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In the past I have always bought inexpensive furniture, but I would like to purchase some more upscale furniture. I would like to look at some furniture on the internet, but don't know where to go. I am aware of Thomasville, but that's about it.
It really doesn't have to be expensive, but what I'm really interested in is unique furniture. Maybe European-style designs or period reproductions. Any suggestions of company names or websites?
Check some design magazines. They will give credit to the furniture manufacturers they use in their rooms. Once you know what you want, hit the net and learn what you should expect to pay.
We have some furniture from C. R. Laine and it is very nice quality. It was all custom ordered and we are happy with how things were done. Drexel Heritage is another company that has a wide selection of styles/fabrics that you can customize your pieces.
28 years ago we bought all Drexel and Henredon furniture. Most of it still looks like new. I finally parted with the big couch 2 years ago, but the person who took it was thrilled to get such a big, heavy piece for their rec room.
When you go furniture shopping, be sure to always ask (1) when is the next sale and (2) are the floor samples discounted. I got up to 60% off floor samples. You should almost always be able to buy good furniture for about 40% off. The exception to this was the last piece of furniture I bought two years ago. I longed for this big, gorgeous cabinet from Crate & Barrel. http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family...1&SearchPage=1 I knew it would make the perfect pantry for my small kitchen. I waited a year for it to go on sale....and it never did. I finally broke down and bought it anyway -- I love it!
In the past I have always bought inexpensive furniture, but I would like to purchase some more upscale furniture. I would like to look at some furniture on the internet, but don't know where to go. I am aware of Thomasville, but that's about it. It really doesn't have to be expensive, but what I'm really interested in is unique furniture. Maybe European-style designs or period reproductions. Any suggestions of company names or websites?
Hello. I felt the same way back about 1990 when we remodeled the house back in Fairfax, VA. Spent big bucks on Thomasville.
Lately, I wish we hadn't spent $8k (in 1990 dollars) on that beautiful set of BR furniture from Thomasville - solid cherry, bulkhead headboard, light bridge, tall side piers, tripple dresser, chest of drawers, mirrors, lingerie chest, the whole set. We needed storage, as our house had tiny closets.
Here in CO, our new house has huge walk-in closets with floor to ceiling racks - the works. Big BR set became obsolete.
The old BR set was overkill, and too dark for this bright modern ranch home. Got $3k for it from a local chap. KEY LESSON: It is impossible to get your money out of just about anything but a house. Everything depreciates in price, even if you keep the furniture (or car, or boat, or RV, or clothes, or designer purse, or the china, or the silver, or the jewelry) in perfect shape. To limit the loss of value, IMO, don't pay a lot for anything and don't buy anything upscale. If you must, check the want ads in your nearest big-city paper, and buy at 1/3 the price, like the guy who bought my T-Ville BR set.
Moral of this story - don't spend big bucks on superb items unless you are upper brackets and money is plentiful. I almost bought the new Thomasville "Hemingway" style bedroom set, loved that massive headboard. Found excellent knock off here in CO SPGS, CO for about HALF what T-Ville charges, but still went with something even more reasonable.
Styles, tastes, and situations change. Why leave heirloom quality furniture to children, most don't care about it and won't take care of it. Seen it happen.
I recommend something tasteful, solid, basic and not expensive to serve you 7-10 years and then kiss it goodbye.
Here's a tip if you are planning to buy a lot of new furniture and maybe a lot of window coverings, etc. Become a member of Direct Buy. We became members and they have all the same lines of home furnishings that any place else has, except that instead of paying the retail markup you pay the manufacturers cost plus shipping. Our membership was $4200 for three years and thereafter it is $198 per year to remain a member. This isn't for everyone, but if you have a lot of things to buy and are anticipating spending a lot of money, this is a really good thing to get involved with. The membership fee pays for itself in savings. Just a thought.
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thank you
