When it’s time for furniture shopping in Reno-Tahoe, you have options. But before you blow an entire weekend dragging yourself into every place in town to find that new sofa, coffee table or bed, read this. Because while there are plenty of furniture stores here in northern Nevada, they all fit nicely into three categories.

The Traditional Furniture Store

These are the local, independently owed stores easily recognize by their low-budget, “HUGE SALE!!” commercials. These places always seem to be going out of business, so “EVERYTHING MUST GO!” You’ll typically find a dusty building crammed with inventory, with a mishmash of manufacturers, styles, and brands. Picture stacks of furniture and eager salespeople ready to pull things out into the aisle for you to consider.

The plus side: You’ll get a big selection of varying styles, and since these places are often locally owned, you’re supporting the northern Nevada economy. You’re also in a decent position to haggle.

The downside: Styles in these stores are all over the map, which can make it tough to find the piece you’re picturing. Quality varies, and you should be prepared to dig around.

The Chains & Manufacturer-Branded Stores

When you think “furniture shopping,” you’re probably picturing a scene from one of these glossy catalogs. From lifestyle retailers like Pottery Barn and manufacturer-branded stores like La-Z Boy or Bassett to department stores like Macy’s and complete home furnishings megastores like Ashley and RC Wiley, these chains are hard to miss. But think about what you’re getting before you head over.

The plus side: Big-box chains hawk promotion after promotion, so you can time purchases around holidays for the best deals. At the lifestyle retailers and manufacturer-branded stores, you can expect a certain style, but price tags are surprisingly high for mass-produced furniture.

The downside: That specific style offered in these stores may be a little limiting if you’re trying to get creative. And be clear that craftsmanship and quality in these retailers aren’t always high (even though the price tag is).

The Boutique

The boutique furniture shop is also local and independently operated, but it’s a big step up from the traditional places. These boutiques are usually owned by formally trained designers, so you can get a good selection of style and decent variety. In Reno-Tahoe, The Find has been a best-kept secret in the boutique furniture store category for over a decade. You’ll find a wonderful selection to suit a range of design styles and price points.

The plus side: Serious style without the cookie-cutter look so often found at the chains or the questionable quality of the discount places. You might find that free designer advice can be helpful too. Here at The Find, it’s also complimentary.

The downside: So much good stuff! Be sure to focus on what you need, or you could easily blow your budget.

So Remember…

Before you devote your entire weekend to touring every furniture place in Reno-Town, think carefully about what you want and where you’re most likely to find it. If it’s something like a statement piece, a really high-end sofa, or a beautiful new dining room table, you may be wasting your time at the traditional furniture stores. Try your luck in the furniture boutiques first – and see what you can find.

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