10 furniture buys that fall apart way too fast

Some furniture looks good in a photo—but falls apart in your actual house. If you’ve ever regretted a couch you had to build yourself or a table that wobbled by week two, you’re not alone. These are the furniture buys that don’t hold up well in real life.

Flat-Pack Couches

A lot of inexpensive couches come in boxes now, but the comfort and durability don’t always follow. Thin frames and weak joints start to creak fast, especially if you’re actually using them every day.

They might look decent at first, but give it a few months and you’ll start feeling the cheap materials. The cushions lose shape quickly, and the whole thing starts to sag. It’s not always worth the savings.

Pressboard Dressers

Those $100 dressers from big-box stores can be tempting, but they often don’t survive a move—or even heavy daily use. Pressboard chips, drawers stick, and the finish peels after a few months of wear.

If you need something temporary, they can fill a gap. But don’t expect them to hold up to kids, clutter, or real storage needs. You’ll usually end up replacing them sooner than planned.

Velvet Accent Chairs

Velvet looks great in photos, but some of the budget versions are stiff, scratchy, or attract every speck of dust. If you’ve got pets or kids, the upkeep alone can be a hassle.

Many of these chairs are more decorative than comfortable. They feel good for a minute or two, but you won’t want to lounge in them for long. Don’t let the photo fool you.

Faux Leather Sofas

Faux leather might save you money upfront, but many versions start peeling within a year. Sunlight, heat, or even regular sitting can cause the surface to crack fast.

Once it starts, there’s no fixing it. And peeling faux leather doesn’t just look bad—it’s messy. If you want a long-lasting piece, this usually isn’t it unless you’re spending on higher-end options.

Rolling Kitchen Carts

Rolling kitchen carts can be helpful, but most cheap ones feel flimsy once you actually load them up. The wheels jam, the top scratches easily, and the whole thing wobbles if the floor isn’t perfectly level.

If you’re counting on it for daily function, it’s worth finding one with solid reviews and a heavier frame. Otherwise, it’s more of a frustration than a helper.

Bookshelves Without Backing

Open bookshelves look clean in a listing, but in real life, they can feel flimsy without a back panel. Books tip over, the frame shifts over time, and cheaper ones bow under weight.

You can add your own backing if you’re set on the look, but a shelf without support usually won’t last long. It’s one of those pieces where structure matters more than style.

Ottoman Coffee Tables

A fabric ottoman might double as a coffee table, but stains, spills, and sagging can make it feel worn out fast. If you’ve got kids or snacks involved, it’s hard to keep these looking good.

Some versions don’t offer enough internal support, so they cave in over time. If you’re using it for storage and function, a sturdier option might work better.

Low-Cost Recliners

Budget recliners are rarely built to last. The mechanisms wear out fast, the padding flattens, and the fabric starts to show wear early. You might find one for under $200, but don’t expect it to feel great after a year.

If comfort matters, this is one category where paying a little more tends to go further. Otherwise, you’ll be right back on the hunt soon.

Ladder Shelves

Ladder shelves look stylish, but they often feel unsteady—especially with weight. The angled design limits what you can store, and cheaper ones can start to lean or creak.

They work best for light décor, but not as real storage. If you want shelves that’ll grow with your space, this usually isn’t the best long-term option.

Plastic Patio Furniture

Plastic chairs and tables might be fine short-term, but they fade, crack, and warp in the heat. Once they start breaking down, there’s not much you can do.

If you’re using them for occasional seating, that’s one thing. But for something you’ll actually enjoy using season after season, you’ll want something more durable.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.