I ordered some patio furniture from Target. It came about a week later than their furthest-out estimated delivery date and was a bit of a nuisance to assemble, but I like it now. If you're looking for real sturdiness, I would probably go with the Pottery Barn table instead of the Target one, simply because the Target table is "some assembly required." I have an assembly-required table in my house (not from Target, but real wood), and it's not as sturdy as my non-assembly-required table. I've had to re-tighten the legs a few times. Of course, this may speak more poorly of my own assembling skills than of the table itself.... :) Oh, and you might want to check on how you'd return it and if you'd have to pay for return shipping if you seriouly think there's a chance you might want to send it back. The Additional Info tab on the link you provided says that it can't be returned to any store, which would mean that you could be stuck with re-packing and shipping a 132-pound table if you decide you really don't want it.

This furniture is wood chips compressed with glue, with a slap of cheap stain on top. It's awful given how much the pieces cost and how long you have to wait to have them delivered. The upholstered pieces don't hold up to real life either. I've also experienced dye fading in expensive PB towels and bathmats with the very first wash, while using a mild detergent like Cheer to protect the colors. The spots never stop appearing. Pottery Barn would not even consider taking them back. So I buy all household textiles elsewhere. Walmart has better quality towels. We shall see how these retailers fair in the next year or so, as the economy is changing rapidly, and how responsive they are to customers when there are fewer of them.

yes, those near me would need to be updated and parts removed and restored. painted or brought back to mint condition via staining, sanding, etc. our antique stores tend to be more like second hand stores than true antique stores. That said, and after much research and weighing of pros and cons, I ordered the PB small secretary, antique white. Though not tipping the scales in beauty, I'm hoping it's good enough and functional. It is only my husband and me now so it won't be banged around or leaned on. But I know a woodworking guy who could replace the hinges for the desk part, if I need him. I will style it up on top with a mirror and cool lamp, plant, etc. I thought I needed a hutch on top but I have glassed in kitchen shelves for display purposes.

Patricia, people have been using candelabra style chandeliers forever. It’s a strange criticism to say that it lights the ceiling not the table. I don’t have this light, but mine also has candle style bulbs, and I have no problem with lighting. Most of us have other sources of lighting as well, such as recessed lights on dimmers and a table lamp on a buffet, so we can control the mood of the room. And the fact is that most of our consumer goods are imported these days, for better or worse. shrug