Tips for Smart Furniture Shopping
How can you tell a good sofa, chair or table from something will break the minute you get it home? Learn the secrets of buying quality furniture, and some of the tips and techniques that can save you money at the cash register.
10 Tips for Small Spaces
The American Furniture Manufacturers Association offers suggestions for furnishing a small home or apartment.
The American Furniture Manufacturers Association offers suggestions for furnishing a small home or apartment.
10 Top Furniture Web Sites - The Best Places for Buying Furniture Online
Shopping for furniture online has never been easier--or so full of choices. Here are some of our favorite Web sites for furniture shopping--businesses that boast outstanding selection, pricing and ease of use.
Shopping for furniture online has never been easier--or so full of choices. Here are some of our favorite Web sites for furniture shopping--businesses that boast outstanding selection, pricing and ease of use.
Which Furniture Brands Are Best? Comparing Furniture Companies
Veteran furniture salesman Leonard Bruce Lewin compares more than 30 top furniture brands, and assesses the quality and value of each furniture company's merchandise.
Veteran furniture salesman Leonard Bruce Lewin compares more than 30 top furniture brands, and assesses the quality and value of each furniture company's merchandise.
Antique Shopping Tips - Helpful Hints for Antique Shopping
In the market for antiques? Here's some advice for finding a great piece at the right price.
In the market for antiques? Here's some advice for finding a great piece at the right price.
Shipping Furniture - A Guide to Shipping Furniture
Did you ever stumble across a great piece of furniture on vacation and wonder whether it was worth it to ship it back home? Shipping furniture is a complex and costly proposition. Here's what you need to know before you proceed.
Did you ever stumble across a great piece of furniture on vacation and wonder whether it was worth it to ship it back home? Shipping furniture is a complex and costly proposition. Here's what you need to know before you proceed.
Arranging Furniture – 10 Simple Tips for Arranging Furniture
Although interior designers spend years learning how to arrange furniture, here are 10 basic guidelines that any layman can master. Study them, and you’ll be arranging furniture like a pro.
Although interior designers spend years learning how to arrange furniture, here are 10 basic guidelines that any layman can master. Study them, and you’ll be arranging furniture like a pro.
The 10 Best Furniture Catalogs
Furniture catalogs let you select from an outstanding array of products at every price point--withough leaving home. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Furniture catalogs let you select from an outstanding array of products at every price point--withough leaving home. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Which Furniture Manufacturers Make the Item You're Looking For?
Are you in the market for furniture, but don't know which manufacturers make the item you're looking for in the style and price range you want? American Home Furnishings Alliance's free Furniture Finder can help.
Are you in the market for furniture, but don't know which manufacturers make the item you're looking for in the style and price range you want? American Home Furnishings Alliance's free Furniture Finder can help.
Tips for Judging Furniture Quality
When you see a piece of furniture you like, how can you tell if it's well made? Here's a handy guide to judging furniture quality.
When you see a piece of furniture you like, how can you tell if it's well made? Here's a handy guide to judging furniture quality.
5 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Furniture Purchase
Saving money doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Follow these tips for cutting the cost of your next furniture purchase.
Saving money doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Follow these tips for cutting the cost of your next furniture purchase.
Top 10 Furniture Shopping Mistakes
Furniture is a big investment, but common mistakes can leave you with a piece that's the wrong size, scale, color or price. Learn how to avoid these furniture shopping traps and make a sound purchase every time.
Furniture is a big investment, but common mistakes can leave you with a piece that's the wrong size, scale, color or price. Learn how to avoid these furniture shopping traps and make a sound purchase every time.
Smart Choices for Small Spaces
With housing prices soaring, energy costs increasing and baby-boomers facing empty nests, many people are moving to smaller spaces. To make a compact space live large, look for furnishings that serve several purposes. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
With housing prices soaring, energy costs increasing and baby-boomers facing empty nests, many people are moving to smaller spaces. To make a compact space live large, look for furnishings that serve several purposes. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
A Directory of "To-The-Trade" Furniture Manufacturers
Can't make it to a designer showroom? Check out more than 100 of the top manufacturers of to-the-trade-only furniture, fabric, lighting, accessories and wallcoverings. Each listing is arranged by category, and includes a link to the company's Web site, so you can preview the collection from the comfort of your home.
Can't make it to a designer showroom? Check out more than 100 of the top manufacturers of to-the-trade-only furniture, fabric, lighting, accessories and wallcoverings. Each listing is arranged by category, and includes a link to the company's Web site, so you can preview the collection from the comfort of your home.
How to Buy Wood Furniture - 20 Tips for Buying Wood Furniture
If you're buying wood furniture--tables, chests, desks, cabinets--how do you know if the piece is well made? Here are 20 ways to test the quality of the wood furniture you're buying.
If you're buying wood furniture--tables, chests, desks, cabinets--how do you know if the piece is well made? Here are 20 ways to test the quality of the wood furniture you're buying.
How to Buy Designer Furniture at Discount Prices
Have you ever admired a piece of furniture in a magazine, only to find it's sold "to the trade" only? Now a Los Angeles company can help you buy wholesale lines without hiring a designer or paying standard designer markups.
Have you ever admired a piece of furniture in a magazine, only to find it's sold "to the trade" only? Now a Los Angeles company can help you buy wholesale lines without hiring a designer or paying standard designer markups.
10 Tips for Buying Antique Furniture
You don't have to be an expert to know if a piece of antique furniture is any good. Most problems can be detected by a layman in 30 minutes. Here are 10 tips for testing the quality of antique furniture.
You don't have to be an expert to know if a piece of antique furniture is any good. Most problems can be detected by a layman in 30 minutes. Here are 10 tips for testing the quality of antique furniture.
10 Great Gift Ideas Under $25 - Gift Ideas for the Home
These stylish, practical gift ideas are perfect for the homeowner or apartment dweller on your list. The look is luxe but the prices can't be beat.
These stylish, practical gift ideas are perfect for the homeowner or apartment dweller on your list. The look is luxe but the prices can't be beat.
10 Great Gift Ideas Under $50 - Gift Ideas for the Home
Beautify the home of a friend or loved one with one of these terrific gift ideas--reasonably priced and perfect for any occasion.
Beautify the home of a friend or loved one with one of these terrific gift ideas--reasonably priced and perfect for any occasion.
10 Great Host or Hostess Gifts - Hostess Gift Ideas for the Home
Show your gratitude with a gift for the home. These host and hostess gifts are pretty, practical and affordable--a perfect way to say "Thanks for the invitation!"
Show your gratitude with a gift for the home. These host and hostess gifts are pretty, practical and affordable--a perfect way to say "Thanks for the invitation!"
Free Programs Let You Arrange Furniture, Create Floor Plans on Your Computer
Rearrange furniture as often as you want (without heavy lifting) using one of the free room-planning tools available online. Print professional-looking floor plans or e-mail them to others. Here's a review of nine floor plan systems.
Rearrange furniture as often as you want (without heavy lifting) using one of the free room-planning tools available online. Print professional-looking floor plans or e-mail them to others. Here's a review of nine floor plan systems.
Where to Buy the Furniture on TV Shows
When you watch TV, is your mind fixated on the decor as much as the dialogue? Find out where to buy the furnishings seen in your favorite programs.
When you watch TV, is your mind fixated on the decor as much as the dialogue? Find out where to buy the furnishings seen in your favorite programs.
Free Furniture Templates Let You Arrange Furniture Without Lifting
Arrange furniture without the heavy lifting: Just print these free furniture templates, cut out the pieces, and arrange them on graph paper for pain-free decorating.
Arrange furniture without the heavy lifting: Just print these free furniture templates, cut out the pieces, and arrange them on graph paper for pain-free decorating.
How to Shop Designer Showrooms...Without a Designer
Many of the best furniture, fabric and lighting lines are sequestered in designer showrooms, where consumers can't shop unless they’re accompanied by a decorator. Now a Los Angeles company is changing all that, issuing letters of introduction that allow consumers to shop their local showrooms unescorted.
Many of the best furniture, fabric and lighting lines are sequestered in designer showrooms, where consumers can't shop unless they’re accompanied by a decorator. Now a Los Angeles company is changing all that, issuing letters of introduction that allow consumers to shop their local showrooms unescorted.
How Swede It Is: The Best Things to Buy at IKEA
IKEA is a great source for contemporary design at budget prices--if you know which departments to look in. Here's our guide to the furniture chain's best bets.
IKEA is a great source for contemporary design at budget prices--if you know which departments to look in. Here's our guide to the furniture chain's best bets.
Furniture Bargains: The Best Things to Buy at Pier 1 Imports
Pier 1 Imports is trying for a more upscale look. You can still find furniture bargains there, but in many cases, style or selection comes before price. Here are some of the furniture bargains and design standouts you'll find there.
Pier 1 Imports is trying for a more upscale look. You can still find furniture bargains there, but in many cases, style or selection comes before price. Here are some of the furniture bargains and design standouts you'll find there.
Bombay Bargains: The Best Thing to Buy at The Bombay Company
The Bombay Company offers affordable traditional furnishings at shopping malls across America. But not all of their products are great deals. Here's what to look for--and what to avoid.
The Bombay Company offers affordable traditional furnishings at shopping malls across America. But not all of their products are great deals. Here's what to look for--and what to avoid.
Top Ten Furnishings for First-Time Furniture Buyers
Just starting out and not sure what pieces of furniture to buy? See our Top Picks of furnishings for first-time furniture buyers.
Just starting out and not sure what pieces of furniture to buy? See our Top Picks of furnishings for first-time furniture buyers.
Do To-The-Trade Showrooms Help or Hurt the Design Community?
In America, many brands of furniture, fabric, lighting and wallcoverings are sold only through designers and architects in wholesale designer showrooms. Does this system help or hinder the cause of good design in our country?
In America, many brands of furniture, fabric, lighting and wallcoverings are sold only through designers and architects in wholesale designer showrooms. Does this system help or hinder the cause of good design in our country?
Selling Your Old Furniture on eBay
Need to make room for your new furniture? Consider selling your old pieces on eBay.
Need to make room for your new furniture? Consider selling your old pieces on eBay.
Selling Your Old Furniture at a Garage Sale
Is your old furniture taking up too much space? Consider hosting a garage sale!
Is your old furniture taking up too much space? Consider hosting a garage sale!
Buying Antique Furniture on eBay
Is it an authentic antique or a recent reproduction? A bargain or overpriced? Before you shop for antique furniture on eBay, check out these expert hints.
Is it an authentic antique or a recent reproduction? A bargain or overpriced? Before you shop for antique furniture on eBay, check out these expert hints.
How to Buy Furniture from Designer Showrooms
Many of the world's top furniture lines are only sold "to the trade" in designer showrooms. However, most regional design centers have programs that allow consumers to buy through an intermediary; some even offer free consultations. Here's a list of programs nationwide.
Many of the world's top furniture lines are only sold "to the trade" in designer showrooms. However, most regional design centers have programs that allow consumers to buy through an intermediary; some even offer free consultations. Here's a list of programs nationwide.
Reviews of Furniture Web Sites
How do the furniture Web sites rate? Forbes weighs in with reviews of the some of the most popular e-commerce sites.
How do the furniture Web sites rate? Forbes weighs in with reviews of the some of the most popular e-commerce sites.
How to Buy Furniture at Auctions
Auctions can be a great source for furniture bargains--if you know what you're doing. Learn how to inspect furniture beforehand (and what to look for), how to bid, and what steps you can take to make sure you haven't paid too much.
Auctions can be a great source for furniture bargains--if you know what you're doing. Learn how to inspect furniture beforehand (and what to look for), how to bid, and what steps you can take to make sure you haven't paid too much.
Finding Furniture Bargains on a Weekend Trip to High Point
For designer furniture at discount prices, take a weekend trip to American's furniture capitol, High Point, North Carolina.
For designer furniture at discount prices, take a weekend trip to American's furniture capitol, High Point, North Carolina.
How to Furnish a Small Space-Tips for Furnishing Small Spaces
You don't have to move walls to make a small space feel bigger. All it takes is a few smart furniture choices. Here are some tips to get you started.
You don't have to move walls to make a small space feel bigger. All it takes is a few smart furniture choices. Here are some tips to get you started.
Design Centers Across North America
Many of the finest names in furniture, lighting, fabric and wallcovering are only sold "to the trade" through designer showrooms located in design centers. Here's a listing of the major design centers across North America.
Many of the finest names in furniture, lighting, fabric and wallcovering are only sold "to the trade" through designer showrooms located in design centers. Here's a listing of the major design centers across North America.
Auction Houses Specializing in Vintage Furniture and Decorative Arts
Interested in buying furniture at auction? Check out this listing of more than three dozen auction houses around the world that specialize in vintage furniture and decorative arts.
Interested in buying furniture at auction? Check out this listing of more than three dozen auction houses around the world that specialize in vintage furniture and decorative arts.
Where to Buy Classic Vintage Furniture--A Guide to Dealers Worldwide
Attention design aficionados! Discover more than 500 dealers from around the world who specialize in classic vintage furniture, lighting, accessories and decorative arts--with direct links to each merchant's Web site.
Attention design aficionados! Discover more than 500 dealers from around the world who specialize in classic vintage furniture, lighting, accessories and decorative arts--with direct links to each merchant's Web site.
Contemporary Furniture Fairs, Events and Expositions
This site offers a listing of nearly three dozen contemporary furniture fairs, events and expositions around the globe, with direct links to each event's Web site. Some events are open to the public, others are limited to retailers and the design trades.
This site offers a listing of nearly three dozen contemporary furniture fairs, events and expositions around the globe, with direct links to each event's Web site. Some events are open to the public, others are limited to retailers and the design trades.
Furniture Safety - How to Avoid Furniture Accidents
How wide should crib slats be? When is a child old enough to use a bunkbed? How do you prevent bookcases from toppling? Check these furniture safety tips.
How wide should crib slats be? When is a child old enough to use a bunkbed? How do you prevent bookcases from toppling? Check these furniture safety tips.
Tips for Buying Furniture at Thrift Stores
Furniture shoppers on a budget shouldn't overlook thrift stores. You can pick up some great deals--especially if you can see past flaws and are willing to do a little elbow work.
Furniture shoppers on a budget shouldn't overlook thrift stores. You can pick up some great deals--especially if you can see past flaws and are willing to do a little elbow work.
What's Your Clock Personality?
A fun, totally unscientific test designed to determine what style of grandfather clock is right for you, courtesy of clock-makers Howard Miller.
A fun, totally unscientific test designed to determine what style of grandfather clock is right for you, courtesy of clock-makers Howard Miller.
How to Choose an Area Rug: Area Rug Buying Tips
Stymied by all the choices when it comes to area rugs? Here are some guidelines to help you pick the right size, weave and style when you're buying an area rug.
Stymied by all the choices when it comes to area rugs? Here are some guidelines to help you pick the right size, weave and style when you're buying an area rug.
Where to Shop for Home Decor on the Web
Wall Street Journal reporter Elizabeth Blackwell asks some of the nation's top interior designers where to shop for antiques, fabric, wallcoverings and accessories on the Web--and how to avoid getting ripped off.
Wall Street Journal reporter Elizabeth Blackwell asks some of the nation's top interior designers where to shop for antiques, fabric, wallcoverings and accessories on the Web--and how to avoid getting ripped off.