Published by Harrison’s Design + Furniture
When furnishing your home, one of the biggest questions is: “Where should I invest my money for the best long-term value?” Not every piece of furniture is created equal, and understanding where to allocate your budget can make the difference between a home that looks great for a few years versus one that maintains its beauty and functionality for decades.
The 10-Year Test
Before making any furniture purchase, ask yourself: “Will I still love this piece in 10 years?” This simple question helps distinguish between trendy pieces that might look dated quickly and timeless designs that improve with age.
Investment-worthy furniture typically features:
- Classic proportions that transcend trends
- Quality materials that develop character over time
- Solid construction that withstands daily use
- Repairable components rather than disposable parts
- Timeless design that complements changing decor
Where to Invest: The Big Four
1. Seating You Use Daily
Your primary seating – whether it’s a living room sofa, dining chairs, or a home office chair – deserves your most significant furniture investment. These pieces work hard every single day.
Why invest here:
- Health impact: Poor seating affects your posture and comfort
- Usage frequency: Cost per use becomes very low over time
- Room impact: Seating often anchors your room’s design
- Longevity: Quality frames and mechanisms last for decades
What to look for:
- Hardwood or steel frame construction
- Eight-way hand-tied springs (for sofas)
- High-grade foam or down cushioning
- Quality upholstery that can be reupholstered if needed
2. Your Primary Bed
You spend roughly a third of your life in bed, making it one of the most important furniture purchases you’ll ever make.
Investment priorities:
- Mattress: The foundation of good sleep
- Bed frame: Solid wood or quality metal that won’t creak or sag
- Quality bedding: Thread count isn’t everything, but fabric quality matters
3. Heavy-Use Storage
Dressers, wardrobes, and bookcases that you interact with daily should be built to last.
Quality indicators:
- Solid wood or high-grade plywood construction
- Quality joints in drawers
- Quality hardware that operates smoothly
- Finishes that can be refreshed over time
4. Dining Tables
A dining table often serves as the heart of the home, hosting everything from daily meals to homework sessions to holiday gatherings.
Investment features:
- Solid wood construction (veneer tables can be beautiful, but less repairable)
- Sturdy base that doesn’t wobble
- Size appropriate for your space and lifestyle
- Finish that can withstand daily use
Where You Can Save Smart
Accent Pieces
Side tables, decorative objects, and accent chairs can often be purchased at lower price points because:
- They receive lighter use
- They’re easier to replace when style preferences change
- They have less impact on daily comfort
Trendy Items
If you love a current trend but aren’t sure about its longevity, consider satisfying that desire with lower-cost pieces you can replace when your taste evolves.
Bedroom Furniture (Beyond the Bed)
Nightstands, dressers, and other bedroom pieces often receive gentler use than living room furniture, making them good candidates for moderate spending.
Making Your Budget Work Harder
The Phased Approach
You don’t need to furnish your entire home at once. Consider:
- Phase 1: Invest in your most-used pieces (primary seating, bed)
- Phase 2: Add quality storage and dining furniture
- Phase 3: Layer in accent pieces and decorative elements
Financing Options
The Harrison family of stores offers financing that can help you afford quality pieces while spreading the cost over time. This can be especially valuable for investment pieces that will serve you for decades.
Mix High and Low
A room furnished entirely with expensive pieces can feel stiff and intimidating. Mixing investment pieces with more affordable finds creates a more personal, livable space.
Quality Indicators to Look For
Construction Details
- Joints: Look for mortise and tenon, dowel, or dovetail joinery rather than staples or glue alone
- Hardware: Quality hinges, drawer slides, and handles that operate smoothly
- Finish: Even color and smooth texture that’s resistant to water marks
Materials
- Wood: Solid hardwood or high-grade plywood over particleboard
- Upholstery: Natural fibers often age better than synthetics
- Metal: Powder-coated or quality-plated finishes
Brand Reputation
Research manufacturers’ reputations for:
- Customer service
- Warranty coverage
- Repair part availability
- Longevity of their products
The True Cost of Cheap Furniture
While budget furniture might seem like a good deal initially, consider:
- Replacement costs: Cheap furniture often needs replacing every 2-3 years
- Environmental impact: Disposable furniture contributes to landfill waste
- Comfort and health: Poor-quality seating can affect your posture and well-being
- Room aesthetics: Cheap furniture often looks cheap, affecting your entire space
Creating Your Investment Strategy
- Assess your current furniture – what’s working and what needs upgrading?
- Prioritize by use – which pieces do you interact with most?
- Set a realistic timeline – plan purchases over 1-3 years rather than all at once
- Research before shopping – understand quality indicators and fair pricing
- Test in person – especially for seating and mattresses
The Harrison’s Approach
At Harrison’s Design + Furniture, we believe in helping our customers make informed investment decisions. Our design consultants can help you:
- Identify which pieces deserve your most significant investment
- Find quality options within your budget
- Plan a purchasing timeline that works for your finances
- Mix investment pieces with smart value finds
Whether you’re furnishing your first home or upgrading pieces you’ve had for years, we’re here to help you make choices you’ll love for decades to come.
Ready to start building your investment furniture collection? Visit any Harrison’s location to speak with our design experts about creating a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Harrison’s Design + Furniture Locations:
- Clarkston: 27 S. Main St. | (248) 625-1655
- Rochester Hills (ScandiComfort and Light&Loom): 130 N Adams Rd. | (248) 831-1193
- Midland (Furniture Garage): 34 Ashman Cir. | (989) 486-9929
- Grand Rapids (Harrison West): 3700 Rivertown Pkwy. | (616) 532-0175
