Any ideas about any outlets or internet sites where you can find formal european furniture? Thansk a bunch!
2007-02-28 14:25:46 · 9 answers · asked by Neda 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
try checking your local Craig's List several times a day. People who are moving or redecorating are the best source and often you can find great deals on Craig's List. You have to look often to catch the deals before they are gone, though.
2007-02-28 17:19:53 · answer #1 · answered by Jeannie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am an interior designer and from my experience here is what I have to say about furniture. You are better off saving up and slowly buying quality pieces of furniture one at a time rather than trying to do it all at once and therefore having to replace it in a few years. If you buy quality furniture then it should out-live you! There are so many furniture options out there now but here is how you can tell quality furniture:
1) the drawers - you want to have dove tailed and a wood glider system. The metal drawer pull system will break.
2) WOOD! So many companies are putting a thin slice of wood veneer on top of particle board but still claiming it is 100% wood. This is hard to tell because you can only see the exterior surface so carefully examine the drawers and the backside of the piece. There you can tell who has used real planks of wood and who has partical board underneath.
3) Upholstery - what is the wear factor on the fabric? What kind of spring system is underneath? Ask these questions.
There are very few brands of furniture that still instill all these qualities in all pieces of their furniture. The older companies still make their furniture this way though. My favorite is Ethan Allen and all my customers agree - there is a reason why they have been in the business for 75 years - they still make it the way they did back then. I always pop my head into their stores whenever I see one simply because they usually have a few floor samples on their floor or mess ups from a custom order at half off!
2007-02-28 23:35:37 · answer #2 · answered by whitetreehome 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are between a rock and a hard spot! As a general rule, if you want nice or quality furniture you are going to have to pay well for it. The exception to this is if a reputable store is having a going out of business sale, a reputable store has a discontinued set with a big discount or you are lucky enough to find an estate sale that has quality furniture. An estate sale is usually your best bet because regretfully, used furniture is not in high demand.
2007-02-28 22:38:09 · answer #3 · answered by don n 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for "consignment" shops that sell furniture. You will find very nice, name-brand furniture that has been used, but you won't be able to tell it, in most cases. Consignment shop owners tend to be very picky in what they take, and usually allow pieces to remain on the floor around 30 days. You might not find exactly what you're looking for, but you'll be amazed at the quality. In any case, you can return in 30 days and have a whole array of new selections to choose from. The prices are unbelievable. Remember, you get what you pay for, so buying sight unseen (i.e. internet) may not be the route you want to take. I don't know if you're in the US or UK, but most of the consignment shops I've been to in the US are fantastic, including brand names such as Ethan Allen, Bernhardt, etc.
2007-03-01 09:33:32 · answer #4 · answered by thankamy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you might be able to find a scratch and dent tent at your local store. If it's something minor, you can fix it yourself and save a ton. I got a 2000 sectional for 700 after taxes, because a cushion was ripped, well, I've reupholstered furniture in the past so I used that to my advantage and save 1300.
2007-02-28 22:53:09 · answer #5 · answered by brandyswilkes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try checking out some of the re-sale shops for "gently used furniture" in your area. I've seen some beautifull things for very reasonable prices in them. I've even bought pieces in thrift shops that worked out very well. There are all kinds of places out there. You just need to look.
2007-02-28 22:40:32 · answer #6 · answered by mazell41 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of furniture buying guide and resources here.
http://www.efurnituresale.com
2007-03-01 12:25:52 · answer #7 · answered by yellowcabbie 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"IKEA" is one of the best places- they have designer furniture but it doesn't cost as much. Check their stuff out at ikea-usa.com
2007-02-28 22:33:37 · answer #8 · answered by schmidtee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look for people that are moving.Some don't want to bring or ship
the items they have.
2007-02-28 22:35:04 · answer #9 · answered by thresher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋