death of the heirloom

A long time ago, it was commonplace for family members to pass down pieces of furniture to younger generations. These days, it is largely unheard-of. Instead, most consumers are only interested in changing their furniture every few years. Few spend money on the solid hardwood pieces that our forefathers once valued. Rather, most people are intent on picking up modern furniture. In some cases, I can understand the concept behind wanting to own furniture that is lightweight and easy to move around - much of it modern in design. My own family has relocated nearly a dozen times in the last decade, and there were a number of furniture items that didn't make it through every move. Some weren't built to last. Others were just too heavy. Perhaps this explains the relative death of heirloom furniture. We are a much more transient society than our predecessors ever were.