 |
 |
|
|
downtown
Atom
Of downtown's assortment of locally owned furniture stores, Atom may well be the "hostess with the mostest." Its wide-ranging collection includes multiples of almost every kind of piece you can think of, including armoires, beds, tables, chairs, end tables, lamps ... The list goes on. Their colorful, bountiful showroom is a must-see for anyone hoping to find pieces no one else will have. 513 Olive, 314-621-4141, atom-designs.com
Blue Boat Designs
Blue Boat Designs is the place to go if you need a vanity, a vessel sink, tiles, a set of custom-designed cabinets or economical lighting with space-age flair. The showroom sports a selection of prefab sinks and vanities — but the real draw here is the design service, which will help you envision your own acquisition in glass, aluminum, steel or acrylic. 1607 Washington, 314-241-8998, blueboatdesigns.com
English Living
If you're looking for hand-hewn, one-of-a-kind pieces with old-world polish — the kind of furniture you can pass along to your heirs — you should be looking here. For more than a decade, they've brought us stylish pieces from family-owned suppliers throughout Europe, making their showroom a necessary stop. 1520 Washington, 314-241-6226, englishliving.com
Macy's
Just opened this summer, Macy's Furniture Gallery is a marvel of modern ingenuity. With tens of thousands of square feet, featuring a variety of styles, there's tons to take in — clear some time for this one. The draw here is the sheer depth of options, the kinds of choices that haven't been available locally since the dinosaur days of downtown department stores. 601 Olive, 314-444-3111, macys.com
Mossa Center
Got a new loft or apartment? You need furnishings, fast — and preferably in a modern, minimalist French or Italian mode. You need Mossa. The store's collection of chic living and dining room furnishings, plus original artwork, is a beacon unto the feet of downtown's newest residents and should beckon unto yours as well, regardless of where you live. 1214 Washington, 314-241-5199
Niche
Once you set foot inside Niche's cool interior, you'll forget all about the harried bustle outside. The subtle music, unobtrusive lighting and artfully arranged abundance of furnishings — not to mention the genuinely friendly, professional staff — make this one of the most enjoyable shopping experiences in town. Their design service is equally copacetic — they'll help you create a space that's as comforting and cutting-edge as theirs. 300 N. Broadway, 314-621-8131, nichestl.com
Salt of the Earth
Salt of the Earth is perhaps better known for its knickknacks, jewelry and dishes — but it, too, carries furniture and artwork, original pieces that can be found nowhere else in the world. The hand-painted chairs and artisanal tables displaying the store's wealth of goods aren't just there for decoration — they're priced to sell and ready to jazz up a sunroom or kitchen. 1123 Locust, 314-241-8008, salt-earth.com
Urban Materials + Accessories (UMA)
UMA carries a wonderful selection of contemporary furniture, including lamps (of the hanging variety as well as the upright kind), chairs, screens, a freestanding bar, wall and tabletop fireplaces and — our fave, natch — the Magtable coffee table, which has slots for more than a dozen magazines to hang. 313 N. 11th, 314-241-9990, iloveuma.com
south st. louis
Best Home Furnishings
Originally an Indiana-based wholesale chair manufacturer, Best Home Furnishings opened its first (and still only) public showroom in St. Louis a little over a year ago, offering sofas, ottomans, chaise lounges, gliders, accent tables, leather office chairs and even decorative reproductions of dressmaker's dummies. Chances are you may find something to delight you on their huge sales floor, but you can also have a pair of wingback chairs made to order, with a choice of 700 upholstery coverings, including various leathers (turnaround time is a mere three weeks). 129 Concord Plaza, 314-842-9922, besthomefurnishings.com
Grove Furnishings
Even if particleboard trees existed, Grove owners Ana Casey and Bill Waggoner would take a pass. Their raison d'être is offering objects of high quality, including handmade furniture — from chimney cupboards to simple, graceful head-boards — constructed from real wood. The pair try to source as much as possible from local artists, including Missouri craftsman Jim Stubblefield, Williams Colonial and Carpenter's Shop. They also carry an ever-revolving stock of clever, hand-picked home accessories. 3169 Morgan Ford, 314-776-7898, grovefurnishings.com
Rothman Furniture
Family owned and operated since 1927, Rothman is the Budweiser Clydesdale of local furniture stores — four generations of St. Louisans have bought their first "real" furniture here. With multiple large showrooms, Rothman is able to offer affordable, traditional furniture (Lane Home Furnishings, Broyhill, Franklin) as well as "Modern Living," a contemporary collection, and "Portfolio," which uses high-end finishes and designer fabrics. Whether you're looking for distressed French country or stainless steel, you'll have a hard time not finding what you need here. Seven locations, 314-892-9002, rothmanfurniture.com
SuttonWood/Barang Barang
Like Chicago's Golden Triangle, SuttonWood specializes in Asian furniture, much of it from Tibet and China. Buy an oxblood-finish sideboard right off the floor, or as many designers do, order a custom piece — SuttonWood's craftsmen (overseas) can reproduce or create a custom design. Upstairs, Singapore-based Barang Barang sells contemporary furniture in unusual colors and silhouettes. 1301 Gravois, 314-781-5444, suttonwoodinteriorsandantiques.com
central west end
CENTRO Modern Furnishings
If Brad Pitt lived in St. Louis, this is where he would shop. As would Angelina, David Bowie and Maya Lin. CENTRO — pronounced chen-tro, not sen-tro — features the best in contemporary and is the only place to get the newest from B&B Italia and some of the latest and greatest in lighting (i.e., Flos' Skygarden, among others). Owned by Todd Lannom and Ginny Stewart, the store's slick interior is well-stocked with classics from Saarinen and Bertoia to Maya Lin and Frank Gehry. 4727 McPherson, 314-454-0111, centro-inc.com
Design Within Reach
While we always root for the native-born retailer, we strongly believe one would be remiss if one strolled on by DWR without a long stop to shop within. The company opened its local "studio" (not store) a mere three years ago in the former Greenberg Van Doren gallery space. The site is apt: DWR is still a gallery of contemporary design — including Eames, van der Rohe and Corbusier. 44 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-1701, dwr.com
Rothschild's/David Richardson Interiors
The shop was first started decades ago by real-estate mogul Pete Rothschild. Initially it sold just antiques, but through the years and with the addition of interior designer David Richardson, the merchandise has morphed into a 50-50 split between old and brand-new. The new is stylish and slick, and while the selection is not huge, what is there is, as Spencer Tracy would say, "cherce." Be sure to check out the basement; it's loaded with treasures. 398 N. Euclid, 314-361-4870, rothschildsstl.com
West End Gallery
If you are looking for antiques, you'll find plenty here. But if it's chic contemporary furniture and accessories you lust for, you're also in luck. Home to Arlene Lillie Interior Design, several of the showrooms feature contemporary furniture and accessories accented by a variety of art pieces. 4739 McPherson, 314-367-4000
university city/clayton
Good Works
Good Works contains an array of products ranging from desks and chairs with modern, clean lines to wackier items such as designer string lights. Most of the furniture is made either from already downed trees or a composite. Proceeds go to help plant more trees. A second Good Works recently opened downtown. 6323 Delmar, 314-726-2233; 901 Washington, 314-621-3322, goodworksfurniture4u.com
CLB interiors
CLB Interiors is a design collection centered on the customer. The pieces aren't mass-produced, so don't worry about that chair you love so much popping up in your neighbor's house. The shop is essentially a showroom for the design firm of the same name, which proffers complete interior-design services including everything from project management to millwork. 8125 Maryland, 314-721-3355, clbinteriors.com
Expressions Custom Furniture
Remember that character, Veruca, of Willy Wonka fame? If you've ever been to or plan to visit Expressions' Furniture Showroom, it is quite likely you'll find yourself reenacting her "I want, I want, I want" scene. The showroom is not huge, but they offer their clients a lot of options. In fact, since each piece is custom-made, the options are infinite. 7817 Clayton, 314-567-6200, expressions-furniture.com
Edwin Pepper Interiors
"Extensive" is the best word to describe Edwin Pepper Interiors. The retail store/interior-design service contains linen, drapery, fabric and wallpaper collections, as well as carpets, art and furniture. The vignettes allow you to envision how the designers would transform your room or how a certain piece could function in your home. The store, owned and operated by the Pepper family, carries a full spectrum of styles and staffs a small army of designers. 909 S. Brentwood, 314-862-6330, edwinpepper.com
Heirlooms
Don't worry if you can't figure out what to buy at Heirlooms — the store's interior designers, who include owner Lani McKnight, are happy to help you select the right piece — or redo your entire house if need be. The shop is packed with furniture — and a large collection of pieces from Maitland-Smith. 32 N. Brentwood, 314-862-7757, heirlooms-stl.com
brentwood/richmond heights/maplewood
Arhaus
The buyers for décor haven Arhaus travel the world in search of inspiration, and it shows in each and every piece. A stroll through their showroom is like traversing the globe one duvet at a time. Arhaus does a dandy English country. Or if you prefer a more Zen aesthetic, their Asian relic reproductions will surely bring you inner peace — or at least interior peace. 1657 S. Brentwood, 314-968-3401, arhaus.com
Crate & Barrel
For one-stop shopping, this store is hard to beat. From bathmats to beds and buffets, linens to lawn furniture and lamps — and everything in between — C&B has it all. Furniture manager Fern Hernandez reports the latest arrival is the company's Oliver brand — a good-looking transitional line that includes sofas, chairs and ottomans. 1 The Boulevard, 314-725-6380, crateandbarrel.com
Pier 1 Imports
It just so happens that Pier 1's biggest store in this city is located on Brentwood Boulevard, across the street from AT HOME's office. As always, the store carries designs from around the world — and at prices that are easily digested by just about anybody. If you like your colors hot, your furniture dark and your prices low, this is a place you need to visit. Eight locations, pier1.com
Restoration Hardware
The furniture here covers the basics for any home: bed, couch, chair, tables, lamps. But the one area where the store really shines is, well, the hardware. Want to replace your mailbox? Search no more. Want to jazz up your bath with better pulls, towel racks and toothbrush holder? Ditto. Our only regret is the store's outstanding collection of cleaners (including the 1940s classic Fels Naptha soap) has been discontinued. Saint Louis Galleria, 314-863-7566, restorationhardware.com
T. Rohan Interiors
T. Rohan Interiors specializes in custom furniture, bedding, pillows, upholstered walls, new furniture and high-end antiques. In their showroom, you see a lot of furniture upholstered in a nondescript off-white poplin — those are the custom pieces waiting to be swathed in a fabulous cloth you will surely find in their fabric library, the largest open to the public in St. Louis. 7310 Manchester, 314-647-7400, trohaninc.com
The Designing Block
The Designing Block's showroom is small, but packed tight with items with style and substance. From funky frilliness to stately elegance, its taste runs the gamut, yet each piece in the showroom has a unique, handpicked feel — as if Susan Block, the owner, personally chose it. Which, of course, she did. Without question, her highly refined sense of whimsy, wacky and wild, shines throughout. 7735 Clayton, 314-721-4224, thedesigningblock.net
Intaglia
Locally owned and operated for nearly 20 years, Intaglia is all about clean lines, affordable reproductions and fresh modernity. Having attached the modern moniker to the store, buyers should know that Intaglia is less "Meet the Jetsons" and more simplified sleekness with quirky touches in all the right places. Intaglia carries several furniture lines and offers design consultations for a small fee. 1201 Strassner, 314-645-8008, intagliahome.com
The Gifted Gardener
Sure, The Gifted Gardener offers gardening tools and accoutrements, but as one employee pointed out, "It's kind of hard to sell a shovel in January." Owned by Jim Heeter and Todd Trentham, The Gifted Gardener carries Rowe and Norwalk furniture lines and a slew of artful and whimsical accessories for the home. Now through Oct. 5, all furniture is 15 percent off — including Rowe custom orders. 8935 Manchester, 314-961-1985, thegiftedgardener.com
Z Gallerie
This is the place to peruse if you're looking for funky, eye-catching accent pieces. Their items tend toward the youthful and playfully trendy. It is a chain, but what they lack in locally owned uniqueness, they make up for in affordability. Z Gallerie's offerings are accessible glam–eye candy for the home that accommodates many tastes, which makes it difficult to leave without buying at least a little something special. 2055 Saint Louis Galleria, 314-863-1108, zgallerie.com
webster groves/rock hill/kirkwood
Ashley Furniture Homestore
The prices make you think that, maybe, you lost track of the map and you're actually in Value City. Sofas can run a couple of hundred, and chairs sport tags with two figures. The styles run the gamut — in fact, it's hard to imagine a style that isn't on display here in one fashion or another. The store sells everything from Mediterranean to modern, Spanish and shabby chic. 10525 Manchester, 314-966-0047; 4432 Lemay Ferry, 314-815-3300, ashleyfurniture.com
World Market
Take a price-point step off Pier 1, and you have World Market. The national chain offers furniture at low prices but with the same global flair. This is (once again) pretty much one-stop shopping, with merchandise that includes sofas, beds, tables, desks, linens, window coverings, rugs and just about all the basics to stock a kitchen cupboard. 24 Brentwood Promenade, 314-918-7800; 3628 S. Lindbergh, 314-821-4488; 238 THF, 636-728-0011, worldmarket.com
ladue/frontenac
Ken Miesner Flowers
Yes, the name of the shop is a tad misleading. And OK, flower arrangements are key to Ken Miesner's success. But his Plaza Frontenac shop is packed with accessories (with a heavy emphasis on Asian and English) and furniture. Some of it's old; most of it just looks that way. Be it a small buffet or bureau, desk or table, cabinet, chest or credenza, the reproduction will be fine — and look a lot more expensive than it's actually tagged. 292 Plaza Frontenac, 314-567-6650
Pottery Barn
Since it is such a snap to shop Pottery Barn on the computer and in your jammies, the idea of actually traveling to the store seems unnecessary. But it is necessary because the staff at the store is simply exemplary. From the first person who greets you upon entering to the salesperson who will track down anything, anywhere, the assistance is awesome. The furniture is fine — fun, functional, classic transitional — and the accessories are invariably well worth the price. It's nearly a one-stop shop for your home. The only thing lacking is kitchenware — but then, Williams-Sonoma is merely steps away. 262 Plaza Frontenac, 314-996-2630; 280 Chesterfield Mall, 636-536-6101, potterybarn.com
Williams-Sonoma Home
Some stores are great spots to dream. This is one of them. Walk through the front door, and leisurely wander the rooms. Think of it as Little Red Riding Hood cruising Babe Paley's apartment. The furniture lines are classic; the accessories chic; the linens luxurious; the walls painted the newest colors; even the design books stacked hither and yon are sigh-worthy. A Papa Bear step up in price point (and quality) from its sister company Pottery Barn, W-S Home is the place to buy the sofa, chairs and tables you plan on keeping for years and years. Tasteful, classic but stylish clearly is the dictum for the buyers at this store. 1745 S. Lindbergh, 314-983-9467, wshome.com
Ethan Allen Galleries
If you are one of those who have no clue what goes with what and can't envision a finished room to save your soul, head straight for Ethan Allen. All the furniture is displayed in color-coordinated and style-motif matched vignettes. You could say, "I'll take the living room" or "Order the black-and-white bedroom in the back." The designers on staff stand poised with pencil and order form in hand. 10465 Manchester, 314-909-9091, ethanallen.com
Baker Odds and Ends
Barbara Barry designs furniture for Baker. So do Jacques Garcia and Laura Kirar. The furniture is fancy, fine and fabulous. Traditional or modern, this is the stuff you'll hand down to your favorite child. The initial outlay of cash can cause one to pale — that is, if you buy it anywhere but at Baker Odds and Ends. Here the company sells off pieces at prices that have been slashed at least 50 percent. You can almost always save hundreds off the original price, but sometimes those savings number in the thousands. Be sure to check out the back room for final markdowns. 10027 Manchester, 314-909-7902, kohler.com
des peres/town & country
Frank Patton Interiors
Your inner dialogue as you stroll through the showroom at Frank Patton Interiors will probably go a little something like this: "Ooh, look at that lamp. Ooh, look at the table that the lamp is on! Ooh ..." and so on, ad nauseam. Whether you're in the market for a new bed, a dining set or a sofa, the furniture at Frank Patton spans all styles but has one thing in common — complete, unadulterated fabulousness. Design services are also at your beck and call. 13133 Manchester, 314-965-4240, www.frankpattoninteriors.com
F.O.B. Saint Louis, Inc.
F.O.B., which is a shipping acronym for "freight on board," is a small store big on sweet knickknacks and accent pieces for the home, as well as furniture necessary in anyone's abode. At F.O.B. they get products in every day, so the store is always chock-full of new goodies. The smaller pieces are moderately priced and make for perfect gifts, while the larger furniture is a tad pricier. 285 Lamp & Lantern Village, 636-207-7131
Home Decorators Collection
If you long for the grandeur of the Old World, the Home Decorators Collection will fulfill your fancies. Every room from bed to bath, home office to home theater, is covered here. For example, when you ask for a table, the clerk answers, "Accent? Coffee? Console? End? Magazine? Nesting? Dining?" The prices are great, and the selection is huge. 13913 Manchester, 636-391-1011, homedecorators.com
creve coeur/olivette/maryland heights/o'fallon
Accessories by Appointment
Accessories by Appointment focuses on bold accent pieces and occasional furniture. If you find your current décor uninspired, the professional designers at Accessories by Appointment will make house calls to help freshen up your home without a complete redecoration. Open to the public, anyone can purchase their wares without a design consultation. 11612 Page Service, 314-692-2828, accessoriesbyappointment.com
Carol House
If you've lived in St. Louis for more than five minutes, you know the Dubman siblings and have the Carol House slogan memorized. But if you do indeed like nice things, the odds of finding that unique armoire or fantastic side chair at the right price are extremely favorable. The two Carol House showrooms are a combined 7 acres, carry more than 100 furniture brands and offer the types of deals and warranties only a place so large can. 2332 Millpark, 314-427-4200; 38 Marshall, Valley Park, 636-225-3666, carolhouse.com
Décor Interiors
Old-world style mixes with modern one-of-a-kind pieces in this labyrinth-like storeroom. The store carries classic selections such as wooden bedroom sets and patterned couches, but for a more eclectic spender, there is the additional lure: The store also sells great jewelry. 13476 Olive, 314-434-4022, decorinteriorsandjewelry.com
Dolnick's
Dolnick's offers the epitome of contemporary, but many pieces — like the huge selection of sectionals — can be customized to fit your needs and color palette. As owner Greg Dolnick emphasizes, not all contemporary décor is stark and cold. Dolnick's strives for a very livable feel, and as you stroll through their showroom, visions of that chic downtown loft you've always wanted will dance through your head. 10725 Page, 314-428-1800, dolnicks.com
House of Denmark
Not a sequel to Hamlet, but a furniture store specializing in contemporary Scandinavian and European furniture, House of Denmark is a vast showroom of unique modern pieces and the requisite Barcelona chairs and Eames reproductions. Be sure to check out the Ekornes Stressless line of ergonomic recliners — designed for the home theater. 12910 Olive, 314-878-4800; 11960 Tesson Ferry, 314-843-3400, houseofdenmarkfurniture.com
KDR Designer Showrooms
Pop into the unfailingly inspired KDR Designer Showrooms, and someone will show you around, but calling to make an appointment is the preferred method. You can either bring your own designer or let KDR arrange for a designer to meet you at the showroom to work with you for an hour. Also, twice a year, the showroom is open to the public. 11660 Page Service, 314-993-5020, kdrshowrooms.com
Pieper's Unpainted Furniture
As the name implies, Pieper's offers everything from beds to bookcases, all unfinished and just waiting to become that perfect shade of espresso or antique white you can't seem to find anywhere else. You can also "create a table" by selecting the exact top, legs and finish you want. 11585 Lackland, 314-432-6644, piepersfurniture.com
Rose Roberts Interior Design & Home Furnishings
At Rose Roberts Interior Design & Home Furnishings in O'Fallon, the furniture is classic and elegant — accented by accessories, gifts and artwork. Part store, part full-service design firm, Rose Roberts offers personal service that can be most inviting when you're feeling overwhelmed by all the options out there. 3449 Pheasant Meadow, 636-379-7776, roserobertsid.com
Shaker Hill
This store sells furniture — custom as well as the Harden and Justice lines — and accessories, from jewelry, gifts, candles and custom frames right up to presents for bambinos. The on-staff interior designer happily consults on everything from a room redo to the design of an entire house. The furniture sold includes sofas, beds, dressers, desks, armoires, tables, chairs and Capretti Home cribs. 4667 Hwy. K, O'Fallon, 636-300-4667, shakerhillhome.com
chesterfield and beyond
Amini's
Displaying furniture selections for dining and living rooms, as well as patios and poolside, this sizable family-owned store carries a variety of pieces in all styles and colors. And if you are looking for furniture of substance — as in large — this is a must-see kinda place. As one of the top four U.S. game equipment manufacturers, Amini's offers billiards, arcade games and card tables. 17377 Chesterfield Airport Road, 636-537-9200, aminis.com
Bassett Furniture Direct
The classic style of Bassett's pieces gives them a wide appeal; the store displays a variety of beds, armoires and tables, and its design center allows customers to pick the style of their cushions, their fabrics and the shape of their furniture. The website helps you plan your room before you even get into the car. 14201 Manchester, 636-230-8400; 8355 Veteran's Memorial Highway, 636-281-4700, bassettfurniture.com
Bova
Offering custom orders and home design consultations, this store is a find for the modern buyer. With chairs, tables, beds and art, there is a selection for every room in a variety of styles. If the sleek designs and use of wood and leather don't draw you, the specials and floor sales will. 15301 Manchester, 636-394-7550, bovafurniture.com
Dau Home Furnishings
The showroom spans a whopping 11,000 square feet. The store has seven designers on staff to help you wend your way through room after room of furniture. The selections include all styles. And the offerings range beyond chairs, tables and beds to custom bedding and from richly embellished to streamlined elegance. 15424 Manchester, 636-394-7550, daufurniture.com
Designs of the Interior
In order to set the scene for you, DOTI (pronounced "dottie") has re-created every room of a house with its vast selection of furniture and accessories. The store is staffed with designers who can assist in the store or traipse to your home to pick out the perfect piece in the right fabric with coordinating draperies for your home. 1656 Clarkson, 636-530-5970, doti.com
HomeSource Design Center
Contrary to public belief, KDR is not the only designers' showroom in town. There are others — like HomeSource. But while KDR offers the top of the line, HomeSource covers the medium-priced and the low end of the high-price furniture market. According to president Andy Touchette, it can do this by selling such brands as Stanley, Bernhardt, Hickory Chair and Lexington at wholesale prices. "We give the best price right out of the gate," Mr. Touchette says. The showroom is divided into electronics, furniture, flooring, kitchen and bath, recreation room products and window treatments. You will need to make an appointment in advance. Free memberships can be secured through local realtors and homebuilders. 17838 Chesterfield Airport Road, 636-532-0055, homesourcedesigncenter.com
Josef Mykel Fine Accessories
Luxury is the theme at Josef Mykel. The store is stocked with sumptuous traditional home furnishings and accessories, many of them one-of-a-kind. The store also offers customized floral arrangements. With two on-staff designers, free in-home consultations and a full inventory of furniture and accessories, customers can expect quick results. 17826 Edison, 636-532-0800
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries
Forget preconceived notions. Although the store does carry its famous recliner in just about every configuration imaginable (including a fab version for your home theater), it also sells sectionals, sofas, sleepers and love seats, ottomans and collections of fabulous outdoor furniture. Five locations, la-z-boy.com
Mary Tuttle's Floral and Gifts
Mary Tuttle's in Chesterfield not only offers beautiful floral arrangements for nearly every occasion, but also carries a wide array of furniture, home accessories and the oh-so-hot Vietri Italian pottery line. 17021 Baxter, 636-728-0480, marytuttlesflowers.com
Plunkett's Home Furnishings
This store is like 20 different places in one. Its two stories are divided into rooms with themes ranging from elegant cherrywood to safari-themed prints to vibrant spring colors. With so much space, it offers plenty of options for every room in the house — from bedroom to den, office to wet bar. 14747 Manchester, 636-391-1900, plunkettfurniture.com
Ooh La La! Home Furnishings
Ooh La La! Home Furnishings offers a variety of custom services, including custom bedding, furniture and window treatments. With a wide selection of furniture and accessories, in-home consultations, and floral and paint services, Ooh La La! helps its customers to realize their creative visions. 17701 Edison, 636-532-3353, oohlalahomefurnishings.com
Shubert Design Furniture
You could furnish your whole house here. Shubert offers custom upholstery services as well as a massive rug selection in the back of the store. It also carries fur-lined pieces — some real, some faux. Accessories that match the furniture perfectly are scattered throughout the store. 14264 Manchester, 636-207-5824, shubertdesign.com
Summer House
Summer House looks like a dream vacation home packed with welcoming furniture and delightful decorations. The furniture, as well as the inventive lighting fixtures, candlesticks and planters, is elegantly understated. Most of the pieces are Old World–inspired with a modern country twist. 14356 Manchester, 636-256-9264
Three French Hens Antiques and Interiors
First of all, Three French Hens is huge — 10,000 square feet. Each of the decorated rooms is loaded with antiques, reproductions, home furnishings and accessories. Helpful staff, complimentary cappuccinos and a variety of one-of-a-kind items make shopping here an experience. For extra help, ask about their in-home design specialists. 16935 Manchester, 636-458-8033, threefrenchhensantiques.com
on the west side of the missouri
Urban Attitude
Urban Attitude features sleek, simple modern furniture that will give homes a metropolitan twist. 2155 Bluestone, 636-925-1118, urbanattitudehome.com
on the east side of the mississippi
Lombardi Interiors
Bob Lombardi opened this store 43 years ago, recruiting his wife to do interior design, and now their son, Rob Lombardi, is the owner. Famous for easygoing patience, they offer full design services, and they'll order anything you want, in any period, at any price range. The store put its hardwood floors, custom window treatments, furniture and accessories into three display homes — an expansion of showroom space — to see how they look inside a house. One point of contact, everything you need. 2000 N. Bluff Road 157, Collinsville, Ill., 618-343-1900
Peerless Furniture & Leather Gallery
In business for more than a century, Peerless survived the curio cabinets of the Victorians, the mohair sofas of the '40s and the Parsons tables of the '70s. It steers a middle course, with a large selection of sturdy furniture at down-to-earth prices (check online for coupons and promotions). It also claims the largest selection of quality leather furniture in the St. Louis area, with 25 grades of quality and hundreds of colors. 6312 N. Illinois, Fairview Heights, Ill., 618-632-2261, peerlessfurniture.com
Schwarz Furniture
Open since 1864 and comprising two buildings, Schwarz offers six floors of possibilities — a warehouse of carpet and mattresses, as well as sofas with lifetime warranties. The website's nothing flashy, just handy links to manufacturers. It's family-owned, with a solid and frugal German heritage (frequent sentiment: "Our kids looked at all these fancy places, and we told 'em, 'You're gonna get the best deal at Schwarz's.'"). 225 W. First, O'Fallon, Ill., 618-632-3133 or 888-632-0014, schwarzfurniture.com
deeply discounted furniture
Weekends Only
If you need a sofa and money is tight — and we mean Courtney Love–jeans tight — you probably won't be able to do better or get a wider selection than Weekends Only. True to its name, the store only operates Friday through Sunday. The merchandise consists of closeouts and overstocks, and delivery is a flat $65. The store is jammed full of sofas, overstuffed chairs, dining room sets, beds and occasional pieces. Brands include Ashley, Lane, Broyhill and Simmons, among others. The deals are downright dazzling. For example, a bunk bed with a double bed on the bottom, single on top, costs $197; a daybed with trundle rang up at $398; and a decent five-piece table with four chairs was $244. Five locations, weekendsonly.com
fabric stores ... that make furniture
If you're shopping for upholstered furniture, you need travel no farther than one of your favorite fabric stores. They staff craftsmen to make everything from beds to benches, chairs to chaises and couches, headboards to ottomans, sofas to sectionals. In this town, the best bets are Calico Corners (Calico Corners, 903 S. Lindbergh, 314-993-1388, calicocorners.com), LuLu Belle's (1556 S. Lindbergh, 314-991-0020, lulubellesinc.com), The Fabric Company (108 Chesterfield Towne, 636-530-0775, thefabricco.com) and, in O'Fallon, Room Service Fabrics (3062 Winghaven, 636-561-0847). Prices vary depending on the fabric but are comparable to buying at a full-fledged furniture store.
