Changes to Materials Reduced ‘Repairability’
A decadeslong effort to mass produce furniture at a lower cost has led to a decline in quality, overall, experts say. The rapid expansion of the middle class after World War II made owning a home easier and drove demand for less expensive home furniture, according to CoCo Ree Lemery, a visiting professor of furniture and industrial design at Purdue University.
The rise in popularity of composite materials, such as plywood, MDF, and particle board, as well as synthetic foams and glues, was a key factor in this decline in quality. These materials were used to make furniture that was less expensive but also less durable than solid wood pieces of previous generations.
What was lost along the way was “repairability,” said Lemery. Now, “when [furniture] reaches the end of its lifespan, it just dies.”
How to Find Quality Furniture
Despite the decline in quality, some consumers are still looking for pieces that will stand the test of time. To find quality furniture, experts recommend doing research, seeing and touching the product, and paying attention to the construction.
“Don’t buy the cheapest thing on the market,” said David Koehler, chairman of Johnny Janosik, a furniture retailer with stores in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. “To find quality, you need to do your research. In our industry, it’s important to see it, feel it, touch it, so you know what you are getting.”
Best Ways to Finance a Furniture Purchase
When shopping for new furniture, make sure you’re getting a piece for a good value and ideally save for it in advance, said certified financial planner Carolyn McClanahan, founder of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida. If you need to spread out the purchase of a big-ticket piece of furniture, consider a no-interest financing deal from the retailer or manufacturer that you know you can pay off within the agreed timeframe.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Similar to buying a new household appliance, a Buy Now, Pay Later program can help you spread out the cost of a pricey piece of furniture into monthly payments. Make sure to plan accordingly because if you have more than one BNPL running at the same time, you risk “overdrawing your account,” said Sara Rathner, a credit cards expert at NerdWallet.
- In-store sales, financing options: Furniture retailers may offer major discounts on certain products for seasonal sales, Rathner said. In-store financing options might also be available, such as layaway programs or retail credit cards with a deferred interest. Make sure you are able to pay off the product by the end of the agreed timeframe. Otherwise, high interest rate fees will stack on top of your dues.
- Two types of loans: Personal loans can be an option. To qualify, you must have “decent credit,” said McClanahan. Unlike personal loans, a secured loan requires collateral to receive the money. It’s similar to buying a car: “If you don’t pay for the car, then [the bank] repossesses your car,” she said. In a personal loan, “they can’t reclaim your soul.” However, the interest in a secured loan is a bit lower because they have the collateral.
Conclusion
As the furniture industry continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever to prioritize quality and durability when making a purchase. By doing your research, inspecting the construction, and considering financing options, you can find a piece of furniture that will stand the test of time and meet your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the best way to finance a furniture purchase?
A: The best way to finance a furniture purchase is to pay cash upfront, but if that’s not possible, consider a no-interest financing deal from the retailer or manufacturer that you know you can pay off within the agreed timeframe. - Q: How can I ensure I’m getting a good quality piece of furniture?
A: To ensure you’re getting a good quality piece of furniture, do your research, inspect the construction, and pay attention to the materials used. - Q: What is the difference between MDF and plywood?
A: MDF is a type of engineered wood that is made by gluing together thin layers of wood fiber, while plywood is a type of wood veneer made from solid wood.
