You have probably heard of fast fashion, which refers to manufacturers who make cheap clothing that is not made to last very long and sell it at a cheap price. This then requires consumers to buy more clothing, to replace the ones that wore out. Well, fast furniture is becoming a new hot topic, similar to the fast fashion industry.
Fast furniture pieces can come from anywhere, but are typically at places like IKEA, Walmart, Target and more. These furniture pieces are not made to last for long periods of time and can be great for those on a budget or renters. Here is a breakdown of why high quality furniture matters and how to know whether your pieces are fast furniture, or high quality.
Millennials And Fast Furniture
The connection between millennials and cheap furniture has mixed reviews online. Some of those who are newly out of college or those living with roommates had furniture handed down to them, or bought cheaper furniture from a local store or thrift shop. But more recently, the trend is starting to shift where younger generations are tired of spending so much money on furniture that is bound to break, and are spending more to have high quality pieces.
A study by RightPoint also found that more and more people are shopping for furniture online than in person. This could be another contributing factor to why fast furniture is often the easier option. For those who have a furniture business, it is important to have an e-commerce site as well as an in-person warehouse, or else you will miss a large portion of the market.
Another study done by FirstInsight found that Gen Z and Millennials were more likely in 2019 to buy vintage furniture and spend up to 10% more on sustainable products. This is good news for furniture companies that create custom and quality work. As life continues to change and adapt after the pandemic, this trend could change. But with the growing need of shopping online, high quality furniture might just get picked up if shared with the right audience.
Crowded Landfills
Not only does fast furniture break easily and cause frustration for users, they also get tossed to the dump and are filling up landfills. The EPA estimated that 9 million tons of furniture are tossed every year. This means that buying fast furniture is not very eco-friendly.
Buying higher quality furniture that is built to last will ensure that you are not tossing your furniture to the curb after just a few years. Quality furniture should last consumers a lifetime, and travel with you through all the phases of life.
High Quality And High ROI
Buying furniture can get expensive, but just like anything else, buying higher quality can often mean higher return on investment. Investing in quality dressers, beds, couches and chairs can save you money over the years. If you are needing to buy more and more furniture because what you have is not made to last, you may end up spending more than if you would have paid the singular price of a high quality furniture piece.
Return on investment is important for those who are buying some of their first furniture pieces because they will be able to move with you through life, but can also be sold for a better price if you do decide to part with it.
How Do You Know If Your Furniture Is High Quality?
Fast furniture is often made from a pressed wood or pressed material whereas higher quality furniture is made from real solid wood pieces. You can also tell by the way it is made, because high quality furniture will be bonded together instead of using screws and staples. Fast furniture may also seem less stable and wobble a little.
Choosing high quality furniture also is reflected in price and may seem a little bit more expensive than you would find online at IKEA or Target.
Sugar House Furniture
Here at Sugar House, we want our products to last a lifetime. We love seeing our furniture passed down from generation to generation and getting the most out of them.
Mission style furniture offers huge appeal for dining tables, bedroom furniture, office furniture and virtually any furniture in your home. This type of furniture offers clean edges, flat panels and straight lines that convey a timeless and rustic look for the ultimate in home furnishing distinction. Whether you are looking for new bedroom furniture sets or are in need of new living room furniture, we have a solution to fit your needs.
We strive to keep our prices fair and affordable while maintaining our commitment to providing superior, heirloom quality products. We are a local business and when you support us, you not only support the local economy but keep fast furniture out of landfills. Our furniture is made in many colors and designs so you can find something that fits your personality.
You can check out our website for our pieces or visit our showroom in Salt Lake City to view our beautiful pieces in person.
