Len Lewin

Len,
Thank you for your book. It has been very informative and a pleasure to read.

My husband and I are looking at a leather sofa (L5455) by Destinctive Designs Furniture out of Canada for $1,300US. Do you have any information or experience with this company?

They have a website www.destinctivedesignsfurniture.com that I have visited, but the quality information is vague. It’s a new product for this store (we live in Wisconsin) and they have to run around looking for answers everytime I have a question. It’s making me a little apprehensive even though we love the look and feel(sit) of this sofa.

I have e-mailed the company via the address on their website with some questions on the frame and cushions, but would appreciate anything you could tell us.

Thank you, Carla

Hi Carla,
Delighted to hear that you have found my book to be helpful. I have not had any personal experience with Destinctive Designs but I did take a look at their web site and reviewed their specifications, scanty but enough to tell the tale. Two very important considerations are that you like the look of the item and you like the way it sits. Considering the construction methods, hardwood frame, Z Spring “No Sag” spring system in the back and also in the deck, coupled with poly cushions and decent poly padding on outside, back, front rail, a $1,300 retail in leather is not a bad price. Is it a top quality item? No but then again it is not priced at the top level. They also indicated that they may, when they want, use split hides on the outside arm areas and back area which is definitely a cost savings which they say they pass on in the lower retails. Nothing wrong with this as long as they are up-front about it.

I would ask if they have any written warranty on the product which would be a plus. Bottom-line there are many many suppliers of leather product at the lower price points today. Decent product at good prices. Not the “lifetime” leather sofas that we use to see but then again the new more limited quality leather sofas are affordable. I would expect that you will get 8 to 10 years of wear out of this item. For the money it sounds like an ok deal. Good luck and keep me posted.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd Edition

Len, your book is awesome.

I’m getting ready to buy Stickley funiture at Fedde’s Furniture Store in Pasadena, CA.

I sense that discounts on Stickley furniture are very small and offered very few times in a year (reasons: not sold on the internet, very few dealers, small company).

This furniture store has typical pricing, they quote the MSRP and then below 25% to 35% discount. Which according to your book is not really a discount since the store probably never sells the item at MSRP.

My question is regarding discounting. Can I ask the salesman for a discount or would that be considered tacky? Or if want a discount do I have to wait for the store to have a sale. The weekend I was at the store they had an additional 10% off the Stickley Mission line. Can I ask for this 10% off or more on the Stickley line I like. Since I’m planing to spend around $50,000, do I have more leverage on asking for a discount? Is there a time of the year when furniture stores are likely to have sales?

I would greatly appreciate your opinion.

- Ramon

Ramon,

Thank you for your kind words. You just can’t buy better product than Stickley. It is truly magnificent furniture. Stickley’s distribution is so small that they do control their price to a greater extent than other lines; however I would be amazed if you could not get what you want for 35% off. You are talking about a good size purchase and no store is going to want to see you walk. Plus in the LA area I would bet their are at least 5 Stickley dealers.

I would flat out ask for the discount indicating to them what you have to spend and what you want to accomplish with your home. Any good designer working with you, and any store for that matter, will want to lock in a potentially very good client who appreciates and can afford the best. Incidentally, in days of yore there were specific furniture discount times, July and Aug, Jan and Feb. In the intervening periods there would be some small event monthly. In today’s world everything is always on sale some place and most stores are constantly offering discounts. The myth in furniture retailing is that a consumer will not recognize a value unless a large discount is advertised. Stickley is one of those lines that is worth every penny discount or not.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd Edition

Hi Len, I was looking for a Grand-Scale English Roll-Arm Sofa sold by Restoration Hardware. Do you know what manufacture makes it? Is there a less expensive version of it out there?

Thanks! Robert

Hi Robert,

Thank you for your note. Restoration Hardware carries nice product. Well made but certainly not inexpensive. You absolutely can find similar upholstery looks for less money. Same quality? Depends on who you are looking at. The Grand-Scale English Roll-Arm sofa is priced at $2,275 to $3,090 depending on fabric and what cushion core you select.

The roll arm look is available from almost every manufacturer. It is a classic arm that has been around forever. The sofa is made well with kiln dried wood, 8 way hand tied springs. They mention the legs being hardwood but do not indicate if they are glue, screwed, double-doweled, and corner blocked in. That is the best way to do legs. Bottom-line: easy to beat the price. All of Restoration’s product is private label stuff and there is no way to find out who the manufacturer is UNLESS they (RH) are careless and have not changed the “law label” that you will find someplace on every item. Either under the sofa on the cambric cover, or attached to a cushion. This is the label that says “remove this and go to jail”. The manufacturer should be identified on this label but even if you find out the mfg. you still couldn’t buy the identical product from the manufacturer (who has cut a deal with RH to make exclusive product for them).

So where does all this leave you? You absolutely can buy product that looks like RH for less money. Bigger question is what is most important to you? Money or combination money and quality? I would bet you can get a similar look from say LaZBoy at $1,500 with poly-wrapped cushions, or Drexel, or Thomasville. Good luck with your shopping and keep me posted on how you do.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition

Len, I just purchased a Council Craft Cocktail table which I thought had an English design (the salesman from Mastercraft Interiors described it that way)is it possible? Are their pieces all Craftsman style? It is Mahogony with veneers 42inches square, is one thousand too much? It was a floor sample sale.

Thanks, Karen

Hi Karen,

An old friend of mine, Fred Council, created Council Craftsman Furniture Company, about 40 years ago. His sons sold the company about 3 years ago. I am not sure who owns it now but Councill was never about “craftsman” furniture. It was always an eclectic mix of European designs on the expensive side and the quality was wonderful. If you bought a Councill cocktail for $1,000 you got a very good deal. Happy Holidays and enjoy that table.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition

Thank you for your quick and kind response concerning the Council Craft cocktail table, I feel much better. The salesman pointed out that the table is laquered as is most good furniture today, is this true? Can laquered wood be refinished?

Hi Karen,

Glad to hear you can relax about the table. Lacquered wood can be refinished. Any wood can be refinished with any type of finish it just requires different approaches depending on the finish technique used on the item. Council Craftsman never did a bad piece. I am curious whether or not your table is “new” Council or “old” Council. Old I like better simply because I knew the group.

Happy Holidays.

Hello! Am placing an order for your book as soon as I finish typing this question! I look forward to becoming a more educated furniture consumer.

I’ve heard a number of people talk about buying furniture from North Carolina. Can you illuminate this process for me? How do I find the companies to buy from? What do I need to know or avoid when purchasing furniture this way?

Thank you for your help!

- Sandra

Sandra,

I hope you will find the book helpful. I do spend a bit of time going over the North Carolina shopping experience in my book and when you are close enough to Carolina to pop over and see what is available it really is a great way to shop for furniture. For all practical purposes there are two areas in North Carolina where you will find the greatest concentration of outlets: the Hickory Area and the High Point Area. If you have time it is good to do both areas because all of the big outlets have “outlets” for their own outlets that features one of a kind items, damaged/soiled, etc. items. If you are flexible and have a good eye for product you can really save a bunch of money in these ‘outlets “outlets” Now if you pick up a Yellow Page catalog and look for furniture outlets in North Carolina you will find that there are probably 2000 or them. I totally trust 3 of them. There are probably 10 of them that you would want to do business with….the rest? Well I can’t believe you will need to shop them.

The 3 who I think are the best are: FurnitureLand South (HP), Rose Furn Co (HP), Boyle’s (HP & Hickory). Between these 3 you will probably see every furniture company in the world represented. The discounts you are looking at will not be as impressive as they use to be. Routinely you will find 40% off of the MSRPL. When you get into their own “outlets” you will see discounts up to 70% depending on what they are facing. Why the discounts are not what they use to be is that now in everytown USA every furniture store is routinely offering discounts up to 40% off. One of the continuing big differences between N.C. and the rest of the world is that when you buy in N.C. and then ship or take home the product you are not paying your local sales taxes. Now you are obligated to pay but few people call up the state and say bill me for the stuff I just bought in NC.

The continuing biggest plus of shopping NC is that in the big outlets that I like you will be able to see and compare almost every furniture company’s product with everyone else. Hard to beat that and you know your price will be at least as good as the local price. BUT MAKE SURE YOU ARE ALWAYS COMPARING APPLES TO APPLES! Remember to be sure that any price includes shipping and staging in your house. Check the warranty. Verify shipping time. Always pay by credit card when you can. I wouldn’t worry about my 3 favorites if they wont take a credit card but for everyone else I would pay with card and if not possible I would leave the store. UNLESS I was going to take the product with me.

Almost forgot: I would always shop the/a manufacturers outlet: i.e., the Century Outlet, the Stickley Outlet, the Drexel-Heritage Outlet, etc. Actual specific factory outlets are always good to shop and can be trusted.

Good luck with your shopping and definitely go to NC. You will not be disappointed. When it gets closer to your trip let me know what your must see, must accomplish goals are and I’ll get more specific for you.

Happy New Year.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition

Len: In 1972, we purchased an extremely expensive Hibriten oak bedroom suite, including an amoire. Over the years, two of the finial topped cabinet hinges have broken. Since all doors on the 9 foot dresser, the amoire, and both night stands have the same hinges, I want to replace the broken ones with new hinges of the same style. Hibriten is out of business, all the other hinges are great, the furniture is fantastic and shows little if any wear even after a number of moves. Can you help me locate a hinge manufacturer who might have 1960s/1970s finial topped hinges?

- Ray

Ray,

I am sure this is a silly question; but are you sure the hinges can not be repaired? I expect some part of them broke but could a good local machinist put them back together? Also could a local machinist fabricate new hinges? If these long shots have no hope of working it may be worth your while to contact Bernhardt Furniture Company to see if they have any of the old Hibriten parts in storage. Bernhardt acquired Hibriten and may well have spare parts and or they absolutely will still be able to tell you who the supplier was that provided the hinges. The trick will be getting someone at Bernhardt to pay attention to your inquiry. I would direct a letter to the President of the company and hope he will give it to some hard-charger to take care of. Try contacting Bernhardt at www.bernhardtfurniture.com

Let me know what pans out and if nothing works I’ll see what else might work

Hi Len, I have looked at Cochrane, Stacy & King Hickory sofas. Which is these three is the better quality sofa?

- Karen

Karen,

I just sent you an e mail with King Hickory’s cut-a-way chair featured to show you how they do their items. Sorry I am late getting back to you. I have been traveling and just returned. Hope you have a fine holiday and don’t hesitate to contact me at any time.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd Edition

Len, what about Wellington Leather Furniture? Are they a reliable name and do they sell dependable leather furniture. Also, on the same note, what about Gavin? Thank you for any information. We need help in purchasing the most dependable, top grain leather sofa and loveseat at a reasonable price.

- Bobby

Hi Bobby,

Happy Holidays! Are you asking about the Wellington Leather Furniture Co. that is located in Blowing Rock, N.C. and is a retailer of leather furniture? Or are you asking about a manufacturer of leather furniture called Wellington Leather Furniture Co? I don’t have any info on Gavin at all. Never heard of them and I even did a Google search to see what comes up and nothing about a leather producer with that name. The whole leather industry has exploded with new names and new locations. Tons of leather coming out of China and the Far East. Leather prices are the lowest they have been in years. Cheaper leather coming in from overseas is driving all prices down. What do you mean by a “reasonable” price? The best made leather sofas are rarely on the market for less than $2,000 starting. Good leather sofas are on the market at $1,500. Starter leather sofas that are more “disposable” can be found for under $1,000. Let me know what you want to accomplish and I’ll give you more detailed info.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition

Len, I am thinking of buying a leather couch and chair from the Denver location of a company called “Furnico”. The company bills itself as a wholesaler and allows one to even customize the dimensions of the furniture for about 30% above the prices for the standard dimension pieces. All the furniture is made in China. This concerns me. But, the prices are outstanding and the quality of the pieces in their “wholesale” showroom seems quite good. In other words, it appears to be a great value for the money. What do you think?

Thanks for your thoughts, Michael

Michael,

China is turning “our world” on it’s head! The product and prices that are flooding into our cities are so good I am embarrassed by it all. Embarrassed in the sense that our system can not compete with the prices. Should you buy the product? Of course and lucky you for running into it. From the tone of your note you have the added advantage of actually seeing and sitting in the product. A very Happy Holiday Season to you and the family. Don’t hesitate to contact me at any time with your furniture questions, etc.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition

Hi Len, I am interested in purchasing Nichols and Stone furniture. I can buy this locally but can save a substantial amount of money by ordering this furniture from several internet listed discounters. Is this legitimate, do I get the real thing and is this a good idea?? Thanks, Barbara

Hi Barbara,

Nichols & Stone is nice product. Nothing illegitimate about what you are doing. Nichols & Stone apparently has established the Internet “Stores” as authorized suppliers of their product (not absolutely) but what you must do to protect yourself is: 1. absolutely pay by using a credit card (if the Internet Group you are buying from wont allow you to use a credit card “DO NOT BUY FROM THEM”, get all shipping costs and handling costs nailed down in writing, get written warranty regarding product, get firm ship date, and get written confirmation from them as to how any repairs or warranty claims will be handled. Remember: do not send them a check or cash. Only use your credit card.

I always like to use the local stores because they are there when you need them. But if the cost differential is at least 20% I would first see if your local store would match the price and if they wouldn’t I would check out the Internet Group doing what I indicated above.

Good luck and Happy New Year.

Dear Len, what are the disadvantages of durahide fabric? Is it like leather? Which do you recommend?

Thank you, Kim

Kim,

Happy New Year. If by “durahide” fabric you mean a microfiber fabric then you almost have an apple and orange thing going with the exception that microfibers can/do have a suede look. Microfibers are wonderful, durable, economic, tough, cleanable, etc. if fact there is almost nothing wrong with them. Leathers can be from cheap to expensive, possible fragile finish, tough, wonderful aroma, great feel, etc. If you want the most bang for your buck I would go with a microfiber (if I liked the look). If I wanted the luxury of a great leather and money was not my biggest problem I would go with the leather.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd Edition

Len, I’m looking at a microfiber sectional sofa at Westco store and i’m a little leary of how well the fabric will hold up to stains and wear. Do you have any advice about it?

- Shari

Shari,

If you read the hype on micro-fibers they will stand up to anything. For the money they are super. If you are considering a micro-fiber for your home and you are a typical, reasonable, sensible housekeeper you should not have any problems with the fabric. Just watch your friends with their wine glasses when you have a party.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition

Len,

My brother found a nice apartment and he now needs to buy a bedroom set. He’s trying to keep costs reasonable since it’s an apartment. He found some nice sets in Bob’s Discount Furniture in Wayne, NJ. Should he expect to get at some quality for these prices? Do you have any recommendations as to a better place, if not Bob’s (IE: MSO, LEVITZ, Etc.)? He’s trying to keep his max budget at $1500 or less.
Thanks for your help, Mark

Hi Mark,

With a $1,500 budget I would first try any and all of the consignment stores in the area. You can’t beat a good consignment store for great prices and , for the most part, good quality. People don’t try to sell or place for consignment garbage furniture. You simply throw bad furniture away. Look in the Yellow Pages to locate the stores. I expect you will find quite a few. The only problem with consignment stores is that the selection is always a crap shoot…will they have what you are looking for, etc. The product changes every few days so keep looking. Then if nothing strikes your fancy there is nothing wrong with Bob’s. One other place to keep your eyes open will be when you are shopping at a Costco or Wal-Mart. They are carrying more and more furniture and the prices are always very good. Good luck and let me know how you did with your shopping.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition

Hello, should I drop 10K on a beautiful Kindel Classic Americana Collection Model 73-010 Federal Dining Table with two 73-073 Federal Armchair and six 73-072 Federal Side Chairs? Sale price 15K close out price 10K.

- Kirk

Kirk,

Boy…I would. Kindel has produced some of the finest furniture we have ever seen in the US. Kindel is truly “investment grade” furniture. What a nice way to start 2006. I hope this Holiday Season will be a wonderful one for you and your family.

Len Lewin; Author, “Shopping For Furniture: A Consumer’s Guide”, 2nd. Edition