Was there a time when an oak dresser was much cheaper in inflation adjusted dollars?
Furniture that lasts forever is an anti-feature for some. They want to change their furnishings about as often as cheap furniture lasts anyway. I mostly buy quality furniture, but sometimes I don't know what I really want and Ikea and Wayfair are great for that. Cheap enough to donate after I decide what quality piece I really want.
yes.
And you're reversing cause and effect. Do the consumers prefer a disposable lifestyle or is that a cope?