Best Furniture Stores in Cincinnati

According to U.S. News & World Report, furniture stores typically receive new inventory toward the end of winter and summer. Retailers frequently offer discounts during February and August to make room for new stock. You may also find promotions offered during specific holidays, such as Presidents' Day.

It doesn't hurt to initiate the negotiation process by politely asking the salesperson what the store's best price is on a particular piece. While you may need to involve the manager, arriving at a 15% to 20% discount is a reasonable expectation, especially if you're paying cash or buying more than one piece of furniture.

Good quality wood furniture should be constructed of solid wood or at least eight layers of plywood devoid of knots that make it susceptible to cracking. Dovetail or mortise and tenon joint construction offers more long-term stability than nails and staples. Hand-tied coil springs, firm foam wrapped in padding, and aligned patterns are indicative of quality upholstered furniture.

Identifying your furniture's purpose and usage helps you create a comfortable space while securing the best value for your budget. For instance, a family room where several active kids and their friends congregate to play games or watch TV requires durable upholstery fabrics and wood tables. Conversely, a living room reserved for guests may provide the canvas for lighter fabrics and more sophisticated lines.

A heavy cotton weave, such as denim or sailcloth with a stain-resistant finish, is one of the most durable fabrics available. Another option is microfiber, which is a water-repellent and tightly woven synthetic fabric ideal for households with kids and pets. Two other long-lasting alternatives are leather and olefin, a wool replica.

Leather and microfiber materials are popular upholstery fabrics because they typically only require a damp cloth and soapy water to remove dirt or stains. Vinyl is often the fabric of choice in medical offices or casual restaurants because of its varied textures and easy-to-clean finish. Velvet that's been treated with a stain repellent is the surprise textile in this category.

Microfiber's durability is attributed to its extremely fine and tightly woven fibers. That process also creates a fabric that's very soft to the touch. Microfiber's versatility as a velvet or suede substitute makes it a cost-effective option for sophisticated as well as high-traffic spaces.

Because a sofa is typically the focal point of a living or family room, a neutral fabric is recommended. Neutral tones as opposed to loud colors or busy prints offer more versatility with redecorating and help add longevity to your investment. Leather and tightly woven fabrics, such as microfiber, provide a wide variety of durable options.

Chenille and other tightly woven fabrics provide subtle patterns or textures that help hide pet hair and stains. Microfiber is a low-pile alternative that's easy to clean and stands up to clawing and pulling. Leather wears well, with scratches and minor damage enhancing its weathered character. Canvas or heavy cotton slipcovers are another easy-to-clean and versatile selection.

Sofas that are constructed from a dense hardwood, such as walnut or maple, are much more durable than pieces made from metal or particle board. Joints should be connected by wooden dowels or other mortise and tenon configurations. Hand-tied springs, high-resilient foam, and tightly woven textiles round out sofas that withstand the test of time.

Each furniture store has its own protocols for removing old furniture. While some companies may move used furniture to the curb, most consider it a health and safety liability issue. Local charities usually come and pick up pieces that are still in decent shape.

If you have a large piece of furniture, you may want to begin the process by taking photos to a consignment shop to determine the level of interest. However, you'll need to bring in the actual piece to get an accurate appraisal. Once accepted by the consignment store, you sign a contract that stipulates the percentage you'll receive if the item sells, how long the store will try to sell it, and the mark-down schedule.

Furniture stores typically offer delivery services. Each establishment, however, determines its delivery rates and level of service. While some retailers offer free delivery, standard practice is to charge for the expense of the service. Depending on the company's policies, consumers may opt for outside drop off, delivery inside the door, or white glove service.

Depending on the individual's home shop configuration, skill level, and tools, making custom wood furniture can be a rewarding experience. While it's not necessarily the cheapest or most time-efficient route, constructing a quality table, bed, crib, or set of bookshelves may provide you with a unique piece that's also durable.

Investing in quality pieces requires a more substantial initial outlay of funds than heading off to the nearest big-box store to outfit your entire home. Purchasing a $2,000 sofa, for instance, is an investment in a quality product that may last you 30 to 50 years. Incorporating a well-made table that boasts unique details can enhance your portfolio.