The general trend in manufacturing  continues to favour mass production. Things are produced cheaply and with a deliberately short lifespan. They are not intended to be repaired and will probably end up as land fill. Flat pack furniture unfortunately tends to fall in to this category. 

With traditionally built wooden furniture this is not necessarily the case. Provided it is made to a good standard, it should be durable and repairable for many years.

The vast majority of new furniture in the UK is now imported. It usually meets quality standards and is reasonably priced. 
This may seem to be a good thing but many people have doubts about the environmental impact of the global economy. For example, it may make economic sense for American oak to be transported to Asia, then made into furniture and subsequently shipped to Europe and all over the world. 

In the UK, that finished product can retail for less than the price of locally grown timber. Our own furniture manufacturing industry can’t compete and has been declining for a number of years. 

The energy consumption of this type of supply chain is considerable, and usually fossil fuelled for much of the process. Although the product may be affordable, it’s large carbon footprint and lack of certified environmental protection has an increasingly unacceptable cost to nature and the climate crisis.

We may hope that the forests are being sustainably managed, but certification from a recognised regulatory body such as the FSC is the only safeguard we have. The FSC also provide the only assurance that indigenous populations and forestry workers are being treated fairly.
It's easy to dismiss global problems as things over which we have no control. We are, however, able to choose what we do with our money. 

Regardless of  the harm caused by deforestation and energy used in the manufacture and transport of wooden furniture, the finished item is at least captured carbon. Cherishing what we already have, rather than replacing it, is a painless way to minimise our impact on global resources and save money at the same time.

A piece of furniture is not just a fashion accessory. It is a functional object, a tool for living. The same could be said for  most clothing. If it doesn't fit or function properly, it can be altered or repaired. If it doesn't suit , it may be re styled. Otherwise, it can be sold or given away. In the UK there are charities who will collect unwanted furniture for re use, so landfill should be a last resort.

As you can probably tell, I’m a bit of a fan of the circular economy…