And why I build slow furniture…
Fast furniture, as the name suggests, is mass produced furniture that is made quickly with cheap materials that do not last long.
Just like with trends in the fashion world, big interior firms are also releasing new collections with every season, inspiring consumers to change the look of their home more often. And ofcourse, these new products have to be delivered quick and must seem like a casual purchase. This leads to an increasing amount of fast furniture – cheap, poorly made pieces only meant to last a few years until the customer decides to give his interior a makeover.
Some scary numbers around fast furniture
- Every year, Europeans throw away around 11 billion kilos of furniture.
- Only about 10% of that furniture is recycled, while the rest ends up in landfills or is burned.
- Unlike other types of waste, the amount of large household items being thrown away has actually increased in recent years.
- 60% of the mass-produced furniture sold in Europe comes from China.
- On average, low-quality furniture only lasts about 7 years.
What can you do against fast furniture?
- Maintain your furniture, if you dont know how, hire a professional. It’s cheaper than buying new furniture.
- Repair damages wherever possible instead of throwing the piece out.
- Upcycle items, or donate them to secondhand stores. You might even find something for yourself there.
- Invest in good quality sturdy furniture that is built to last, and pass these on to your kids.
- Need something for a short duration like for visiotrs? Try to borrow or lease the items. Join neighbourhood groups.
- Look for furniture made out of sustainable materials that can be recycled or refurbished easily. Avoid particle board and MDF. Avoid compound materials that cannot be separated for waste management.
Why I build slow furniture
As a furniture maker and designer I believe in the power of bespoke design. Each person lives differently and has their own unique taste and ideas about beauty. There is no one-size-fits all solution. I enjoy working with customers to design and find the perfect furniture solution to meet their needs. My education in furniture design, ergonomics and carpentry ensure I have the know-how to advise and help my customers make an informed decision. I believe that even though good quality costs more, it is worth the investment because it is sure to last longer and will create fewer problems in usage. According to me, quality materials, strong joinery and the right know-how build great furniture that stand the test of time.
I believe contemporary designs never go out of style and my furniture can be handed down from generation to generation. I build furniture that will last a lifetime and criticize throw-away lifestyles that large brands promote. I strive to use certified wood from sustainable sources and work with sustainably manufactured lumber products.
Bespoke furniture is a sustainable solution to furniture production since there is minimum to no material wastage. The furniture is exactly what you want, so there is no compromise on the design and you are not tempted to throw it away to replace it with something better.
A lot of my larger pieces can be dismantled for transport, so customers can move with their beloved furniture and there is no need to demolish. I try to minimise waste during my production phase, and optimise material usage with the help of good planning.
And yes, slow furniture takes time to design and build well. As with anything good in this world, it’s not cheap. But definitely worth it.
Vanessa Horig 