Is there an item in your home that is considered a family heirloom? Maybe it’s grandma’s pearl necklace or a set of silver spoons. The word ‘heirloom” often conjures up this idea of antiquity and responsibility. Heirloom furniture, however is something that can be purchased brand new, with the idea that one day these stunning pieces can be passed down to children and grandchildren.
Think of heirloom furniture as family furniture; furniture that can used by generations of the same family. Today, most American homes are furnished with a combination of inexpensive factory furniture, secondhand pieces from friends and family, and maybe a few inherited pieces. That’s ok!
Inexpensive furniture can look beautiful in most homes, but remember you’ll be paying for it multiple times when it’s time to replace it. Cheap furniture from big box stores often features plastic, cardboard, particle board, and flimsy construction. These pieces are not made to withstand humidity, years of use, or multiple moves.
This type of quick-to-manufacture furniture will eventually end up in landfills, further contributing to furniture waste at a faster rate than heirloom furniture. When you’re ready and able to upgrade your furniture to some truly stellar heirloom furniture pieces, there are a few qualities to be mindful of.
Qualities of Heirloom Furniture
Look beyond the price tag when searching for heirloom furniture for sale. Price is not the only consideration. All the trendiest pieces with fancy features might sound ideal, but often feature mediocre construction and materials. Construction is one of the most important things to consider, as this determines how long your furniture can last.
When shopping in person, pay attention to scuff marks, saw marks, wobbly legs, and gouges. Wobbly legs are a sign that the joints are not fully secured. These types of marks let you know that the piece is not heirloom quality.
Since most heirloom furniture is made of solid hardwood, it’s important to notice the quality of the wood. Wood expands with humidity and heat. Watch out for things like roughness, warping, or too-perfect graining.
A proper piece of solid wood heirloom furniture will have graining running in opposite directions. This maintains a tension, to prevent warping due to changes in weather. Solid wood furniture is treated and sanded to keep your furniture gleaming.
Particle board imitates solid wood, so it’s a popular choice in inexpensive furniture, but it doesn’t look nearly as good as the real thing. Faux woods have even been known to contain dangerous toxins! Solid wood is one of the most sustainable and stylish choices for furniture.
Other materials used in heirloom furniture include upholstery fabrics, hardware, and leather. Maintaining the cleanliness and polish of leather or fabric upholstery will help keep your heirloom furniture looking beautiful. Some heirloom furniture brands even offer customization for upholstery.
Where to Purchase Heirloom Furniture
Luckily, heirloom furniture is easier than ever to find online. Once you’ve found a design style that you love, you can browse for pieces, looking for heirloom qualities in the descriptions. Use search terms like “solid wood” and “hardwood construction” and “traditional craftsmanship.”
When shopping in person, do some research beforehand so you have an idea of what you like. If you’re in the market for custom furniture, seek out local furniture makers via social media or local markets.
For the best of both worlds, in terms of quality and price, FineFurnitureSanDiego.com offers a wide variety of furniture styles in an easy-to-navigate catalogue. We carry heirloom pieces for the dining room, bedroom, living room, and every other corner of your home! For more heirloom furniture inspiration, visit our full collection. Save money and time by shopping with us!
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