Deciding on colour is easy, identifying material and texture is even easier, but determining whether that piece of furniture will last for only a season or decades to come is a conundrum for all homemakers. We’ve all been there: Disappointed by durability, but convinced by an affordable price tag. But it’s worth investing in superior materials and workmanship, especially in items you’re likely to use every day, because those are the pieces you’ll enjoy for years to come. 

Know your materials

A decor staple, wood furniture is extremely resilient and, apart from a regular polish and diligent use of coasters on tabletops, requires very little maintenance. Quality pieces can add instant warmth to a space. Ensure each item feels sturdy, with drawers and doors well-aligned. Veneers, although typically the option used in less expensive ranges, can be used in high-quality furniture too. ‘A veneer is a thin layer of expensive, slow-growing wood that is used to cover a more sustainably grown wood, often particle board. That means your furniture will have less impact on the environment without sacrificing quality and aesthetics,’ advises engineer and hobbyist Patrick Colborne.

To test a wood’s quality, run your hands over the top and assess the finish – it should be smooth and free of defects. Inferior items often lack the craftsmanship and attention to detail that pieces created in limited quantities show. 

‘Pieces that are simpler have more longevity, but durability depends on materials used, techniques employed and overall design,’ explains
Mpho Vackier, the founder and creative director at TheUrbanative. ‘Honest’ materials such as solid wood, brass, leather, marble, wool, concrete and natural stone are more enduring than cheaper imitations, especially when combined with the latest innovative designs.

Form meets function

The best and most beautiful furniture pieces are those that are both functional and nice to look at. ‘Investing in a well made, solid drinks unit offers a long-lasting reward,’ says Jessica Stegeman, interior designer and owner of Black Cat Design. ‘Not only can it act as a focal piece in your home, but it also allows practicality and storage space.’ 

Buy fewer, more versatile and practical furniture items that can easily move with you wherever you go. ‘In a family home with a love for cooking and entertaining, servers are a brilliant means of additional storage as well as surface area’, says Mpho. ‘To facilitate ease of interaction, bar-stool seating around an island is seamless, and easy.’ 

Timelessness trumps trends

One rarely hears people complain about classic furniture pieces bought with longevity in mind. Instead, these items are able to transcend decades, spaces, and styles. Support local designers who offer well designed, non-mass produced pieces. ‘A brilliant South African designer who offers longevity, quality and beauty with his products is Gregor Jenkin,’ suggests Jessica. ‘He has interpreted the Cape-Dutch style in totally his own way by modernising pieces and making them more cutting edge.’ 

Invest in what you love

Simple advice often forgotten in favour of a good deal: Only choose items that you love. As much as furniture is functional, it’s yours to live with and enjoy every day. Choose pieces that inspire you, that you can see yourself cherishing for years to come. If furniture and homeware stores prove a bit disappointing, consider getting the item custom-made. ‘If you want a long-lasting unit, it’s worth finding a carpenter who can do an expert job,’ advises Jessica. ‘Bespoke pieces reflect your unique style and offer original, one-off pieces made to fit your space and budget.’

Curate your space

‘It begins with the table. There is nothing more important than the kitchen table. Buy the best you can, and then some,’ implores Cape Town artist and gallery owner Michael Chandler. 

Mix furniture, soft and textured fabrics, art and styles from different eras for a curated, layered result. ‘For a mix of old classics and a splash of modern sophistication, we paired old hand-me-down riempie chairs, refurbished, with an ultra-modern dining room table. It will be our forever dining table!’ says homemaker Megan Wellman, from Johannesburg.

Identifying these hallmarks of high-quality furniture with an aesthetic that speaks to your taste and style is integral to ensuring your furniture can withstand the test of time. And who knows? If you choose right, perhaps your children and grandchildren will fight over them one day. 

Words: Lisa Wallace | Photography: Gallo/Getty Images