When furnishing your home, investing in high-end furniture will allow you to create your own unique space where you feel truly comfortable. The furniture landscape has changed immensely over the past few decades, and 2022 has certainly made everyone think about how they invest their money into something with longevity.
Why it is important to invest in high-end furniture
The furniture industry has now emerged from the era of flat pack furniture pieces and evolved. Recently, there has been a huge shift in how we shop for home furnishings as consumers have realised the power of investing in high-end furniture.
Buyers now value paying more for quality pieces to take pride of place in their home for years. High-end furniture is made to a higher quality, made in limited quantities, and, often, with more sustainable materials.
However, is high-end furniture worth the investment? Let’s explore why good quality furniture is expensive and the importance of luxury furniture.
Why is good quality furniture expensive?
Many factors come into play when creating and designing high-end furniture. Good quality furniture is usually expensive because every minute detail is perfected per piece. There are many variables to consider, from the very first sketch and outline to the types of materials used and how they’re sustainably sourced.
At RB12, we’re delighted to be able to guide you through each aspect involved in this process as we work closely with the world’s most renowned furniture design houses.
High-end furniture is expensive because it is often handmade
Costs of high-end furniture will vary depending on materials and the manufacturing process. Unless a furniture designer specifies that they’re using the latest technology – such as 3D printing and digital cutting – when creating a piece, it’s more often than not handmade and hand-finished.
Due to being made by hand, high-end furniture pieces are made in small batches and limited quantities. What’s more, each piece will tell a story.
Crafting furniture by hand takes expertise, skill, and a vast amount of time. When you factor in the cost of materials, craftsmanship, and the experience of the artisans building and upholstering by hand, the price rises rapidly.
For example, Armadillo specialises in the heritage of craftsmanship. Armadillo rugs are created, spun, woven, and dyed by hand in India to preserve the traditional rug-making techniques unique to the area. Fairtrade practices are observed and implemented to pay fair wages while ensuring no forced labour.
Design houses will often invest in the local communities where their furniture is made, and Armadillo is no exception.
Their Armadillo Foundation supports the local community around the artisan furniture makers, with money being put towards solar panels, education, medical facilities, and the necessities needed in daily life.
High-end furniture is made to be sustainable
After the COP26 and the elevated awareness about climate change, sustainability is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
From where materials are sourced to whether they can be recycled, investing in high-end furniture will ensure transparency in the manufacturing process. Luxury furniture designers often invest in sustainably sourced materials certified by the appropriate organisations and governing bodies to ensure their origins.
High-end designers take care to incorporate sustainably sourced natural materials into their furniture. Wood, for example, can be sourced sustainably in small batches from controlled forests and can be recycled in the future.
Many furniture designers use solid wood from forest plantations certified by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), dedicated to sustainable forest management. Our trio of Italian designers from The Battistella Company has really innovated a sustainable approach to sourcing wood with an ‘upcycling’ stance. Cinquant by Cinquanta3, Nidi and Novamobili belong under the Battistella Company umbrella, and these luxury Italian furniture designers only use recycled wood. Each dining table, chair, and side table made by Cinquanta3, Nidi and Novamobili is created from sustainable, recycled wood without the felling of trees!
Leather is also a huge issue in the furniture industry. Real leather is easier to maintain and care for at home. Unfortunately, cheap, mass-produced leather goods are often coated in dangerous chemicals for manufacturers and artisans.
As well as sustainable materials, high-end furniture is usually created without harmful chemicals. Bolia takes great care to craft the highest quality furniture without harming the environment or the craftsman dedicated to creating each beautiful piece. All of the materials used, such as leather, are OEKO-tech certified and transparently sourced to trace their origins easily.
High-end furniture is limited edition and unique
High-end furniture is often made in small batches and of better quality, plus they’re also originals. Handmade and artisan products are each crafted to be unique. No piece is the same, so you know you’re buying limited edition furniture that no one else has.
Investing in luxury furniture pieces that you can enjoy for years to come is ultimately greener and better for the planet. Even contemporary innovations like modular furniture can be created sustainably. Modular creations by Cinquanta3 are not only made of sustainable materials like recycled wood but can also be customised to suit your space and storage needs.
What high-end furniture should I invest in?
When investing in high-end furniture, it’s vital to carefully choose the key pieces you need at home. Essentials at the heart of home life will be a perfect start, so let’s discover the main high-end furniture trends and staples you should consider.
Sofas
The sofa takes centre stage in the living room, from family movie nights to lazy Saturday mornings and a catch-up coffee with friends. This vital furnishing completes the living space and should be made to the highest quality standards to keep you comfortable for years to come. We highly recommend Bolia sofas as they use natural materials like New Zealand sheep wool that is sustainably sourced with animal welfare considerations. Notably, Bolia’s ‘Bergo’ fabric is also made from recycled plastic bottles manufactured without heavy metals.
Beds
A good night’s sleep is essential so you can feel at your best during the day. Beds, on average, should last between 7 to 10 years, so it’s important to choose a sustainable option that you can recycle after use. With beds by Novamobili and Cinquanta3, you won’t lose sleep over your carbon footprint. These Italian powerhouses use recycled wood that’s free from harsh chemicals.
Dining tables
Dining sets are a necessary investment for generations. It’s the headquarters of all family discussions, board game nights, and holiday dinners, so it needs to hold up well. Miniforms tables are modern and sustainable without losing that rustic charm. Each table is crafted sustainably using oak from reforested areas. While Expormim’s bold dining chairs will complement any table as they are made from eco-friendly rattan.
Work desks
With the rise of remote and home working during the covid-19 pandemic, the home office has become a necessity. A quality desk with careful storage consideration is ideal for setting up your working day when you’re out of the office. We highly recommend Miniforms furniture for desks with a minimalist approach to design with maximum sustainability using recycled materials.
Wardrobes and storage units
Wardrobe and storage units not only look sleek, but they also keep all your belongings organised and clutter-free. Cinquanta3 walk-in wardrobe designs are open to being customised to fit your space. Each piece is curated with recycled wood and made to the highest quality.
Novamobili is also another option for a green manufacturing process. Each piece of furniture is coated with a matte water-based lacquer, while the brand as a whole uses environmentally compatible materials.
Rugs
A rug will make a statement in your lounge or hallway. Not only are they decorative, but rugs and runners also help to break up an open plan living area and can keep the heat in your home. Each Gan design is as unique as the story behind its manufacturing process. Each Gan rug is sustainably handmade with natural materials like wool and jute for better insulation. What’s more, Gan is devoted to supporting the local communities of the artisans who make these stunning rugs.
High-end furniture at RB12
We’re extremely proud to bring you high-end furniture that’s sustainable. Our work with the best design houses, artisans, and furniture designers ensures that your home is made to reflect your style as well as your ethics.
Discover luxurious high-end furniture here and invest in sustainable furnishings available at RB12 online.
At RB12 we don’t just sell furniture and accessories, we spec, design, and install a range of products from some of Europe’s finest suppliers.
Your furniture is the heart of your home, so you want to ensure that it will last. Luxury furniture is a sustainable investment that guarantees that you will have the best quality furnishings for many years to come.
How long should furniture last?
One thing is certain: high-end furniture lasts longer than cheap, mass-produced furniture.
But how long should you expect your furniture to last, and when is it time to make a change? There are many answers to these questions because it depends on the type of furniture you own.
How do I know if my furniture needs to be replaced?
Unlike food, furniture doesn’t have an expiration date when you buy it. Its upkeep and longevity are determined by how well it’s maintained over the years.
Let’s explore how long your core pieces of furniture should last and what you can do to keep them in top condition.
Sofas
Sofas are the backbone of every living room. We’ve all been to someone’s house when their old sofa has that tell-tale dip in the cushion. This essential piece of furniture needs to be hardy enough to withstand binge-watching every series possible, wine nights with the neighbours, and the kids’ sleepovers. Ideally, you should renew your sofa every 7 to 15 years. However, reupholstering and handling this core piece of furniture with care can make your sofa last much longer. Many of our sofas by the likes of Saba, RB12, SITS, Bonaldo and Gervasoni require no re-upholstery thanks to their removable covers. Simply change the covers or have them washed or dry cleaned.
Dining tables
Every home needs a well-made dining room table. It’s the heart of every big festive dinner and also where you have a tea break during that work-from-home shift. A dining table can last anywhere between 5 and 20 years, as long as it is well cared for. Dining room tables are often finished to resist damage. However, to ensure your table lasts, we highly recommend using placemats, coasters, and tablecloths to protect against potential heat damage from plates or scratches. Recently, ceramic and marble tabletops have also become en vogue as they are durable enough to last for even decades, as well as many models being heat and scratch-resistant.
Chairs
Wooden chairs can last for a long time. In general, wooden furniture will remain in good condition for at least 10 to 15 years. We only recommend replacing chairs if the legs are wobbly beyond repair. In terms of upkeep and maintenance, ensure that people don’t lean back on your chairs, as this is a common reason they can be worn down!
If your dining chairs contain upholstery, it’s worth consulting an upholsterer to see if they can be repaired. How do you know if upholstery needs a bit of a makeover? Check for any holes, frayed fabric, or stains on the material. Unless your goal is to have a full matching dining set and you need more chairs to entertain guests, you don’t need to replace chairs very often.
Carpets and rugs
Standard carpets in mainstream stores last as little as 1 to 5 years. High-end carpets, usually artisan-made, with the most durable materials, last much longer than their cheaper counterparts. Not only do luxury rugs make a statement in your home, but they last 15 to 25 years or even longer.
Beds
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial to our physical and mental health. So, you need a comfortable bed and base that will keep you well-rested for years to come. Bed frames made from wood should last up to 10 years, while metal bedframes last 5 years more. Similarly, a good quality mattress lasts 10 years, but as we age, it’s recommended that you replace it every 7 years.
How do I ensure my furniture lasts?
Luxury furniture is made to last but it will eventually come to an end like all good things. So, how do you make la creme de la creme of high-end furniture last as long as possible?
There are many simple daily hacks and tips to ensure your furniture looks as good as new over the years.
Consider the type of material and piece of furniture you want to maintain and the upkeep necessary. Make sure to follow your brand or supplier’s care instructions on upkeep and maintenance. If in doubt or unclear, you can contact us at RB12 as we’re always available to answer your questions and assist you in helping your furnishings last.
For example, a sofa is a core piece of furniture that requires care. Invest in stain removers that correspond with your sofa’s material. Sofa covers are a lifesaver if the material is too sensitive or has stubborn stains. Spruce up your sofa by changing its covers and throw cushions if you want to change your decor but not your furniture.
At the end of its lifecycle, can your furniture be upcycled or recycled? If it’s fixable, you could upgrade your piece by fixing up the upholstery. Or, if you need to invest in new pieces, consider donating old furniture elsewhere for a second life where it can be fixed and reused. Many luxury furniture brands even create high-end furnishings from recycled and recyclable materials for a more sustainable step forward.
Why is slow buying high-end furniture more sustainable?
With the rise of slow living, everyone is more conscious of sustainability regarding furniture.
Luxury furniture is often handmade, where possible, and uses materials that originate from the local communities. High-end furniture designs choose sustainably sourced wood that’s FSC certified and OEKO-tech certified materials created without the use of harmful chemicals.
Not only is handmade furniture more environmentally friendly, but each piece of furniture is also unique. No piece will be identical. When a company creates high-end furniture with a machine, it usually uses the latest technology for more sustainable, precise, and practical manufacturing processes. For example, if a design features intricate detailing that requires exact precision, a 3D printer is essential to make each piece completely identical.
Buying sustainably-made luxury furniture is a step in the right direction to reducing our carbon footprint because it lasts longer.
Luxury furniture at RB12
We collaborate with the best design houses to bring you furniture that reflects you and makes your house a home. From handmade rugs and sofas by Gan to modular furniture by Cinquant by Cinquanta3 and Novamobili, you’ll find everything you need here. Discover the most luxurious high-end furniture and invest in sustainable furnishings available at RB12 online.
A home is not just a place—it’s a statement of who you are. For those who appreciate design, every piece of furniture tells a part of your unique story. At RB12, London’s home to refined home aesthetics, we bring you a curated selection of designer wall-mounted TV units.
Express Yourself with Design and Function
Our wall-mounted TV units are not just elements of furniture; they’re the perfect harmony of style and purpose, brought to life by world-class manufacturers like Novamobili and Cinquanta3. From lacquered finishes to eco-wood veneers and melamines, these units offer a versatile palette of aesthetics that cater to the tastemaker in you.
Influenced by European and Scandinavian design movements, our TV units are a testament to minimalist elegance, reflecting the contemporary and discerning tastes of our clientele.
Bespoke Service for the Modern Connoisseur
RB12 offers a comprehensive design and installation service tailored to fit your unique narrative. Our team of design consultants work with you to curate your vision, helping you select the perfect wall-mounted TV unit from our catalogue. Once you’ve found your match, our dedicated team takes care of delivery and installation, ensuring your new piece is seamlessly integrated into your home.
Striking the Balance: Luxury, Convenience, and Durability
At RB12, we believe that a luxury experience doesn’t stop at the purchase. Every full-priced item we curate for you comes with complimentary delivery, affirming our commitment to a seamless customer journey. Crafted by experts, each unit delivers longevity and durability, ensuring your piece continues to tell your story for years to come.
Join the RB12 Narrative
Choosing an RB12 piece goes beyond a simple purchase; it’s a statement about embracing design, quality, and sophistication. Located in the vibrant heart of London Victoria at 230 Vauxhall Bridge Road, RB12 is your gateway to creating a home that reflects the modern and discerning lifestyle you lead.
Explore our curated selection of wall-mounted TV units and discover a piece that complements your space, enriches your lifestyle, and tells your story.
Although the world is beginning to step towards where we were before, unfortunately, the pandemic is still at the forefront of daily news and is affecting us all. At RB12, we understand that Covid-19 is still a huge issue that isn’t going away fast, so we wanted to take a look and delve into how the pandemic is affecting the furniture industry.
As people have felt the need to spend more and more time at home, it has never been more important to be comfortable and feel good within your own home. With covid-19 there have been many challenges. Production has been slowed at times due to illness and absenteeism; and there have been shortages in materials such as timber and fabrics, which has impacted delivery times for customers.
Many suppliers of quality furniture source their materials from all over the world, be it fabric, timber or foam. This left them vulnerable to supply delays or even cancellations when the pandemic led to widespread lockdowns. Even as factories re-opened, staff numbers were severed as employers battled the continuing effects of Covid, such as social distancing rules and employee illness.
Ironically at the same time, demand has never been higher. As government guidance (and common sense) dictated that we spend more time at our homes, this birthed a necessity to invest in suitable work stations (desks, lamps and office chairs) and improve our existing living areas – making them comfier and more stylish in order to make the ‘new normal’ more bearable. This brought an economic boost to the furniture industry but put huge strain on a depleted workforce and supply chain.
Shopping has changed significantly. The tradition of visiting your nearest furniture studio or retailer and spending an afternoon sitting on every sofa, has been replaced with scrolling online to find the best deal across a huge selection of suppliers (resulting in a 12% increase in first time online buyers). This has made the furniture market much more competitive in terms of price and service, and has emphasised the growing importance of having a strong online presence and investment in digital solutions and automation.
The pandemic has brought our society together in a way none of us have witnessed before, and with that brings an unprecedented and shared desire to do what we can for each other and the world at large. This, coupled with the indefinite time-frame of the stay-at-home guidance, has made the average consumer more eco-conscious in their purchase decisions. If a piece of furniture is going to be in use every day, it is important that it stands the test of time. This means high-quality and responsibly-sourced materials are at the forefront of the buyer’s mind. In essence the trend has swerved to people investing in top quality products rather than second-rate, cheaper options that tend to break, get thrown away and add to the planets waste and over-consumption issue.
RB12 want to reassure you that we’re always working, adapting, and investing in new processes to address disruptions, keep our employees and customers safe and of course to deliver superior furniture that will stand the test of time in both design and quality. We have wonderful working relationships with all our suppliers, so will be able to find out the most accurate and current information about your furniture.
If you would like to find out more about RB12 and our approach throughout the pandemic, contact us here, pop by the showroom or give us a call on +44 (0) 2071 352 246 – we are on the other side ready to answer any of your questions.
Welcome back to RB12’s online journal – Our love of interior spaces has only grown with our years of experience. Discover how things have developed over the last few months…
Our journal is back! After a few months off we have some exciting stuff to share with you. Firstly, our online shop is now fully functional and packed with carefully curated collections from exquisite brands from all around the world. If you appreciate high-quality design then the RB12 online store is the place for you. You can shop here for a huge range of products including living room furniture, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, garden furniture, office furniture, lighting, accessories, homewares and rugs.
Secondly, we’ve been working on some great projects that you can now see on our online project portfolio. We work closely with our family of suppliers and can offer bespoke design advice to fit with whatever scheme you can imagine.
Lastly, whilst our physical furniture showroom in Shoreditch is currently closed to the public, we are open by appointment only – these can be made by contacting us on the number at the top of this page. All the current necessary measures for Covid-19 are in place and being strictly followed. Our expert staff are well prepared for your visit and our family of brands and logistics teams are all working as usual with normal lead times!
Our director Dean Louw in our showroom
In these strange times, we believe that more than ever, people’s appreciation of their interior spaces has become much more prevalent. With many households spending more and more time indoors, our homes and how they make us feel has never been more important. And that’s where we believe we come into the equation. RB12 can help inspire you with our strong and considered design ideas and products to match.
After over 20 years of combined experience in the interiors and construction industry RB12 can help create the spaces you crave, and make them stylish and comfortable, fitting your every need. The founders of RB12, Dean Louw and Rafael Borrego have worked together on high-end property developments for years and they thrive in sharing this wealth of experience and passion with you.
At RB12 we are fully aware of the potential complications that comes with sourcing bespoke pieces of furniture. However, we believe that our knowledge means that we can consider and appreciate the level of detail, connectivity and function needed to deliver a successful project. Our long-standing industry connections and understanding means that we can be agile and provide an individual service to any and all of our customers.
A few of our favourite picks from new collections
Not only do we have an impeccable product selection, at RB12 we offer a free interior design service, delivering expert advice to create your own unique space. Our product portfolio is ever-growing as we discover more and more stunning brands. When choosing our brands we also consider their ethos, only choosing the most ethical and humane businesses. With suppliers who are positioned between small craft studios and mass manufacturers, this allows us to offer bespoke products to achieve solutions for almost any scheme idea or solve any problem.
Broadlands project by RB12
With all this in mind (and as we know, all good things take time) if you need anything delivered in time for the festive season, get your orders in soon! We look forward to hearing from you.
Miniforms have been in the furniture game since the late sixties; the company’s Italian flare has been passed down through generations. From its founder Luigi Bardini, to his sons Alessandro, Theo and Matteo, they carried on their father’s legacy of creating innovative furniture to transform your home. Elevate your living space with some Italian furniture from Miniforms; the company puts a modern spin on classic designer furniture to make a statement.
The Miniforms range of furniture will make the perfect addition to your living room. The modern, laid-back approach of the furniture lends itself to being placed in a more modern aesthetic, but Miniforms Italian furniture can find its place in any room. Read on and learn about this incredible furniture company and how you can make a statement with their furniture in your home.
Miniforms was formed in the early 1970s as an evolution of a company named Inveta, founded in 1962. Just over a decade later, at the end of the 1980s, the Italian brand decided to expand its production to the international market. The new expansion saw the company make chairs, tables and bookcases for a global market.
In 2009 Miniforms’ founder, Luigi Bardini, sold the company to his sons, who now take on young talented Italian designers to create their furniture, using authentic materials whilst respecting the environment. Miniforms have a highly focused attention to detail whilst maintaining a simple yet elegant design.
Miniforms furniture works amazingly in open-plan designs. With a wide range of furniture that separates your living space whilst remaining familiar, Miniforms are one of our most trusted brands. Make sure to browse their amazing range of furniture, from armchairs to dining tables and so much more.
Being an environmentally friendly company, Miniforms takes pride in its design culture that aims to be as green as possible whilst designing furniture that’s made to last. One of their main aims is to preserve the local culture.
The wood is provided by Forest Stewardship Council sources, is formaldehyde-free and comes from areas of reforestation. Miniforms’ marble comes from local excavation residues, reducing waste and limiting damage to the local environment.
Since 2020 the company has only used recyclable plastics, and the polypropylene used in the moulds can be reused several times.
Regarding fabrics, Miniforms decided to work with partners who reuse fabrics, and two of their fabrics are produced from processed waste. Finally, Minforms’s packaging is made from recycled paper with less than 1% foam material.
Miniforms use a mix of machinery and hand crafting to create their range of eco-friendly furniture that is not only designed to look amazing but is built to last.
What is a Miniforms soda table?
A Miniforms soda table is an incredibly unique piece of furniture. Created from a single volume of glass that was blown, drawn out and then formed by three master glassmakers, the stem of the table is made from three petals; the table weighs 20 kilos and is formed from just a single puff of air.
The result is a strikingly beautiful glass side table that makes a massive statement. Coming in four different colours, amber, petrol green, amethyst and blue, you can choose the colour that best fits into your living room.
What are the characteristics of Italian furniture?
Miniforms range of furniture is a unique combination of modern and classic Italian designs colliding to create beautiful furniture. If you want to renovate your living room and change up your aesthetic, why not make it a modern Italian living room?
Modern Italian design fuses the rich Italian culture with newer contemporary, and minimalist designs. The style mixes comfort with luxuriousness and simultaneously balances the colours and furniture.
All the furniture at RB12 will slot perfectly into a modern Italian living room, from stylish pouffes that look just as comfortable as they feel, to storage units that blend into the room rather than distract from it. No matter the furniture you choose to fill your living room with, you can be assured that it’s of the highest quality and durability. The coffee tables, in particular, are stand-out pieces of furniture. The soda table we discussed earlier is not the only coffee table worth mentioning. The Ringo side table has incredible natural wood patterns, and the Kolos side table looks like a shrunken-down Colosseum.
Now you know more about Miniforms and their fantastic range of Italian furniture. At RB12, we have the best Miniforms have to offer, so make sure that you look through the entire selection and find the perfect piece of furniture for your living room.
Miniforms are a special brand with a long family history and a dedication to remaining environmentally friendly whilst not compromising on the quality of the furniture. When you shop with Miniforms, you get unique furniture to elevate your living room. With their made-to-last scheme, you will get furniture that can withstand the trials of everyday life.
If you want to explore your options and check out some of the other amazing brands we have at RB12, then browse Saba Italia, Novamobili and many other amazing brands.
