Is there any evidence that the new stuff is worse? Because as far as I can tell, the wardrobes at IKEA today is the exact same models as the ones I bought 7 years ago. Billy bookshelves looks to be the same as the one I bought 15 years ago.

Billy definitely got worse over the last 30 years. We’ve got some from the nineties that are much more wood-like than what they sell today, still going strong.

They look the same, but the actual construction grade on the new Billys is awful. I bought a bookcase two years ago and the wood veneer has already chipped off, revealing the cardboard inside. Even the more expensive stuff isn't immune - I purchased a Malm at the same time and the drawers already have the bottoms gone and the metal frame parts have already bent.

> that's not a counter anecdote - they said the old stuff would last, the new not.

I would like to see some evidence on this. I read this all the time and it does not reflect my experiences.

Interesting... wasn't aware that 7 years was 'old' in Ikea terms!