If you’re like me, you don’t have an endless home decor budget, but want your home to be comfortable, beautiful and liveable. Sometimes it’s difficult to determine what you should spend your hard earned money on when you have a limited budget. I always believe you should purchase the best you can afford when it comes to big ticket items. You want your most used pieces to last as long as they can while aging gracefully!
When it comes to allocating your money, I am always an advocate of investing on quality casegoods, or wood furniture pieces. To me, wood furniture always seems to last the longest because you can refinish it, paint it to change the look, add different hardware, etc. and if it’s well made furniture, you’ll have it for a lifetime.
That being said, a well made chair can last just as long! A good reupholster can make an old chair look brand new with new springs, cushions, and fabric.
I have a few pieces of furniture that belonged to my Nonna (my Italian grandmother) that I just don’t see me ever parting with: a chest of drawers that has been painted twice and right now lives in our master closet, a round table that is in my family room and wing chair that I love.
I never knew my Nonna (she passed away when I was 1 month old) but as a kid I spent many hours in that chair with my legs swung over the side, watching tv or hanging with family and friends. It was in the family room of my grandparent’s home by the beach, and after they passed away we used to spend many weekends and most of every summer there. I have such special memories of that home; a place filled with family and friends and cherished childhood moments. Most every time I look at that chair, I feel connected with the grandmother I never had a chance to know. Now, my 3 year old loves hanging out in it. It needs to be recovered but I haven’t found a fabric I love as much as what is on there now. I have looked through all my pictures and don’t seem to have a good one of it, but when I show the improvements that I’ve made to the guest room/playroom, I’ll be sure to point it out!
A well made piece of furniture not only can be handed down from generation to generation, it can evoke memories of times past and it’s well worth spending a bit more money! We’ll do a future “Tuesday’s Tip” on what not to spend a lot of money on, but for now, know that quality wood furniture and cozy armchairs are sound investments!
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