I can't speak about Bassett in particular but I believe many in the furniture industry are unethical. My mother purchased a "leather" recliner from Hudson's Furniture store in Brandon, Fl. I was with her when she picked it out. The sales woman had her choose the color from a full size leather pelt that she said would be representation of the color and the chair would be covered in 100% top grain leather - not bonded leather. Within the first 4 months, the motor on the recliner had to be replaced. And now, two years on, and it's obvious the chair is bonded leather. It's peeling and she's the only one who sits in it - no pets. She paid over $2000.

We have been going through "analysis paralysis" on our dining space for a while now and are looking for suggestions on a table shape/configuration. If all goes well, I'll upload a pic of the floorplan in the area. There are 3 backless stools tucked under the island, not 4. We're trying to decide between a 54" round or a (roughly) 40" x 72" rectangular table (something in Bassett's Benchmade line). We like the feel of a round for conversation, but also like the rectangular since it creates a more open space, especially with a sideboard between the windows. The light fixture is centered between those windows and the width of the space. It's a 24" George Kovacs Circuit drum It's just the 2 of us and we rarely entertain - maybe just 1 other couple. If we did round, we'd do 5 chairs (to avoid a "kitchen table" look); rectangular we would do 4 (2 on either long side). While we love the feel of a round table, the patio table on the deck is a 48" round and not centered in that space. We were concerned 2 round tables in the same field of view might look odd, especially if they weren't aligned. For chairs, we'd likely do upholstered, all side chairs. Either the square X-back or Brooke wingback. Any thoughts on how to decide between the 2 table shapes? Michelle

I have bought Bassett Furniture a few times over the years; most recently, last year when we moved into our new home. Bassett, like any furniture store, has variations in quality. Their custom sofas with upgraded cushions, frame, etc. are higher quality than what is sold as "everyday value". I haven't purchased a lot of Bench Made, except we did get two bench made end tables. We haven't had any issues with any Bassett purchases. Good luck!

Hi AJ! Now a vote for buying on consignment & reupholstering. I bought 6 Parsons-style chairs from a local furniture consignment shop; they were the size and scale that I wanted, and were substantial and sturdy...but covered in a nondescript fabric that made them easy to overlook. I think I paid $40 each, so $240 for all six (after pricing similar new chairs at about 10x that amount, upholstered in fabric that I didn't love). I had the seat cushions replaced with a thicker, firmer cushion, and had them upholstered in a darkish slate blue velvet...I think the complete cost (including the chairs themselves) ended up at a bit more than $2000. The chairs are comfortable to sit on, and have nice tall backs to lean against...pre-COVID, they lent themselves to hanging about the table with friends after dinner. If the reupholstering is in the budget, that could be the way to go!