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Designing furniture for repair and a longer life

23 September 2026

Designing furniture for repair and a longer life

Replaceable parts, accessible fixings and refinishable surfaces can keep a well-made piece useful as homes and needs change.

Durability is not only resistance to damage. Furniture lasts longer when worn parts can be reached, repaired or replaced without destroying the rest of the piece.

Separate high-wear parts

Tabletops, runners, hinges, handles and upholstery wear faster than a cabinet carcass or chair frame. Designing them as serviceable parts allows the main structure to remain in use.

Keep fixings accessible

A concealed fitting can still be accessible from underneath or inside a cabinet. Gluing every component permanently may look clean but can make simple repair impossible.

Plan for change

Solid timber can often be refinished, while replaceable covers and reversible pads extend upholstery life. Removable bases, modular cabinets and adjustable shelves help furniture move through narrow routes and adapt to new rooms.

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