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Why new furniture doesn’t last long

washingtonpost.com

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Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#21

Post by suoduandao3 »

stetrain wrote: post #4

My biggest issue is that, like so many markets, there is a "missing middle" created by this downward price pressure. For the most part if you want a piece of furniture (ie a nightstand), there are two categories. Either you buy the Amazon/Wayfair version made of pressboard for $100-$200, or you can find a solid wood heirloom version for $2,000+. The domestic plywood or cheaper solid wood options are no longer mass pr…

used furniture is a good compromise there, though it's harder to get a consistent style when going that route. Part of Ikea furniture's appeal is also that it looks like other Ikea furniture.

Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#22

Post by no_wizard »

j7ake wrote: post #12

At ikeas price point you don’t even need to move the fueniture, just give it away and buy the exact same one in the new location.

I didn't spend $1000 on a couch set to just get rid of it if I move in a year or two though.

I realize some folks on HN have lots of disposable income, however even for higher earners its a waste of money at that point, I don't feel like it should be accepted practice to throw out furniture out with every move, particularly if you move a few times in a short time span.

Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#23

Post by williamsmj »

j7ake wrote: post #12

At ikeas price point you don’t even need to move the fueniture, just give it away and buy the exact same one in the new location.

I bought the same Ikea coffee table three times in three countries (https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lack-coffee-table-black-brown-0...).

Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#25

Post by lotsofpulp »

no_wizard wrote: post #22
j7ake wrote: post #12

At ikeas price point you don’t even need to move the fueniture, just give it away and buy the exact same one in the new location.

I didn't spend $1000 on a couch set to just get rid of it if I move in a year or two though. I realize some folks on HN have lots of disposable income, however even for higher earners its a waste of money at that point, I don't feel like it should be accepted practice to throw out furniture out with every move, particularly if you move a few times in a short time span.

I spent $1,100 on an IKEA couch and it has moved 3 places with me over the last ~9 years.

Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#26

Post by morkalork »

suoduandao3 wrote: post #21
stetrain wrote: post #4

My biggest issue is that, like so many markets, there is a "missing middle" created by this downward price pressure. For the most part if you want a piece of furniture (ie a nightstand), there are two categories. Either you buy the Amazon/Wayfair version made of pressboard for $100-$200, or you can find a solid wood heirloom version for $2,000+. The domestic plywood or cheaper solid wood options are no longer mass pr…

used furniture is a good compromise there, though it's harder to get a consistent style when going that route. Part of Ikea furniture's appeal is also that it looks like other Ikea furniture.

You can definitely find nice stuff made out of maple on Facebook marketplace if you're patient.

Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#27

Post by foobarian »

donatj wrote: post #5

I had an argument with my therapist about this. My wife just gave birth to my daughter, we moved a bookshelf my grandfather built for me when I was born into her nursery and now my office is a mess, my books and such scattered. The mess is stressing me out. I am looking for a bookshelf to replace it, and told him I haven’t found anything I thought would last the rest of my life for a reasonable price. He insists I do…

My solution was to give up and DIY. I wouldn't dare attempt anything more complicated but a bookcase is among the simplest projects to take on.

The plan B which we used for some things in the house was a custom build. (Not meaning to shill or anything but they did a fantastic job and in your shoes I would explore their bookcases: https://www.dutchcrafters.com/Amish-Bookcases/cat/146). The prices are up there but I figure are about the same inflation-adjusted as what my grandpa would have paid 80 years ago.

Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#28

Post by swagasaurus-rex »

MerelyMortal wrote: post #10
donatj wrote: post #5

I had an argument with my therapist about this. My wife just gave birth to my daughter, we moved a bookshelf my grandfather built for me when I was born into her nursery and now my office is a mess, my books and such scattered. The mess is stressing me out. I am looking for a bookshelf to replace it, and told him I haven’t found anything I thought would last the rest of my life for a reasonable price. He insists I do…

It sounds like your therapist is letting their personal opinions into your session. I'm not an expert, but that sounds like a professional no-no.

... If there is no alternative, maybe the therapist is correct

Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#29

Post by geodel »

MerelyMortal wrote: post #10
donatj wrote: post #5

I had an argument with my therapist about this. My wife just gave birth to my daughter, we moved a bookshelf my grandfather built for me when I was born into her nursery and now my office is a mess, my books and such scattered. The mess is stressing me out. I am looking for a bookshelf to replace it, and told him I haven’t found anything I thought would last the rest of my life for a reasonable price. He insists I do…

It sounds like your therapist is letting their personal opinions into your session. I'm not an expert, but that sounds like a professional no-no.

Agree. In my experience Furniture therapists are too opinionated nowadays.

Re: Why new furniture doesn’t last long

#30

Post by maximinus_thrax »

donatj wrote: post #5

I had an argument with my therapist about this. My wife just gave birth to my daughter, we moved a bookshelf my grandfather built for me when I was born into her nursery and now my office is a mess, my books and such scattered. The mess is stressing me out. I am looking for a bookshelf to replace it, and told him I haven’t found anything I thought would last the rest of my life for a reasonable price. He insists I do…

> He insists I don’t need something that will last that long and I am just resistant to change

This is a bit of a red flag. Was this during a therapy session? They shouldn't be giving this type of advice, not to mention 'insisting' on it.

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