You've been searching for a new dining room furniture set for months (maybe even years) and have come to the conclusion that you're going to invest in handmade, heirloom quality pieces that will last a lifetime.
Congratulations! Now comes the question of how to find them at affordable prices and get the very best value for your investment.
Here are a few tips to streamline your shopping experience: Finding Your Furniture Style What style dining furniture are you looking for? Since this is going to be a dining room set you'll have your whole lifetime, be sure you pick a style that's timeless.
For example, Shaker style furniture, mission style, craftsman furniture and French country are all styles that have been around for years and have stood the test of time over many generations.
Try to pick a classic style that will adapt as other more transient elements of your home decor evolve through current trends.
Finding the Right Furniture Maker and the Right Price Once you've decided on a basic style, it's time to shop around for a reputable furniture maker, skilled in the design and crafting of your selected furniture style.
One of the secrets of buying authentic, handcrafted dining furniture is that there are lots of talented furniture makers in almost every locale who are eager to make your furniture at an affordable price.
Really.
It's often a matter of finding the craftsman who's experienced in your particular style and who routinely builds that type of dining furniture.
If you can find someone who doesn't have to spend a lot of time with furniture design, you may actually be able to cut the cost in half! Craftsmanship and Quality Be sure to have a close look at the craftsmanship in your furniture maker's work.
Ask if the dining furniture is crafted of all solid wood or does it incorporate veneers or plywood.
There are pros and cons for each choice, but typically heirloom quality furniture is made of solid wood, with perhaps some decorative veneers.
Inspect the joinery too.
For example, dovetail joints are a robust choice for fastening drawer fronts.
Mortise and tenon joints are a standard choice for corners.
Lifetime Guarantee Most small, local furniture makers will happily back their products with a lifetime guarantee.
If they don't advertise it, ask.
If the furniture maker is reluctant, find out what his reservations are and work through them.
If he is adamant about avoiding any kind of guarantee, it may be time to find another furniture maker.
Free Shipping and White Glove Delivery Shipping and delivery may seem like an unimportant detail when you're ordering your furniture, but in reality this is often the step that is most problematic for both consumers and craftspeople.
The best situation is to have the craftsman deliver your furniture personally, however that opportunity is rare.
Try to get a commitment at the time of sale that shipping, white glove delivery and installation of your furniture will be included in the furniture price.
That way, you won't be left with any unpleasant surprises at the end when you should be focused on enjoying your new furniture.
In summary, the idea that high quality, handmade dining furniture, made in the USA, is too expensive is a myth.
Check with local furniture makers and you'll be surprised to learn their prices for handmade heirloom quality dining furniture are fair and reasonable.
A handmade dining furniture set is an investment your family will have for generations and the value of your set will increase over the years.