Made to Last: How to Choose Furniture That Stands the Test of Time
January 29 2026 | Nikki Requiero
Great interiors aren’t built on trends alone. They’re shaped by thoughtful choices, materials that endure, proportions that feel right and pieces that support the way you live. From investment staples to trend-led accents, here’s how to curate a home that feels current today and relevant for years to come.
Timeless First, Trend Second
Timeless furniture anchors a space. These are the pieces that define how a room functions and feels - grounding everything around them. Trend-led pieces, on the other hand, bring personality and energy. When balanced well, the result is a home that feels layered, lived-in and distinctly yours.
The key is knowing where to invest and where to experiment.
Where to Invest vs. Where to Experiment
Some pieces earn their place through daily use and long-term relevance. These are worth investing in:
Sofas that offer comfort, durability and enduring silhouettes.
Dining Tables built to host everyday meals and milestone moments.
Beds designed for longevity, both structurally and visually.
Storage pieces that support evolving needs while maintaining a refined presence.
These core items form the backbone of your home. Choosing well here means fewer replacements and more longevity.
Trend-led experimentation works best with pieces that are easy to update or move on from:
Occasional and accent chairs
Side and coffee tables
Soft furnishings like cushions, throws and rugs
As a simple rule: invest in what you use every day, and experiment where change is easy.
Materials Matter More Than Trends
Trends come and go—materials stay. The quality of your furniture often determines how it will age, both structurally and aesthetically.
Solid timber, for example, develops character over time. A well-crafted piece in a simple shape will always outlast a trend-driven form made from poor materials.
When in doubt, prioritise construction and material integrity over surface-level style. Longevity starts beneath the surface.
Proportions, Scale and Silhouette
Design fundamentals never go out of style. Proportion, balance and scale are what make a piece feel “right” in a space, regardless of trends.
A sofa with considered depth, a dining table with balanced legs, or a bed with a clean, confident silhouette will feel relevant far longer than overly stylised shapes. Trends may influence details, but it’s strong design principles that ensure lasting appeal.
Colour: Timeless Doesn’t Mean Boring
Neutral doesn’t mean flat. Think of timeless colour palettes as a foundation, not a limitation.
Warm neutrals, textured finishes and tonal layers add depth and interest without locking you into a specific moment in time. These hues create flexibility, allowing trend-led colours to shine where they make the most sense.
Accent pieces, upholstery updates and soft furnishings are ideal places to explore colour. They deliver impact without commitment, and can evolve as your tastes do.
How Lifestyle Influences Longevity
The most enduring furniture supports your life as it changes. Kids, pets, entertaining, moving homes—these realities should shape how you choose.
Flexible designs extend relevance:
Modular sofas that adapt to new layouts.
Extendable Dining Tables that grow with your guest list.
Furniture shouldn’t fight your lifestyle, it should move with it. Pieces designed with adaptability in mind stay useful, functional and loved for longer.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Nikki Requiero
Social Media & Copywriter
Nikki works across Social Media & Copywriting, translating the RJ Living brand across Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok. In addition to this, she engages with our community on social and provides insight via the RJ Living Journal.