After my furniture fiasco with Stanely Manufacturing in which I was shocked that my furniture arrived so damaged and mismatched in color, and after reading this post and many other posts where companies are now producing their products in China, I will never buy furniture made in China again. Thank you for the warning. Sorry about learning the hard way like I did. I ended up buying solid Maple wood furniture from Durham that only costs a litte bit more since I added an Armoire. I was amazed that the prices were not that different and the Durham Furniture was quality made in Canada. Also I had a great experience with the Flemington Department Store in NJ. I want to not be known for just complaining and have learned to give praise where praise is due but warn others when there are problems to help others like they have helped me.

Thank you to everyone for your input. I appreciate all the advice and will take it to heart in my search for fine furniture. I'm certain this will not be an easy task and fortunately, I am not in any hurry since I have some furniture that will do for now. However, as an aside, I am not overly concerned about wanting to change the furniture again in a few years, as my tastes are fairly traditional. As I said, I absolutely love the Penn House furniture my parents have had for 30+ years and someday it will come to me (I'm an only child). So, I'm not concerned about keeping up with trends or changing things around. That's why I was asking about well made, quality pieces that will last for years and years. As I said, the Henkel Harris pieces I've seen have been fantastic. They have the traditional look that I really like and seem to be very well made. I did notice recently that the chest I have now is a Drexel piece, which my mom picked up years ago at an antique store. It is extremely well made and has lasted quite well, although there is some wear on it now. I have thought about refinishing it, but I'm not sure whether that would be worth it if I'm going to be getting new furniture in the near future. Again, thanks to all for your help and keep the ideas and advice coming. :)

Here's a queen: http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/fuo/1541211917.html Here's a king four poster: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/fuo/1546824613.html Here's a queen: http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/fuo/1546868516.html Another queen: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/fuo/1539274706.html I think if you take some time, you could find just what you are looking for if you are near a large metropolitan area like Dallas. Just do a search on Henredon bed, Drexel bed, Ethan Allen bed, Pennsylvania House bed, Thomasville bed, etc. Also search on four poster bed. That should pull up several listings without having to go through lots of junk. Good luck! Jo

No contest. Used 'good stuff' beats crappy RTA particle board every time. Over the last year I have collected a bunch of dressers, tables, beds etc for a future second residence. Most of it is better quality than what I have here in my home. There is little made now that is as well made as 40 or 50 years ago. I cringe at the money I dropped at Restoration Hardware, Ethan Allen, etc. over the last 20 years... Case in point: One of the dressers in the garage is a serpentine front twelve drawer dresser. Each drawer is different, wider top to bottom and mirror reverse curve right to left. All are inset, and fit perfectly and operate smoothly. It is a thing of beauty. Here it is easy to find workable pieces for next to nothing at Goodwill, garage sales or on Craigslist. And if you don't want to DIY, there are many people who can paint and wax and rehab pieces into whatever custom look you seek. Much better product for less than IKEA or Target.