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Complimentary
Local Decorating Service PARKWAY DRUGS

Call us (315) 735-0732 FREE Delivery to Your Door 7 Days a Week
PAY CABLE, PHONE, WATER, GAS/ELECTRIC BILLS, ATM MACHINE
BUY STAMPS, PLAY LOTTO, MAKE COPIES
ALSO: BUY MONEY ORDERS & MAIL PACKAGES (at French Rd & Albany St Locations)
Locally Owned & Operated by the Femia & Chiffy Families

9785 River Road, Marcy Since 1965
www.gracefurniture.com 485 French Rd • “Big Lots Plaza” N. Utica • 1256 Albany St.
since 1940 315-792-4669 315-624-9988 315-735-3525

How to Shop for Quality Furniture: A Research the Maker, Not Just the Price Tag
One of the biggest misconceptions about furniture is that high cost automatically
Sophisticated Guide for the Discerning Buyer means high quality. While price often correlates with craftsmanship, it's not a
In a world increasingly dominated by fast fashion and disposable goods, furniture guarantee. Some brands invest more in marketing than in materials. Others,
remains one of the last frontiers where quality still matters. For those seeking to invest particularly boutique or regional makers, may offer better value without the prestige
in enduring, beautiful pieces, shopping for furniture is not just about function—it’s markup. Do your homework. Ask about where and how the piece was made. Is
about craftsmanship, materials, and design that stands the test of time. But in a it bench-made, meaning built by a single craftsperson from start to finish? Are
saturated market full of glossy showrooms and too-good-to-be-true online deals, sustainable practices used? Is there a warranty or repair service? A company willing
how can the average consumer discern what’s genuinely worth buying? The answer to stand by its product is usually one worth trusting.
lies in understanding what defines quality and how to identify it, both visually and
structurally.
Start with Structure: The Foundation of Quality
A piece of furniture, no matter how stylish, is only as good as its bones. When
evaluating structural integrity, solid wood is often superior to engineered alternatives
like particleboard or MDF. Hardwood varieties—such as oak, walnut, maple, and
cherry—are prized for their strength and longevity. Joints should be constructed
using techniques like dovetailing or mortise-and-tenon, rather than staples, nails, or
glue alone. When shopping in person, don’t be afraid to test the stability of the piece.
For a chair or table, apply gentle pressure and listen for creaks or wobbles. Drawers
should open smoothly and fully without sticking, and they should not slide off their
tracks when pulled.
For upholstered furniture, such as sofas and armchairs, quality is a three-part
equation: fabric, fill, and feel. High-quality upholstery fabric doesn’t just look
better—it lasts longer. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool tend to wear better This bedroom collection is made from solid American Alder. Old World
than synthetic ones, though performance fabrics that blend natural and manmade
materials are now designed to resist stains and fading without sacrificing texture or craftsmanship features such as English dovetail drawers, mortise and tenon
joinery and fitted backs ensure structural strength and stability.
style. Full-extension metal ball-bearing drawer slides provide effortless access to
Inside, high-resilience foam wrapped in down or a down-alternative offers spacious drawers. Many other finish, style and size options.
both comfort and durability. The frame underneath should ideally be kiln-dried
hardwood and the springs should be eight-way hand-tied, a hallmark of superior
craftsmanship. The Long View: Investment vs. Impulse
In the end, shopping for quality furniture is about thinking long-term. A $2,000
sofa that lasts 20 years is a better investment than a $700 one that starts to fall apart
in two years. Consider how each piece fits into your broader lifestyle and space—not
just today, but years from now. Quality furniture isn’t just a purchase; it’s a legacy,
one that shapes the way we live and the spaces we call home. After all, as the old
adage goes: “Buy the best, and you only cry once.”
Visit our showroom 9785 River Road Marcy open seven days a week. Shop us 24/7
on www.gracefurniture.com. Call us 315.735.0732.
Written by; Cassie Grace Miles, 4th generation steward of Grace Furniture, a family-owned
business since 1940, on River Road, in Marcy, NY. Cassie received her BFA in Design from
The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and continued her career in design,
managing luxury furniture showrooms in the world-renowned Miami Design District, along
Our best-selling solid elm & maple dining set. Custom built by third generation craftsman in with additional world class hospitality training at 5-star hotels.
America. This collection comes in many other sizes & finish options.

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315-335-1704

michele.lamandia@huntrealestate.com
michelelamandia@huntrealestate.com
@house2sellcallmichelel

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
4661 Commercial Dr., New Hartford 315-736-5660 (Located in the Hage Carpet Building)
Hours: Monday-Friday 10-5 • Saturday 10-4
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