Custom Furniture vs Mass-produced: Short-term savings or long-term value?

Discussions surrounding custom vs mass-produced furniture have been hot-button topics for quite a few years. You may already have some strong opinions, or maybe you’ve come to see what all the fuss is about.

Fans of custom furniture love showing off their special pieces, even if they cost a lot. Mass-produced furniture, though, is cheaper and trendy. But it’s not as good in quality or eco-friendliness. Let’s look at the pros and cons of both types.

The Differences Between Custom vs Mass-Produced Furniture

Comparison Table

A Further Breakdown of Both Types

Mass-Produced Furniture:

Nothing beats the availability and price of brands like Ashley Furniture and IKEA. These brands have remained popular over the years, and it’s not hard to see why. The furniture is affordable, the brands offer the trendiest pieces, and they’re available nationwide.

Regardless of which mass-production company you pick, your furniture will arrive quickly. This is great for those who are moving on short notice or individuals who want to keep their home looking trendy.

Not all that glitters is gold, though. Many of these companies use cheaper materials that mimic the real thing, such as particle board or wood veneers. Typically, with regular use, these pieces begin to wear down, chip, or break completely in 3-5 years. The lightweight nature of these materials can be both a good and a bad thing. This makes moving the furniture easier, but it does not translate well for supporting heavier objects.

Quick Production = Less Attention to Detail

Another concern consumers have is related to the manufacturing process. These automated “factory-built” pieces can satisfy the market’s supply and demand much faster than handcrafted furniture makers can. By dominating the market, they could squash out an age-old trade and classic woodworking techniques.

Quick manufacturing poses issues such as flawed products, constant overseas shipment, and material waste, which in turn raises ethical concerns. Consumers are now educating themselves on these companies’ business practices. They look into the possibility of negative environmental effects, the potential for exploitative labor, or unsafe workplaces.

Please note that a company should not be given a negative label for simply mass-producing their product. You can find American companies with great reputations out there making more affordable furniture quickly – you just may not be able to get exactly what you want. With less expense, you may have to compromise on colors or styles to choose from. Honestly, though, who doesn’t love finding new furniture at a decent price?

Custom-Made:

The most significant part about custom furniture is that it is personalized for your home. The sky is the limit. Whatever size, shape, color, material, or style you need, you’ve got it. You can have something unique made from some of the highest-quality materials.

Numerous American manufacturers offer custom furniture programs such as Vanguard Furniture, Schwartz Creations, and Evercraft Kitchens to name a few. While companies like the ones listed may take direct orders, other companies may have you purchase their pieces through a partner retail store. This may mean exploring online at stores like Amish Outlet Store or even traveling farther than your local options.

Here are the biggest drawbacks: the price and the production time. Custom furniture requires more labor and materials, which may require you to wait at least 3 weeks before shipment. Many companies have to charge relatively high prices for these custom pieces to make a profit. You won’t find many custom furniture options in the same price range as mass-produced brands. That said, there are stores out there that specialize in discounted pieces.

You won’t find better quality on the market. Custom furniture is pricey because it lasts a lifetime due to the hard work and care that is put into it. If you decide to invest in custom furniture, you can feel good knowing your purchases support local craftsmen and keep the art of woodworking alive.

You Decide: Which Furniture Is Right for You?

While we hope we helped you figure out which kind of furniture fits your needs, we understand you may feel even more indecisive now. Maybe you need the custom options, but you’re worried about the price tag, or maybe you need furniture quickly and are struggling to find what you like. To help make your shopping journey easier, think through these questions:

 

Finally, what aspect of the furniture holds the most value for me?

Is it the quality, or is it the trendiness? Are you the kind of person who needs change often and would enjoy swapping out your furniture every 3-5 years? Do you care more about your carbon footprint and who you support with your purchases? Would you be excited to be able to pass your furniture on to future generations? Recognizing what makes furniture important to you is a key step in your shopping journey. Enjoy the process and let yourself find what truly fits you and your home.