When it comes to furniture you want to buy furniture that will stand the test of time. Furniture is an investment, especially when it comes to the bigger pieces, that you are likely to have for years.
Australian made furniture is known for its high standard of quality, however, it can sometimes be difficult to identify high-quality furniture and know what to look for. Here are some things to look for when purchasing Australian made furniture.
Measurements
Before ordering any furniture for your home make sure to check the measurements, especially if buying online.
Size is important when buying furniture, whether a sofa, dining table or a cabinet. You want to buy the right size for the space. With Australian made, you may have the option to request custom sizing, making it easier to get the perfect size for your home.
The size of your furniture must also suit your needs. For example, when buying a dining table, consider how much seating you need. If you have a big family or entertain regularly, you may need a bigger table with additional seating. If you only have a small dining space, or perhaps you never sit at a dining table, you might only want a small round table.
Materials
When buying Australian made, or any furniture really, you always want to ensure you choose durable and hard-wearing materials. If you want long-lasting furniture, then you need to choose long-lasting materials.
When buying wood furniture, identify the type of wood, as some are more durable than others. Oak, mahogany, walnut, ash, maple, birch, and cherry are durable and crack-resistant, whereas cedar, pine and redwood are soft timbers, so are generally not as long-lasting. Check the sturdiness of wood furniture and make sure the joints and corners are properly aligned.
When buying leather furniture, you want to ensure it’s real, hard-wearing leather. Inspect any seams to ensure they are strong and well made.
Consider fabrics that best suit your lifestyle. Some fabrics will wrinkle more easily than others or can be more susceptible to snagging. Materials such as silk can look luxurious, however, they can also be quite delicate so may not be best if you have pets or young children.
Wool, cotton and linen are high-quality fabrics and wool and cotton, in particular, can generally hold up well against wear and tear. Look for thick, tightly woven fabric that has the same look and feel all over.
While look and feel are important, you should also consider the maintenance required of different fabrics and materials. You want to choose a fibre that looks good but will also last well.
Craftsmanship
Before you order new furniture for your home, you want to ensure you’re investing in quality craftsmanship.
Examine the structure and look at seams and corners to ensure everything fits snugly together. There should not be any cracks, or gaps in joints, as this can be a sign of poor craftsmanship.
If you get a chance to see a piece of furniture in person, test it to make sure the furniture doesn’t wobble. Open doors and drawers of cabinets. They should open and close smoothly without any stiffness.
If you’re looking at furniture online use all images available and zoom in where possible to see as much detail as possible. Quality of construction affects how long a piece of furniture will last. The general rule of thumb is if you buy it cheap, you buy it twice, so it’s worth investing in quality craftsmanship. Well made furniture is also generally more comfortable.
Buy from a trusted retailer
When buying Australian made furniture, it should be high quality, both in terms of material and construction. Sometimes this means finding a furniture retailer you can rely on to provide the best quality and designs.
Buy the best quality you can afford and remember that quality matters. Investing in well-crafted furniture that you’ll keep for many years can save you in the long term as you won’t need to replace it as often.
You want to furnish your home with beautiful furniture you love and that will last, and buying Australian made is often a good way to go if you’re looking for real quality. At Berkowitz Furniture, our Australian products are made to high standards of quality and are designed to look good in your home for many years.
If you’re in the market for quality Australian made furniture, shop our collection online now.
