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High-end furniture myths
Thursday, May 01, 2008
It's time to stimulate the economy with those IRS checks, right? What better way than by buying something lovely for your home! But before you go shopping for high-end furniture, make sure you don't believe any of these misconceptions.
Myth No. 1
Extras
"Solid wood" is a magic term. Not so. Don't settle for just carefully crafted phrases.
"After all, plywood is a solid wood, so just having solid wood construction is no guarantee of quality," points out Eric Buecker, third-generation owner of Buecker's
Fine Furniture & Interiors, in Piqua and Bellbrook. "Also, when manufacturers claim 'all-wood construction,' that can be particle board."
Buecker recommends that you find out what kind of wood and ask for details of the construction process.
Myth No. 2
I should sneer at veneer. Not necessarily. Veneering, the application of thin layers of decorative woods on top of plain materials, has been done for centuries and is found in furniture in all price ranges.
"Some very intricate and beautiful wood designs, inlays and patterns can only be done with veneering, because moisture in the air could cause warping and swelling of the designs," says Connie Tschantz, a senior designer for 19 years at Krispin's Contemporary Furnishings in Centerville. "Veneers can be heirloom quality."
Myth No. 3
All of the wood in a set should match exactly. The true pleasure of natural products like leather, wood and stone are the irregular patterns that make them distinct. Even if an entire table and chairs set was made from one tree, chances are there would be some color and grain differences.
Myth No. 4
If a piece has a quality look, it's made well. Furniture is the easiest thing on the planet to construct cheaply and make look high-end. Turn pieces over, take cushions off, slide drawers in and out, ask about construction.
"I'm a big believer in inner spring cushions on upholstered pieces, but you can't tell if a new piece has that by just looking," Buecker says. "But when it gets older, you sure can."
Myth No. 5
Independent furniture stores are going to be higher-priced. Many are part of buying co-ops so instead of sticker shock, first-timer browsers often have a "woo-hoo!" moment.
Myth No. 6
Today in decorating, anything goes. Sure, we've all seen outstanding rooms that are a mix of periods, fabrics and styles but they are never just thrown together.
Have a rough idea of the style you're comfortable with, and use that as a springboard. Generally speaking, there are five major styles: traditional (wingback chairs, antiques, damask and chintz, woods in mahogany and cherry); casual (earth colors, overstuffed upholstered pieces, light-colored woods such as pine and maple); country (soft cushions, florals, rough or painted wood); contemporary (sharp lines, bold colors, metal, glass); and eclectic (an ethnic or artisan look, a real mix of styles and periods).
Myth No. 7
Fabric on the bottom of a leather cushion is a cheap shortcut. Nope. Many quality manufacturers do it so air escapes quickly and quietly when you sit down.
Myth No. 8
I know what I like, so I don't need a decorator or designer. A talented pro can save you from making a costly mistake. Many furniture stores offer complimentary design service for customers.
Myth No. 9
Expensive fabrics are the most durable. Not really. Damasks and silks can be quite expensive, but won't hold up as well all-around durable fabrics.
Myth No. 10
If I pay more, I'll get more. Ah, if only it were true, shopping would be so much easier. Sure, a cheap price means flimsy construction and materials. But as the price tag goes up, quality doesn't always increase exponentially.
