Hand-crafted furniture, crafted by skilled artisans, offers unique character, meticulous joinery, and the use of premium hardwoods—traits that endure through generations. Mass-produced pieces, assembled on automated lines, deliver affordability and rapid availability, reflecting advances in industrial manufacturing. In durability tests, bespoke tables outlasted their factory counterparts by an average of 10 years, thanks to solid mortise-and-tenon joints versus cam-lock fittings. However, mass-produced furniture scored higher on purchase convenience and cost efficiency, appealing to budget-conscious consumers. Maintenance routines also differed: hand-crafted surfaces aged gracefully with periodic oiling, whereas mass finishes often required refinishing or replacement. This review encourages buyers to reflect on their priorities—heritage and longevity versus immediacy and economy—before making an investment in their living spaces.
