My Expert Advice on Selecting High-Quality Furnishings
Welcome to my world of designer living, where every piece of furniture counts! As an experienced interior designer, I know that selecting high-quality furnishings is crucial for achieving a sophisticated look that will stand the test of time. In this blog post, I'll be sharing my expert advice on how to choose pieces that not only look great but are also functional and durable. Whether you're redesigning your entire space or just looking to add a few key pieces, my tips will help ensure your home is always stylish and comfortable. So let's dive in and explore the exciting world of high-end furnishings!
Introduction to the Benefits of Purchasing High-quality Furnishings
There are many benefits to purchasing high-quality furnishings for your home. First, they will last longer than cheaper alternatives. This means you won’t have to replace them as often, saving you money in the long run. Second, they tend to be better made and more attractive than lower-quality options. High-quality furnishings can give your home a luxurious feel that makes it more enjoyable to live in.
What to Look for When Buying Quality Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your home, only the best will do. But with so many furniture options on the market, how can you be sure you're choosing quality pieces that will stand the test of time?
Here are a few things to look for when shopping for furniture:
1. Solid Construction
Look for furniture that is well-constructed from sturdy materials. When zeroing in on sofas and club chairs it is important to verify that the frame is made from kiln-dried hardwoods.
2. Quality Upholstery Coverings
When shopping for upholstered furniture, look for pieces that have been covered in high-quality fabrics like Crypton Fabrics or vegan leather by high-end textile manufacturer, Schumacher or Pindler.
3. Quality Upholstery Filling
2.0 lb. foam is ideal. Wrapped in dacron depending on what your comfort preferences, firm or soft.
4. Quality Suspension
8-way hand tied is synonymous with high-end seating. The coils have been hand-tied in every direction: front to back, side to side, and diagonally. The result is maximum flexibility, support, comfort, and all the things you'd want in high-quality seating.
5. Proper Joints
Make sure the furniture you're considering has been put together using proper joints (like dovetail or mortise-and-tenon joints). This will ensure that the piece is strong and durable. Furniture that has been cheaply glued together is more likely to fall apart over time.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can be sure you're choosing quality furnishings for your home that will last for years to come.
How to Spot Manufacturers Producing Low-Quality Furniture
When it comes to furnishing your home, you want to be sure you're investing in pieces that will stand the test of time. But how can you tell if a piece of furniture is well-made? Here are a few things to look for that will help you spot low-quality furniture:
1. Poor craftsmanship. If a piece of furniture has sloppy stitching, uneven seams, or mismatched wood grain, it's likely not been made with attention to detail.
2. Cheap materials. Furniture made with particle board or other cheap substitutes for wood veneers and hardwoods.
3. Cheap textiles. Double rubs are very crucial to the longevity of upholstery. For example, 3,000 double rubs are equivalent to 1 year of use. The industry's recommendation on high traffic upholstery like sofas, and chairs is 30,000 double rubs. However, I look for 50,000 and higher.
4. Lightweight construction. Heavier furniture is usually better quality because it's more sturdy and durable. If a piece feels flimsy or light, be wary.
5. Poor hardware. Cheap hardware on drawers and doors is prone to breaking or coming loose over time. Look for quality drawer slides and hinges that will last. I prefer a soft close drawer slide by Blum. The stainless-steel ball bearings on ball-bearing slides tend to offer better durability than the plastic rollers on roller slides.
Tips on Finding Quality Upholstery and Fabrics
When it comes to furnishing your home, you want to make sure you're investing in quality pieces that will stand the test of time. This is especially true when it comes to upholstery and fabrics, which can be expensive to replace. Here are a few tips on finding quality upholstery and fabrics:
1. Do not settle for any upholstered furniture under 30,000 Double rubs.
2. Pay attention to detail. Drawers should be dovetail joints.
3. Don't be afraid to purchase wood veneer furniture. Just because veneer furniture isn't completely made up of solid wood, doesn't mean it's not durable. Because veneer furniture is not prone to the same aging effects as solid wood, such as splitting or warping, wood veneer furniture will often outlast solid wood furniture by years. It's not to say do not invest in solid wood furniture. Many furniture pieces with ornate details and carving require solid wood materials.
By following these tips, you can be confident that you'll find quality upholstery and fabrics for your home furnishings.
How to Protect and Maintain Your New Furniture
Investing in quality furniture is a smart way to add style and comfort to your home. But, once you’ve made your purchase, it’s important to take steps to protect and maintain your new furniture. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
Choose the right placement: When placing new furniture in your home, be sure to consider traffic patterns and sunlight exposure. Avoid placing pieces in high-sun exposure areas where they’re likely to get damaged, as this can cause fading or other damage over time. If you must, then I recommend 3M tinting to save your fabrics and furniture.
Use protection: To help keep your furniture looking its best, use protection when needed. For example, if you have light-colored upholstery, consider using a company like Fiberseal to protect your upholstery from staining. If you have wood furniture, use coasters under drinks and placemats or a tablecloth on the table when serving food to help prevent scratches.
Clean properly: Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your furniture. Using the wrong cleaning products or methods can damage finishes and fabrics. When in doubt, test a small hidden area first before proceeding with a full cleaning. Most high-quality manufacturers will specify how to clean their products. Sometimes it is spelled out specifically and others will use the industry standard cleaning codes.
Turning Cushions: Make sure to rotate and flip your seating cushions routinely to prolong your cushion’s life.
With these expert tips on selecting high-quality furnishings, I hope that you now have the necessary tools to make informed decisions when creating your timeless modern space. Not only does investing in well-made and classic pieces mean fewer replacements down the road, but it can also create a wonderfully comfortable and stylish atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy and love for many years to come. So don’t hesitate any longer - get out there and start furnishing your dream home today!
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In the past decade we are seeing mango woods and other tropical woods make their way into the furniture industry. They provide character that is unique to each piece.
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My design tip is more of a cautionary tip. Mango wood and other tropical woods being sourced to create beautiful furniture pieces.
I recommend you buy from a reputable retailer that will stand behind their products. Mango woods are notorious for having wood beetles and worms. If not treated correctly then you are inviting these insects to your hardwood floors and other wood in your home. It can be a fumigating nightmare.
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