Durable Furniture

The most reliable furniture pieces for long-term everyday use are ones made from solid hardwood, with strong joinery and parts you can repair or replace. Look for dovetail joints, lifetime guarantees, and clever modular designs. Solid oak tables, well-built sofas, and shelving that grows with you tend to hold up brilliantly. This approach saves money over time too - less replacing, more enjoying. For tried-and-tested picks, browse our durable furniture collection. You can also read how we research our products to keep standards sky-high.

To help wooden furniture last for generations, keep it dry, clean, and shaded from the sun. Dust with a soft cloth and treat occasionally with wax or oil, depending on the finish. Avoid plonking hot mugs or damp glasses straight onto it - coasters are your friend. Minor scratches can usually be buffed out or masked with a touch-up wax. With a bit of love, quality wooden pieces often get even better with age. See our wooden furniture care guide for more tips.

To stop your cat from scratching wooden furniture, give them something even better to sink their claws into. Try sisal posts or cardboard mats near their usual spots. You can use citrus sprays or double-sided tape as gentle deterrents, and protect corners with guards while they learn. Scratching is natural for cats, so patience (and maybe a few treats) goes a long way. Most importantly, never punish - redirecting works far better for both your feline and your furniture.

Yes, you can repaint or update solid wood furniture without damaging it - as long as you prep properly. Light sanding and a good primer will help paint stick without harming the wood. For an easy update, try chalk or mineral paint, which don’t need much faff. The beauty of solid wood is that you can change its look again and again, while keeping the structure sound. That’s what makes it such a smart, sustainable investment.

The best types of wood for durable, sustainable furniture are oak, ash, maple, and walnut. These hardwoods are famously tough and hold up to refinishing or repairs. For sustainability, seek FSC-certified or reclaimed wood, which helps protect forests and cut waste. Oak in particular is a classic for good reason - a well-made table can last generations. It’s one of those buy-it-once, keep-it-forever choices, and worth every penny.

Reupholstering quality furniture typically costs between £300 and £800, depending on size, fabric, and fiddly details. If your piece has a good frame or sentimental value, it's often well worth the spend. Labour tends to be the biggest cost, with materials following close behind. You’re not just getting a new look - you’re extending its life and saving it from landfill. Many upholsterers will also fix springs or padding at the same time. For more, see our guide to reupholstering furniture sustainably.

For suede or fabric furniture, regular vacuuming with a soft brush keeps dust from settling in. If a spill happens, blot - don’t rub - with a clean, dry cloth. Fabric defenders can help against stains, but always spot-test first. For a deeper clean, use upholstery-specific cleaners or get a pro steam clean once a year. Suede is a bit posher - gently brush with a suede brush and steer clear of water. Handle it right and your furniture can look fresh for years.