Fast vs. Forever: Why investing in quality furniture pays off

Furniture, as well as clothes have different quality segments: mass market (e.g. Ikea), middle class ( e.g. Hay or Kave Home) and lux segment ( e.g. B&B Italia). As you may have noticed, today I will be writing about the luxury segment and explaining why it is a smart investment, just like investing in a Birkin bag by Hermès.

Environmental problems

Sustainable furniture has transformed from a niche market to a mainstream phenomena  as consumers become increasingly aware of their environmental impact. More than just a passing trend, furniture sustainability combines responsible material sourcing, ethical manufacturing, and unique design that make product timeless.

Nowadays, the furniture industry faces “fast fashion” epoch. What was once considered a lifetime purchase has become increasingly accessible, with cheaper materials and trend-driven designs provoking frequent replacement cycles. It was  indicated that furniture quality has decreased in recent decades, particularly in lower price segments. According to a 2024 report, this trend is partially explained by “a decrease in quality” and the fact that “interior design and thus furniture also seem to be increasingly subject to trends”. The shift from solid wood and metal (durable materials) to cheaper alternatives like plywood and particleboard has significantly reduced furniture durability and repairability (Lisanne S., et al., 2024). This phenomenon has negative environmental consequences. In North America alone, approximately 80% of furniture ends up in landfills at the end of its usable life, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in transportation and disposal costs annually. This furniture waste decomposition produces methane-a potent greenhouse gas-and toxic leachates that can contaminate soil and water supplies (Agati Furniture  report). The environmental impact is compounded by the carbon footprint associated with each new piece manufactured, with the average furniture item generating 47 kilograms of carbon dioxide, equivalent to over 5 gallons of fuel (Rose Morrison, 2024). To say it shortly, when people purchase cheap furniture for daily base, it breaks sooner than expected and it need to be to replaced it with another. 

What makes furniture truly sustainable?

Sustainable furniture goes beyond marketing buzzwords to improve responsible practices throughout its lifecycle. Here I show you elements that helps consumers make rational choices.

Sustainable furniture begins with responsibly sourced materials. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood ensures minimal environmental impact while supporting biodiversity and reforestation (Walker S, 2025). Other sustainable materials include:

• Bamboo and rattan, which regenerate quickly.

• Reclaimed or salvaged wood that reduces the need for new logging.

• Recycled metals and plastics that divert waste from landfills.

• Organic fibers like cotton, linen, and hemp for upholstery.

Quality furniture designed to last for decades or even generations. Moreover these items are beyond “trends”, since their designs are timeless. It provides significant economic advantages:

• Reduced replacement frequency = long-term savings.

• Minimized repair costs over the lifetime of the piece.

• Potential appreciation in value, particularly for well-crafted items.

High quality furniture production typically highlights resource efficiency:

• • Reduced raw material consumption through efficient design and manufacturing.

  • Lower energy consumption during production compared to multiple replacement pieces.

  • Extended product lifecycle keeping materials in use longer.

  • Regional sourcing with shorter transport routes reducing transportation CO2 emission.

Consumer Guidelines: identifying truly sustainable furniture

Now lets talk about key indicators of sustainable furniture.

When you search for sustainable furniture, look for these quality markers:

1. Material transparency and certifications (FSC, GREENGUARD, Sustainable Furnishings Council);

2. Manufacturing information including production location and labor practices (The good trade; Davidson);

3. Finish details specifying low-VOC or water-based options (Walker S, 2025; Agati Furniture  report);

4. Warranty length and repair/replacement policies (InSTYLE Home and Rugs).

Questions to ask retailers:

•  How materials were harvested or manufactured (Davidson);

• Manufacturing processes and environmental safeguards in production facilities (Walker S, 2025);

• Packaging practices and delivery methods (Walker S, 2025);

• End-of-life options for disassembly, recycling, or take-back programs (Lisanne S., et al., 2024).