Selecting High-Quality Furniture For Your Home
Once upon a time in a cozy apartment, you were on a mission to find the perfect sofa. After scrolling through countless options online, you finally discovered the one. It was stylish, promised supreme comfort, and the price was too good to resist. With a click of a button, the sofa was ordered, and you eagerly awaited its arrival.
When the big day came, the sofa looked even better in person. You spent countless hours lounging, binge-watching shows, and hosting friends. But as the months passed, the fairy tale began to unravel. The once plush cushions turned lumpy, the fabric started to pull, and a leg became unsteady.
The sofa that once brought so much joy now became a source of frustration and regret. At Sharp & Grey, we know the heartbreak of falling for furniture that doesn't stand the test of time. We're here to guide you in discovering high-quality furniture and show you the perks of letting a designer handle the procurement process for you.
Investing in quality furniture is essential for creating a stylish, comfortable, and long-lasting living space. Whether you’re furnishing a new home, updating a room, or seeking a standout piece, understanding what distinguishes high-quality furniture is crucial. While quality furniture isn’t always cheap, it doesn’t have to be super expensive either. We work to find that balance for your budget.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key aspects to consider when identifying premier furniture, ensuring you make informed choices that enhance your home. While making these choices on your own is empowering, enlisting the expertise of a designer can elevate your experience, providing you with access to exclusive trade vendors and personalized guidance.
The Benefits of Working with Trade Vendors
Designers purchase most of their goods through wholesalers that only sell to the design trade, known as trade vendors. These vendors offer better pricing to designers based on the volume of purchases, allowing us to secure high-quality products at competitive rates. At Sharp & Grey, we source custom and vintage wholesale, and we invest thousands of dollars and countless hours identifying and vetting our preferred vendors and suppliers. This involves attending trade shows, visiting private showrooms, and collaborating with an exceptional team of sales representatives. Our dedication ensures that we have access to the best options available, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
We have a network of preferred trade vendors and suppliers, but we’re not limited to them. Our priority is finding the perfect pieces for your home, whether they come from our usual sources or not. The key benefits of working with trade vendors include access to higher quality items, customization options, and the best quality for your budget.This flexibility ensures that you receive both quality and value in your home furnishings.
Advantages of Designer Coordination and Transparency
One of the main advantages of working with designers is the coordination we provide. We can source a wider variety of products and more unique options than retail stores offer. It’s important to understand the costs associated with shipping and delivery. While retail stores may hide these costs in higher price tags, we aim for transparency.
When we purchase furniture from a manufacturer, it ships via a freight service, which is more cost-effective than standard shippers like USPS or FedEx. Freight trucks deliver to a Receiving Warehouse equipped to handle large shipments, ensuring that your furniture arrives safely and is carefully handled. We want you to be fully informed about what to expect regarding shipping, freight, receiving, delivery, and installation charges.
How to Identify High-Quality Furniture
1|Deciphering Long-Lasting Materials
You can better understand the quality of furniture and how long it will last once you know what type of material it is made of. Long-lasting furniture is made from solid wood. Kiln dried hardwoods like oak, maple, cherry, and walnut are durable and resistant to wear, making them ideal for furniture upholstery that needs to last. Softwoods like pine and cedar are also used but are less durable. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood are common alternatives to solid wood. Engineered wood can be sturdy, though it may not have the same longevity as solid wood.
High-quality metal furniture typically uses stainless steel or wrought iron, known for their strength and resistance to rust and corrosion. Aluminum is lighter and more affordable but may not be as durable. Additionally, inspect the finish and welding on metal furniture. A smooth, even finish without drips or chips indicates quality craftsmanship. Welds should be clean and secure.
Look for durable, tightly woven fabrics such as leather, wool, linen, and premium synthetics. Natural fibers tend to be more breathable and comfortable, while synthetics offer resistance to stains and fading. Full-grain and top-grain leather are the highest quality, offering durability and a luxurious feel.
Split-grain and bonded leather are less durable and prone to cracking. Lastly, durable cushions should have a firm yet comfortable feel. Look for high-density foam wrapped in down or a down alternative for the best comfort and longevity. By hiring a designer, you can simplify this process and ensure you're making the best choices for your investment.
2|Construction and Craftsmanship
When assessing the quality of furniture, construction and craftsmanship are paramount indicators of durability and longevity. The best furniture joints include dovetail, mortise-and-tenon, and dowel joints, which provide superior strength and durability. Avoid furniture with joints held together by staples, nails, or visible screws, as these are signs of lower quality.
Reinforced corner blocks add stability to furniture, particularly in pieces like chairs and sofas. These should be secured with screws and glue for maximum strength. Additionally, Solid wood frames are a hallmark of long-lasting furniture. Check for stability by applying pressure to different parts of the frame; there should be no creaking or movement. Frames made from kiln-dried wood are less prone to warping and cracking. This process removes moisture from the wood, enhancing its strength and stability.
3|Sofa Suspension
High-quality drawers have dovetail joints, are fully finished inside, and include smooth, quiet glides. Soft-close mechanisms add a touch of luxury and prevent damage from slamming. Cabinet and wardrobe doors should align perfectly and open smoothly. Quality hinges and hardware contribute to the overall durability and ease of use. Read about the importance of a good spring system.
Hiring a designer means you benefit from their expertise in identifying superior construction and craftsmanship, making your shopping experience stress-free. At Sharp & Grey, we handle these details and ensure you end up with furniture that not only looks great but also stands the test of time.
4|Signs of Superior Finishes
Here’s how to identify a good finish. A good finish is smooth and even, without streaks, bubbles, or bare spots. This applies to both painted and stained furniture. Look for a protective coating that enhances durability, such as lacquer or varnish. This helps protect the wood from scratches, moisture, and UV damage.
High-quality furniture features solid metal hardware rather than plastic or thin metal. Brass, stainless steel, and wrought iron are durable options. Hardware should be securely attached and function smoothly. Loose or flimsy hardware is a sign of poor construction.
Upholstery details are another indicator of exceptional furniture. Examine the stitching on upholstered furniture. Even, tight stitching without loose threads indicates quality craftsmanship. If the piece is patterned, look for seamless matching of the pattern on different areas of the piece. Tufting and buttons should be securely fastened and evenly spaced. Loose or misaligned tufting suggests inferior workmanship. Peek through our West coast inspired Summit, NJ project to see examples of superior craftsmanship.
5| Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort and ergonomics are crucial elements of quality seating. High-quality furniture should offer good lumbar support and maintain its shape over time. Look for seating with high-density foam, coil springs, and web suspension systems for superior comfort and durability. At Sharp & Grey, the gold standard in furniture construction is the 8-way hand-tied spring system, known for its exceptional support and longevity. Cushions filled with high-resilience foam wrapped in down or a down alternative provide a perfect combination of comfort and support. Avoid cushions that feel overly soft or hard, as they may not provide adequate support.
6| Brand Reputation and Warranty
Research brands known for their furniture. Look for reviews and ratings from other customers, as well as industry awards and certifications. Established brands with a long history in the industry are often more reliable in terms of quality and customer service.
Top-quality furniture typically comes with a comprehensive warranty that covers materials, construction, and workmanship. This reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. Look for warranties that offer coverage for at least several years. Lifetime warranties are a strong indicator of superior quality. A designer's expertise can help you navigate brand reputations and warranty details, making the entire process much simpler and more reliable.
7| Environmental and Ethical Considerations
Choose furniture made from sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood, recycled metal, and eco-friendly fabrics. These options reduce environmental impact and support responsible forestry practices. High-quality furniture brands often adhere to environmentally friendly manufacturing processes, reducing waste and emissions.
Look for brands that prioritize fair labor practices, ensuring that workers are paid fairly and work in safe conditions. Brands that provide transparency about their sourcing and production practices are more likely to be trustworthy and committed to ethical standards. A designer can guide you to brands and products that align with your environmental and ethical values, making your purchase both responsible and fulfilling. Please note, from an sustainability standpoint, it is valuable to purchase furniture with longevity that keeps furniture away from the landfill, longer. For example, an IKEA sofa on average has a three year lifespan. Sourcing quality pieces with Sharp & Grey will ensure you will have an heirloom that lasts for decades.
Browsing for outside furniture? Check out this guide to help you pick out the perfect outdoor furniture for your outside spaces.
8| Test Your New Furniture Checklist
Sit on chairs, sofas, and beds to assess comfort and support.
Check for ergonomic design and the quality of cushion fillings.
Apply pressure to different parts of the furniture to check for stability. There should be no wobbling, creaking, or shifting.
Test any moving parts, such as drawers, doors, and reclining mechanisms, to ensure smooth use and durability.
Upon delivery, inspect the furniture for any damage or defects.
High-quality furniture should arrive in perfect condition, with all parts intact and functioning. Ensure the furniture matches the showroom model in terms of quality and finish. Any discrepancies should be addressed with the retailer or manufacturer.
At Sharp & Grey, we manage all of your furniture deliveries through our trusted receiver. Anything not up to par will be repaired or sent back to the manufacturer before it ever reaches your home, and our team will resolve any issues in a timely manner. This ensures you get only the best, perfectly inspected furniture for your space.
Mastering the Art of Furniture Selection
At Sharp & Grey, our aim is to find the best quality furniture for each of our clients' budgets. Identifying high-quality furniture requires a keen eye for detail and an understanding of the materials, construction, and craftsmanship that contribute to durability and aesthetics. Our team has spent countless hours learning about how each piece of furniture is made. Materials, construction, comfort, brand reputation, warranty, environmental and ethical considerations, and thorough testing are all part of our selection process. We confidently choose furniture that will enhance your home and stand the test of time.
While you can certainly pick your own furniture, working with a designer can create a more optimal experience. Our expertise ensures that every choice you make is well-informed and aligns perfectly with your vision. We focus on selecting pieces that not only look good but also offer long-term value, comfort, and usability. By leveraging our knowledge and resources, we help you create a stylish, comfortable, and durable living space that reflects your personal taste and meets your needs for years to come.
Part of the fun when working with a designer is gaining access to our expertise, knowledge, and exclusive resources. At Sharp & Grey, we strive to create transparency for our clients. Our hope is that this guide will answer most of the questions you have about how to identify high-quality furniture and what it’s like working with a designer to purchase goods.
Drop us a line – we would love to send you an outline of our procurement process and service offerings.
Talk soon,
Libby