Signs Furniture Is Not Good Quality, Says Interior Designer of 10 Years

• I’ve been an interior designer for years, so I’ve gotten good at spotting high-quality furniture.
• A piece of furniture is likely not well-made if it has visible screws, staples, or nails.
• Furniture shouldn’t be wobbly, uncomfortable, or sloppily finished.

As an interior designer with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of furniture hits and misses.

The right piece can elevate a room, but the wrong one can be a costly eyesore. Whether you’re furnishing a new space or updating an old one, knowing what to avoid can save you time, money, and headaches.

Here are seven red flags I look for when shopping for high-quality furniture that could be signs a piece isn’t up to snuff.

The piece feels wobbly or unstable

One of the first things I check when evaluating furniture is its stability. Wobbly legs or an unstable frame are major red flags.

Give the piece a gentle shake. If it feels unsteady or if the legs don’t sit flush with the floor, it’s likely poorly constructed.

Stability is crucial, especially for items like tables and chairs that may endure daily use.

It’s already chipping or showing signs of damage

When buying a piece of furniture, I inspect its edges and corners for signs of peeling or chipping, which can indicate poor quality.

This is common with pieces made from particleboard or thin layers of wood veneer, as these materials are prone to damage and wear over time.

Instead, I look for high-quality furniture made with durable materials, like solid wood or metal.

For pieces with fabric, look out for ripping or pilling. It’s not a good sign if a piece is having issues before you even take it home.

It has visible staples, nails, or screws

I try to avoid buying furniture that’s being held together with staples, nails, or visible screws as these can be a sign of inferior craftsmanship. They may not be built to last through a lot of regular use.

Instead, I look for sturdy joinery techniques, like dovetails or mortise-and-tenon joints, that are common in high-quality pieces.

The finish looks sloppy or inconsistent

I check the surface of tables, dressers, and other furniture pieces to make sure there are no rough patches, drips, or bubbles in the or finish.

After all, a high-quality varnish enhances the beauty of a piece and protects it from damage. Inconsistent coloring or visible brush strokes can indicate a rushed or poor-quality job.

There’s no warranty or generous return policy

A reputable manufacturer should stand behind its product with a warranty or a flexible return policy.

I think it’s a major red flag if a furniture seller or company doesn’t offer any form of guarantee after you purchase a piece. To me, this can be a sign the seller isn’t confident in its product’s durability and quality.

It’s meant to be sat on but is not very comfortable

When buying furniture people will sit on, comfort is a priority. I always sit on chairs, sofas, and benches to test their comfort level.

I move on if they feel too hard or soft, or if I can feel the frame through the upholstery. Comfort should never be compromised and it’s too risky to buy something in hopes it’ll get cozier over time.

Prices seem too good to be true

Although it’s tempting to go for the cheapest furniture options, some pieces are suspiciously inexpensive because they’re poor quality and won’t last long.

Unrealistically low pricing often means corners have been cut in materials and construction.

On the other hand, pieces that are priced really high without clear justification should also raise suspicion. Always compare prices to ensure that the cost matches the quality and craftsmanship of the piece.