The term “case good” is commonly used in the furniture industry, but what exactly are they? How did this term come about, and what will this aspect of the industry look like in the years to come? Keep reading to find the answers and gain a deeper understanding of your furniture needs.
What are Case Goods?
Case goods, sometimes stylized as casegoods and also known as case furniture, are solidly crafted pieces primarily used for storage or containment made from hard materials, such as dressers, bookcases, cabinets, and wardrobes. Case goods are designed to last while preserving visual appeal, though maintaining them can affect their longevity. Investing in high-quality case goods allows people to incorporate functionality, space optimization, and aesthetics into their homes.
The Construction of Case Goods
One clear, identifying feature of case goods is that they are never upholstered and are instead constructed using hard materials. These hard materials can include solid wood, metal, glass, wood veneers, plastic, acrylic, or even lacquer. Teak, mahogany, walnut, maple, oak and poplar woods are normally used. Manufacturers may also use wicker or rattan at times. By using such materials, case goods are built with the intent of longevity and are often considered investment items due to their price point.
The Evolution of Case Goods
The term “case piece” first originated in France through a furniture periodical that ran from 1839 to 1935. Cabinetmakers received the most business from customers who wanted case pieces during that time, particularly dressers, chests, and bookshelves. Furniture workers in that era specialized in a specific area, unlike today when workers can create a variety of furniture types based on customer needs. During the Industrial Revolution, workers began using machinery, such as steam-driven saws, to craft these pieces. These machines provided a starting point, and cabinetmakers completed the work with hand carving. This combination of machinery and handiwork enabled faster production of elaborate pieces and made furniture accessible to a broader audience, not just the wealthy. Although case piece styles changed with evolving trends, the demand for storage and aesthetically pleasing solutions remained constant.
The Investment in Quality
While certain retailers may offer case goods at lower prices, it is not always a guarantee of quality craftsmanship.
When considering purchasing a new, possibly cheap furniture piece and discarding an old one, keep in mind that the old piece may have more opportunities in it. Well-constructed case goods, such as a dresser, can have a lifetime of more than 100 years. A skilled craftsman can refinish your old piece that has already proven to withstand the test of time – both modernizing it and preserving its lifespan. This highlights the importance of understanding the value of a high-quality, well-crafted case good: while it may have a higher upfront cost, its durability offers a far better return on investment over time.
Today’s “affordable” furniture has a reputation of failing in some way within 3 to 6 years. Older furnishings are more durable and could last 20-50 years, or even longer.
The Finishing Touch
When considering buying case goods, it is important to know the quality of the materials used in the construction, and their durability. It can be easy to give in to convenience and low pricing, but that doesn’t mean it’s worth it. Save yourself additional stress later on by making informed decisions now. And, if you have an old case good you were considering throwing away for a new one – give us a call or stop in our store with photos, and we will see if it’s worth refinishing your current piece instead.