Furniture: Most Popular Articles

Comparing Furniture Brands
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.

Free Room Planners
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 10 floor plan systems.

10 Top Furniture Web Sites
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.

Best Buys from Bombay
The Bombay Company offers affordable traditional furnishings at shopping malls across America. But not all of their products are bargains. Here's what to look for--and what to avoid.

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.

The Best Buys at Pier 1
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.

Top 10 Coffee Tables
The best coffee tables are stylish, functional, and able to hold up under staring eyes and stocking feet. Here are 10 great choices.

10 Great Home Office Chairs
Today's home office chairs provide unsurpassed comfort and can help reduce the risk of injury--important considerations if you're telecommuting or self-employed. Check our list of 10 outstanding home office chairs.

10 Fabulous Folding Screens
Got a boring space? Add instant architecture with a folding screen. They're pretty, practical, and a great way to make one room do the work of two.

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.

Compact Desks
Short on space, but long on work? Check out three stylish desks that close up when not in use, keeping clutter--and those nasty bills--out of sight. With prices ranging from $2,498 to $299, there's a solution here for every budget.

Home Depot's 10 Crescent Lane
Better known for hammers and drywall, The Home Depot has launched an upscale furniture catalog filled with tantalizing products for home and patio.

Free Furniture Templates
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.

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.

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.

Martha Stewart Furniture
Martha Stewart's latest furniture collection for Bernhardt offers a winning update on traditional design. So why are her neighbors unhappy?

Buying a Dining Table
The dining table you buy today is likely to remain in your home (or in your family) for many years. When buying a dining table, here's how to choose a piece that will work with your decor, your needs and your lifestyle.

How to Make a Lamp
Making your own lamp is an easy and affordable alternative to store-bought fixtures, and is a great way to incorporate a beloved heirloom, memento or accessory into your decor. Here's what you need to know before you start.

Outdoor Lighting
Bring indoor comfort to your outdoor living space with this selection of inspired outdoor lighting. Here you'll find a selection of weatherproof lamps, chandeliers and accent lights to brighten any deck, patio or poolside.

Buying a Sofa
Buying a sofa can be a challenge: It's one of the largest furniture investments you'll make--and also one of the most permanent. If you're buying a sofa, learn how to choose a sofa style, size and fabric that's right for you.

10 Furniture Finds Under \$100
Are you short on cash, or furnishing a dorm, vacation home, guest room or first apartment? There's no need to postpone decorating. Here are 10 furniture bargains that won't break the bank--and look great, to boot.

Murphy Beds
Are you short on space but long on overnight guests? Consider buying a Murphy bed. They fold away when not in use, and can double as bookcases, home entertainment centers and even desks. Read on for some handy background information and tips on what to know before you buy a Murphy bed.

10 Beautiful Beds
We've combed the market and come up with 10 timeless beds--from contemporary to traditional--that combine comfort, style and classic good looks. With a variety of prices represented, you're bound to find a beautiful bed that will appeal to both your taste and budget.

Fabric Calculator
Have a piece of furniture you want to reupholster, but don't know how much fabric you'll need? Use this handy online estimator.

How to Choose a Lamp Shade
Square or round? Short or tall? Opaque or translucent? There's a lot to consider when shopping for a lamp shade. Don't be left in the dark--check our buying tips for advice on choosing the lamp shade that's right for your base and your room.

Dorm Furniture
Heading off to college? You'll need furniture that is practical, portable and full of style. Here are some clever, cost-effective ways to bring personality to your dorm room.

Find Furniture Manufacturers
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.

Mirrored furniture
Mirrored furniture gives any room instant elegance. Learn how to use it and where to find it.

Types of Leather
On average, leather furniture lasts four times longer than fabric furniture. But what's the difference between the various types of leather, and how do you know which is best for you? This guide describes the four major varieties, and their differences.

Buying Upholstered Furniture
So you like the way a sofa looks. But how well is it made? You can't strip off all the upholstery and check the insides, but there [i]are[/i] some simple tests you can do to determine whether it's a quality piece of workmanship.

Bed & Bedding Sizes
Need to know the measurements for a twin-, full-, queen- or king-size mattress? Or the size comforter or sheet that goes with each? We've got the measurements right here.

10 Great Patio Umbrellas
Patio umbrellas don't have to be dull--especially when there are so many fun, fashionable models on the market. Take a look at our pick of 10 patio umbrellas with style.

10 Cheap, Easy Makeovers
Is your decor looking a little ... static? Rejuvenate your rooms without breaking the bank by following some of these easy, inexpensive tips.

Colorful Patio Furniture
Hot citrus colors are invading the patio, giving safe, serene decks a welcome shot of adrenaline. Take a look at some of the tangy new products punching up the Great Outdoors.

10 Sensational Sofas
With so many sofas for sale, how can you begin to choose just one? To make the job a little easier, we've combed the market and come up with a list of ten timeless sofas, from economical to extravagant. See if one of these beautiful sofas suits your space--and your wallet.

Where to Buy Green Furniture
Are you interested in buying stylish furniture that's also good for the environment? Here's a list of my 10 favorite Web sites for buying green furniture.

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.

Outdoor TV
Tired of missing the big game while you catch some rays or "supervise" the kids in the backyard? Now you can do both, thanks to SunBriteTV--a weatherproof LCD outdoor TV.

Discount Designer Furniture
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 Beguiling Bar Stools
If you've ever shopped for bar stools, you know the selection can be overwhelming. Here are my picks for 10 timeless bar stools that will please your eye and pamper your tush.

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.

Choosing a Table Lamp
There's more to picking a table lamp than just looks. Make sure you find a table lamp that fits the style, scale and lighting needs of the room. Here's how.

Buying a Sleep Sofa
Anyone who has spent a restless night on a friend's fold-out couch will appreciate the importance of a good sleep sofa. Our shopping guide explains the differences between the various mattresses, some nuisances to avoid, and ways to make sure you'll end up with a sleep sofa that will let you sit--and snooze--comfortably for years to come.

New Wing Chairs
Forget your grandmother's wing chair. Today's wing chairs offer sexy lines and stylish upholstery, making them ideal for either contemporary or traditional interiors.

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 Launches New Stores
Swedish home furnishings retailer IKEA is expanding its presence in the U.S., with new stores opening in every region of the country. See if their discount furniture is coming to a city near you.

Before Buying Kids' Furniture
The little ones deserve a great-looking bedroom, too! Learn about the latest children's furniture, and pick up tips for choosing children's furniture that will last into the teen years--and beyond.

Frank Lloyd Wright Furniture
Love the look of Frank Lloyd Wright furniture, but not the nasty six-figure price tag? A Vermont company is reissuing the master's designs at a price that's a little more in reach.

Kids' Color Trends
When it comes to color trends, kids are following in the footsteps of their parents in 2007. See what colors the well-dressed kids room will be wearing. (A hint: Gray is the new black.)

MarthaStewartDunemere
Martha Stewart's latest collaboration with Bernhardt Furniture is a more contemporary, casual line inspired by life on the coast.

10 Elegant Armoires
Armoires are a pretty, practical choice for storing clothes, games and media equipment. Armoires provide a focal point for a room, lend architectural interest, and help bridge the gap between furnishings and ceilings in tall spaces. Here are some of our favorite armoires.

Tips for Small Spaces
The American Furniture Manufacturers Association offers suggestions for furnishing a small home or apartment.

10 Great Hostess Gifts
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!"

Buying a Recliner
Buying a recliner? The good news is you won’t have to forsake style for comfort. Today’s recliners come in a vast array of styles and shapes—one of which is bound to complement your décor [i]and[i] your body.

Storage for Kids' Rooms
It's a challenge keeping kids' rooms organized. But with playful storage units and colorful containers, the job's a whole lot more fun!

Cardboard Furniture Patterns
Make your own kid-size cardboard furniture using the free patterns and instructions available at www.foldschool.com.

10 Stunning Stools
Stools are one of the most versatile pieces of furniture you can buy. Terrific as side tables, they can also be clustered in a group in place of a coffee table, or used for seating when company calls. Here are 10 terrific examples.

Buy Furniture Online
A new company called The Sofa Collection sells their own line of upholstered pieces over the internet. The furniture is attractive--and so are the prices.

Contemporary Fire Pit
A warm fire never looked as cool as it does inside the Conmoto Outdoor Fire Pit, a contemporary patio fireplace that's also a striking piece of sculpture.

Green Furniture
You can help the environment (and your interior) by choosing green furniture made from recycled or sustainably harvested, renewable materials. Best of all, you don't have to give up style, as these chic examples of green furniture show.

Highlights from High Point
Craftsman furniture is holding strong, dining tables are getting taller and office furniture is becoming domesticated. Check out the latest design news and furniture trends from the semiannual furniture market in High Point, North Carolina.

Buying Dining Chairs
Before you buy a set of dining chairs, consider what style, size, fabrics and weight are right for your situation. This handy shopping guide offers tips and guidelines to help you make the right choice for your home.

Williams-Sonoma Home Stores
Once just the purveyors of pots and pans, Williams-Sonoma expanded into home furnishings in 2004, and now is launching a chain of Williams-Sonoma Home stores. Look for seven by the end of 2006, with more on the way

Choosing a Sofa Color
A sofa is one of the biggest furniture investments you'll make. Here's how to choose a sofa color that will complement your decor and stand the test of time.

DanaThomastable
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

Nesting Tables
Nesting tables are great when space is at a premium, since they give you several tables in the floor space of only one. Here are a couple of our favorites.

Tips for Buying Wood Furniture
If you're going to buy wood furniture--tables, chests, desks, cabinets--how do you know if the piece is well made? Here are 20 ways to test quality before you buy wood furniture.

10 Tips for Buying Antiques
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.

New Outdoor Lines Launched
Home furnishings retailer Restoration Hardware has launched a new outdoor furniture catalog, while Smith & Hawken is now selling some of its wares through Target.

Met Home Furniture Line Bows
The magazine that defined modern design for a generation of readers is entering the furniture market. The Metropolitan Home Collection offers sleek lines, sophisticated styling, and the imprimatur of famed designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz. Here's a sneak peek.

3 Club Chairs, 3 Prices
Leather club chairs are a decorating classic--comfortable, durable, and always in style. Here are three different leather club chair designs at three very different prices.

wilshirebanquette
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

toptablelamps
If you're in the market for a table lamp, the options can be overwhelming. We've sorted through hundreds of choices to find a selection of classic, well-priced lamps that will look good in nearly any setting.

Pub Tables
Pub tables combine the casualness of a breakfast bar with the formality of a dining table, making this hot new hybrid a popular choice for kitchens and family rooms.

FLOR Carpet Tiles
InterfaceFLOR has reinvented the carpet tile with a line of stylish, affordable modular carpeting that lets you design your own area rug or wall-to-wall carpet.

5 Ways to Save on Furniture
Saving money doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Follow these tips for cutting the cost of your next furniture purchase.

10 Great Gifts Under \$50
Beautify the home of a friend or loved one with one of these terrific gift ideas--reasonably priced and perfect for any occasion.

Arlingtondesk
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

10 Marvelous Mirrors
Mirrors are a decorative and practical addition to any decor. We've picked 10 of our favorites--timeless designs that are sure to complement any decor or budget.

Buying 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.

Storing Table Leaves
Flat on the floor or upright in a closet? There's a right and a wrong method of storing table leaves. Learn which technique will keep your table leaves from warping.

Antique Shopping Tips
In the market for antiques? Here's some advice for finding a great piece at the right price.

arcsofa
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

3 China Cabinets, 3 Prices
White china cabinets are a classic decorating staple, ideal for a country home, a house at the beach, or to give any interior a light, sunwashed look. The china cabinet's height helps anchor a room, and the unit provides both storage and display space, making it a handy addition to any dining room. Best of all, you can find china cabinets to suit any budget. We've located three handsome examples at three very different prices.

Shopping Designer Showrooms
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 designer. Now a Los Angeles company is changing all that, issuing letters of introduction that allow consumers to shop their local showrooms unescorted.

Shagreen
Shagreen, a pebbly green hide used to adorn furniture and accessories for centuries, is making a comeback, with colors and prices that might surprise you.

Tips for Furnishing a Dorm
Furnishing a dorm? Here are some things to consider [i]before[/i] you shop.

Great Gifts Under \$25
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.

Fabulous Lighting Finds
We've combed the marketplace looking for lighting fixtures that combine great design and great price. Here are some of our recent discoveries. Check back often for new selections!

What's an Occasional Table?
They're pretty, practical and an essential part of any decor. Here's the skinny on occasional tables.

montereyottoman
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

Antigorecliner
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

3 Media Cabinets, 3 Prices
You’ve just brought home a brand-new flat-panel television. Now you need a media cabinet to put it in. We've rounded up three attractive media cabinets--at three different prices.

High Point Spring 2007
Green--as in environmental--was a recurring theme at the spring 2007 High Point Furniture Market, while new directions in home entertainment, furniture finishes and licensing offer hints of what's to come in home furnishings.

3 Ottomans, 3 Prices
Ottomans are a versatile piece of furniture that can serve as footstools, extra seating and even coffee tables. Here are three stylish ottomans at three different prices.

3 Coffee Tables, 3 Prices
These rectangular wood coffee tables all have stylish flared lines and a handy shelf for storing books or magazines, but their prices vary by as much as $1,700. Check out the selection and choose which coffee table would be right for you.

3 Sleigh Beds, 3 prices
Sleigh beds are a 19th-century innovation that is just as appealing now as in our great-great-grandparents' day. With gracefully curved headboards and footboards that seem to roll like a wave, sleigh beds hold the sleeper in a warm embrace and add presence to any bedroom. We've found three fine examples--at three different price points--so you can choose the sleigh bed that suits your needs and your budget.

High Point Highlights
See what design directions had attendees buzzing at the semiannual International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina.

coralchair
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

Matineesofa
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

Designer Showrooms: Pro & Con
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?

Furniture Finds
Here's a great piece of children's furniture I couldn't wait to share with you.

Rustic Lighting Fixtures
Artisan Katherine Ahern turns twigs, vines, saplings and stones into rustic lighting fixtures that bring the beauty of nature indoors.

Fabulous Finds
We've combed the marketplace looking for lighting fixtures that combine great design and great price. Here are some of our recent discoveries. Check back often for new selections!

Bringing the Garden Indoors
Want to feel like you're living outside all year long? Using furniture, fabrics, accessories and finishes, you can make any room feel alfresco--no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

IKEA's Upscale Collection
IKEA has launched a new collection called Stockholm, featuring designer pieces fabricated from better materials and requiring less home assembly--but with higher price tags. How do the new pieces rate?

centurysideboard
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

dunedaybed
A roundup of some of the intriguing new furniture pieces introduced at the October 2006 High Point International Home Furnishings Market. Most of these items will be in stores in early 2007.

Furniture - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Furniture guide site.

Colorful Children's Furniture
Young America's new myHaven children's furniture collection comes in a rainbow of fun colors, and is designed to grow with your child as he or she ages. But why limit it just to kids? It would look great in a cottage or cabin, too.

Furniture - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Furniture guide site.

Furniture - Articles
An index of Articles for the Furniture guide site.

Design + Home Show
Lovers of fine furniture will get a treat this fall when [i]Western Interiors[/i] magazine launches the first ever Western Interiors Design + Home Show at San Francisco's Concourse Exhibition Center.

Furniture Find
Here's a great piece of furniture I wanted to share with you!

What's a Bergère?
They've been around since the 18th century. But what exactly [i]is[/i] a bergère? Here's a defination and an example.

IKEAkidchair
Here's a great piece of children's furniture I couldn't wait to share with you.

Playful Tree Stump Table
Here's a fun, affordable piece that assembles in an instant and will bring a touch of woodland charm to children's rooms or playrooms.

Save Money on Furniture
You don't have to sacrifice quality to save money on furniture. Follow these tips and save money on furniture the next time you shop.

About - Furniture Buyer's Guide
Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.