Furniture faves from the last two years
And whether I think they’re still worth it after price increases
I moved into a new home at the end of 2020 and have been taking my sweet time buying furniture for the place. The slow progress is partly because I like to mull things over1, partly because I thought it would be nice to space things out for my wallet, and of course, there were also the supply chain woes.
At this point in 2022, I’ve gotten most of the “high priority” pieces out of the way. Phew, because inflation 🙈 The other day I was looking back at some of the furniture I bought in the last two years and noticed price increases across the board. Which gave me the idea for this post, where I’m sharing my favorite recent furniture buys, how much they’ve gone up in price, and whether I think they’re still worth it. Spoiler: Article had the most egregious increases — one item went up by almost 40 percent!
’20 price: $615
’22 price: $625
Selling points: The dimensions make sense for a small dining table or very spacious desk (which is how I’m using it). Extremely easy to assemble, does not wobble, and the birch surface is so smooth and beautiful.
Is it still worth it? Yes! Especially since the price increase is relatively itty bitty.
Article Gabriola Chair (Ivory Bouclé)
’21 price: $429
’22 price: $599
Selling points: Cute, comfortable, effortless assembly. Trendy but not overly so.
Is it still worth it? I think so, especially if you’ve been after a cream bouclé chair. I think it’s also pretty versatile (would work for living room, bedroom, nursery, office, etc.).
Article Abisko Chair (Mist Gray)
’21 price: $599
’22 price: $799
Selling points: Almost works like a small daybed, great for splaying out. Very low, so it looks really good next to a window.
Is it still worth it? Um, I’m not sure anymore, especially given the huge price increase. I personally love it because it feels perfectly “oversized” for my petite frame. Jason, on the other hand, finds it a little awkward to sit in without more back support or an ottoman. I hate to admit it, but it might be the kind of chair that’s great for looking at and less so for actually sitting in. Although it’s comfortable for me, I do notice that after I sit in it, the fabric gets wrinkled and I’ll have to smooth it out. I think stains would also be really noticeable on this smooth fabric. In fact, quite a few online reviews mentioned that stains were impossible to clean.
Urban Outfitters Tabitha Arc Mirror (Floor / Natural)
’21 price: $349
’22 price: $449
Selling point: Great quality — love the feel of the wood frame. (Although extremely heavy.)
Is it still worth it? Yes. The size and quality at the current price is still very competitive.
Sundays All We Need Coffee Table (Toast)
’21 price: $1,350
’22 price: $1,450
Selling points: A nice “quiet statement piece”, especially if you’re into the natural, Japandi aesthetic like I am.
Is it still worth it? Personally yes, because this was the exact look I was looking for (low-key, spacious, oak wood, with a pedestal base).
Castlery Vincent Dining Table (Oak, 71”)
’22 price: $699 (no increase so far)
Selling points: Good value, sexy legs, easy to wipe clean.
Is it worth it? Yes. This combo of price, aesthetic, and good online reviews took me a long time to hunt down.
Looking ahead, I’d love to get a sideboard for the dining room, but honestly I’m also happy to not be actively furniture shopping, ya know?
— Jenny