Is Heirloom Furniture Worth The Investment?

By Nick, Digital Specialist

It used to be that people would be willing to spend a little more money on “heirloom-quality” furniture, with the expectation that they could pass it down to their children someday. However, “fast” furniture, lower in quality and meant to be replaced after a few years, has become so popular that we have to ask- is heirloom furniture still a thing? Is it still worth the investment?

The short answer is- it depends on your priorities! 

If any of these circumstances apply to you, then heirloom furniture might not make the most sense:

• You’re moving soon

• Budget is tight

• You like to change up your furniture frequently 

However, if those circumstances don’t apply, you might want to consider something that’s heirloom-quality that can be passed down from generation to generation in your family.

So what exactly is heirloom furniture, anyway? What’s the point?

Heirloom furniture is any furniture that’s crafted to last for generations, with high-quality materials and construction as well as a timeless design. This way, it can be passed down through the family. It’s meant to be more than just a piece of furniture; it’s meant to carry a family’s memories and traditions from one generation to the next. 

What are the pros and cons of heirloom furniture?

Pros of Heirloom Furniture

1. Sentimental Value: One of the best things about heirloom furniture is its emotional value. These pieces often remind people of loved ones or special moments. A child might grow up hearing stories about a certain chair or using a desk their parent once used in school. These memories can make the furniture feel like a treasure.

2. High Quality: Heirloom furniture is usually well-made. In the past, furniture was often built by hand using strong wood and careful craftsmanship. Many of these older pieces can last for decades or even centuries if they are taken care of. Compared to cheaper modern furniture, heirloom pieces are often much stronger and more durable.

3. Locally Made: Heirloom furniture is frequently sourced and made locally. Heirloom-quality furniture is often made in the United States, as this quality is simply not available in many other places. If American quality and craftsmanship is important to you and your family, an heirloom might be a great piece.

4. Environmentally Friendly: Using heirloom furniture is also good for the planet. When you reuse old furniture, it means you don’t have to buy something new. That saves trees, cuts down on waste, and helps reduce pollution from factories.

Cons of Heirloom Furniture

1. Doesn’t Always Match: Heirloom pieces can be beautiful, but they don’t always fit with modern styles. A huge, dark wood table might not look right in a small, bright apartment. Sometimes it can be hard to find a way to make these old pieces match your current space. Plus, some pieces might last longer than others- and you could wind up with an eclectic look like this one:

2. Heavy and Hard to Move: Older furniture is often made from solid wood, which means it’s heavy. Moving a big dresser or table can take a lot of effort—and maybe even a few friends. It’s also easy to damage these pieces if you’re not careful.

3. Needs More Care: Heirloom furniture needs special care to stay in good shape. You might need to polish the wood, fix scratches, or keep it out of the sun. If not cared for, these pieces can start to break down or lose their beauty. However, some might choose to look at this care as an investment of time in a quality piece, and can even help spark sentimental memories. 

Okay, but do my kids actually want this stuff?

Check out our next post to learn more about how to ensure that the furniture you choose now will be in your family for years to come!