(Photography: supplied)
In today’s society, it can be difficult to find high quality furniture that lasts the test of time. With cheaper alternatives and fast-furniture production, sometimes you’ll spend less on a ‘big ticket item’ but within a few months, it starts to break, and before you know it, you need another one.
To get you started on your sustainably conscious shopping journey, we spoke to IconByDesigner, Design Service Lead, Nikita Crockett who believes minimalism, simplicity and functionality are non-negotiables when looking for home furniture pieces. “I highly recommend investing in a few timeless solid wood pieces. You can change up how you style these pieces as trends come and go, but in the end, you have an investment piece that will last the test of time,” Nikita shares.
To achieve this, you need to shop for materials that are high-quality and artisan-crafted. Yes, it may be more expensive upfront, but it’ll last, so in the long run, it’ll actually work out to be a smarter, cheaper, and more sustainable choice.
IconByDesign creates stunning furniture, from dining tables, sofas and chairs, to coffee tables and credenzas. Their pieces remain in the family for years, with the potential to be handed down to other family members as heirlooms.
With the new season comes a new excuse to refresh your home, and with ‘minimalism’ and ‘reducing footprint’ trends on the rise, Scandi styling may be a top preference. Combining luxury, exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design, the family-owned Australian business blends Scandinavian and mid-century modern aesthetics with a commitment to using authentic materials. Think solid timbers, New Zealand wool, recycled materials and BCI cotton for rugs. What’s not to love?
5 ways to find high-quality, craftsman furniture
Here, she shares her top 5 tips to shop for high-quality, sustainable furniture, no matter your budget.
1. You get what you pay for
In the world of furniture, price is a good indicator of the quality of the furniture you are looking at. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Research the brand and understand their sourcing model before making a purchase. IconByDesign’s furniture is sourced through a direct sourcing model, which significantly brings down the price for the customer while delivering aspirational quality.
Nikita recommends to “focus on championing brands that are making a difference and are transparent about their processes and where their products come from. Put simply, do your research!”
2. Look at the craftsmanship
If the piece is made from wood, examine the structure and ensure all seams fit snugly together, and that nothing creaks or wobbles. Always open doors, check hinges and open drawers to make sure everything opens and closes smoothly. For furniture with steel structures, check that there’s no wobbling, squeaking, hard-to-control functions, or weak joints. You want natural, sustainable materials such as solid wood, New Zealand wool, and BCI cotton. Even better if they commit to eco-conscious design and lasting quality like IconByDesign.
“Keep your core pieces (your bed, coffee table or sofa) timeless and then style trends around them. For instance, if you like the colour-blocking trend, invest in a colourful rug that can be packed away or incorporated into your home depending on the season.”
Nikita’s styling tip!
3. Identify the materials
Long-lasting furniture is made from long-lasting materials. Identify what kind of wood the piece is made from; the best timbers for furniture are ash, birch, cherry, mahogany, oak, maple or walnut as these all resist cracking. Avoid furniture made from soft timbers like cedar, pine or redwood.
Ensure ‘leather’ furniture uses real, hard-wearing hides with a strong feel that will endure your lifestyle, such as pets or children. Upholstery should be made from thick and tightly-woven fabric, and the fabric should be the same over the entire piece. Look for linen, cotton or wool fabrics.
Remember, sustainable products can be luxurious too! IconByDesign emphasises their use of sustainable materials – solid American oak and walnut – and the longevity of their furniture, underlining their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Nikita’s top picks!
- Made with solid American Walnut, consider the Bruno Chest ($3,299) to level up your bedroom.
- Elevate your living room with the Greta handwoven wool rug ($749), made with pure New Zealand Wool and bring a luxurious and sophisticated feel to your living space.
4. Check the style and build
Style is important – minimalist, elegant furniture designs like that of IconByDesign transcend mere functionality. Nikita says “nailing a Scandinavian home style requires following a few simple principles; A soft, muted colour palette, natural high quality materials designed for longevity and a more is less approach”.
But the build? Well, that’s crucial to the longevity of the furniture. Tell-tale signs of low-quality furniture are screws that stick out, seams that aren’t finished and areas that aren’t visible – such as underneath a sofa – are messily done. Make sure the seams in the upholstery are sturdy and aren’t pulling or splitting anywhere. Foam should be dense and padded throughout, and you shouldn’t be able to feel any springs or hardness beneath the padding.
5. Take it for a test drive
Whatever the piece of furniture is, whether a bed, chair or sofa, sit on it, bounce on it, test out all the uses. You’ll get a good feel for how robust the piece is by using it as you would at home.
6. Buy Australian and support local
While buying furniture online can be incredibly convenient, it doesn’t give you the opportunity to examine the furniture yourself, especially if its a brand you don’t know or trust. Visit local stores to see it in the flesh. Australia is also blessed with a huge array of small businesses and independent crafters who design high-quality or bespoke furniture for cheaper prices than large chain stores or name brand designers. Spend some time researching the carpenters and furniture makers in your area. IconByDesign’s expertise in furniture design and craftsmanship has been passed down through generations, ensuring a deep understanding of materials, techniques, and design principles that make their furniture truly unique.
7. Avoid man-made materials
Choose real materials rather than man-made alternatives. Avoid plastic-based materials like bonded leather or melamine, MDF, and laminates. Look for natural materials like timber, marble, metal, stone, hardwoods, natural fibres, high-density foam and hand-tied coils.
