Not wanting to settle for something we found only remotely appealing, but not being able to justify the big bucks on a custom couch, we went sofa-less for months before finding falling in love with this wonderful store. From start (picking out the sofa AND the fabric AND the custom details we wanted) to finish (delivery, admiration, comfort/durability), it was — hands down — one of the best best furniture shopping experiences we've had...
And that's just what owner, Cynthia Schneider, ensured when she "decided to combine [her] love of shopping with [her] love of furniture by bringing a unique concept of lo-markup, quality furniture to the Washington DC Metro area." While most pieces they carry are yours to customize, here's a sampling of the styles they carry in their warehouse showroom.
The showroom gives you a taste of what's available for customization in their plethora of design binders. For most pieces, you choose the fabric, the stain, the hardware, and (in some cases) the dimensions for no extra cost. AND the cost usually runs about 45% lower than what you'd expect from stores like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn carrying similar styles. (Although, ours was under $900 compared to the $3,000+ we would have spent on the sofa we originally wanted which was nearly identical in model and quality).
They keep costs low by operating in a warehouse setting which means no store front, fancy interior, delivery service, or returns.
We found that their best deals seem to be on their sofas, but they also carry a variety of affordable home accessories and decor pieces.
In general, they cater to young professionals and people with second homes who are looking to furnish their houses with stylish, customizable, quality furniture.
Added bonuses include the friendly in-store design professional who will help you select your dream piece, the kid's play area for those with young children, and the WONDERFUL delivery company they recommend if you aren't up for u-hauling the furniture yourself.
We thought the slogan scrawled across one wall just about summed it up: "at these prices...there is no excuse NOT to have a cool house!"
(Images: Leah Moss)
| Location: |
11409 Sunset Hills Road, Warehouse H
Reston,
Virginia
20190
|
|---|---|
| Phone: |
703.689.3404
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| Website: | www.urbanretreatfurniture.com |
| Categories: | bookcases & shelves, chairs & benches, office & task, sofas & armchairs, desks, dining & occasional, decorative accessories, mirrors |
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© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I wish there were places like this in Salt Lake City!
I went almost 6 months without a sofa while I shopped and then waited for mine from Room and Board. It was worth the wait.
view kimg924's profile
Thanks for the great tip! I can't wait to get out there!! I've been thinking of buying two sofas from Vastu on 14th Street where they let you customize the depth of the sofa. Our small, 1930 cottage-style house has a narrow living room so those 36"-40" deep behemoths they sell at PB, R&B, and C&B won't work for the room!
view maipop's profile
i had no idea this existed! perfect excuse to visit the parents in reston! :)
view gretchenalexis's profile
I was referred to Urban Retreat by Cordy Galligan, the professional Design Consultant on staff...what a combination! With her great ideas, and the owner Cynthia Schneider's dedication to customer satisfaction, I have a gorgeous home with beautiful furniture created using an innovative design approach. One more plug for Cordy. I have always been a bit hesitant about using a design professional for two main reasons. First, because I have a lot of my own ideas and my own distinct style and I never wanted someone to come in and trounce on that. With Cordy, she encouraged my ideas and was open to my input, and she was able to take my ideas to the next level with amazing results! She also added the practical experience that grounded me, like when she asked me to measure my doorway and then asked the dimensions of a sofa sectional I was absolutely in love with. It broke my heart when I discovered that the sofa was too big to fit in the house! I never would have thought to do something that basic...and the list of helpful guidance she provided went on and on.
Secondly, cost...especially these days. She is EXTREMELY reasonable, but the results are quality. I say the same about Urban Retreat and its furniture...beautiful stuff at great prices. I've ordered from there twice, and will ALWAYS go there first when I'm in need of furniture. My two cents. :0)
view aliciamn's profile
It might be unfair for me to rave since I'm the design professional that works with Cynthia at Urban Retreat, but truly, the prices she charges for her furniture, compared to our competitors is unbelievable. I used to order directly from North Carolina for my clients with a set budget, but Cynthia's prices even beat that. This is one of my favorite places when ordering furniture for my client's with beach houses and as Leah said in her article, its also ideal for young couples starting from sratch or anyone who wants style without a high price tag! Cordy Galligan
view bonnemaison's profile