On the Hunt for Furniture
Interior decorating can be a challenge. There are some people out there who don’t know what style they like, others who don’t have the financial means to find nice furniture, some who simply don’t care about how their home looks, and others who think that a mattress right on the floor is an acceptable place to sleep! (Confession: I’ve been guilty of that last one for numerous years of my life)
I once walked into a friend’s home only to find two camping chairs set up in front of a TV in the living room. Granted, they had just moved in, but those friends needed some serious help with interior decorating! This is where we come in.
No matter the struggles you are facing when it comes to decorating your home, you can get by with a little help from some friends! That’s why we’ve asked a fantastic group of interior designers from around the world about what their favorite furniture brands are! This way, all you have to do is hit the website and browse for the styles that you like.
If you’re looking for a specific furniture piece, we may be able to help you out there too. We’ve written articles about all of the following topics thanks to those wonderful interior designers. Check these out: The Best Sectional Sofa Brands, The Best Modular Sofa Brands, The Best Leather Sofa Brands, The Best Reclining Sofa Brands, The Best Home Office Desk Brands, The Best Office Chair Brands, and The Best Coffee Table Brands!
Picking the Best Furniture for your Space
There are so many different situations where you could be searching for some new furniture for your home. Whether you have just started from scratch and need to fill it completely, you’re switching locations are are looking for something fresh, or you just want to switch it up with a new couch or dining table, there are some questions you should be asking yourself!
What is your budget?
For many people out there, the first thing that will determine the piece of furniture that they purchase is the price. That’s why we’ve organized this article according to 3 different budgets: low budgets, moderate budgets, and luxury budgets.
If you are on a lower budget, it’s important to remember that there are always areas where you can penny pinch! For example, buying a used coffee table is a great way to save money and get something that has character and is still in good condition. This type of penny pinching will allow for you to buy a more pricey sofa that will last a super long time!
How much space do you have?
This is an obvious question to ask yourself, but sometimes people forget to measure! Use a measuring tape! I have made the mistake of purchasing an item before taking into account the dimensions, and it ends up making arranging a little bit more difficult than it needs to be.
If you’re working with a smaller space, considering buying specific items that help elongate and widen a space. This can be done through purchasing a modular sofa, a high top table instead of a low one, and a bunch of other tips and tricks you’ll soon discover.
What is your preferred style?
This is the most important factor for me when it comes to buying new furniture. In order for a room to flow and compliment itself, things should be within the same realm of style. I like things that are minimal, organic looking, with a mid century modern inspiration to it. Having this specific aesthetic in mind makes it way easier to browse and pick out the things that will compliment what I already have.
Who will be using the furniture?
The people and pets using the furniture most frequently are going to determine what type of material you should have in your house. If you have a messy dog or a scratchy cat, you’ll need to be very specific about the kind of upholstery used for your softer furniture.
If you have little kids running around, maybe consider rounded corners for tables and chairs, and avoiding tables and upholstery that show wear very easily. In order for things to look new for longer, they have to stand the test of time and regular wear and tear.
The Best Furniture Brands (According to Budget)
As we mentioned earlier, for many people out there the most important thing to consider when purchasing new furniture is budgeting. That’s why we’ve organized the following section according to budget so that you can find precisely what you’re looking for within your price range.
All of the following information has been graciously provided by that fantastic group of interior designers that we mentioned earlier. If you’re curious about them and their services we’ve included links to their websites, or you can head on over to The Best Sectional Sofa Brands where we introduce each one of them!
The Best Low Budget Furniture Brands
West Elm
West Elm is a wonderful, wonderful company to have bookmarked for all of your new furniture needs. West Elm believes that home should be a sanctuary, and their furniture items reflect that belief. From their cozy sectionals to sleek bed side tables, every piece they have is beautiful.
Not only is West Elm furniture beautiful, it is wonderfully manufactured, expertly designed, and very fairly priced. Andrea Zivic is a massively experienced interior designer who always manages to find the perfect furniture for her clients. Since so many folks out there are looking for affordability AND style, Andrea Zivic uses West Elm all the time to achieve that balance. Here is what she has to say about West Elm:
“Every year new brands enter the design market. These are brands that offer a wide range of products, in addition to quality, they have excellently designed pieces. We often mention West Elm brand for the reason that it is made in such a way that it includes all stylistic trends and prices are super accessible to the market. You can find every piece of furniture you need for your home. It is a great advantage when one brand offers a wide range of possibilities, which is why we always choose West Elm first.”
Article
Article just does things right in my opinion. This is because their sense of style is exactly the type of stuff that I like. Liking mid century modern furniture can be rather discouraging because the authentic mid century modern pieces are rare, made from expensive hardwood (like teak) and they don’t really make it like that anymore!
The reason why I love Article furniture is because they have reignited the mid century modern movement and they are doing it at an incredibly fair price point. What’s more, is that they have super flexible financing options. So if you’re more comfortable with paying in interest free instalments rather than a full lump, this is your place.
Mairead Belcher is a wonderful interior designer based out of Vancouver. She has a ton of experience working with clients who are really keen on following the furniture trends on a budget, and Article is the absolute best option for that type of styling. Here’s what she has to say about Article furniture:
“Article is a great furniture brand for smaller budgets, and yes, it may be pricier than your Ikea MDF furniture but it is most definitely worth it. The designer can piece Article’s comprehensive collection of different curated elements together to create a cohesive elegant design.
Their overall designs are simple, functional and aesthetically pleasing without compromising quality. They provide excellent customer service, and all furniture pieces are easily assembled. They also have financing options on all their furniture pieces which helps make it more affordable for clients on a smaller budget. I think you get more than what you pay for with article. They produce products made with excellent-grade materials and market them to be adorable for clients.”
Cb2
Okay, now it’s my turn! I’ve written a handful of these articles so far and it is so fun – as an interior design lover – to discover new brands. CB2 is one that has stuck in my mind, and for good reason. They do everything right in my opinion.
CB2 is that perfect blend of retro designs with a modern flare. The style of the designers is absolutely impeccable, the materials that they use are sustainable, and above all, considering how fantastic and bougie their website looks, their prices are so completely reasonable. Here’s my own personal little blurb about CB2:
“I can bring nothing but bias to my opinion of Cb2. Cb2 furniture designs make me feel like I’m in an Italian fashion show from the 90’s. Cb2 furniture makes me want to take up smoking cigars and throw my life out the window to be a lounger singer, draping myself across a piano.
Now I don’t know if any of that resonated with you, so let me say this. Cb2 furniture is pristine, it is fun, it is remarkably tasteful, and it is everything I hope my dream home to be. If you have no idea when it comes to interior design, you need to know nothing else but the name, CB2.”
The Best Moderate Budget Furniture Brands
Chaplins
I’ve got one word for you: funk! Chaplins furniture is bringing the funk back into funk-iture! Andrea is coming at us again with a superb furniture brand recommendation. Andrea Zivic loves having an experience to work with a client who not only has money to spend but a sense of curiosity and color for their space.
The best part about this company is that they are not afraid to be imaginative. They understand what furniture designs work and allow for durability, but then they add their own special flair through details, patterns, fun upholsteries, and unique designs.
Chaplins furniture is doing some really cool stuff. They take retro furniture trends, make them classy, and then throw it all into a blender with some fun dust. Their stuff is classy but also silly, practical but still a talking piece. And you know what else? They are not afraid of bursts of color! I am so happy to have been introduced to this company and Andrea is right: I want everything that they have.
“Meet the English brand that made it to our list of favorite brands, and rightly so. Their pieces exude artistry. Curved arms on wooden chairs in combination with wool have conquered our design scene. You cannot remain immune to their design and you will want every piece of their furniture in your home.”
Anthroliving
My life changed the day that I discovered that Anthropology had a home-section. I was no longer relegated to obsessing over dresses, crop tops, and candles, I could now obsess over area rugs, modular sofas, lamps, and everything else you could ever want in your home.
Anthroliving is the absolute best furniture and home accessory brand for you if you are into the boho chic type of look. The designers for this brand aren’t afraid to be a little kitschy and eccentric, and we absolutely love them for it. Mairead Belcher is an up and coming interior designer who works with tons of younger clients in Vancouver, and Anthroliving is a go-to for her projects.
Anthroliving designs are wonderfully imaginative from start to finish. They use up-cycled materials like wood and vintage upholstery, they aren’t afraid of using fun flourishes. The designs are always focused on color and prints, making almost everything a statement piece.
Though Anthroliving has been placed in the moderate budget section, they really have something in every price range. From shockingly affordable sofas at under $400, to wildly extravagant desks clocking in at over a couple G’s, you can find anything your little heart desires.
“Anthropology is one of my favourite mid-priced furniture brands. Each piece offers a creative touch, adapting art deco, urban contemporary and shabby chic elements into their designs.
I love that they are never afraid to use bold colours and patterns throughout the furniture pieces, from tables to sofas. I love to add colour to my designs, colour has a considerable impact on our well-being and lifestyles, and it’s great to have a brand that executes this at an affordable price.”
Rove Concepts
High quality, impeccable design, and years of experience all go into the making of Rove Concepts furniture. In my personal opinion, Rove Concepts treads that tricky line of making something modern and chic, without it being stuffy or stiff. Their designs are contemporary but still make you want to dive in head first.
I was first introduced to Rove Concepts through their modular sofa designs (which I must say, are simply to die for) and quickly discovered that everything they offer is simply to die for. Their designs are fun yet practical, and all at a totally reasonable price point. Here’s my little shout out to Rove Concepts:
“Do you want your life to feel like it’s halfway between 2001: A Space Odyssey and a set that could have been used when Pierce Brosnin was James Bond? Well, look no further than Rove Concepts. All silly stuff aside, Rove Concepts is bringing something fresh to the furniture market.
Rove Concepts provides luxury furniture at a reasonable price point, and will make you wish that you had a dropped lounged section of your home. If you’re looking for something that is sleek and timeless, you’ve found the mecca.”
The Best Luxury Budget Furniture Brands
Bernhardt
Sometimes I have a reaction when I see something beautiful where I just say “oof”. Things that are beautiful are almost painful to look at, maybe because they are unattainable, but to some people they totally are. This is my roundabout way of introducing Bernhardt furniture.
Bernhardt furniture is a luxury furniture design company who is luxury at all levels. The greatest craftspeople using the best materials, which were selected by the utmost of designers, and marketed by the most skillful team. There is not a single fault that this company has, and if you are in the mood to splurge, they are for you.
Tina Martindelcampo is an interior designer who revels in the opportunity to purchase items from Bernhardt for her luxury clients. This is because she knows that they bring not only beauty, but they bring longevity to your home. This is what Tina has to say about Bernhardt:
“Founded in 1889 in North Carolina, Bernhardt furniture brand reigns king in the luxury and mainstream design world. Their design philosophy is paying homage to the art of furniture making at its best. Pulling their inspiration from other cultures, world travel and life experiences allows Bernhardt to curate unique furniture pieces for homes around the world.
Attention to details matter and you’ll find no shortage of that with any of their furniture whether it’s a custom sofa or marble table, made with the most meticulous craftsmanship in its game. There are so many amazing products to choose from ranging from interior to exterior pieces.
You’ll experience an air of sophistication with any of their furniture, but yet also a relaxed vibe at the same time. You can never be steered wrong furnishing your home with Bernhardt pieces, they are timeless and exclusively beautiful. I love the materials they use such as the gold & silver leafing, petrified wood and white onyx (to name a few).
Each piece tells a story, so you can impress your next party guests with the history and knowledge you’ve learned about Bernhardt and hopefully discuss one of their pieces you’ve purchased for your own home. Don’t forget the lifetime warranty that they offer for any of their upholstered pieces, because they stand behind their products.”
Poliform
Poliform, though a luxury furniture company, first calls themselves a “human company”. Since 1970, they have been a company for the people, by the people. “The human dimension is the measure of everything – design, production, relationships with partners and customers.”
This company believes in more than just creating furniture. They believe in creating a lifestyle and a sense of home for their customers. Poliform is clearly a group of incredibly stylistic individuals, but also a group of people who are dedicated to bringing beauty into peoples lives.
Andrea Zivic has recommended Poliform to us more than once. This is because she knows they are one of the best options to find a piece of furniture that is stunning, perfectly crafted, and will without a doubt stand the test of time. Here are her words:
“Poliform is an Italian brand whose name is luxury itself. This is every designer’s favorite brand. In addition to sofas, which are made of the highest quality materials, you can find luxury items for kitchens, bedrooms and every other space in your home.”
Arhaus
I always really appreciate discovering a furniture brand that has more than just looks in mind. Thanks to Mairead Belcher, we’ve been introduced to Arhaus. Arhaus is a furniture brand that was founded in 1986 who is as equally dedicated to creating beautiful products as their are to being eco-conscious by sourcing sustainable materials.
They are known for being super up to date with trendy styles, for having simply excellent customer service, and also have a big stock. This is super important for more popular companies because often times you’ll visit a website of a well known company and they’ll be completely out of stock!
Arhaus has a classic look to their designs, but it’s never stuffy. Classic inspirations allow for their pieces to fit into any home or room you place them in, which is super valuable to an interior designer, too. Here’s what Mairead has to say about Arhaus:
“Arhaus is a one-stop shop for me. Why? Arhaus combines everything I want in furniture design. Arhaus’s furniture interconnects design, flexibility, comfort, durability and sustainability and executes it perfectly by creating long-lasting, authentic pieces designed by artisans worldwide.
This brand produces a vast collection of timeless pieces, with sustainability at the forefront of their hearts, which is excellent for ethical shoppers like myself. Unfortunately, not all clients have the budget for this brand, but their ethos and the quality of their products are definitely worth it.”
Minotti
Why is it that the Italians just do everything better than everyone else? I don’t mean to offend anyone, but it’s just true. When it comes to the finer things in life – food, relaxation, beauty – Italian culture seems to have found the absolute perfect potion to achieve those things.
Minotti is one of those finer things. Minotti furniture is just delicious. I’ve reviewed their sofas before, and I’m pretty sure I used descriptors like “marshmallow” “caramel” and “bitter chocolate”. You know it’s a good sign when non-food objects remind you of food.
Minotti furniture design isn’t reinventing the wheel, but they are taking all of the best parts of furniture trends throughout history and making them sublime. I could use other descriptors like “stylish” “elevated” or “elegant”, but those are boring. Instead, here is a fun little blurb that we’ll finish off this article with, and giving credit where credit is due:
“Minotti is what everything else wishes that it could be. Let me get a thesaurus and give you all of the other words for luxury: opulence, extravagance, richness, sumptuousness, high living, they even included hedonism which I find hilarious, but I think it applies. Minotti makes things so beautiful that it’s almost sinful.”
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And there you have it. I don’t know about you, but my furniture fingers are just tingling! I already have a full house of furniture but I just want to toss it all out the window and make way for all of the gorgeous stuff that I just saw.
Hopefully you’re feeling just as inspired as I am, and you’ve found either a new favorite brand or must-have piece of furniture at exactly your price point. Happy shopping and stay cozy!
