Revive gives good things a second life

Jan 25, 2026

Blog post: How to recognize quality

Today I have a topic that I particularly like because it comes from real life and because it ultimately decides on a central question: Does a piece of furniture feel like a compromise after a short time, or like something good that should last a long time?

A reader wrote to me. And I quote him because this observation could not be formulated more aptly:

"In our holiday apartment in Croatia we have an inexpensive corner sofa. It looks good, is reasonably comfortable and, at under €2,000, isn't expensive."
At home, however, we have a two-seater and a three-seater 'Arca' sofa from B&B . These are over 30 years old. We love the sofas despite their signs of wear and tear because they are incredibly comfortable and have a unique design.
I don't think that, with the same level of use, the cheap corner sofa in our holiday apartment would last much longer than 5 years."

Thank you for this email! What makes this example so apt? That "quality" is often misunderstood. Many people immediately think of flawlessness: no scratches, no dents, no creases. But a sofa isn't a decorative piece in a display case. A sofa is a functional object in the truest sense. It carries evenings, bodies, conversations, fatigue, children, guests, sometimes even phases of life. Traces aren't automatically a judgment of quality. They are, first and foremost, proof that this piece of furniture has truly lived.

B&B Italia Arca leather two-seater – image — B&B Italia Arca leather two-seater

B&B Italia Arca leather three-seater – picture — B&B Italia Arca leather three-seater

The real question of quality begins deeper. Not with the surface, but with the inner workings, the construction, and the idea of whether a piece of furniture is designed to be repaired, cared for, reupholstered, and recovered – in other words, to have a second and third chapter.

An inexpensive sofa can look presentable and be just right for a vacation apartment. It serves its purpose without tying up your finances. The goal is often: it should be readily available and functional.

A designer piece typically has a different underlying principle. It's often built to last a long time in everyday use because the frame, upholstery, and covers aren't intended to be disposable. You don't always notice this on the first day. You often only realize it after sitting on it a thousand times. And when you can still enjoy it even after 30 years.

This brings us to Revive. Our motto, REUSE, REPAIR, RETHINK, is no coincidence. Every day, we work against this throwaway culture by not simply passing on pre-owned designer pieces, but by disassembling them in Cologne, repairing them, and restoring them to a state that feels "ready" rather than "used." That's the core of our idea.

Below this blog post, as always, you'll find a compilation of the furniture pieces I liked best. And if you have a topic suggestion, feel free to send me an email. You can find my contact details below.