Luxury Furniture
How to Tell if Modern Furniture Is High-End: A Toronto Buyer’s Guide
Nov
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Modern furniture manifests in so many different styles and variations; but if we were to define its core, then contemporary furniture would be designated by its functionality, aesthetics and materials. In fact, consider minimalism. Modernism ties in perfectly with the “less is more” approach when designing a space.
This essentially takes the ‘fluff’ out of the equation. An example of that would be mouldings without the trims added to it – no unnecessary details are required. In fact, modern furniture is furniture that has clean lines, geometric shapes, and angles. Anything with edge, minimalist design and clarity is considered to be modern.
Take a look at the size and practicality of the furniture too. Traditionally, modern furniture is associated with simple, neutral colours, natural materials, and is often found in more open spaces – because it enhances the beauty of simplicity. Of course, as years go by, this furniture can be placed virtually anywhere and is an excellent addition to residential and commercial properties alike. There are several variations of classic modern furniture, and so many options to choose from.
Depending on what you’re looking for, you can find products that will accommodate any space. But with anything that is in high-demand, there are plenty of vendors who take advantage and sell low-end, cheap modern furniture to consumers. So how can you know whether or not your modern furniture is high-end?
Design of the Product
Examine the architecture of the product, particularly its design. As mentioned earlier, modern furniture is mainly geometric. It has clean lines and is very angular in nature. Of course, low-end furniture can have the same appearance but what sets high-end apart from the masses is how the product is made.
Take the edges of the angular product for example. High-end furniture will have a seamless and more refined edge compared to the others. Grace your finger across the product, you will actually be able to feel the difference in quality and texture.
Materials Used
Speaking of texture, look at the materials from which the product is made. There are a variety of fabrics and leather available for use. A high-end product will use quality fabric and a top of the line grade of leather to create the product.
Also look at the quality of the product coverings, the seal – and the overall aesthetics of the product. If it’s a showpiece, it will be sturdy and firm as opposed to flimsy and unstable in nature. If it’s furniture you can sit on (i.e. a sofa), look into the comfort level of the product.
The Finish
The materials used directly tie into the overall look and feel of the product. A great way to test just how luxurious the piece of furniture is to touch it. There is a distinct difference between high-end products and knock-offs.
If the visual cues aren’t evident enough, the physical ones will be. In the case of sofas, you can tell by either looking at the finishes (i.e. the stitching), or by feeling the material (i.e. quality leather versus cheap leather).
Product Technology
Sometimes modern, high-end furniture is infused with a type of technology that cannot be cloned. Take a Stressless chair for example. This high-end chair stands out due to its zero-gravity feature. From the moment you take a seat, the tech allows the chair to take your body and distribute it and make you feel like you’re suspended in air – allowing your body to not feel any type of weight pressure.
Stressless is the prime example of “you get what you pay for”. From the quality used to create the chair, to its sleek and seamless design, to the technology incorporated within and its warranty.
Product Life
Accounting for the longevity of a product may justify its steep price. However, the accompanied warranty solidifies it. High-end products have a longer warranty period. The reason for that is because the quality of the product is good enough to withstand the test of time.
Also, when you purchase a product from a reputable dealer or manufacturer, they have the ability to fix or replace any damaged part of the product with ease (their inventory is stocked). If your furniture isn’t high-end, it will deteriorate quicker even if it isn’t fiddled with. In addition, any roughhousing will only speed up the process.
At Modern Sense Furniture, we have over 20 years of experience within the modern furniture industry. Our showroom in the Greater Toronto Areas is over 80,000 sqft., carrying luxurious, high-end brands and products that can easily transform the look and feel of any residential or commercial space. So if you’re looking to incorporate quality furniture pieces to enhance your space, stop by our showroom, visit us online or simply give us a call at (416) 746-9381. Our team will be glad to help you every step of the way.
High-End Furniture in Toronto: Where the Difference Shows
Toronto has no shortage of stores selling furniture that photographs well. The difference between a piece that looks high-end online and one that is high-end shows up in five places you can check in person.
- The frame. Kiln-dried hardwood or engineered frames that do not creak when you sit at the arm. Lift one corner of a sofa; a well-built frame does not twist.
- The joinery. Drawers on full-extension slides that close quietly, doors that line up, table legs that meet the top without a visible gap.
- The cover. Top-grain leather that varies slightly in grain from panel to panel, fabric with a stated rub count, seams that run straight across a cushion.
- The finish. A lacquer or veneer with depth rather than a printed pattern. Look at the piece from a low angle in daylight.
- The paperwork. A manufacturer warranty, a named maker and parts that can be replaced. Anonymous furniture is rarely high-end.
Brands That Pass the Test
These are the makers whose pieces we put on our own floor at 1875 Wilson Ave, because they hold up to the checks above: Bernhardt for upholstery and casegoods, Caracole for statement pieces, Huppe and Alf Italia for bedroom and dining, Stressless for recliners and sofas, Calia Italia for Italian leather and BDI for media and office furniture. The full roster is on our Shop by Brand page.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- Who makes it, and where? A named manufacturer with a website and a warranty is the first filter.
- What is the frame made of, and what is the warranty on it?
- Is the leather top-grain or corrected, and is it the same grade on the sides and back as on the seat?
- Can the cushions be re-filled or re-covered later?
- What is the lead time if it is a special order, and what happens if it arrives damaged?
Any reputable store will answer all five without hesitation. If the answers are vague, the furniture usually is too.
Where to See High-End Furniture in Toronto
The only reliable test is touching the piece, which is why our showroom matters. Modern Sense Furniture has been selling modern and luxury furniture in Toronto since 1997, and the showroom in North York is over 80,000 square feet with the brands above on the floor. Come in, sit down, open the drawers, and compare. If you would rather start online, browse the luxury furniture collection, leather sofas, accent chairs and sofas, then call us at (416) 746-9381 to check a specific piece.