Beyond aesthetic appeal, assessing true quality craftsmanship distinguishing exceptional designer furniture requires trained eyes noticing critical details. This concise guide shares seven tips for spotting premium construction when browsing Sydney’s top furniture stores to identify well-made statement pieces warranting investment among more derivative decor.
1. Delve Into Drawer Construction
Don’t just evaluate surfaces. Thoroughly investigating how components connect offers interior visibility confirming or denying outstanding workmanship.
Open drawers across, below, beside posh furnishings testing smooth gliding on runners attached securely enabling years enduring usage without sagging. Finely sanded wooden panels with clean precise edges clearly cut, not ragged or splitting show attention ensuring lasting quality undetectable glancing solely surfaces.
2. Scan Undersides And Backs
Flipping designer furniture products peering beneath exposes shortcuts like flimsy baseboards on wardrobes or cabinets epitomising quantity over quality output from some factories.
Alternatively, beholding solid timber properly joined throughout the whole piece displays construction built to outlast trends warranting the pricier designer investment. Natural wood grain patterns flowing smoothly and consistently across concealed areas indicate cohesive quality composition.
3. Inspect Joints And Edges
Keep eyes peeled assessing furniture joints and edges beyond curated retail positioning in ideal lighting. Search out inconsistencies like uneven gaps between cushions, chairs, cabinets suggesting sloppy fabrication.
Meticulously crafted designer furniture boasts seamless unions aligned precisely displaying unparalleled neat construction. Step back gauging products from alternate viewpoints highlighting any irregular defects.
4. Feel For Fabric Quality
If assessing upholstered sofas, chairs or headboards, rigorously evaluate the developed textiles beyond superficial touch. Scrutinise whether luxe designer fabrics woven tighter with finer consistent stitching or cheaper mass-production threads distorting causing early deterioration.
Quality textiles embrace distinguished heritage brands mixing natural fibres like wool, linen and silk for unrivalled longevity warranting the investment.
5. Analyse Framing Reinforcements
Opening cabinet doors unmask wood framing inside units. Knock surfaces checking for hollow sounds possibly indicating paperboard backing prone to wear rather than solid timber frames promising strength.
Seeking out corner blocks inside frames and cross supports underneath shows sophisticated structural reinforcement preventing collapse after years use. Quality designed for endurance, not cost-cutting!
6. Consider Hardware Choices
Beyond the timber, textiles, and joinery, quality hardware selection indicates premier designer investment. Study fixtures like cabinet pulls, chair legs and sofa feet for materials suggesting durability.
Opt for solid brass finishes over easily dented aluminium or decorative plastic garnishing exposing quick fading. Heft door handles detecting sturdy zinc or iron builds proofing daily use over thin tin hardware snapping quickly.
7. Validate Credible Designer Provenance
Finally, verifying credited furniture designers marks world-class pedigree promising product performance beyond passing trends. Trace signatures like Ikea products hold no authorship claims distinguishing true design investments as blue-chip artwork.
Hopefully these seven tips help correctly assess Sydney’s top designer furniture stores, separating outstanding craftsmanship from disappointing manufacturing. Never settle on extravagant price tags alone. Seek time-honoured hallmarks outlined above promising cherished quality justifying the splurge on luxury comforts enduring changing times.
For additional guidance on sourcing reputable Australian designer furniture outlets online, check out this definitive shopping guide. Share your own quality craftsmanship detection tips in the comments!
