You’re not alone if you’ve ever been tempted by a bargain flat-pack bookshelf or a $99 armchair. The rise of ‘fast furniture’—cheap, mass-produced pieces designed to be replaced every few years—has made it easier than ever to refresh your home.
But at what cost? Like fast fashion, fast furniture has hidden downsides for your wallet, health, and the planet. We know that our homes are our sanctuaries, especially as we get older and spend more time enjoying the spaces we’ve created.
So, how can you create a beautiful, comfortable home that stands the test of time, without falling into the fast furniture trap? Here’s everything you need to know.
Fast furniture is inexpensive, mass-produced items often made from low-quality materials and designed for short-term use.
While the price tag might be appealing, these pieces are more likely to break, wear out, or go out of style quickly, ending up in a landfill after just a few years.
The environmental impact is staggering. Australians generate an estimated 30,000 tonnes of commercial furniture waste each year, not even counting what we throw out from our homes.
Up to 95 per cent of it ends up in landfills, where it can take decades or even centuries to break down. But it’s not just the environment that pays the price.
Many cheap furniture items contain harmful chemicals, such as PFAS (so-called ‘forever chemicals’), formaldehyde, and flame retardants, which can leach into your home’s air and even affect your health.
If you want your home to look and feel good for years, it’s worth investing more time and thought into your furniture choices.
Buy secondhand
One of the best ways to avoid fast furniture is to buy secondhand. Not only is it easier on your wallet, but it’s also one of the most sustainable choices. Every pre-loved piece you buy keeps excellent furniture out of the landfill and reduces the demand for new resources.
You can find quality secondhand furniture in these places:
- Online marketplaces: Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay, and local buy/swap/sell groups are treasure troves for everything from vintage sideboards to modern sofas.
- Op shops and charity stores: The Salvos, Vinnies, and local charity shops often have unique finds at bargain prices.
- Auction houses and antique stores: For those who love history and craftsmanship.
- Council hard rubbish collections: You’d be surprised what people throw away—just be sure to check the condition and clean it well.
Secondhand doesn’t mean second-best. Older furniture is often better made, using solid wood and traditional joinery that can last for generations. Plus, you can always give a tired piece a new lease of life with a lick of paint or some new upholstery.
Prioritise natural materials
When shopping for furniture and homewares, look for items made from natural materials such as solid wood, wool, cotton, linen, and leather. These materials are not only more durable, but they’re also less likely to release harmful chemicals into your home.
One study found that Australians eat and inhale significant amounts of microplastics at home, much of it shed from synthetic furnishings, carpets, and homewares. Choosing natural fibres helps reduce your exposure to these invisible nasties.
If the price of new natural-fibre items is a concern, secondhand is again your friend. With patience, you can find beautiful wool rugs, linen sheets, and solid timber furniture at a fraction of the cost.
Be wary of ‘new furniture smell’
That distinctive ‘new furniture smell’ indicates that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are being released into the air—a process known as off-gassing.
Some VOCs are linked to headaches, respiratory issues, and even long-term health risks. Most off-gassing happens in the first few weeks, so secondhand furniture is often safer.
Sometimes, buying new is unavoidable. If that’s the case, here’s how to make a more sustainable, healthy choice:
- Look for third-party certifications: Good Environmental Choice Australia, FurnTech’s Green Tick, and B Corporation are all reputable certifiers that verify sustainability claims.
- Ask for product specification sheets: These will tell you what materials and chemicals were used in manufacturing.
- Choose Australian-made: Locally made furniture is more likely to meet strict safety and environmental standards, and it supports local jobs.
- Avoid unnecessary chemical treatments: Water-repellent, stain-resistant, and flame-retardant finishes often contain harmful chemicals. If you don’t need them, skip them.
Further, experts recommend that before you buy, ask yourself these questions:
- Was this made in Australia?
- Is it made from renewable or recycled materials?
- Can it be easily repaired or refurbished?
- What happens at the end of its life—can it be recycled or reused?
Many reputable brands now offer repair services or take-back programs, so your furniture can be refurbished or recycled instead of ending up in a landfill.
The Australian Furniture Association and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council are working on a ‘Furniture Passport’ system—a digital tracker that would let you scan a product and see where it was made, what it’s made from, and how it can be repaired or recycled.
Until then, it’s up to us as consumers to do our homework and make informed choices.
Have you found any secondhand gems or upcycled a piece of furniture you love? Or do you have tips for making your furniture last? Share your stories and advice in the comments below.
Also read: Fast furniture or handmade? How the more expensive item might save you in the end
