It’s easy to fall into the trap of buying low-quality furniture that fits whatever trend is in style at the moment. But now more than ever, it’s important to make smarter, long-term choices when furnishing your home. One way to do this is by embracing the “Buy It For Life” approach—a movement that emphasizes purchasing quality products that last, reducing waste and unnecessary spending. After all, furniture is one of the most significant investments in any home, so it only makes sense to choose pieces that stand the test of time.
If you’re wondering how to shop for quality, buy-it-for-life products, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process and make the best decisions for your space.
The Benefits of the Buy It for Life Movement
Replacing worn-out furniture regularly can be expensive, and chasing every new trend can leave you feeling overwhelmed. The “Buy It For Life” approach offers a simple solution. By purchasing quality, timeless pieces, you get the following benefits:
Cost Savings
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of purchasing cheap, short-lived furniture. While you may save a few dollars initially, the amount spent can add up over time as you replace worn-out pieces. Although high-quality furniture can seem like a bigger investment upfront, it will actually save you money in the long run. The math is simple: fewer replacements mean fewer costs over time.
Sustainability
You’re not the only one who achieves a beautiful look by purchasing quality investment pieces—so does planet Earth! Inexpensive, poor-quality furniture often has to be replaced every few years, which puts a huge strain on the environment. And the environmental impact of manufacturing and making new furniture takes up a lot of resources.
By choosing durable, timeless pieces and shopping used furniture for your buy-it-for-life-inspired home, you can break the cycle of constant buying, keep items in circulation longer, and make a sustainable investment that benefits both your home and the environment.
Longevity
Investing in timeless, best-quality furniture now means never worrying about revamping your living room or clashing with your treasured statement pieces again. Trendy pieces and flickering microtrends might look great now, but they are likely to become outdated in a few years.
Timeless designs never go out of style. From high-quality items that hold up to being mended to sturdy living room furniture pieces that can be used, reused, and upcycled, buying for life means investing in designs that continue to look great in your home for many years to come.
How to Choose Furniture That Lasts
So, how do you find furniture that will truly last? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you make the best choices.
1. Pick Durable Materials
How long does furniture last? The material your furniture is made of will play a big role in that equation. Some materials are just stronger than others. Here are a few to look out for in your search for long-lasting products:
- Solid Wood: Most hardwoods are durable and pleasing to the eye. Options like oak, cherry, and maple are sturdy, can be repaired, and can last for generations. Already have wood furniture? Try repurposing it! Mother Nature sends her thanks.
- Leather: Leather is known for its durability and timelessness, but what type of leather furniture is most durable? The holy grail is full-grain leather, which is a part of the broader top-grain leather family. Nubuck leather is another top-grain leather to consider. They all feature rich and natural colors while retaining time-tested durability.
- High-Quality Fabric: If you’re looking at upholstered furniture, go for fabrics like cotton, linen, or wool. These materials tend to last longer than cheaper options and still look good after many years.
2. Choose Timeless Designs
Buying furniture with the intention of having it forever can seem daunting. After all, what if it goes out of style? Will your house end up looking like a time capsule of the 2020s? Hopping on trends puts a time limit on your style and runs the risk of looking outdated. However, relying on timeless, neutral furniture ensures that no matter what styles come and go, all it takes are some minor adjustments to stay en vogue.
Let’s use the bedroom as an example: a neutral-toned wooden bedside table, computer desk, or chest of drawers will complement most bedroom styles and your table lamps—be they traditional in design or avant-garde.
So, instead of going for trendy styles, choose furniture that has classic lines and neutral colors. This way, it will still fit into your home, no matter what design trends come and go.
3. Check the Construction
Durable furniture isn’t just about the materials—it’s also about how it’s built. A piece of furniture that’s made well will last much longer than one that’s cheaply made. Here’s what to look for:
- Strong Joints: Furniture with sturdy joints (like dovetail joints) is built to last. This makes sure your furniture won’t fall apart after a few years.
- Solid Frames: Check the frame, especially for sofas or chairs. A solid, sturdy frame will ensure your furniture doesn’t wobble or break over time.
4. Consider Repair Options
Even the best furniture can wear out over time, but the right piece can be repaired instead of replaced. Wood furniture can be refinished, leather furniture can often be reupholstered, and repairing rattan furniture (or other similar materials) is simple!
Think about how easy it will be to repair your furniture if needed. If something breaks or wears down, it’s good to know that you can fix it yourself or visit furniture repair shops instead of tossing items out and spending lots of money on new purchases.
How to Determine Your Interior Design Furniture Investment When ‘Buying-for-Life’
Before making any major furniture purchase, it’s crucial to take a step back and determine the role that each piece will play in your home. Ask yourself the following questions:
- How long do I plan to use this piece? If it’s something that will be a focal point in your home for years to come, make sure it’s made with durable materials and timeless design.
- Is it versatile? Pieces that are flexible in terms of style or function will last longer, as they can be used in multiple spaces or with different design themes.
- Does it fit into my lifestyle? Whether it’s a high-traffic area or a space that’s rarely used, ensure your furniture is durable enough to handle its intended use.
Invest in Your Future with Buy It for Life Products at CORT Furniture Outlet
Buying for life doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. At CORT Furniture Outlet, new and gently used inventory offers designer quality and style at a fraction of the price—up to 70% off original prices. But it’s not just about savings. At CORT Furniture Outlet, we prioritize quality construction that utilizes high standards for materials, and we place an emphasis on protecting and reconditioning every piece to keep furniture out of the landfills and cut down on emissions.
With us, you can confidently invest in high-quality furniture, knowing that we are committed to sustainable and ethical practices. CORT’s circular business model ensures that furniture is rented, returned, this process is repeated, it’s refurbished, and repurposed here at CORT Furniture Outlet, reducing waste and promoting responsible consumption. Plus, our team of experts has inspected and cleaned every item.
Are you wondering, “Where can I buy quality furniture?” Visit your local CORT Outlet or shop online today.
