Shoppers looking for furniture with exceptional quality can find updated styles constructed with skilled craftsmanship to stand the test of time. Well-known name brands offer a selection of furniture collections featuring innovative styling and durable materials for every room in the house. Respected furniture manufacturers stand behind their products with quality assurance warranties.

Here’s what to look for when you are shopping for new furniture for your home.

High Quality Materials

Quality furniture construction begins with quality materials like hardwood solids. Woods such as cherry, oak, maple and walnut are good choices for living room, dining room and bedroom furniture durability. Today’s performance fabrics are designed to withstand use and resist stains. Look for craftsmanship such as precise measurements, pattern matching and wood grain direction.

Joinery Techniques by Skilled Artisans

Joinery in furniture refers to the process of connecting pieces of wood without using nails or screws during the manufacturing process. Many name brand furniture manufacturers use English or French dovetail joinery for strength and durability to produce furniture that lasts, sometimes for generations. When employed by skilled craftsmen, English and French dovetail joinery can add beauty to the finished products.

Aesthetically Pleasing Finishing Treatments

Skilled craftsmen use a variety of finishing techniques to produce the desired look of each furniture item. The right finish not only enhances the natural beauty of the furniture materials, but also creates a protective finish to withstand wear and tear. Sanding is the initial first step, then common finishing techniques are used such as varnishing with a transparent coat for protection, staining to enhance the wood grain and distressing to give the furniture an antiqued look.

Handcrafted Detailing

You will often see handcrafted details in fine furniture that add to its beauty. Carving is used to chisel away wood to create patterns and designs along with other decorative elements. Traditional chair and table legs in the dining room often have turned features to create a rounded effect. Some craftsmen are skilled at marquetry and inlay where contrasting materials are embedded on the surface to create designs.

Special Techniques

Highly skilled artisans can use a variety of traditional and artistic techniques to enhance the look and individuality of quality furniture. Find handcrafted details like distressing, hand painted designs and methods that create an aging look that elevate the furniture’s aesthetic appeal.

Meticulous craftsmanship can create high quality furniture with the beauty, comfort and durability you are seeking.