Did you know that 80% of America’s vast furniture waste ends up in landfills? You would think that something expensive like furniture would last a long time, and not many people think about how they will dispose of it when the time comes. Like other consumer products, the drive of consumerism has decreased quality and increased the waste of materials that aren’t necessarily biodegradable.

Of course, there are some bedroom furniture sets that are truly sustainable, like rattan wicker furniture, bamboo furniture, or metal that can be recycled. And, both bamboo and wicker are much more durable than you might think. Still, you may need or want a heavier or more decorative option that is still eco-friendly.

This is where old-fashioned furniture makers shine. As a society, we have drifted into a frame of mind that heirloom quality bedroom sets no longer exist except as antiques. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The same look of the ornate, traditional bedroom sets that you admire in antique stores can be had at a lower price and with lasting durability in new heirloom-quality pieces.

Another misconception is that heirloom furniture must be in the traditional style. That is no longer the case. You can now get very durable furniture suitable for passing down through the years in more modern styles as well. In fact, you can enjoy all of the benefits of brand new furniture but with the peace of mind that it will not end up in a landfill for many years.

What makes bedroom furniture heirloom quality? These are bedroom sets that can last more than one lifetime. They are usually built of solid wood and rust-proofed metal, designed to be used again and again over the years. Be aware that engineered wood is not the same as solid natural hardwood. While it is true that engineered wood uses less of the tree, the glue that holds it together is dangerous for the environment.

Engineered wood has been used to make modern furniture for a while now, but it is just another symptom of the consumerism that permeates our society. People are more worried about instant gratification and whimsy rather than making an investment, and engineered wood is cheap to make. But heirloom furniture doesn’t have to cost much more. Because it isn’t as common as it once was, heirloom-quality furniture is less in demand and more budget-friendly than you might think.

And when you consider how long the furniture will last, the cost savings are significant. The average complete bedroom set costs around $1,500 – engineered wood furniture must be replaced about every 20 to 30 years. That means each member of the household will buy at least 2 bedroom sets in their lifetime. Then, all of their children and grandchildren must do the same.

On the other hand, when can invest in brand new heirloom-quality bed sets for as little as $2,000 – and they last for generations, saving other households in the family to also save over the years. If you’re ready to check out the most popular heirloom bedroom sets, check out online furniture stores.