Quality of furniture made with veneer over hardwood

Judie

I haven’t shopped for new furniture for awhile, but am moving to a contemporary condo and my old arts and crafts furniture doesn’t fit. In shopping, I’ve been surprised by all the furniture out there that is veneer over hardwood. I don’t know what to think of this. Many of the pieces appear well made, but I’m used to solid wood and want feedback from others on whether they’re satisfied with well-made veneer furniture and how it wears. I used to love oak, but cherry is my new favorite wood and too pricey (in solid cherry as opposed to veneer) for me for all the furniture I need, but I have my heart set on some beautifully crafted Amish furniture in cherry. I’m wondering if I should use solid wood in some places and veneer in other places. How does the veneer over hardwood fare over the long haul? Am I better off to use solid wood for the dining room and veneer in the bedrooms? Or will the veneer not wear as well for the dining room? I would greatly appreciate your input, and especially would like to know if those of you with veneer furniture are happy with it and how to assess quality when veneer is used. Thank you so much!