Nancita,

You may get more helpful answers if your question was a little more specific regarding what you mean by "prefer".

I live in a metropolitan area that has both stores, and I shop (or browse) both of them frequently. I have bought many accessories and accent pieces at Crate and Barrel, and I generally am very positve about the style, value, and customer service I receive there. But, when it comes to furniture, I think C&B has a very broad range of quality (some nearly as low-end as Ikea/discount stores and some solidly mid-range furniture brands).

Pottery Barn is not as good a fit for me from a style perspective as C&B. I think they have pretty decent quality furniture, but think some of their products tend to be a little overpriced.

Also, I remembered while I was writing this response that there was an article about a year or so ago in a local magazine that offers a comparison between these two stores, the now defunct Storehouse, and Restoration Hardware. I am providing a link to it.

For both stores, if you are buying major furniture pieces, ask who the manufacturer is and research them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Article comparing stores

Julien,
Thank you for the informative link. Yes, I was very vague because I am not sure exactly what furniture I would be purchasing online or by catalog. It would be limited to things like a medicine cabinet and some tables, possibly chairs...nothing that would scare me when the shipping was added.
One of the very few things I miss about living outside of Boston is the B&M stores. But that's the price we pay for living in our Paradise.
Thank you again.

Your're welcome. I've pretty much decided that with a few rare exceptions, I won't buy furniture from stores out of the area. It is just too much hassle dealing with problems (and can get very expensive with delivery charges). I also do not understand how people could ever buy a sofa without seeing if it was comfortable.

I know this might sound like a weird suggestion, but target.com actually is not a bad place to buy some less expensive furniture, especially when they are having a free shipping event. Returns (either to a Target store or they will pickup via UPS) are free, and there is a lot more selection on-line then there is in the stores.

Also, if you buy furniture that comes flat packed (you have to do some assembly though) that should keep shipping costs down.

Good luck!