It’s a familiar scene from urban apartments to suburban homes: the latest trendy sofa looking worse for wear out on the curb, awaiting trash day. Sure, it checked some boxes online: cheap, trending, and functional.
But it doesn’t last, leaving you to restart the never-ending cycle of purchasing fast fashion furniture. So, you order that brand new sofa, only to have it wear out quickly, head for the curb, and leave your wallet feeling lighter. With the rise of social media and paid influencers pushing the latest furniture trends, how can you be assured your purchase will be worth the cost and last for years to come?
At Willis Furniture & Mattress, we strive to provide that perfect balance. Our motto is “Smart Choices. Affordable Prices. Your Happiness Guaranteed!” We’ve built our business around this, which is why we only carry brands that align with our philosophy and craft furniture using time-honored techniques and materials.
In today’s Quality Spotlight, we’ll explore three such brands that are leaders in the furniture industry due to their history, craftsmanship, and enduring quality.
Sherrill Furniture: Hand-Crafted in the USA
Sherrill Furniture was founded in 1945 in the Hickory, North Carolina area. Despite advances in technology, their artisans find that the many hand-crafting techniques used for decades bolster quality. These hand-crafting techniques such as frame cut and assembly, upholstery cutting and tailoring, and 8-way hand-tied spring systems provide stability and durability.
Not only are Sherrill Furniture products built to last a life-time, they are made with sustainability in mind. Each upholstered cushion includes up-cycled materials in the seat deck, outside arms, and backs. All hardwood is sourced as locally as possible to reduce the carbon footprint left during transportation. All packaging is recyclable, and excess materials are donated to local firefighters in support of their training.
We stand by Sherrill Furniture’s quality because with them, we know our customers are making smart, affordable, and sustainable furniture choices.
Smith Brothers Furniture: Durable, Stylish Upholstery
In 1926, Smith Brothers of Berne was born in Berne, Indiana. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and passion has set them apart for nearly 100 years. We choose to carry this historic brand because of their construction techniques handed down from generation to generation.
Smith Brothers’ upholstery all starts with a carefully measured, cut, and constructed frame. Independent steel spring units are then added, along with double dowelled joints for strength and stability. Front and back rails are integrated for additional support, while cushions are hand-wrapped and layered to prevent sagging, providing ultimate comfort. The result is a solid piece of upholstery that will stand the test of time.
Flexsteel: Performance Materials
Flexsteel, established in 1893, got its name from their patented Blue Steel Spring™, a ribbon of flexible steel that has a limited lifetime warranty and never needs replacing. Starting with upholstery, Flexsteel began to expand their offerings in the early 2000s to include furniture to support every room in the home.
Beyond quality construction, we love that Flexsteel upholstery is made with performance fabrics that are kid and pet-friendly, stain-resistant, cleanable, and environmentally friendly.
When we at Willis Furniture source quality furniture, we look for style, innovation, solid construction, and sustainable materials. Brands like Sherrill Furniture, Smith Brothers, and Flexsteel steal the spotlight and remind us that choosing long-lasting pieces not only enhances your space but also supports a future of conscientious consumption. Avoid the fast fashion trends and both your wallet and the environment will thank you for investing in quality furniture that lasts.
Thinking you might need some design help to bring your vision to life? Get started today, or speak to our team of designers. Not to mention, you’ll feel like a VIP with a personal designer that helps you realize your design dreams all while making the whole process effortless. Happy decorating!