The best advice is do some research on construction, where the material used to build is sourced from, and upholstery quality. There are very high quality pieces available at all price points, some available through a network of smaller furniture dealers and mom and pop shops, and others more mainstream, and ultra premium custom retailers.
Generic words like high end, most expensive, top brands, in reality have little to do with quality of the finished piece, and the value it offers at the given price point.
Much has changed in the furniture industry in the last 20 years. Asian sourcing of raw materials has had a real impact on end quality. The brand names that once represented the very best are no longer what they were. Many have been swallowed and bought by huge multi-national manufacturers putting a label (name brand) on products made with cheap imported material with a final assemby point of USA.
Case goods and real hardwood furniture with meticulously crafted wood working skill is rare these days. What you find is a nice looking piece made with engineered asian imported wood, topped with veneer which doesn,t last. Thomasville is owned by a conglomerate and not quite what it used to be. Pottery Barn does not manufactuer there own furniture, so quality and value can not be guaranteed. Stay away from department store furniture, same thing.
Decide on a budget first then shop for quality pieces within that framework. Stay away from the chains and box retailers and stick with smaller furniture dealers and retailers. You might be surprised. I like companies like Smiths, Marshfield, Lancer, Flexsteel to name a few, keeping in mind these are not ultra high end or designer. But they do offer exceptional quality and and value. Companies like Best Home Furnishings offer some incredical value/quality on a modest budget. A high priced sofa isn’t built any better and won’t necesarrily perform or last any longer than one at a reasonable price, providing there is quality and value! Thats for you to decide, your budget, and what price point you are shopping.
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