When you are thinking about buying something new for your home or wardrobe, it can be tempting to choose the cheaper option instead of investing in a higher value item. Even though the upfront cost will be more expensive, it can actually work out to be better value in the long term as the item will last for much longer.

There are many functional items that this principle can be applied to, and they should be seen as investments in your style and daily life. Choosing high quality items can save money, time and stress in the long run compared to if you bought something cheaper and of a lower quality.

The Integrity of Glass

A specialist glass processor can manufacture high quality glass products using traditional methods, and they are capable of making custom glass products. There are many differences between standard glass and high quality processed glass:

Standard Glass:

• Standard glass is produced via a slow, controlled cooling process that can make it less durable.
• It breaks into large, sharp pieces when fractured, making it dangerous.
• It remains workable after manufacturing.
• It is less expensive due to the basic manufacturing process.

Processed Glass:

Processed glass is raw glass that is treated to enhance its properties, with common types including:

• Tempered glass– tempered glass is heated and rapidly cooled to increase its strength and safety, so it breaks into smaller, less dangerous pieces.
• Laminated glass– laminated glass combines multiple layers of glass with plastic interlayers, stopping it from shattering into shards when broken.
• Heat strengthened glass– this is cooled more slowly than tempered glass, making it twice as strong as standard glass.

A good real world example of this is a glass kitchen splashback. Compared to other materials, glass is easy to clean and will not shatter, crack or stain. They have a higher heat resistance, and they are aesthetically versatile so will fit with a variety of kitchen styles. Even though alternative materials like acrylic are more durable, glass is longer lasting and will not need to be replaced as often, making it better value in the long run.

The Foundation of Furniture

When looking at high quality furniture, it is normally the hidden aspects that are worth paying for. These are features that are not immediately obvious, such as materials, hardware and craftsmanship. For example, bedroom units are a prime example of a piece of furniture where quality matters, from the construction of the unit to the fit and the finish. A well made cabinet will have handles and hinges that work smoothly and last for decades, in contrast to a lower costing, flat pack alternative that may warp or be quite flimsy. When shopping for high quality furniture, there are several elements that you should look for:

• Weight– good quality hardware will feel weighty and substantial compared to cheaper, flimsier hardware.
• Operation– the hinges and hardware should move smoothly and quietly without becoming stiff or making a lot of noise.
• Mechanisms– a hallmark of higher end furniture is soft close features on drawers and doors. Furniture such as medicine cabinets will also have strong locking mechanisms for safety purposes.
• Fully extending slides– high quality furniture will allow you to open drawers fully so you can easily access the contents.
• Sturdiness– hardware should be firmly attached to the furniture surface and not be wobbly.

The Finishing Touch

A high quality accessory is more than just a trend, but can also function as a piece of personal history and an expression of personal style.

An accessory is to an outfit what a perfectly finished kitchen is to a house, being the essential element that can bring everything together. When looking for a handbag or similar item that you will be using daily, superior materials are crucial. Materials that are a superior quality will be better at resisting wear and tear, and they will be able to hold their shape after extended periods of holding heavy objects.

Certain high quality materials may also be treated to give them some degree of water resistance, and will have reinforced areas where double stitching is used to prevent wear in high stress locations of the bag.

Similarly to furniture, the hardware used also has a lasting impact on the bag’s longevity, as durable materials will be less likely to corrode or break after repeated use. When buying a bag, there a features to pay attention to that will indicate the quality of the bag:

• Examine the material closely– quality materials, such as leather, will have a softer feel and may have a more natural, irregular grain that has a more irregular pattern than fake leather.
• Inspect the handiwork– a high quality bag will have tight, evenly spaced stitches, and there should be no loose or frayed threads. Look for double stitching in high stress areas like the handles.
• Check the hardware– test the zippers, clasps and buckles to make sure that they all work correctly. Look for engraved or uniquely shaped hardware, as this can show that the brand has invested in the elements used for the bag. Bags made from stiffer materials should have feet on the bottom of the bag to protect the material from scratches.

Overall, even though buying cheaper at first may seem as though it has less of an impact on you financially, it is better to pay for premium products as their superior qualities mean that they will last longer and potentially be more cost effective.

By choosing well-made items you are making a conscious decision to invest in value, durability and style. The higher standards in manufacturing and design used in these items will work out better for you, and enhance your everyday life.