High-quality custom furniture can be evaluated using five key criteria:
1. Material Quality
Solid wood, high-grade plywood, or high-density melamine boards are preferred.
Look for E0/E1 certified eco-friendly boards.
Avoid thin or low-density particle boards for structural parts.
2. Construction & Joinery
Cabinets should use strong joints such as dowels, mortise-and-tenon, or cam-lock systems.
No wobbling, gaps, or misalignment.
Drawer slides should run smoothly and silently.
3. Hardware Quality
Soft-closing hinges, drawer runners, and connectors should be from reputable brands (e.g., Blum, Hettich).
Hardware determines 60% of long-term durability.
4. Surface Finish
Uniform color, no bubbles, peeling, or rough edges.
Melamine boards should have tight edge banding without chipping.
5. Stability & Weight Support
Shelves should not sag under weight.
Back panels should be securely attached for stability.
A simple test: Press, pull, shake — good furniture remains firm and silent.
Furniture quality standards typically include:
Formaldehyde emission:
E0: ≤0.5mg/L
E1: ≤1.5mg/L (global residential standard)
Board density & strength requirements.
Load-bearing capacity for shelves, cabinets, and doors.
Stability tests to prevent tipping.
Drawer and hinge cycle testing (e.g., ≥50,000 open-close cycles).
Scratch resistance
Moisture resistance
UV colorfastness
Soft-close mechanisms
Corrosion resistance
Long-term durability testing
Anti-tip safety
Smooth edges for injury prevention
Weight-bearing compliance
For export markets, compliance with ANSI/BIFMA, ISO9001, or EN standards is common.
To determine whether furniture size is appropriate:
1. Use the 2/3 Rule
The main furniture piece (sofa/bed/cabinet) should take up no more than 2/3 of the wall length it is placed against.
2. Leave 30–36 inches (76–90 cm) of walking space
This is essential for comfortable movement.
3. Measure doorways and hallways
Ensure the furniture can physically enter the space.
4. Mock-up the footprint
Use tape to outline the furniture on the floor to visualize its actual size.
5. Avoid blocking natural light sources
Overly large furniture often blocks windows or disrupts flow.
If the room feels “crowded,” your furniture is already too big—regardless of actual measurements.
The 70/30 Rule helps create visual balance:
This is the dominant theme of the room:
Most furniture
Wall color
Flooring
Major décor elements
Accent colors, smaller furniture, and décor items that complement the main style.
Example:
70% Modern Minimalist → clean lines, neutral colors, simple cabinets
30% Warm Accents → wood textures, soft textiles, warm lighting
It prevents a space from feeling too uniform or too chaotic.
