By age 28, you should no longer have cheap furniture in your home, according to new research.
The survey from Avocado Green Mattress asked respondents about “fast furniture” — furniture that is inexpensive, mass-produced and designed to be quickly assembled and replaced.
Results revealed that over half of respondents (52%) currently own fast furniture, but 56% believe it’s only acceptable to have fast furniture until a certain age.
And respondents pinpointed just below the big three-oh as the age people should move away from fast furniture — with 47% admitting they’d even judge someone who had fast furniture in their home as an adult.
Many respondents naturally plan to move away from fast furniture.
Fifty-eight percent of respondents have purchased fast furniture as “starter” furniture, and 80% of those who have purchased fast furniture admit they didn’t expect it to last long.
On average, respondents think fast furniture has a two-year lifespan.
And when it’s time to upgrade, 65% said they’re more likely to throw fast furniture away, compared to other furniture, rather than spend time donating or selling it.
That’s even higher among those who currently own fast furniture — 83% admitted they’re more likely to throw their fast furniture away.
Sixty-one percent consider themselves to be environmentally aware when it comes to their furniture and decor choices — and 79% of those who own fast furniture said the same.
But 38% of respondents also admit that fast furniture is less sustainable than “quality” furniture.
Two-thirds of those surveyed (66%) would like to be more sustainable when it comes to the furniture in their home, but 58% said there’s a negative stigma around buying used furniture or picking up free furniture.
Some 56% of respondents would be more willing to buy used furniture if there was less of a taboo around thrift stores and picking up free furniture.
