You’ve heard of fast fashion, but are you aware of fast furniture? 

Fast furniture refers to low-quality, disposable furniture that’s designed to be produced quickly and sold cheaply. The emphasis in fast furniture is on cheap prices and trendiness rather than durability and sustainability. It’s often made with cheap materials such as particleboard, which is not as strong or long-lasting as solid wood. As a result, fast furniture is often discarded after only a few years of use, contributing to the growing problem of furniture waste.

In the US alone, around 12 million tonnes of furniture waste is created in a year, with over 80% of that ending up in landfill. While fast furniture may seem like a convenient and cost-effective solution in the short-term, it ultimately has terrible consequences for both the environment and our wallets in the long run.

The short of it - fast furniture:

1. Low quality: Fast furniture is often made of lower-quality materials, which means that it is more likely to break or wear out quickly. This can lead to having to replace the furniture more frequently, which can become costly in the long run.
   
   
2. Unsustainable: Fast furniture is often produced in mass quantities, which can be harmful to the planet.  And when furniture has to be constantly replaced, it takes an environmental toll as well. 
   
   
3. Short-lived style: Fast furniture is designed to be trendy, but because of this, it can quickly become outdated. This can lead to having to replace the furniture more frequently, again posing the problem of becoming expensive over time.

Here at Eva, we’re part of the counterculture to combat fast furniture: aptly named slow furniture. Our ethos is built around thoughtful design - furniture that’s made for living and lasting a lifetime. 

The short of it - slow furniture:

1. Longevity: Slow furniture is made of high-quality materials such as solid wood and durable fabrics that stand the test of time. This means that it lasts longer and reduces the need for frequent replacement, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
   
   
2. Sustainability: Slow furniture is produced in smaller quantities using eco-friendly materials, making it a more sustainable and responsible approach to design and consumption. 
   
   
3. Timeless design: Slow furniture is designed to be versatile and adaptable to different styles and spaces, making it a timeless investment for your home as your style changes.

Eva’s design team works in-house to create slow furniture that’s thoughtfully designed. Each time they take out the drawing board to create a product, they’re guided by these four pillars: simple, honest, useful and charming. 

Ultimately, the best way to combat fast furniture is to intentionally find products that are thoughtfully designed and well made. Although fast furniture can seem like a good option for those who are looking for affordable and trendy furniture, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re often buying something made of lower-quality materials that was designed to be replaced quickly. 

In contrast, slow furniture offers a more sustainable and responsible approach to design and consumption. By investing in high-quality, long-lasting pieces, you can reduce waste and be more thoughtful about what you bring into your home. Eva's commitment to slow furniture guides our process to create purposeful products that are both beautiful and practical. Choosing slow furniture is not only a responsible choice, but it’s also a way to create a more meaningful and intentional home environment.