NOW CLOSED (ReEdited on 10.25.07 - MGR)
Note to self: never use the word "cheap." Basics Furniture is up for review today and inclusion into the Stores Guide, after having been mentioned by a number of readers. Originally, we didn't plan to include this type of store in the Guide, because it was so far from being a place where we would shop, but the world is filled with different folks, and we realize that stores like Basics can be useful....
First of all, Basics is not cheap. Ikea is cheap. Basics sells new, contemporary furniture (which we abhor) at reasonable prices, and they do a good job of keeping their prices below $1,000, which is the point most people start to get scared. Many of their designs are too much, but they have some simple beds, chairs and dressers (see Campaign Bed at right) which are not offensive. They also don't take long to deliver and they have a local store which makes it easy to find and speak to them (It is also interesting that they only have one store, but it seems like they are part of a chain).
We recommend Basics as a place to look because:
a. their website makes it easy to see what they have
b. their price point is good
c. because they do offer a wide range of items from bedrooms to desks to lighting.
d. AND they are aware that apartments are small and have small furniture
Beware that you can usually judge furniture stores by their covers, and the quality of this furniture looks to be medium to low. Expect that these pieces will not last forever. However, if you are on a tight budget, like funky, colorful furniture and want to buy a few cool pieces for your bedroom, this could be your ticket. MGR
HOURS:
M - Sat 10-7pm
Sun 12-6pm
Know more about Basics? Leave a comment/review below....
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Comments (2)
What a shame to find they're out of business! I found this post as I was searching for their address to send them a letter. I am 41 years old now and bought my very first couch from basics. I was about 29 when I bought it from Basics and it has been the most complimented piece in my apartment besides my wall unit which I got across the street from Jensen-Lewis. It's held up beautifully, and my mom always told me to get furniture with "good bones" as it can always be reupholstered. Well, all this time later and it doesn't need reupholstering at all. The quality is unbelievable - no squeaks, and the seating is as firm as when I bought it. Anyone who shopped there knew of the quality you got for the buck. For instance, I was able to select the color of the wood for the legs - who gets that for just over $1300? I wanted to send them a letter of appreciation after all these years and now they're gone. I even wrote to them a couple years later after I'd bought the couch to request a sample of the fabric to cover an ottoman I have. They sent it to me for a very nominal charge and were quick about it. That's the kind of service I'd expect from a much higher-end brand. Oh well.
I'm surprised at the shady review it got. If you'd like to see a somewhat fuzzy picture of the couch I'm talking about, feel free! The three pillows in the center I bought later, the two on the outside came with the couch. Very sexy piece of furniture, indeed! I loved that it was curvy and had no cushions. One solid piece. Lovely!
http://twitpic.com/gajo4
I too was sorry to see that basics had closed. Patricia, my father Richard McCarthy probably designed that couch you have -- he designed many of theirs including the red kidney-shaped one I bought at basics a year after his death. That couch and the cool floor lamp we bought at basics draw compliments from our friends, too. As I recall, two brothers owned the store.... I wonder what they're doing now because I'd like to shop there!