Furniture Buying

[greg42]

I like IKEA but not for the latest sub-discussion on higher quality stuff. We got some more shelving in a new (for us) and interesting style from them fairly recently, and we like that very much. It has helped organize things that were otherwise out in the open, with what to us is a pleasing style. (Some of the baskets and other similar pieces we have added to it are actually from Target, though. )

I assume if you buy something like an upholstered sofa you don't have to put that together at least. I don't know how their frames are made; I wouldn't be surprised if they have something at their top end that is a decent solid frame. But for the rest of the items, like bedroom pieces or whatever, you're always assembling it, whether it's the cheapest or the best stuff in the store. Which is fine, if it's something I like and find it a decent value. I've become very good at the assembly over the years. Indeed I'm anticipating a point where we might end up getting kitchen cabinets from IKEA, and I'll assemble those too. But it sure isn't for everyone.

[JayYoungblood2]

Originally Posted by greg42

I like IKEA but not for the latest sub-discussion on higher quality stuff. We got some more shelving in a new (for us) and interesting style from them fairly recently, and we like that very much. It has helped organize things that were otherwise out in the open, with what to us is a pleasing style. (Some of the baskets and other similar pieces we have added to it are actually from Target, though. )

I assume if you buy something like an upholstered sofa you don't have to put that together at least. I don't know how their frames are made; I wouldn't be surprised if they have something at their top end that is a decent solid frame. But for the rest of the items, like bedroom pieces or whatever, you're always assembling it, whether it's the cheapest or the best stuff in the store. Which is fine, if it's something I like and find it a decent value. I've become very good at the assembly over the years. Indeed I'm anticipating a point where we might end up getting kitchen cabinets from IKEA, and I'll assemble those too. But it sure isn't for everyone.

I agree. Just moving to the area (Butler) we had to get rid of a lot of stuff due to the smaller house we had to move into. (Broyhill and Havertys) Thats bedroom, living room. Had too much stuff for the living room and the bedroom stuff couldnt make the turn up the stairs. So we are in the middle of getting rid of all the stuff and had to "downsize" and just bought the "cheaper" ikea stuff to suffice these next 3 years. We looked at all the places mentioned in the prior posts plus a place called Perlora? I think. Stuff was too big our wouldve been a hassle to get in and out at time of next move.

And I HATE assembling things. Im the reason theres pre-assembly on a looooot of things in stores now!

[Aqua Teen Carl]

Originally Posted by JayYoungblood2

We looked at all the places mentioned in the prior posts plus a place called Perlora?

I don't know how Perlora stays in business. I have never known a single person who has bought anything from them thanks to their crazy prices.

[greg42]

Yeah, Perlora was one of the places in mind when I was thinking of the ones in the city that are expensive. I've never actually been in there though, just know of it. Come to think of it, there's a branch of Arhaus on Highland Ave in Shadyside, too (next to Casbah).

I'm disappointed Norka Futon closed, looks like the whole company went out of business earlier this year. The popularity of the namesake product has probably waned somewhat, but they had a variety of pieces along that line (plus matching other furniture like tables, etc) with great US-made wood frames. We weren't planning on buying more, but we're really happy with the pieces we did buy there about 5 years ago.

[SorryIMovedBack]

Originally Posted by scrapp

be careful with used stuff, it could contain bedbugs.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/ny...02bedbugs.html

True, but engineers, chemists, and licensed pesticide applicators have the technology...

Besides, I mostly buy used case goods, not upholstered pieces, unless it's some fantastic antique that will probably be re-upholstered. And I quarantine it in metal and concrete storage unit for at least a couple of months, anyway. Sweltering hot followed by freezing cold tends to make any bugs want to move. (Yeah, I know, risk of mice. And for that, I have a couple of HUGE house cats that eradicate all mice, flies, wasps, ladybugs, or other vermin that wander into the house.)

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by SorryIMovedBack

Besides, I mostly buy used case goods, not upholstered pieces

What does that mean, "case goods"?

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by jay5835

What does that mean, "case goods"?

Book cases, dressers, nightstands -- and in some places tables. Pretty much anything made of wood.

[jay5835]

Originally Posted by Tallysmom

Book cases, dressers, nightstands -- and in some places tables. Pretty much anything made of wood.

Thanks. I guess I've always wondered what that meant.