Try moving it around. Do the chairs wobble? Good quality chairs don't (I've got a set of Henkel Harris Duncan Phyfe style chairs that proves you can't rely on brand name alone). Table legs can usually be tightened. Beds are notorious for being loose, but if they use old fashioned bed bolts, they can be tightened up. I usually equate good quality furniture with being sturdy enough for its intended function (and the very best uses construction techniques and fits that maintain their integrity for generations). Dovetails are a good constuction technique. Raised panel door construction is another. Mortise and tenon joints are strong and durable (and sometimes may be given away by wooden pegs driven through the tenons). If you look at tables with leaves, look at how the slides are constructed - the heavier and beefier the better. Look at the secondary woods, and how it is fastened and finished. Since this doesn't show, this is an area where a lot of lower quality goods may cut corners. Any secondary wood that isn't "real wood" would make me question the quality (though I have seen some very nice Baltic birch drawer boxes). Look at how the pieces are fitted together. On good quality pieces, there will not be any gaps or fillers. You also won't be able to easily tell where they have filled any nail holes. Finally, look at the visible wood. I like solid wood, because it is easier to repair and finish (look for continuation of end grain around the edge of tops to see if it is solid). But don't discount veneer - some of the best furniture uses veneer (just make sure it is firmly attached, smooth, and flat). Good quality furniture doesn't use finger-jointed lumber, nor will you be able to detect where surface defects have been repaired. Flat surfaces will be flat, not rippled like someone is trying to mimic hand-planing by doing a poor job at it. The finish should be smooth, without dust, runs, orange peel, or splotchy areas. Note that it is a lot easier to hide poor workmanship or wood under a dark stain. On the other hand, if your into refininishing, sometimes you find diamonds under layers of old paint or varnish. Trust your gut. Quality is sort of like pornography - hard to define, but you'll know it when you see it.

I strongly urge consumers to stay away from Crate and Barrel outlet stores. I spent over $2k on one couch which seemed to be in perfect condition and was a great deal compared to what it would have cost if I had purchased it in store (based on full description provided by store employees on model and fabric). Worst experience as the upgraded, stain resistant fabric along with the stain removing directions provided by the company on this model were so wrong and within a couple months I have nothing but water stains all over my whitish sofa. I followed everything exactly. The company takes no responsibility for selling me a $2K couch that, although came from an outlet with as is, was still $2K based on these features. I wouldn't pay $2K if it didn't have these features which were part of the sell to me. What a waste. The couch is not worth $5 at this point. Save yourself time and headache and know that just because it seems like a good deal and that you can inspect it all you want and do all the research , it means absolutely nothing. Will never shop with C&B - outlet or not - ever again. They owe me at least a professional cleaning but choose to simply say that I signed a waiver for the outlet so who cares if we sold you junk!!!!

For quality leather desk seating check out Leathercraft or Mckinley Leather. Both of these companies manufacture in North Carolina and are considered high end. They both have plenty of colors of full grain leathers to choose from and a 5 prong base is standard on all their leather desk chairs. Seat cushion options include spring, down and firm. Most all of their chairs are available with a gas lift option for easy up and down and also a tension adjustment for when pushing back. Either of these companies should price below or well within your budget depending on where you shop. I have a pillow back full grain leather executive chair made by Mckinley leather that has a double pillow back and a spring loft seat cushion. I also keep a small leather stool or ottoman the same height as the seat cushion under my desk that I keep my feet on for most of the day. I usually am in my office from 7 until 7 each day so comfort and durability were huge concerns of mine and this chair is by far the most comfortable desk chair I have ever had.

Quick ship usually refers to in stock items; some manufacturers offer quick ship on items they keep in stock or "married covers" that come in already cut & sewn & just have to be applied to the frame. Delivery time frame to you can add into the equation also; a delivery from a local store is a quicker time frame than if you order long distance. I am not sure of the time frame for Ballard Designs