Furniture and Furnishings - What are good quality brands

I am looking for a living room set. This is the first time i am looking for new furniture and i am surprised by the large number of brands and range of prices. I am not great a decorating so i want to buy once and have it last a long time, even if i pay more. What i don't want to do is pay more for no reason. Anyone have suggestions?

Depends a lot on your budget. A lot of the furniture nowadays is cheap crap made of laminated particle board, even some of the stuff selling for big bucks. If you have the $$$ to afford it, look for pieces that are made of solid, real wood. On upholstered pieces, check underneath to see what the framing is made of; better stuff will be either solid wood or plywood rather than particle board and will last longer. :coffee:

I don't know what part of Jersey you live. Are you near Phila?

I don't know what part of Jersey you live. Are you near Phila?
No, I am in North Jersey.

In my experience...you will be looking at upper end stuff to get solid wood. Even better brands get a lot of their stuff from overseas. Many of the furniture factories in NC have been shut down due to pricing. I agree, no particle board anywhere if you want it to last.

Bassett and Broyhill used to make good stuff...but the names/brands have been diluted over the years.

The other option is to buy something that suits your needs..and expect to replace it in 7-10 yrs. Styles and tastes change over time...I used to HATE spinach!

Bassett and Broyhill used to make good stuff...but the names/brands have been diluted over the years.

The other option is to buy something that suits your needs..and expect to replace it in 7-10 yrs. Styles and tastes change over time...I used to HATE spinach!

Both my parents and grandparents lived with just one set of furniture all their adult lives, but furniture nowadays just isn't made to last that long, and like you say, styles and tastes change. I'm in the market right now for new living room furniture, as mine is 1980 vintage and middle-of-the-road quality when it was new. I guess I'm like the OP, wondering if certain brands historically are better quality than others....or more importantly, the brands to stay away from. All the furniture stores seem to do is confuse me. :thinker: I know I should be buying what I like and not worrying about something that will last for the next 40 years.

Check Home Depot for cabinet prices. They have the kind your talking about. :)