‘Cheap’ can have a hidden cost, as it often needs to be constantly replaced, causes guilt over the impact on the environment and can sometimes be a waste of time. Instead of choosing to buy fast fashion or fast interiors, people should instead be looking at longevity purchasing. Durable items, like travel accessories, must be able to withstand the demands of modern commerce and global payments. True value lies in the lifespan of an item, and you can learn how to identify the signs of quality craftsmanship in fitted furniture and accessories in order to invest wisely and live better.

The cornerstones of enduring value:

Although the material that an item is made of matters, the grade of the material used is just as important. For example, a solid wood dining table instead of cheap veneer, as the material choice for this will directly impact longevity. The unseen details of craftsmanship and construction are also important, such as the stitching, joinery and reliable mechanisms used, e.g. hinges or clasps. Quality materials will also have a higher level of repairability and maintenance than their lower quality counterparts. Higher quality items can often be fixed, cleaned or refinished to restore them to their original condition, as true quality will account for wear and tear. An example of this is wood care practices, as these can keep wooden furniture in good condition so that it does not need to be replaced. Whenever looking to check if an item is good quality and has longevity, you should look at these three cornerstones (material integrity, craftsmanship/construction and repairability/maintenance).

Quality you can carry

The construction of vintage and vintage inspired pieces, such as wallets and purses, guarantees that the item will have a long life. Firstly, look at the hardware of the item in question. Check for heavy, solid metal clasps, buckles and feet, as cheap hardware is often the first thing to fail. Next, look at the stitching. A high quality item will have even, tight, double or saddle stitching, especially around stress points like straps and handles. The classic doctor’s bag is an excellent example of a design built for quality and longevity, featuring robust leather and heavy-duty clasps designed to endure decades of demanding use.

The way a material ages is another significant indicator of the quality and longevity, as there is a difference between developing a patina and simply breaking down. High quality leathers develop a patina over time, and this is a testament to the material’s durability and strength, as it does not compromise the lifespan of the leather and instead enhances the aesthetic value. The material used on the interior of a bag is just as important, as a simple, structural lining will not tear quickly. Durable bag linings are constructed from cotton canvas or reinforced nylon so that the bag is able to maintain its shape. Closer woven linings are more resistant to tearing from objects inside the bag or from the friction of regular use. It is important to note that when you buy vintage, you are buying a piece that has already proven to last twenty years or longer.

Quality you live with

Kitchen doors, like accessories, have qualities that ensure that they will look good and function well for years. The first of these qualities is the finish of the door. Many kitchen doors are equipped with highly durable features, such as multi layered paint or high pressure laminate, as these enable the door to resist chipping, steam and fading. The internal structure of the door is another important quality. The core material of a kitchen door should be robust enough for timeless designs like shaker style kitchens, so it should have high quality MDF or particleboard that will not swell easily. Quality cabinet doors should also be paired with high grade hinges and runners, as these will be manufactured to withstand hundreds of thousands of opening and closing cycles. A key feature to look out for that can indicate quality is the edge banding, or where the material used to make the door meets. This can show how long the cabinet will last, and how resistant it will be to moisture in a busy kitchen.

Why longevity is the ultimate stye

When purchasing an item, try calculating the financial return that you can expect. This can be the cost per use or cost per year, and an item that lasts for longer will be cheaper overall, despite potentially having a higher upfront cost. You can also expect a higher quality item to have a good aesthetic return, as classics will age gracefully. An example of this is the patina that is developed on leather through years of ownership, as this shows character instead of deterioration. When you choose quality, there will be an environmental and emotional return on the item. Choosing longevity reduces consumption, and you will gain satisfaction by owning an item that lasts and does not need to be constantly replaced.

Overall, quality is a clear investment in your future self and your home. It is better to follow craftsmanship than it is to follow trends, as you will be buying items that last longer and age better. Whenever you make a future purchase, try to keep the three cornerstones of quality in mind: material integrity, craftsmanship and repairability.