So, is Next home furniture good quality? Yes, for the most part. Next offers solid mid-range quality for the price, making it a reliable choice for stylish, everyday home furnishings that don't need to last a lifetime. Their value proposition centers on delivering contemporary, accessible design rather than heirloom-grade construction.
The brand is a good fit for first homes, rental properties, or anyone seeking a modern aesthetic on a reasonable budget. While their products hold up well for a few years, they aren't built to withstand heavy, long-term use in the same way as more premium brands. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect.
How Is Next's Quality?
Next's quality is consistent for its mid-tier market position. You can expect functional, fashionable furniture that meets expectations for the price, but it comes with some clear trade-offs in materials and long-term durability. Here is what to look for:
- Materials: The majority of Next's casegoods (dining tables, sideboards, chests of drawers) are made from engineered wood like MDF or particleboard with veneer or laminate finishes. Upholstery is typically made from synthetic blends, and hardware is standard plated steel or zinc alloy. While functional, these materials are susceptible to scratches, chipping, and water damage over time.
- Construction: Craftsmanship is adequate for the price point. Stitching on sofas and chairs is generally neat and consistent but not as robust as premium brands. Furniture is designed for DIY assembly, and while instructions are clear, some customer reviews mention occasional issues with misaligned holes or loosening hardware over time.
- Durability & Longevity: Most Next furniture is designed to last around 3-5 years with normal use. High-traffic items, like family sofas, may show wear sooner. Soft furnishings like cushions and curtains maintain their look well if cared for properly, but upholstery can show signs of pilling or fading after 1-2 years of heavy use.
- Common Complaints: The most frequent issues reported by customers relate to long-term wear. These include foam sofa cushions sagging or flattening after 2-3 years, veneer peeling at the edges of tables, and squeaking joints on bed frames or dining chairs after a few years of use.
Is Next Good Value for the Price?
Next generally offers good value, providing a fair balance of contemporary design, acceptable quality, and accessible pricing. You get what you pay for: trendy furniture that looks good without a significant investment.
Price Positioning
Next sits comfortably in the mid-range market. Sofas typically cost between £400 - £800, and dining tables range from £150 - £600. This places them a step above budget retailers like Argos or IKEA in terms of design detail and finish, but well below premium brands like John Lewis or Heal's, which use superior materials like solid hardwood.
What You're Paying For
With Next, you are primarily paying for in-house design and style. They excel at creating timeless and contemporary aesthetics that appeal to a wide audience. The cost reflects a piece that looks fashionable and serves its purpose for a reasonable lifespan, not one built with heirloom-quality materials or craftsmanship.
Where You Get Good Value
- Soft Furnishings: Cushions, curtains, bedding, and rugs offer great style for the price, allowing you to update a room's look affordably.
- Accent Furniture: Items that don't see heavy daily use, such as side tables, console tables, and decorative shelving, are a great buy.
- Children's Furniture: Since kids' needs and tastes change quickly, Next offers a stylish and cost-effective way to furnish their rooms without a long-term commitment.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- High-Traffic Seating: A main family sofa used daily may disappoint, as foam cushions are known to sag within 2-3 years.
- "Forever" Furniture: If you are looking for a dining table or bed frame to last a decade or more, the engineered wood construction is unlikely to meet your expectations.
- Investments in Durability: For items where sturdiness is paramount, the reliance on particleboard and veneers means a bigger budget spent elsewhere might represent better long-term value.
Next Quality by Category
Quality can differ significantly between product lines. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from Next's most popular home categories.
Sofas & Sectionals
Next sofas are priced affordably (£400 - £800) and come in a wide range of popular styles and fabrics. The frames are typically wood composites, and cushions are filled with foam that offers initial comfort but are prone to sagging with daily use. Verdict: A solid choice for a first apartment or a low-traffic room, but not recommended as a long-term investment for a busy family living room.
Bedroom & Dining Furniture
Most of Next's bedroom and dining furniture features engineered wood with veneer or laminate surfaces. This makes them susceptible to scratches and water rings if not treated with care. Their designs are modern and functional for the price (£150 - £600 for dining tables). Verdict: Good for achieving a stylish look on a budget, but handle with care to preserve the finish.
Soft Furnishings (Curtains, Cushions, Rugs)
This is one of Next's strongest categories. Their curtains, cushions, and rugs are stylish, on-trend, and generally well-made for the price point (£20 - £80). Fabrics are predominantly synthetic blends that are easy to clean and maintain their color well. Verdict: Excellent value for adding personality and comfort to a space without a large financial outlay.
Decor & Accessories
From lighting to mirrors and vases, Next offers fashionable decor that completes a room. The quality is standard for the high street - think plated metals and composite materials. While they may not feel as substantial as high-end alternatives, they look great. Verdict: A reliable go-to for affordable, trend-led accessories that won't break the bank.
Our Verdict: Is Next Worth It?
Next is worth it for shoppers who prioritize current style and affordability over long-term durability. It’s an ideal choice for furnishing a first home, a temporary space, or secondary rooms where furniture won't be under constant, heavy use. If you expect a decade of flawless performance, you should probably look elsewhere.
Quality Grade: B
Next delivers on its promise as a mid-range retailer with products that are generally well-made for their price. The use of engineered wood and standard foam cushions prevents it from earning a higher grade, as these materials inherently limit the furniture's lifespan to around 3-5 years of regular use. Quality control is decent, but the raw materials can't compete with premium brands.
Value Grade: B
Next provides good, fair value. The blend of fashionable design and reasonable prices is competitive, and you get a stylish product for your money. While some items might not last as long as you'd hope, you aren't overpaying for what you receive. For stylish furniture without the designer price tag, Next hits a sweet spot in the market.
Great Alternatives to Next for Every Budget
If you like Next's style but are looking for something with a bit more longevity or better material quality, consider these strong alternatives.
Made.com
Made.com offers trendy, designer-inspired furniture with a tangible step up in material quality. For a 10-20% higher price, you'll often get more durable materials like solid wood elements and higher-grade upholstery fabrics, making it a better long-term investment.
Shop now at made.com
Habitat
Habitat blends bold, modern design with more robust materials than Next. You'll find a wider selection of solid wood pieces and more durable construction methods at a comparable or slightly higher price, giving you better long-term durability for your money.
Shop now at habitat.co.uk
Swoon Editions
Swoon focuses on stylish, handcrafted furniture that often uses beautiful natural materials. Their pieces feel more substantial and unique than mass-market options, offering better craftsmanship and attention to detail, often at a very competitive mid-market price point.
Shop now at swooneditions.com
La Redoute Interiors
This brand brings chic French design together with good material choices, including more solid wood options in popular Scandinavian-inspired styles. For a similar price to Next, you can often find pieces with superior longevity and timeless appeal.
Shop now at laredoute.co.uk
John Lewis & Partners
As a premium retailer, John Lewis offers significantly better construction, superior materials like solid hardwood frames, and excellent warranties. While you'll pay more, the furniture is built to last 10+ years, making it a fantastic investment in long-term quality and durability.
Shop now at johnlewis.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Next furniture typically last?
With normal use, you can expect most Next furniture to last between 3 to 5 years. High-use items like a main family sofa may show noticeable signs of wear, such as sagging cushions, within 2 to 3 years.
Is Next furniture solid wood?
No, the majority of Next's furniture is constructed from engineered wood, such as MDF and particleboard, which is then covered with a veneer or laminate finish. This is a common practice for mid-range retailers to keep prices affordable but is less durable than solid wood.
Is Next better quality than IKEA?
Next is generally considered a step up from IKEA in overall design aesthetic and finish for a slightly higher price. However, both brands rely heavily on engineered wood, meaning the core material quality can be quite similar on certain product lines.
What is Next's furniture warranty?
Next typically provides a 1-year warranty on its furniture from the date of delivery. This manufacturer's guarantee covers defects in materials or workmanship but does not cover issues arising from normal wear and tear.
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