Greetings, Apartment Therapy readers. I've been tasked with the job of finding a large modern, durable, and attractive dresser for some clients. Lots of great options out there, you say. Sure, but the problem I'm having is they want all this...for $700!
While that seems like a substantial chunk of change, it doesn't go very far when buying substantial pieces of furniture. The aforementioned clients want to get rid of their newlywed IKEA pieces and invest in something more solid that they can use for a long time.
I've racked my brain and the best piece I found was the Highline Dresser at Macy*s, which is available for $799 during their home sale.
Do you have any other suggestions?
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Craigslist!
West Elm has a bunch on sale - check it out. They are at most $699. http://www.westelm.com/shop/furniture-bedroom/dressers-nightstands/?page=viewall
I've been there. If they are set on buying new furniture, anything you find at that price is likely to be veneered or otherwise not natural hardwood (one exception: I have seen some inexpensive pieces made of solid sheesham at World Market and other places, but the construction quality is low). Not that there's anything wrong with veneer, but I damaged my brand new veneered Drexel Heritage dresser (bought from Overstock.com for $900) within an hour of its delivery. It has since been fixed. I love the dresser, but would not buy another veneered piece. Vintage is a better option.
West Elm has a lot of sale items listed right now that fit your criteria, but the sales seem to be overwhelmingly sold out :(.
I'd say why even keep them listed on the site if they're sold out, but maybe if you try calling individual stores, you can find one that still has some options around. You never know with returns, damaged/discounted items, or floor models
Most vintage pieces (yes, Knoll, Herman Miller included) are also veneered. The catch is that they are usually built with pine boards or plywood as opposed to particle board that is commonly found in today's furniture. For what it's worth, veneered furniture isn't of a lesser quality, some woods are simply not available as solid boards.
We have bought many pieces from this antique store in Dallas, http://www.centurymodern.com, including a beautiful teak dresser. They have great quality vintage pieces at affordable prices and right now everything is 15% off. They have a couple of great dressers on the website now that I think would work. You'd have to ship from Dallas but I'm sure they could work with you.
from the source: http://fromthesourceny.com/
has great dressers at their warehouse store in dumbo in brooklyn, ny...really affordable and well made...not sure where you are located!
Scour the thrift stores. There are a ton of case goods out there that have survived the test of time. You'll also see a number of more modern dressers, too, but note how poorly the average "modern" piece is compared to an older one. It's remarkable.
I agree w/ above posters. Go vintage, secondhand, craigslist, flea market, etc. You can find great deals in your price range on some seriously sturdy dressers "like they used to make".
Surprisingly enough, JCPenney actually has some very nice furniture for a very affordable price. Depending on their style and space needs, this dresser or this one could work well. Both are solid wood construction with hardwood veneers. Dovetail drawers and all. Granted the mirrors are not particularly attractive, but the dressers themselves are really nice.
Two Words:
Pre
Owned
Not sure how large of a dresser they want, but I have been eying this one for a while, it's on a smaller side but under $700: Crate and Barrell Wells dresser http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1030&f=34604
We bought one almost identical but with more drawers for about $700 from Dania Furniture. You can buy online, but they have a larger selection in-store, of course.
Go vintage. What you purchase will be about the same price as something at West Elm, but a much better quality. Be patient...nothing worse than buyer's remorse. My favorite dresser I got for $25 from a dude down my street. I'd been waiting forever only to find it in his driveway with a for sale sign on it. LOVE it!
I have yet to find "modern" furniture that is as well made and as inexpensive as danish modern.
Plus, any danish modern piece you buy today your clients will be able to sell for a profit in the future. Not so with Ethan Allen or West Elm pieces.
3 words thrift, thrift, thrift. try 17th st, angel street and housing works on the same block between 6th and 7th avenues.
Several amazing bureaus to choose from are currently listed at this site, and all well below your price range. Troll the AT scavenger posts for similar dealers too - that's where I get my tips from.
http://www.eames1960.blogspot.com/
Totally agree with the pre-owned. You might also look at estate sales. Some of the estate sale organizers by me post pictures on line before the sale, so you can see if it's worthwhile to go. I was surprised to see many Danish modern bedroom and dining room sets around here and the prices have been terrific.
I as well don't know much about quality/durability, but I bought this one 2 years ago for less than $500. It's very sturdy and I LOVE it! It's now even cheaper at $370.
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Bello-Walnut-Cherry-7-drawer-Chest/2034827/product.html
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Bello-Walnut-Cherry-7-drawer-Chest/2034827/product.html
what about an antique fair? we found our son's dresser for $500. it dates back to the late 1800s. tons of history and extremely beautiful. not to mention, the quality of furniture from back then far surpasses most pieces now.
Oh my gosh... I know that the purpose here is to help someone out with his/her particular dilemma, but, I have to say... what I wouldn't give for $700 to revamp our entire HOME!
Obviously, the only way to do that with quality materials is through serious thrifting and patience. Good luck!