How to Choose Quality Furnishings That Last

When it comes to furnishing your home, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of trends, flash sales, and quick online purchases. But if you want your investment to stand the test of time, choosing well-made pieces is key. The right furnishings not only look beautiful but will perform well for years to come, saving you frustration, time and money.

As a designer who regularly furnishes homes for my clients, here are my top tips for choosing quality furnishings that last:

Know Where to Invest

Not every item in your home needs to be heirloom quality, but some pieces absolutely should be. Your sofa, dining table, and bed are used daily and take the most wear, so these are worth spending more on. Accent pieces like side tables, benches, or decorative chairs can be more budget-friendly since they’re not used as much on a daily basis.

You can also sprinkle in those unique one-off finds – whether well-loved antiques or local artwork from a neighborhood art show like the Whitefish Arts Festival. A well-chosen blend of investment furniture and more affordable accents can be a great mix. Splurge on your everyday essentials, then layer in fun, trendier pieces with throw pillows, side tables, or lighting.

Pay Attention to Materials and Construction

You’ve heard about looking under the hood – how about looking under the cushions? Sofas and other upholstered pieces offer a huge variety of quality levels. High end upholstery will have a heavy feel with a solid wood frame that is well constructed, evenly spaced springs – ideally eight-way hand tied – and high-density foam. At the other end of the spectrum, cheap “fast furniture” will feel a lot lighter, since it’s usually made from particle board. I’ve even seen sofas made with cardboard that was stapled together – as you can imagine, these don’t last long!

Other things to look for in the construction of a sofa are a kiln-dried frame, thicker gauge springs, latex foam and options for additional down filling. Of course you’ll always want to do the sit test to make sure the style is comfortable for your height and body shape. Don’t hesitate to lift a piece: solid, heavy construction is usually a good sign.

Quality is in the details. Open the drawers: do they glide smoothly? Are they fully extendable? For case goods like dressers and nightstands, check for dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints instead of staples or glue. Even hardware matters — metal beats plastic every time.

Consider Fabric and Finish

The best frame in the world won’t hold up if the fabric isn’t suited to your lifestyle. For busy households with kids or pets, look for performance fabrics that resist stains and clean easily. Check the cleaning codes — W or WS is preferable so you can use water-based cleaners or steam. For wood furniture, avoid veneers that can peel over time and instead opt for solid finishes or high-quality engineered woods with protective coatings.

Look for fabrics with a high rub count – meaning how well the fabric handles abrasion. A minimum of 15,000 double rubs is a good starting point and will be more durable over the long-term.

When in Doubt, Ask the Experts

If you’re not sure what to look for, a furniture showroom or interior designer can be a huge help. Specialists can walk you through construction details, fabric performance, and sizing. Interior designers have a vast knowledge of different furniture manufacturers and their level of quality, as well as their aesthetics. We also have access to design centers and showrooms that may not sell directly to consumers, and regularly attend design markets where we see – and sit on – new pieces.

A designer can also help you allocate your budget wisely, ensuring you invest in the right places while still creating a home that feels consistent with its architecture and reflects your personal style.