A Designer Warns These 5 Furniture Pieces Aren’t Worth the Investment

It’s hard to avoid impulsive buys, such as a great deal on a luxurious leather couch. You just have to be careful not to set aside practical issues when deciding what to buy. That leather couch can be slippery, for instance, especially for small children or older adults. Leather can also make your skin feel sticky in hot weather and cold in the winter.

Read below for interior designer Erin Williamson's tips on avoiding problematic pieces so you can focus on what works for you and your budget. She’ll walk you through questions to consider, such as how frequently a piece of furniture will be used, what materials it’s made of, and where you’ll place it in your home.

1. Overly Trendy Pieces

The term "fast fashion" doesn't just apply to clothing; it also applies to interior pieces. Williamson recommends not investing in overly trendy pieces that don't have staying power.

"Don’t follow the herd—use your budget wisely to buy vintage, buy local, buy showroom samples, or invest in heirloom quality," she says. Trendy furniture pieces are often reproductions of more expensive originals, and while you may think the knockoff is great value, Williamson explains that's not the case. "It’s not, because it’s already dated when it’s reproduced for the masses, and it’s almost certainly not of the original quality," she says.

2. Breakfast Tables

"Any flat surface in a highly trafficked area is bound to take a beating, and the humble breakfast table stands at the heart of it all," Williamson says.

Considering where a piece of furniture is located and how much wear and tear it needs to be able to withstand regularly is a key factor in determining whether it's worth splurging on.

"Subjected to everything from knife marks to wine spills and a fair amount of glitter glue in between, the breakfast table should be approached with an air of equanimity, because in all likelihood it will be destroyed," she says.

Instead of purchasing and replacing a pricey table, Williamson recommends taking a more budget-friendly approach with this piece of furniture. "Your grandmother’s already worn antique, a thrifted solid wood gem, or a remnant stone piece on a pedestal base are all fine selections," she says. "Don’t dismiss IKEA, either."

3. Expensive or High-End Baby Furniture

"It probably seems obvious, but cribs are not worth splurging on," Williamson says.

While it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of decorating a nursery and spend more than is necessary, Williamson advises against investing in an expensive crib, given its relatively limited use.

"It’s not a piece likely to be reused very often, and cribs are rarely beautiful objects," Williamson explains. She also adds that, given the current safety standards all cribs must meet, a lower-priced model works just fine.

4. Recliners, Rocking Chairs, and Gliders

When it comes to seating, Williamson doesn't recommend investing in expensive recliners, rocking chairs, and gliders.

"These are purpose-built pieces of furniture that are big, bulky, and hopefully comfortable, but they aren’t meant to be a fashion statement—and unless you really have a generous amount of space, they won’t even get used," she says.

When her design firm purchases these pieces for its clients, Williamson recommends focusing on comfort rather than designer label. "We recommend that clients not get caught up in 'designer' versions and instead focus on functionality," she says.

5. Knockoff Pieces

Williamson also advises against splurging on imitation pieces. "It may seem odd to even suggest that knockoffs are an 'investment,' but they can be surprisingly expensive," she says. "Beyond the morality of avoiding knockoffs because they deprive original makers of their due, the supply chain for these items is often hazy at best."

The reason the original has a high price tag often lies in its craftsmanship and the quality of the materials used, which cannot be replicated in a knockoff. "While it’s true that I have seen some very nice Eames lounge knockoffs produced in the '60s, it’s unlikely that any contemporary reproduction is going to come close to the original in quality," Williamson says. "The original is just too expensive to make."

Factors to Consider Before Buying Furniture

There are several factors to consider when deciding whether a furniture piece is worth investing in. Before you commit to making a purchase that's a considerable financial investment, go through the following checklist. Answering these questions will help you determine whether the piece of furniture is worth the investment or if a more budget-friendly or second-hand alternative is a better choice.

• What room is it for, and will it sustain a lot of daily wear and tear?
• Is it made from high-quality, durable materials that will last for years?
• Is it something that will be used frequently or only seasonally?
• Is it an overly trendy piece that will go out of style, or does it have staying power?
• Can you see yourself loving the piece five years from now and incorporating it into your home, even if your design taste has changed?
• Does it move easily? If you are considering moving in the foreseeable future, is this a piece that can come with you?
• Can it easily be cleaned if it gets dirty?
• Is it versatile enough to work in multiple rooms and home styles down the road?