When it comes to shopping for furniture, it’s hard to tell which pieces are of good quality. Here are a few key factors that we noticed have been commonly housed by merit-worthy decor.

Inspect the Materials

As you would probably assume, solid wood is infinitely heavier than modern particleboard or other hollow alternatives. If a piece feels heavier than you might expect, don’t panic—it’s just quality vintage. 

Many antique pieces use a thin layer of expensive veneer over a solid core. If the edges seem as if they’re bubbling, it’s likely second-grade. High quality stone or marble should be relatively free of major cracks, and authentic leather shouldn’t peel. 

Examine the Joints

Lower quality pieces use staples, heavy glue, and nails to seal chair or table legs to the frame. If your piece is a strong antique, it should solely rely on mortise-and-tenon joints. 

Red Flags

Avoid pieces with severe warping, wood rot, or an odor that hints towards water damage. Scratches on the surface are easily refinishable, but if the structural integrity is compromised, those kinds of repairs are more of an investment.