I'm trying to furnish 2 rooms, a sunroom and a living room. I'm thinking that we'll probably go with something between contemporary and traditional. Something like Restoration Hardware stuff or Ethan Allen. Anybody have any store suggestions? I'd like to get a non-leather sectional for one of the two rooms. Getting my bonus for 2005 soon so I'm flexible on price. Thanks guys. And, yes, I do feel quite girly discussing interior design. But at least I'm doing it with manly (and womanly) Clutchfans.
Hilton Furniture has always treated myself and my family well... I'll be buying my Apartment's new furnishings from him in the next couple of weeks. I like them because you can ALWAYS haggle the price down, if they don't like your offer just act like you are leaving and then generally meet your price or come close. Just remember that furniture sales are like 80% mark up, so don't EVER pay sticker.
I have always had great success finding nice furniture for decent prices at Fingers Warehouse on I45 South at Cullen. Whatever you do, avoid Gallery Furniture. If you do go to Gallery, and find something you like, examine it carefully to make sure it isn't made of plywood and crepe paper.
They both carry all of the same manufacturers you'll find at Gallery or any other large chain. I like Hilton because it is one owner who isn't afraid to make a deal that he loses money on becuase he knows the word of mouth is worth more... He is also the official furniture sponsor of the Rockets ;-)
Gallery Furniture ftw. JK I've heard good things about Hilton. Not to sure about any of the other retail outlets here in town. I guess you could also try Fingers, Storeroom? (whatever its called), and your local mom and pop shop.
Go to Gallery and find what you like... take a picture of it and then head to one of the clearance houses and get it for 50% less. I bought a couch and loveseat at Gallery when I was 20 or so for $999 and a friend of the family bought the exact same setup for $450 two weeks later at the Sunday Closeout place at Fuqua and 45 South. I have an uncle (office furniture sales) who knows and works with Matress Mac and has for years... Furniture has a massive mark up and places like Gallery make their money on financing to people that pay sticker price that don't know any better.
I know one of my friends alwasy went to Foley's and checked out their scratch and dent section much like any other Furniture place...you can find some really good deals on stuff that has scuffs that are so minor you couldn't tell. If you want to save some money of course.
I would look at furniture, figure out the brands and models you want, then check the internet via a price comparison site and see if it's cheaper. I've found in New York you can save yourself a lot of cash this way.
if money doesn't matter like you say, i'd go with ethan allen. i bought a furniture set there and love it.
Believe me, just because they negotiated price doesn't mean you are a shrewd buyer of furniture. Places like Hilton over price just to please people like you. Go to some place like Star Furniture or Foleys which will have a lowest price guarantee and avoid all the posturing. Sure every now and then you can find a lower price on a similar item, if so they will match it, or just buy there instead, but it's not often.
Trust me, I know what I am getting when I buy furniture... or anything of great value for that matter. I know what is fluff and what is not... Star and Foley's gaurantee the lowest price just like car dealers do, good luck finding the exact same furniture at either place to make them match that price. They will also NOT value the deals you get a discount furniture places like Hilton, the Dump or other place because they just can't do it.
I bought a bedroom set at Fingers $1000 cheaper than the exact same set at Foley's. I did buy my couches from Foley's though. $1600 for a leather couch, loveseat and recliner. I thought it was a good deal at the time. You should check out the Storehouse Furniture Outlet store on Fondren.
I don't know if I'd trust my furniture purchase with a guy that is so flamboyant with a chainsaw on TV...
