Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

Why is real furniture so expensive?

1 Answer
Why is real furniture so expensive?
Real furniture is so expensive for a few reasons. For one thing, sourcing fine materials, such as solid wood, marble and natural fiber fabrics like cotton and linen, is typically more costly than acquiring human-made materials like engineered wood, resins and synthetic upholstery fabrics. Also, high-quality furniture is often at least partially handcrafted, so it takes longer to produce and creates higher labor costs. In addition, there is often a great demand for fine furniture and a limited supply, which increases prices. Find a wide range of furniture on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024
Shop for Furniture on 1stDibs
Mussel Shell Vide-Poches in bronze, Italy, 1970's
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Superb jewelry display sculpture designed in Italy in the 1970s. Bronze structure depicting a mussel shell symbol of love and beauty since antiquity. Superb design object that will d...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Bronze

Unique Wall Unit by Giuseppe Rivadossi with Impressive Size in Oak 12.86 feet
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Giuseppe Rivadossi for Officina Rivadossi, unique custom-made wall unit, oak, glass, Italy, 1975 Behold this unique monumental wall unit by Giuseppe Rivadossi, custom-made for a pri...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Cabinets

Materials

Glass, Oak

Mario Bellini Set of Four 'CAB 413' Dining Chairs in Patinated Cognac Leather
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Mario Bellini for Cassina, set of four armchairs model 'CAB 413', leather, plastic, Italy, 1979 The iconic ‘CAB’ chair was designed by Mario Bellini in 1979. Conceptually new was th...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Post-Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Leather, Plastic

Hermes, Paris - Rare Fish Magnifying Glass c.1960
Located in Bath, GB
A rarely seen magnifier in an "Angel Fish" form made from silver plate and sitting in it's original presentation case printed on the cream silk "Hermès, 24 Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Par...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Scientific Instruments

Materials

Metal

Early 1890s Brass Nickel Plated Converted Double Oil Pendant Lamps
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Run of large Brass Nickel Plated converted double oil lamps Exceptional colour, patina and quality Dutch store interior, Zaandam approx. 1890 2x E27 / E26 bulb holders covered by ...
Category

Antique 1890s Dutch Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Brass, Nickel

Italian Dining Chairs with Carved Backs and Straw Seats
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Set of eight dining chairs, beech, straw, Italy, 1950s Crafted with a refined decorative allure and a rustic inclination, these chairs present exquisite craftsmanship and intricate ...
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Materials

Straw, Beech

Shop All