Baker. Henredon. Lane. Thomasville. They're all familiar furniture brands sold in stores around the country. But what are the differences in their product? Leonard Bruce Lewin, a 42-year veteran of the furniture industry, compares nearly three dozen top furniture manufacturers in his book
Shopping for Furniture: A Consumer's Guide. Reprinted here, with permission, are his evaluations of each of those companies, with his thoughts on their strengths and the place each holds in the realm of furniture manufacturing.
Competes with Bassett. A modest line found in many major stores.
Ashley has benefited from the influx of imported product out of Asia, becoming the fastest-growing furniture company in the U.S. It is still a lower-end resource, but never has "low-end" been better designed and better produced. Ashley is well worth a look for any consumer on a tight budget because it is a significant value. (Not everyone agrees. Click here for some
dissenting viewpoints.)
One of the best. At the very least, one of the top five producers of fine wood and upholstered furniture in the United States. Very expensive, but worth every dollar. Collectable, and surely one of tomorrow's heirlooms.
Modest but honest value. Good starter furniture or perfect for kids' rooms and vacation homes. One of the largest domestic producers of case goods and upholstery.
A wonderful line of impressive fine wood product. Their approach to finishes has always baffled me a bit as it seems they work hard to produce muted, opaque finishes while I prefer clearer, transparent finishes--a minor point when the line is considered in toto. Absolutely one of the better lines in the United States.
Good values, a well-priced, nicely styled line. Don't hesitate to give it a good look. Carried by many large chains.
Certainly one of the top 10 producers of fine wood furniture and upholstery in the U.S. Beautifully styled and beautifully finished, a line to look for when considering the best.
Its best collections are as good as it gets. A big lineup of product from modest to expensive. I always consider Drexel the point where price and value meet. Pay more and you get more glitter, but not more value. Pay less and you really are getting less. The Heritage product is as good as it gets. Heritage competes directly with Century and Henredon.
Relatively new, but immediately a leading contender for inclusion in our top 10 producers of the very finest wood product and upholstery product. Simply magnificent furniture. You will only find it displayed in your area's finest stores. Expensive, but well worth it.
One of the great success stories in the furniture world. Its product assortment and store presentations have set the standard for all other producers to follow. You will never be unhappy with an Ethan Allen purchase. Generally priced at the lower end of the Drexel and Thomasville lines.
A newer company that is offering a tremendous amount of style and pizzazz for the money. Check them out.
One of the country's largest producers of upholstery product. Good, solid, reliable upholstery, well-priced and well-styled.
My personal favorite for the finest country wood pieces produced in the United States. Their finishes are works of art. A piece of Guy Chaddock can make a room. I would buy a piece from any of their collections, sight unseen, and know I would love it.
Excellent leather furniture. Generally considered to be the top of the line for leather upholstery.
Very good product. Harden offers bedroom, dining and occasional furniture. A small company with good attention to quality. Priced at about Drexel.
Upper-end company manufacturing mostly occasional furniture. They have an excellent desk program. Good quality. Priced near Drexel and Thomasville.
One of the top 10 producers of fine wood and upholstered furniture. Beautiful finishes, beautiful woodwork, beautiful design. If you own Hendredon, you own some of the very best.
One of the country's top producers of fine upholstery. Beautiful designs, careful, excellent quality standards. You will never make a mistake buying this product.
Very high quality, solid wood furniture. Many traditional designs. Priced near the top.
Medium-priced entertainment centers, bedroom and occasional furniture. Excellent value. One of the leading producers of entertainment centers. A good buy. Give them a good look.
Expensive and lush. Magnificent wood furniture. Perhaps the most opulent of the American manufacturers. Collectable. Very distinctive design and execution.
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