Furniture: Price vs Quality and Using an Interior Designer

[Midpack]

This may be of limited interest so FWIW.

To know if you want to read this post - in summary, I’ve found inexpensive furniture can be surprisingly good quality.

We just furnished almost an entire house. We used a professional interior designer (first time ever) and she gave us as many choices as we needed to fill 4-5 rooms. We thoroughly enjoyed working with her, she pushed us where we needed to be pushed - talked us into some design decisions we wouldn’t have made without her, and we’re glad she did. [Her services cost us $2100, but she saved us more than that on the furniture purchases - so her services were arguably free].

Cheap: Our dining room set, end & coffee tables, a loveseat and several lamps came from Wayfair and Houzz. I’d always been afraid to buy from them, but with her recommendation, we bought. The quality of these pieces is much better than we expected. Of course we can’t predict how they will hold up, but they look good and feel very sturdy and we believe they will hold up fine. Worst case we’re not out much if they have to be replaced down the road.

Middle: Our desk, file cabinet, MTO kitchen island stools and MTO TV stand came from a local (non chain) med/high end furniture store - all made in USA, and 1 piece from Crate & Barrel. It’s nicer than the cheap stuff up close, but I’m not sure anyone could tell without close examination. Crate & Barrel is overpriced IMO, but we bought one piece from them.

High end: Our bedroom set and sideboard were much more expensive than I’d hoped, but there just wasn’t anything we liked as much at lower price points so we splurged. The sideboard is the heaviest piece of furniture we’ve ever owned, the quality is obvious - construction, finish, slides/hinges, wood, etc. The 6 pc bedroom set is solid cherry hand made in VT, it’s simply the nicest furniture pieces we’ve ever owned - replacing our 40+ yo pressboard bedroom set that I rented (then bought) just out of college (I’m surprised DW didn’t put her foot down years ago). Pure luxury. I don’t know if it was worth the expense, but at least we can get to know what it’s like to have a few pieces of top quality furniture. We’ll see.

So I’m a big believer in you get what pay for, and I still am. But the difference from top to bottom in furniture is subtler than I had thought. I’d buy top quality again, but for lighter use and/or non-upholstered pieces there are some good values out there.

 

[pacergal]

Yes, over our 40+ year marriage, we have bought a variety of furniture from cheap to very expensive. Quality doesn't alway follow price!

 

[lemming]

So far I have only found overpriced cheap stuff. Have not seen any overpriced good quality.
I am thinking of making a trip to the furniture mart at Hickory NC just for the experience. I am terrible at making a decision in a day so it will probably only be a excuse for a road trip.

 

[davebarnes]

Room & Board.
Good quality, made in the USA.

 

[RobbieB]

I buy only solid wood or veneered plywood. No MDF, particle or strand board ever. I won't DIY anything out of that stuff either, I just hate it.

 

[Car-Guy]

I've typically found the old adage "you get what you pay for" is pretty true. But not 100% of the time. Cheap stuff is almost always just cheap stuff. However sometimes I've been able to find some mid-range stuff that was pretty high quality and sometimes high end stuff that was "not so good". That goes for furniture, appliances, tools, cars, or pretty much everything. Just need to select things carefully. YMMV

 

[Cobra9777]

I build a lot of our furniture, mostly the simpler pieces like desks, TV stands, coffee tables, bedside tables, one bed, lots of book cases and built-in's. I only use solid hardwood and furniture-grade hardwood veneer plywood.

Over the years, we've also acquired several older pieces from various antique/junk shops, then repair and refinish them ourselves. Pieces I recall include 2 or 3 dressers, 2 round oak tables, a buffet, a bathroom vanity, and a sofa table.

Everything else, like sofas and chairs, we buy American-made on the mid-to-high quality level. Nothing is super high-end, but it's all solid hardwood, good quality leather, etc.

Design-wise... in some weird way, it all sort-of fits together... at least DW and I think so. But at some point, the services of a decorator would definitely be helpful.

 

[DFDubb]

Hired an interior decorator to completely outfit our place. Furniture, linens, just about everything but the art on the walls. It was shocking how much it cost to do it and is not something I ever envisioned doing, but it was awesome and the place looks phenomenal. With an unlimited budget I couldn't have done half as good.

Like you, the pricing was all over the place and very rarely represented the quality. Our couch for example, was only $2400 and it looks awesome, is of extremely high quality, and is the most comfortable couch I've ever sat on. I would've expected this item to cost considerably more. Then you have things like bedside tables. She scoured the earth and eventually found something we liked that seemed worth the cost. Most of the bedside tables she sent us to look at were cardboard garbage and cost $1200 a pop. Sorry, no dice. Quality rugs were another area where I grossly underestimated how much we were going to spend to cover up brand new expensive wood flooring. Lamps cost more than I would've imagined, but all the chairs in our living area cost way less than I'd have imagined and have to be harder to manufacture. A lot of it doesn't make a lot of sense to me.

Being frugal LBYM people, the process was excruciating, I couldn't believe how fast money was going out, but now every single time I walk into my house I thank myself for convincing myself and spouse to do it.

 

[Midpack]

Being frugal LBYM people, the process was excruciating, I couldn't believe how fast money was going out, but now every single time I walk into my house I thank myself for convincing myself and spouse to do it.

Exactly how we’re feeling. We hesitated a long while on the high end pieces, but they’re our favorites. I wouldn’t want to fill the house with all high end pieces, that would cost $$$$.

Kinda stupid that we lived with crummy furniture for 40 years. We figured this was a forever house (last one just felt like forever), so we wanted to get nicer stuff, and some things we’d both always wanted. I’ve wanted a (replica) Tiffany lamp forever, finally bought one. Always admired shaker style bedroom sets, finally bought a set in solid cherry after 40+ years.

I wish we’d done it a long time ago, and again the interior designer was essentially free - she saved us more than she charged us. And what she led us to pick was far better than we’d ever have put together ourselves. She did “vision boards” for us, that was a revelation! Just cut and paste all the pieces that’ll be in a room together, very easy if you’re tech savvy (our designer was). I just never thought to do it, takes minutes, makes a huge difference. Some of the pieces we’d never have given a second look alone, but altogether it’s stunning!

 

[Bamaman]

We usually purchase high quality upholstered pieces from stores. We have also ordered thru brokers in Hickory, NC but it took awhile to get delivery.

The other stuff is mostly family furniture of walnut, cherry and mahogany from the late 1940's. No oak is used in our house.

I purchased a Hancock & Moore leather hide-a-bed in an estate sale for $200. And it matches my H&M leather wingback recliner. You cannot touch one of their couches for less than $5,000--top of the line of all upholstery. My other couches are Hickory Chair.

Estate sales and antique malls are great places to look for furniture. We also used to frequent antique auctions when we lived in Atlanta for good quality furniture coming out of NJ, NY and PA.

 

[ivinsfan]

So when you say the designer saved you at least the cost of her fee, do you mean in the form of actual cash discounts or by steering you to good value items and helping you choose the best value item? I've always wondered how this works.

 

[Midpack]

So far I have only found overpriced cheap stuff. Have not seen any overpriced good quality.
I am thinking of making a trip to the furniture mart at Hickory NC just for the experience. I am terrible at making a decision in a day so it will probably only be a excuse for a road trip.

We visited Hickory recently, worth the trip IMO. We saw a Bassett chair that listed for $1629, for sale at $791. Matching ottoman was $799, or sale at $359. Delivery would have been $89 (45 miles).

We didn’t realize we wanted the chair and ottoman at the time either. The local Bassett store matched the Hickory Point prices, and matched delivery (they’re normally $149), so we ordered from them.

 

[Midpack]

So when you say the designer saved you at least the cost of her fee, do you mean in the form of actual cash discounts or by steering you to good value items and helping you choose the best value item? I've always wondered how this works.

Both. But I meant the discounts she got, on top of knowledge of what sales are going on at local retail and online were better than we could get period. The total discounts she got (that we couldn’t) exceeded what she charged us. We looked at every piece online, some we could match ourselves but most we could not. For example the bedroom set we bought was from a high end hand made furniture maker in VT, they don’t discount to the public ever. Our designer got a trade discount of about 15%. She got a 22% discount on our also high end MTO sideboard.

But she also recommended some inexpensive pieces that we would have been afraid to buy, and they’re great quality for the price and don’t look cheap. On Wayfair for example, she knew which makes were decent and which ones to steer clear of.

We are thrilled with the service she provided, and as far as we’re concerned it was free!

 

[SnowballCamper]

We got great value from an interior designer when we had our house built. When you start with no fixtures in the house at all, the choices can be a bit overwhelming. She was great for presenting us with a few options at a time. This helped us come decisions rather quickly.

We never used a designer to select furniture, but had a rather eclectic, and changing collection for a long time. It has finally settled down to some consistent pieces for about five years now.

For value, I think antique markets are great. We had some night stands custom built from a guy on Pinterest (at a great price!). It was a long wait, but fine craftsmanship.

Today it's a mix of some newer fine furniture (but classic designs), with a few antique pieces that blend well. The only upholstery is the love-sac couch.

 

[Teacher Terry]

Good furniture is worth the money. When I divorced 22 years ago I left the antique bedroom set behind as I was sick of it and my ex loved it. I paid 6k for a beautiful solid oak set. I shopped around and got the best price. Still beautiful today. 40 years ago we bought a beautiful dining room table and chairs and looks as good as ever. My coffee and end tables are solid oak bought in a consignment shop. We also buy good mattresses.

 

[bolt]

Both. But I meant the discounts she got, on top of knowledge of what sales are going on at local retail and online were better than we could get period. The total discounts she got (that we couldn’t) exceeded what she charged us. We looked at every piece online, some we could match ourselves but most we could not. For example the bedroom set we bought was from a high end hand made furniture maker in VT, they don’t discount to the public ever. Our designer got a trade discount of about 15%. She got a 22% discount on our also high end MTO sideboard.

But she also recommended some inexpensive pieces that we would have been afraid to buy, and they’re great quality for the price and don’t look cheap. On Wayfair for example, she knew which makes were decent and which ones to steer clear of.

We are thrilled with the service she provided, and as far as we’re concerned it was free!

But in reality you know it was not free, I never recognized the value in services like you suggest.
I'm more a fan of sooner or later, slow, steady, & quality individual items. Many high end zip code thrift shops have great stuff.

I'd also suggest ones seating position is very, very important.
If your spines unsupported you do not easily elevate yourself=(get up from seating)

I'm a fan of anti-gravity furniture stuff.
https://andrewleblanccompany.com/the- chairs

https://www.thebackstore.com/zero-g...erfect-chair-zero-gravity-recliner-79635.html

Ekornes, fjords, and other similar stuff is premium.
Its your neck-back-& shoulders right?

Good luck!

 

[Senator]

When I furnished my vacation rental, I went with the high-end "Executive" package. ~$30K to purchase, deliver and install furniture, beds, mattresses, sheets, bedspreads, towels, pictures, plants, dishes, kitchen appliances, silverware, etc. for a 3BR, 3BA place. The resale value of all that furniture would be about $300.00.

It was the first time I ever used a service like that. I am glad I went that way, as it saved a lot of time.

You can get good stuff cheap, but no matter quality what you get, it depreciates faster than a new RV.

 

[RobbieB]

Yup. Put it out onna curb. Not worth the time.

Haha, have to add... I put a POS fold top melamine particle board chest out on the curb and watched a little woman heft that turd into her BMW.

I thought she might scratch the paint!

 

[Moemg]

I have bought surprisingly nice pieces online . I also use Wayfair for decor items and area rugs because I change my mind a lot . For nice furniture I use two local furniture stores that help me select the right items .I buy very nice sofas since they are used so much .I have seen decorators at Home Goods looking for bargains.

 

[DrRoy]

We have bought various price points in the past, but our last 4 furniture purchases were all from the same Amish craftsman shop. Not cheap, but a very good value. For example, we got a custom designed large elm coffee table with drawers at both ends for $900.

 

[kcowan]

I buy only solid wood or veneered plywood. No MDF, particle or strand board ever. I won't DIY anything out of that stuff either, I just hate it.

Those woods you hate do have a role in construction, e.g. Where compression is an issue for supporting weight and for exterior walls that will be covered.

(Our friends just purchased furniture for their new lake house. They discovered Lazyboy now sells real non-reclining furniture. They also used Wayfair and IKEA.)

 

[GreenEggs]

So far I have only found overpriced cheap stuff. Have not seen any overpriced good quality.
I am thinking of making a trip to the furniture mart at Hickory NC just for the experience. I am terrible at making a decision in a day so it will probably only be a excuse for a road trip.

That's a great place to shop. We just bought a new house & needed a lot of furniture. There are a couple of great consignment stores nearby that we've found are good too.

Furnitureland South in High Point is the largest place in the US, like 1.5M square feet! It was a bit overwhelming, but I'd like to go back. You need to get there early & plan breaks in the day.

We are closer to Hickory and find the Furniture Mart there to be big enough to have a great selection, but not so huge that it's overwhelming.

We found a great deal on a leather sectional, and also our master BR suite there. We ordered our DR table & chairs from a showroom there too.

Btw, we bought a new memory foam/gel mattress and tilting electric bed frame because we thought it might help with my acid reflux and snoring (didn't cure the snoring )
After buying the mattress I realized that it will be damn-near impossible to move it later. It is a big floppy, heavy thing that was shipped rolled & compressed in a box. I can't imagine how anybody could ever get one back up a staircase. (Just a warning/observation.)

The leather sectional was about $2100 and looked as good as the ones for $5000. They kept the cost down by only covering the surfaces you sit on & touch with real leather, and used vinyl to cover the sides & rear portions. There were dozens of colors to choose from & we ordered a beautiful warm brown. We used it in our movie room. It's tempting to get another one for the living room, but we want a more traditional style there.
The master BR furniture had been displayed at "Market" and was discounted by about 50%. I think it was about $2500. (after pieces have been displayed at market they can't be sold as "new", and are heavily discounted.) "Market" is the huge furniture trade show that's held in High Point in the Spring and Fall. I think the Fall Market is considered the bigger one.

We've found that consignment stores are a great place to get lamps. $20-40 per lamp used, instead of $200-300 per lamp new.

 

[zinger1457]

If looking for hardwood furniture it's hard to beat the Amish when considering both quality and price. Picked up a complete bedroom set made with solid cherry wood, the craftsmanship was exceptional.

 

[HI Bill]

Kinda stupid that we lived with crummy furniture for 40 years. We figured this was a forever house (last one just felt like forever), so we wanted to get nicer stuff, and some things we’d both always wanted. I’ve wanted a (replica) Tiffany lamp forever, finally bought one.

I think many of us made it to FIRE by not buying high-end furniture and the like. I am 53, and sleeping on a 'staging' bed that I bought from a realtor, brand new, for only $200. My dining set was $200 back in 1998. The table has been my dining table, work bench, and ladder for installing ceiling fans. The table has met our needs. I made some furniture pieces, and we have a really nice wood futon in the living room that we bought second-hand for $150.

I have many friends who are in heavy debt, and have high-end furniture. One friend's spouse complained that her husband's COSTCO VISA credit card limit was $1,000 the first year. She asked what mine was...$17K.

My plan is the same as yours. When we head out for travel next year, all of the furniture will be sold, and when we buy the forever house, will get the good stuff! When I made my first $100K in real estate, I had planned to spend $10K+ in furniture for my new place. But the new place was small, and spending money then on furniture was in direct opposition to my FIRE goal.

 

[Potstickers]

How did you find the interior designer who was willing to shop like that? It seems like many in our area are all about the very high end stuff.

I am seriously not good at design.