I'm a pretty practical guy when it comes to issues of value and quality. I don't always equate spending more with quality, but I also don't equate inexpensive with poor quality. For example, I firmly believe that spending a little more on things like computers, tools and appliances generally gets you a better quality product. I'm not nearly as likely to pay a huge premium on something like a car though, because you don't have to spend $20k to get something that reliably gets you between points.
I have a similar feeling about furniture. I've bought some really nice stuff and a lot of crap, and for the most part, I've always received what I paid for. My bedroom furniture was not cheap, but it's all around solid and I hope that the only reason I'd ever replace it was because I was tired of it. On the other hand, the TV stand and stereo rack in the living room came from Target and cost as much as one of the bedroom nightstands. Again, you look at what you're getting and determine what works.
Furniture that you have to assemble definitely covers a huge range of quality though, and unfortunately that curve doesn't always mesh well with price. Diana's Ikea kitchen table is pretty damn solid, and the bookcase and desk I bought when we got here are also pretty great for what they cost. None of it is hideous either. I'm really content with the stuff. We were looking at picking up a $40 coffee table from there too. It's functional, sturdy, and pretty low risk if it's only good for a few years.
But sometimes, you get crap. Diana spotted a short dresser that we can double as a changing table that also roughly matched the crib, for about $200. I protested a little because it was from Wal-Mart, but I also wasn't sold on spending twice that for a piece that honestly would only be useful for three or four years. As it turns out, the quality was pretty poor. It's sturdy enough to hold up junior while changing him, but the way it fit together was shoddy, the screws heads deteriorated with every twist of the screwdriver, and shit just didn't line up right. I felt kind of ripped off.
Fortunately, the baby stuff won't be around forever, even if we did endeavor for a second (adopted) child. I look forward to a day when we can really build out new rooms in a house.
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