Furniture to Last Awhile : Low prices on well-styled sofas and other pieces will make up for a lack of longevity.
Sometimes you have to look past the front of a store to uncover a real “find.” Point at hand: Simply Discount Furniture. The windows are blazoned with garish signs in neon colors, and snob that I am sometimes, I figured it was not my kind of store.
But when I parked to research a store up the street, I found myself in front of Simply Discount Furniture with time to spare, so decided to browse. Since slipcover sofas are the hottest item in home furnishings these days, I headed for those first.
Prices here start at $799 and go up to $1,299, with many choices of fabric for the slipcover. The $799 model seems to be constructed fairly well, and though we’re not talking top quality with heirloom potential, it should stand up for quite a few years. Non-slipcover sofas run from $299 to $1,500, with some well-styled pieces among them.
This brings up the subject of “disposable furniture.” I think there is a place for it in today’s lifestyles. Since very upscale home furnishings are not affordable for most people, why should they be deprived of stylish furniture just because it won’t last forever? I found a sofa and love seat here for $399 (for both) that were very attractive. For a family with small kids where furniture takes a beating, this will do just fine.
In case goods, some surprisingly handsome dining sets are very reasonably priced. A traditional Chippendale-style cherry dining table with two 12-inch leaves will seat eight. The table and four matching chairs are priced at $599. To complete the dining room, add a china cabinet to match, also for $599.
Thus for a little more than $1,200 with tax, one can boast a classic and elegant-looking dining room. We’ve all seen this style and finish at prices into the thousands. With reasonable care, this should last for many years.
The prices on Serta mattresses are discounted 30% to 40% more than many of their competitors. Queen-size Perfect Sleeper sets start at $399 (retail $599), but it’s the extras that cinch it. A bed frame is free, removal of the old mattress is free, and a “bed pack” consisting of a mattress pad, top and bottom sheet and two pillow cases is a gift.
Owners Vic Asher and Don Garrison opened Simply Discount in 1989 and have expanded over the years. They are young, amiable and hard-working locals who believe in matching their products to their customers’ tastes. And both are usually on the floor.
Salesmen are on salary, so you don’t get the hard sell. The service is excellent (we like the same-day free delivery) and sets the mood for a pleasant shopping experience.
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WHERE TO SHOP
What: Simply Discount Furniture.
Location: 5015 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa.
Call: (818) 509-2610.