In these uncertain economic times, many people might be tempted to purchase less expensive furniture for their homes. 

But experts warn that this might not be the most cost-effective thing to do.

"Well-made furniture stands the test of time," says David de Lusignan, a sales manager for Jordans Interiors. "Well-crafted furniture, such as the Stickley line, purchased today is tomorrow's heirloom.

"If you don't leave it to your relatives, it will go to auction and fetch a great price ... investing in the best just makes economic sense."

He adds that buying lesser-quality furniture will end up costing more money in the long run.

"That's because you'll end up having to replace it a few years later because it will look old and trashed."

If money is an issue, he recommends his clients not buy all the pieces all at once.

"You can buy one item from a fine collection and know that in five to 10 years from now, the other pieces in the collection will be available," says de Lusignan, adding it's another benefit that manufacturers of less expensive furniture can't guarantee.

"Jordans has been open for 80 years and we often hear from grandchildren, who own their grandmother's Stickley, that it still looks like new."

Allison Andrew-Harris, manager and co-owner of a furniture chain, agrees.

"I tell my customers, especially in this recession, that investing in quality furniture, which is ageless and timeless, will only increase in value or at the very least hold its value," says Andrew-Harris. "It's like investing in a good, solid stock and watching it appreciate."

She also says that most fine furniture stores archive fabrics and upholstery. "If you purchase a sofa and years down the road you want to purchase a chair to match in the same fabric, they will have it in stock," she says.

"Instead of replacing a whole well-constructed frame, customers can invest in a new slipcover every 20 years or so. When it comes to leather furniture, the quality of Italian leather is incomparable, and they offer lifetime warranties, says Andrew-Harris.

Country Furniture works with many local craftsmen who work primarily with long-lasting, elegant woods such as pine, alder and birch. When you invest in high-end furnishings, Andrew-Harris says, you can bet they will be handed down through the generations.