Good Questions: Ballard Designs, Up or Down?

Hello AT,

I was looking at the Chatfield collection, from Ballard Designs. Do you know how they stack up in terms of quality and in service? I know you have investigated Room & Board, but has anyone done a test of Ballard's upholstery products?

Thanks for help in advance. Lisa

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Comments (7)

Lisa--

While I have no specific experience with the upholstered stuff, I think their price point reveals they are reputable but perhaps not heirloom... and I've always had good luck with other things I've ordered from them. They also have an excellent swatch request service.

If looking in this price range, also consider the upholstered pieces from Calico Corners. And then you may be able to visit a showroom and see the piece(s) in person. Another option would be the new pieces at Pier 1.

Good luck!

posted by patrick (the other one) on 2006-09-07 11:22:37

I have ordered only 1 thing from Ballard in the past - a desk. While we're currently going on 3 years, it's not the best construction and the seams (which really shouldn't be visible on this type of desk) are visible. I would have returned this but they told me that they couldn't provide me with a large enough box in which to return it . . . so i'm not a huge fan of the company.

posted by Julie on 2006-09-07 12:13:24

I have been ordering items from them for many years and have been very happy with each item.

I would not hesitate to order upholstered furniture from Ballard's.

There is a local shop where I live that often features items from Ballard's, so I have had the opportunity to see their furniture up close and it compares favorably with other places.

posted by CR on 2006-09-07 13:13:21

A woman I housesit for is obsessed with Ballard and has tons of their stuff. I must say, I've been impressed with the quality -- the upholstered chairs have held up to two kids and two huge dogs. I've ordered small things from them (doormat, lamp) and been happy with them. I'm not too sure about the wood furniture. It looks all right, but I haven't really tested it. The upholstered stuff is definitely OK though.

posted by Lucy on 2006-09-07 14:13:36

I have two upholstered chairs - not Chatfield - from Ballard. I love them and the price was so reasonable. Only had them for 3 months, so cannot tell you how they hold up. Yet they are comfortable and look great.

posted by LB on 2006-09-07 15:43:26

Wonderful! Their chocolate suede fabric is fabulous. We got a sectional and for the price, I couldn't love it more. It's deep and cush. Definitely get the swatches beforehand though because some of the fabrics look different online.

posted by Cassandra on 2006-09-07 20:59:07

JUST BOUGHT A LEATHER CHAIR FROM BALLARD. WAS TOLD THAT NO SWATCHES WERE AVAILABLE BUT THE ONLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE PERSON TOLD ME SHE FELT THE COLOR WAS REDDISH BROWN. WHEN IT ARRIVED IT WAS AN ORANGE BROWN. I WAS TEMPTED TO SEND IT BACK. I WENT ONLINE ONLY TO SEE THAT IN 2 WEEKS TIME IT WAS DISCOUNTED BY 20%. CUSTOMER SERVICE DIDN'T WANT TO OFFER ANY HELP OR ADJUSTMENT AND JUST TOLD ME I COULD SEND THE CHAIR BACK BUT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SHIPPING. NO GRACE PERIOD FOR THE DISCOUNT OFFER, NO ADJUSTMENT FOR THE LACK OF SWATCHES AND COLOR DIFFERENCE, NO SUPERVISOR'S APOLOGY....LONG TIME CUSTOMER....NO LONGER A BIG FAN OF BALLARD DESIGNS.

posted by SUSAN on 2006-11-27 18:24:10