Buying Durable Furniture in Lebanon: A Shopper's Checklist

Showrooms are designed to flatter the eye, but durability is decided in the parts you don't see. Use this short checklist on every major piece.

Sofas

• Frame: kiln-dried solid wood beats engineered MDF for longevity.
• Joints: corner blocks glued and screwed — not stapled.
• Suspension: 8-way hand-tied springs (premium), sinuous "no-sag" springs (mid-tier), webbing (entry level).
• Cushion fill: high-density foam (≥35 kg/m³) wrapped in down or fiber.
• Upholstery: Martindale rub-count of 25,000+ for residential heavy use.

Beds and mattresses

• Mattress: ask for the coil count and density figures, not just "orthopedic".
• Bed base: slats spaced no more than 7 cm apart and rated for the mattress weight.
• Warranty: 10-year pro-rated is standard for mid-range mattresses.

Dining tables

• Solid-wood tops outperform veneered MDF in dry winter months when Lebanese homes oscillate between very humid and very dry.
• Extension mechanisms: open and close the table several times in the showroom.

Delivery

Confirm in writing whether assembly and removal of packaging are included. For large pieces, measure your apartment door, stairwell width and elevator interior before ordering — Lebanese pre-war buildings are unforgiving.