We’ve all been there: that gorgeous product that looked perfect online… until it cracked, faded, peeled, or gave up completely three months later.
In a world of fast everything fashion, furniture and tech, it’s easy to buy things that are designed to be temporary. But if you're ready to spend your money on things that stick around, it's time to shop smarter, not just prettier.
Here are 5 ways to know if something is built to last (before you hit add to cart).
Check What It’s Made Of (Not Just What It Looks Like)
That velvet chair might look luxe, but is it actual velvet or polyester pretending? Materials matter more than marketing.
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For furniture, look for solid wood over MDF, metal over plastic, and high-performance fabrics for daily use.
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For kitchenware, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and ceramic-coated cookware will hold up better than bargain-bin alternatives.
📝 Pro Tip: Look at the fine print in the product details, not just the photos.
Weight Isn’t Everything, But It Tells You Something
Weirdly light items (especially furniture or appliances) are often a red flag. A toaster that weighs next to nothing might be more prone to tipping, overheating, or just feeling cheap.
Heft can indicate quality, denser materials, better components, and sturdier construction.
That said, don’t apply this rule to everything (we’re not suggesting a 10kg lamp).
Read the Reviews, But Smarter
Don’t just look at the star rating. Dig into the “after a few months” reviews. Are people raving after actually using the product? Or are the positive reviews all from the day it arrived?
Scan for:
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Mentions of wear and tear
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Comments on durability, cleaning, maintenance
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Photos that show the product in use, not just unboxing
You’ll often get the real story in the 3- and 4-star reviews, those are where the nuance lives.
Look for Brands That Stand Behind Their Products
Warranties, return policies, and customer support don’t just protect you, they signal the brand's confidence in what they’re selling.
If a product comes with a 2-year warranty instead of 30 days, that says something. If the store makes returns easy instead of frustrating, that’s a green flag.
🛠️ Bonus: some brands even offer spare parts or repair programs. That’s gold.
Does It Feel Timeless or Trend-Driven?
This one’s a little more intuitive. Will you still love it a year from now, or does it just scratch a current aesthetic itch?
Trendy colours and gimmicky designs can date quickly. A product with clean lines, quality materials, and a neutral-but-warm tone will likely blend into your home for years, not just seasons.
That doesn’t mean “boring”, just intentional.
Quality Shows If You Know Where to Look
You don’t need to be an expert to spot something that’s built to last. Ask the right questions, pay attention to materials, and trust your instincts (and the honest reviews).
It’s not just about saving money in the long run, it’s about surrounding yourself with things that feel good, work well, and won’t fall apart when life gets busy.