We all love a bargain, don’t we? But oftentimes, the lower-priced item isn’t necessarily a bargain. This is especially true when it comes to purchasing furniture. Inexpensive items may be poorly made and fall apart quickly or have hidden defects that only become apparent once you get them home. So, how can you ensure you’re getting the most for your money when it comes to buying furniture? Arm yourself with a little knowledge and do some comparison shopping before you lay down your hard-earned money on any item.
For example, do you know the difference between a $150 chair and a $300 chair? And is the $300 chair the same as the $650 chair? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Furniture Price Points
Elements of an Inexpensive Chair
An inexpensive chair frame is often made from particle board and wood veneers instead of solid wood. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with veneer, it will eventually peel, break off, discolor over time, and cannot be sanded or restained. Once it’s damaged, it must be replaced.
Inexpensive furniture is often made from softwoods like pine, cedar, and spruce, as well as non-furniture grade plywood and particle board. Particle board is a man-made material created by compressing wood particles and binding them with resin. A veneer is added to give the appearance of real wood furniture.
Inexpensive furniture is typically assembled using staples, nails, and glue, which can come apart over time. Additionally, softwoods don’t hold screws and nails as well as hardwoods, which can lead to loose, wobbly, and unstable furniture. Many inexpensive pieces use webbing as a support system instead of springs. Webbing is uncomfortable and, since it’s made of fabric, will eventually wear out. The cushions are usually filled with foam and may or may not be covered with muslin to keep the fabric in place.
The fabric is often loosely woven, which can cause it to tear or come apart at the seams. It may not be fade-resistant and could feel scratchy or uncomfortable. Even style is reflected in the price! A comfortable chair will have a rounded back rather than a straight one, proper seat height and depth, and ergonomically designed arms, for example.
Elements of a Mid-Priced Chair
You get more for your money with a mid-priced chair. In this price range, you can expect chairs made from hardwoods such as oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. These woods hold screws and nails securely, especially when they are counter-sunk, ensuring the furniture remains sturdy for many years. The legs should be screwed and glued for added stability. Mid-priced furniture often features a sinuous spring system or an eight-way hand-tied spring system, providing support and comfort for the person sitting in the chair.
Durable fabrics are used as upholstery in mid-priced furniture, treated to resist abrasion and fading. You won’t find defects such as mismatched patterns, color changes, or sloppy stitching. The cushions are often a combination of high-quality foam and feathers, wrapped in muslin to prevent feathers from poking through the fabric. Muslin also keeps the upholstery fabric from slipping or bunching over time.
Elements of a High-Priced Chair
The most expensive furniture is crafted from responsibly harvested, solid hardwoods like walnut, maple, oak, ash, birch, and mahogany. These woods boast beautiful color and grain and are durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear. Exotic woods such as ebony, koa, and burl may also be used in high-end furniture.
A high-quality chair will feature exquisite fabrics that are handwoven, embroidered, custom-dyed, or imported from faraway lands. The upholstery will be impeccably matched, incorporating small details like double welting, nailhead trim, and tufting.
The spring system in high-priced chairs will feature eight-way hand-tied springs for ultimate comfort and support. The cushions are made from the highest quality foam, often combined with feathers and down. For those who prefer a more relaxed feel, 100% down-filled cushions are available.
High-quality furniture can be refinished and reupholstered time and again, lasting for many years.
Keep in mind that price does not always equate to value. You might be lucky enough to find a great bargain on a well-made piece of furniture. On the other hand, you could end up paying a lot for a mid-quality piece simply because it bears the name of a celebrity or well-known designer.
Making the decision to purchase low, mid, or high-quality furniture is ultimately determined by your budget and the intended function of the piece. If your chair is just an accent piece that will sit in the foyer collecting coats and bags, then lower-priced furniture may be sufficient. However, if the chair is going to receive years of use from rambunctious kids, messy pets, and sloppy husbands, a higher-quality piece is a better investment to ensure you get the most for your money.
