We spent another weekend this last weekend furniture shopping. Sheesh, we must’ve been to 50 stores already and still haven’t found nice, simple bedroom furniture that we like. It’s amazing how much ugly stuff is out there.
This is just a small sample of the places that we’ve been to. We’ve been to lots of other little no-name places:
- Levitz
- Hoot Judkins
- Sphere Designs
- Oysterbed
- Pacific Bedrooms
- Russell’s Furniture – clearance outlet
- Russell’s Furniture – main store
- Teak House
- Country Wood Furniture
- Woodpecker’s
- Jennifer Convertibles
- FurnitureMax
- Danish Concepts
- Drexel Heritage in San Mateo
- Scandinavian Designs in Cupertino
- SD Home in Cupertino
- Scandinavian Designs in San Mateo
- Prestige Home Furniture
- Crate and Barrel
- Pottery Barn
- Restoration Hardware
- Jimyko
- IKEA
- Macy’s
- Cost Plus
- Pier 1
- Thomasville
- Ethan Allen
- Norwalk
- Bombay (Trading Company?)
- La-Z Boy
- Expo
I’m forgetting tons of others I’m sure.
I know *exactly* what you mean. I have literally been looking for a simple dining room table for about 3 years now, but can’t find anything. And Craigslist seems to be a tour through others’ mistakes. . . . sigh.
Have you tried IKEA? I admit it’s a bit of an ordeal, but you can’t beat the prices.
I’m a fan of Scandinavian Designs (both San Mateo and the “old” store in Cupertino (still there– also there is a new Showroom around the corner on Stevens Creek). But you’ve been there…
I’m always looking for:
– Quality
– Size (small, generally)
– Not the latest fashion (I’m gonna keep this stuff for 10 years, at least)
– Price
My most consistent “decent quality” modern stuff has been from Scandinavian Designs. My most consistent “classic” high-quality furniture has been from: Charitable Second-hand stores (real charities like St. Vincent de Paul and Goodwill– I won’t go to the Salvation Army stores for political reasons) AND reasonably-priced antique “outlet” type stores. Places where you can find several dealers side-by-side having to compete with each other. There used to be one in San Jose (San Carlos near Leigh Ave.) but I think it may be gone (Antique Showcase?). Also there was one in SF South of Market (near Gold’s). I would guess estate sales would be a good bet, but have never gone.
Best of luck. I find furniture shopping the most frustrating, time-consuming, and always have the general feeling of being ripped-off (furniture and jewelry have very high margins, I’m told). If there is any way you can stop searching by driving around and looking (i.e., find the right place to buy) that would be a great first step.
For what it’s worth. Never responded to a blog before, so likely will not see any replies.