Furniture snob here -that's snob not slob!

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by Vandy-bound

Since you are looking for new reproduction rather than old, I'd suggest taking a peek at Restoration Hardware. Depending on the style, Mitchell + Gold might work for you as well--both of these are in the Green Hills Mall area. Alternatively, you might consider hiring a designer--they often have access to stores/showrooms/furniture makers that the rest of us don't; you may be able to have one commissioned to be exactly what you are looking for or they can help you find one that someone else has returned. I've frequented the consignment stores in the area, including Classy Cat, and have been generally unimpressed with the quality of the items they sell. Sometimes you can strike gold, but more often we have walked in and found mid-end furniture, nothing designer.

You could also look into reupholsterers in the area; they may be able to help you if you happen to find an older sofa with excellent bones but needs recovering/cushions. Again, if I were in your shoes, I'd first try the two retail stores, and then contact a designer to get what I am after.

MItchell and GOld is too mid century..besides, RH stuff is too pricey for me..the reups in my area -the Boro- are few and far between..they take FOREVER to do a job..I just got a sofa back from one of them took 6 weeks, and then she claimed she didn't charge me enough..lol
The other girl would not do the job unless I bought the fabric from her.

[12buttons]

Originally Posted by travelhound

One thing Mid TN has is tons of Estate Sales! Hey, people who have wealth can find and get anything, it's no different here, it depends on how high end you're talking . People who buy high end don't generally shop retail themselves do they? You hire a designer and they locate what you want anywhere in the world, or, you find it yourself online and have it shipped. Sure there are high end stores, if you have the time to shop retail. If I had wealth I'd rarely see the inside of a retail store. People also go to Atlanta if they like to shop retail.

They want too much money for their flea-infested old sofas..lots of people think an old moldy Drexel is worth over a grand used..by the time I bought that, had it reupholstered, I am looking at close to 2000 bucks..ridiculous since I only want the frame and not the insides or the fabric her dog licked himself on..lol

[Shooting Stars]

Originally Posted by 12buttons

hey thanks everybody for all that great info..I started my search on craigslist..found a real Hepplewhite and a Knowles -ra! ..the stuffing can be rather exotic..horse hair, pebbles, etc..you never know what's inside..

I got a price for full job..new stuffing and covering in COM fabric..but I wondered..how do you know for sure if they do replace the stuffing? I mean you can't exactly rip it open after they deliver it! lol

The new sofas are so cheap..Ashley, the stuff on Overstock..all made in China, and filled with questionable (toxic?) fillers...besides, how can you buy a sofa and not see the fabric beforehand..what a risk..cheers!

I can't agree with you. I used to work at a high-end furniture store.

Brands like Baker, Henredon, Ralph Lauren, Hancock & Moore and many others are incredibly well-made. (Ashley is a low-end brand, so what do you expect?)

Another great brand, not as expensive as those listed above, but not cheap, is Sherrill.

Also, you get to choose your fabric and many stores have computer programs which can show you what your sofa will look like in the fabric you choose. And then there are always COM fabrics, but that will cost more than choosing one of the manufacturer's fabrics.