Business Why furniture got so bad Furniture used to last generations. Now it barely survives a move. Industry insiders explain. BU student Hillary Hagen and friend Alex Berger carry items from their apartment on Ashford Street, which is lined with furniture and other thrown-out items, Aug. 31, 2023. John Tlumacki / The Boston Globe No one expects an Ikea bookcase or West Elm sofa to last for generations, or maybe even to survive another move. But walk into a vintage furniture store and you’ll find all types of old pieces that were inexpensive and mass-produced in their day, yet have...