How can you tell if furniture is good quality?

To tell if furniture is good quality, first apply some pressure to it. Well-crafted pieces generally won't wobble, creak or twist. Also, examine the piece from different angles to see if it's level. Materials can also be a good indicator of quality. Finely crafted pieces often feature more expensive materials, such as solid hardwood, real stone, stainless steel, wrought iron and tempered glass. Construction methods can also separate high-quality pieces from other offerings. Dovetail, doweled and mortise-and-tenon joints make for long-lasting, sturdy casegoods. Also, look at what's holding the furniture together. Pieces that feature nails are often better quality than those secured by staples or glue. Explore a large selection of antique, vintage and contemporary furniture on 1stDibs.