We have the preconception that the more elegant things in life cost more. In many cases it’s true. Flying first class is expensive, but you can immediately experience why the cost is higher than a coach flying experience.  There is no mystery if there is a difference because the benefits and differences are evident.

Unfortunately, furniture is not that easy to evaluate. How can you tell if a $5,000 sofa is better than a $500 sofa? 

When it comes to decorating your home, it’s easy to assume that if you throw money at the issues and buy fine furniture that will translate into a beautiful home. 

What makes some furniture more expensive and do you need to invest in fine furnishings? I'll show you what makes the expensive furniture cost more and how to evaluate if furniture with a high price tag is over-inflated branding hype or a quality piece of furniture that is worth the investment. 

There are multiple details that go into making a piece of furniture that cost more than its mass-produced counterpart

When you budget for furniture, plan for what matters to you. It may be shocking to hear this from an interior designer, but you do not need expensive furniture.  I suggest investing in the highest quality you can afford. Spend more on the pieces that will receive heavy use and save on the pieces that are merely ornamental.

If you do buy cheap furniture, you should have realistic expectations though.  Understand that it will not last forever, the warranty will be minimal or not exist, and it will show wear and tear.

Wood

Cheap: MDF, pressed wood, chip board 

Expensive: Solid wood, quality pressed wood 

Finish

Cheap: Finish may be a laminate that imitates real wood 

Expensive: Multi-layer finish of quality veneer. More labor required during finishing process

Connections 

Cheap: Dowel and peg can, connections joined with screws.

Expensive: Joints are integrated into frame components. 

Sturdy screws that are not visible. 

Upholstery  Frames 

Cheap: MDF frame.

Weaker frames glued together.

Expensive: Kiln dried frame.  

Hand tied spring system. 

Upholstery Cushions 

Cheap: Low quality foam.

Fabrics applied directly to foam 

Expensive:

High density foam cushions.  

Options for firmness. 

 Springs inside foam cushions.

Foam cushion wrapped with   protective casing  before fabric is applied 

Fabric

Cheap: Synthetic fabrics.

No pattern matching. Basic weaving process. High sheen. Prone to pilling and fraying. 

Expensive: Higher quality fabrics.

Fabric matching for prints. Complex patterns and embellishments. 

Manufacturing Process  

Cheap: Cost efficient manufacturing process.  

Expensive: Sustainable materials and green manufacturing process.

 Limited use of hazardous chemicals. 

Labor 

Cheap: Cheap factory labor 

Expensive: Constructed by craftsmen 

When you budget for furniture, plan for what matters to you. It may be shocking to hear this from an interior designer, but you do not need expensive furniture.  I suggest investing in the highest quality you can afford. Spend more on the pieces that will receive heavy use and save on the pieces that are merely ornamental.

If you do buy cheap furniture, you should have realistic expectations though.  Understand that it will not last forever, the warranty will be minimal or not exist, and it will show wear and tear.