated space.
CASE GOODS
Armoires, hutches, bookshelves and other storage pieces in this category are a great place to invest in quality furniture. Good-quality case goods can withstand heavy use and function better (latches latch better, knobs stay put, and doors open and close smoothly and fully). These kinds of items have staying power, and your tastes are less likely to change over time, so spend a little more here and you may have a new family heirloom to pass on to the next generation.
OCCASIONAL CHAIRS
These items can really add character to a room. Armchairs, club chairs, slipper chairs—even their names help set the tone of a space. And, since they tend to sport lots of great detailing and accents, this is furniture you can use to really express your personal style.
DRESSERS
Form really meets function when it comes to this piece of quality furniture. Well-built dressers made from quality materials can last so much longer than the budget versions and are usually larger in scale, so you can store more too.
QUALITY FURNITURE: TO SPLURGE OR SAVE
Thinking beyond furniture? Here’s our vote for other categories of your shopping list.
MATTRESS SPLURGE
You spend a third of your lifetime sleeping, and since true restful sleep leads to better productivity, creativity and overall health, this is not a place you want to skimp.
LIGHTING SAVE
The myriad options on the market mean you can probably find your style at any price point. Plus, you can bide your time until you’re investment-ready, since functionality isn’t necessarily by price.
APPLIANCES SPLURGE
Better designs and amenities really do come with higher price tags.
RUGS SAVE
Purely from a wear-and-tear standpoint, you can save for now. Depending on your lifestyle, finding an affordable rug that can hold up against stains might be more important.
ART SAVE & SPLURGE
This is one area where you should follow your heart. Investing in art is always a smart move, but don’t let a price tag dictate whether a piece is worthy or not. If it looks good and makes you happy, it should come home with you.
Want more quality furniture ideas? Check out this post on adding Vintage Decor to the Mix.
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