Help with New Furniture

[GrumpyOldMan]

We have decided to not bring our old furniture with us next month when we move in to TV.

We have looked around and found a set we like but on researching it, the reviews are not to pretty good. Since we would have to order this "sight unseen" that is not too pretty good.

So, can anyone recommend a store or brand or set that is similar to this one (Bonaventure Park by HomElegance) that we can touch and feel locally (Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, etc)

Our budget is around $15k for the three rooms

[GrumpyOldMan]

Or even know of a store locally that stocks this?

[vintageogauge]

Call Babette's Furniture in The Villages and ask for Kim. you will be able to send her your photos and she can take it from there. They furnished our home when we moved down.

[graciegirl]

We have decided to not bring our old furniture with us next month when we move in to TV.

We have looked around and found a set we like but on researching it, the reviews are not to pretty good. Since we would have to order this "sight unseen" that is not too pretty good.

So, can anyone recommend a store or brand or set that is similar to this one (Bonaventure Park by HomElegance) that we can touch and feel locally (Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, etc)

Our budget is around $15k for the three rooms

I love your choices. It is very much like the feel of our house. We like Babbettes and they have many brands that are well known and lovely.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Check out Baer's Furniture: Baers.com
They have a number of stores in the Orlando area.

It's family-owned and run and they've been in business for many years and have stores through Florida.
Their stores are huge and they have a vast inventory.

You might want to call them for information first or go there to simply "shop."
It's a fast, easy drive and probably would be helpful to see their many different choices, most of which you won't find on their website because of their ever-changing inventory..

[Velvet]

Since I just bought new furniture for my house (closed a couple of months ago) I went through the same process you are going through. I googled this series, Bonaventure Park, and I could not find a showroom where you could touch the quality or see the actual color. If you go ahead with this order I would try one or two items first so if you don’t like it you’re not in for a big surprise. Or if they could guarantee a return policy if you don’t like it. The photos look amazing, I’d just like to see it in person first and my search didn’t show anywhere where one could do that.

I found White’s furniture by TV pretty good. They do not carry so much of the classical type of furniture but they have a nice selection. Initially, I was going to rent furniture to give me time to look around for the permanent stuff, but hubby didn’t like the idea.

[mgb10155]

Check out Family Furniture - Furniture, Mattress, and Bedding in Leesburg, Apopka and Eustis FL (https://www.shopfamilyfurniture.com/) in Leesburg. Talk to Debra she will come to your house and measure the rooms and have recommendations to make sure everything fits.

Brian

[eweissenbach]

City Furniture furnishes the TV model homes and has complete packages for all the various configurations. Others, such as Babettes may also have similar packages. Most of the furnished models that I have seen have "Florida" furniture with a lot of white or off white painted pieces and bright colors. That may or may not be your taste, but it suits me fine. We got our Villa mostly furnished with American Drew Camden Buttermilk and we love it. I believe Family Furniture in Leesburg carries American Drew.

[Velvet]

I love American Drew myself and my hubby likes I forgot the name but some hard wood by the Mennonites so we got two different bedroom furniture. The thing is for Florida a certain airiness in furniture seems nice. I have not been to Family Furniture in Leesburg we went to the Walmart in Leesburg once accidentally and decided not to go into the area again. But this furniture store has such a good website that we will go when we can. They don’t indicate their prices online so it’s hard to say if they are competitive.

[BobnBev]

City Furniture furnishes the TV model homes and has complete packages for all the various configurations. Others, such as Babettes may also have similar packages. Most of the furnished models that I have seen have "Florida" furniture with a lot of white or off white painted pieces and bright colors. That may or may not be your taste, but it suits me fine. We got our Villa mostly furnished with American Drew Camden Buttermilk and we love it. I believe Family Furniture in Leesburg carries American Drew.

Everything I've read about City Furniture says avoid them like the plague.

[Brendanyc]

I love American Drew myself and my hubby likes I forgot the name but some hard wood by the Mennonites so we got two different bedroom furniture. The thing is for Florida a certain airiness in furniture seems nice. I have not been to Family Furniture in Leesburg we went to the Walmart in Leesburg once accidentally and decided not to go into the area again. But this furniture store has such a good website that we will go when we can. They don’t indicate their prices online so it’s hard to say if they are competitive.

I just bought a pre-owned home furnished with American Drew. In the next few months I will be selling on TOTV. Sorry I couldn't share before you needed it. Sometimes you can get a great bargain from for sale by owner.

[philnpat]

Everything I've read about City Furniture says avoid them like the plague.

I'll second that!!!

[Midnight Cowgirl]

Everything I've read about City Furniture says avoid them like the plague.

I'll second that!!!


What have you heard about City Furniture and do you know for a fact that it's true?

And if the second post is seconding that comment, is it really fair to say that without some supportive facts???

Neither of these comments is fair to the company without verified facts to support what they are saying.

[eweissenbach]

To be clear I was not endorsing City Furniture. We have bought some pieces from them and have been satisfied. One recliner we purchased was damaged and they promptly replaced it - no problem. What I was saying was that they furnish the TV models and they have packages available for every model of home. You can make up your own mind if the furniture fits your needs at a fair price. I assume that Babettes also has packages for TV homes but you would have to check that out.

[Packer Fan]

Showcase furniture in Mount Dora is excellent. They have a website. Easy to work with, deliver to the villages, and good prices. Just have one question. Where did you find a Victorian house in TV? Seriously the thrift stores are full.of that style. Seriously buy what you want, but you can get some really nice stuff second hand and a lot of it is that style.

[graciegirl]

But these threads stuck in my mind;

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/furniture-265/dont-buy-city-furniture-250964/?highlight=City+Furniture

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-non-villages-discussion-93/furniture-stores-256703/?highlight=City+Furniture

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/contractors-services-91/city-furniture-260977/?highlight=City+Furniture

[jebartle]

If time and distance is on your side, go to Hickory, North Carolina to the Furniture Market and you will see EVERYTHING, and all on sale.

[GrumpyOldMan]

If time and distance is on your side, go to Hickory, North Carolina to the Furniture Market and you will see EVERYTHING, and all on sale.

Wow!

Thank you very much, that is exactly what we needed to know! We may have to fly up there and check out the furniture set we are looking for.

Frank

[BobnBev]

What have you heard about City Furniture and do you know for a fact that it's true?

And if the second post is seconding that comment, is it really fair to say that without some supportive facts???

Neither of these comments is fair to the company without verified facts to support what they are saying.

MC, go back and read my post slowly. It's not what I HEARD about C/F, it's what I READ about C/F. I'v also spoken to 2 employees who have confirmed my information. BTW, they were both employee's of "Southern Lifestyles" before they closed their doors.

[BobnBev]

If time and distance is on your side, go to Hickory, North Carolina to the Furniture Market and you will see EVERYTHING, and all on sale.

Best info so far-----and I think they deliver.

[Garywt]

We furnished our house entirely from City Furniture. We love our furniture and the experience we had. Our budget was lower than yours and our tastes are different so I do not know if they have anything like what you are looking for. City is owned by the same people as Ashley Furniture.

[Packer Fan]

We furnished our house entirely from City Furniture. We love our furniture and the experience we had. Our budget was lower than yours and our tastes are different so I do not know if they have anything like what you are looking for. City is owned by the same people as Ashley Furniture.

They will sell you Ashley Furniture at inflated Prices, not Ashley Furniture prices. I priced both CF and Showcase and furnished 2 homes - one in 2015 and one in 2017. I got the same stuff from Showcase in Mount Dora for a LOT less, and it was delivered and set up in TV. You don't even have to go there if you don't want, you can order everything off their website if you want. If it is not on the website, send them a picture and the manufacturer and they can usually get it. Disclaimer - I have no interest in ANY furniture store - my advice would be to shop around is all.

Ed

[Midnight Cowgirl]

MC, go back and read my post slowly. It's not what I HEARD about C/F, it's what I READ about C/F. I'v also spoken to 2 employees who have confirmed my information. BTW, they were both employee's of "Southern Lifestyles" before they closed their doors.

Best info so far-----and I think they deliver.


Okay -- I stand (sit) corrected.
We both know that many of the things we read on this site should be taken with a grain of salt and/or ignored.
A few posters have something to say about everything, continually go off on a tangent and frankly, say nothing but some meaningless words.

You are correct about buying furniture in the Carolinas if you have the time to do it.
You would have to be there for a few days to shop and that will cost you but if you know exactly what you want you can call them and get prices without going there.
They all offer delivery, even if it's only through a delivery service and they do charge for that, however, you avoid tax.
Between no tax and a delivery charge, it's sort of a wash.

[Nonni252]

...

[eweissenbach]

You and Velvet piqued my interest in AD Camden Buttermilk so I had to take a look - it's lovely! It's so light and airy and it would be a nice change from my darker woods. I'm probably putting the cart before the horse by shopping for furniture before we've even visited, but I'm enjoying it. Many posters have recommended purchasing new furniture for their TV home rather than moving their current furniture and that seems like a good idea to me.

I have known several people who have paid thousands to move their furniture from the north and within a few months replaced most if not all. The furniture most of us have in the "north" does not fit in all that well down here. We have a home in Missouri and it is furnished totally unlike our home in The Villages - both look nice but when we are in Fl. we like the light painted wood and the pastel colors. American Drew is a North Carolina company and you may follow the advice of some who say you can go to the factory. You can also order it online or buy or order from a local dealer.

[Midnight Cowgirl]

I have known several people who have paid thousands to move their furniture from the north and within a few months replaced most if not all. The furniture most of us have in the "north" does not fit in all that well down here. We have a home in Missouri and it is furnished totally unlike our home in The Villages - both look nice but when we are in Fl. we like the light painted wood and the pastel colors. Americanlmps Drew is a North Carolina company and you may follow the advice of some who say you can go to the factory. You can also order it online or buy or order from a local dealer.


All things and opinions being equal, having originally moved to Florida a long time ago, many people who move to Florida do a complete reversal in changing their choice (type) of furnishings are later, sorry they got rid of what they previously had.

Why do some people think you move to Florida and you need a beach look, particularly when it can get into the 30s in the winter and we're nowhere near the coast? :shrug:

So-called "northern" furniture looks great in Florida. You want a change, do it with flooring, window treatments, rugs, pillows, lamps, and other accessories. Don't get rid of your antiques. Mix them in with your other things for an eclectic look. Some of the things you have had for a long time is what gives your new house a "homey" feeling and a great "new" look.

[l2ridehd]

We went through some of the same issues and went to every local furniture store between Gainesville and Orlando. We ended up buying from Indian River Furniture. Not sure if it's in Coco Beach or Melbourne, kind of in the middle between them. Great selection, excellent show room and best prices we found anywhere for very high quality furniture.

[Nonni252]

I have known several people who have paid thousands to move their furniture from the north and within a few months replaced most if not all. The furniture most of us have in the "north" does not fit in all that well down here. We have a home in Missouri and it is furnished totally unlike our home in The Villages - both look nice but when we are in Fl. we like the light painted wood and the pastel colors. American Drew is a North Carolina company and you may follow the advice of some who say you can go to the factory. You can also order it online or buy or order from a local dealer.

I checked out their website and they have several different Collections with different styles and choices. We don't plan on buying a home new from the developer but I'll definitely check out the model homes to see how they're furnished. I love decorating (maybe a little too much according to hubby) so this will be fun!

[Chatbrat]

City Furniture is the furniture equivalent of Tire Choice--both are known rip-offs--, check them our on line--bad reputations through Fl

[Nonni252]

...

[Nucky]

The bedroom and dining room we purchased from City Furniture is about 2 years old give or take and it's holding up perfectly so far.

On each order, we told them that we will inspect the entire purchase outside our home and if there is any problem back it goes. The first chair for the dining room wasn't even close to the color wood that we ordered. I just told them see ya and started walking away. They travel with two trucks so they went back to the store and corrected the mistake and we couldn't be happier.

With your budget maybe Babettes would be the better choice. Good Luck and Welcome.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Thanks everyone for the helpful comments.

We spoke with Babette's, and were not able to find what we wanted.

We continued searching and considered a trip to Hickory, NC, and decided against that for now.

So, we ended up (we think) deciding to just get what we "need" to have for now from Macys and then shop around and replace pieces as we find what we want without the "moving in soon" pressure. Macys is having a sale now (aren't they always?) with 44%+10% off - so it is not too expensive.

We only have about 3 weeks until move in and decided we just didn't need the stress right now.

(Now to decide which cars to keep and if we should get an Atomic Cart or what - lol - NEVER MOVE AGAIN!)

[DAVES]

We have decided to not bring our old furniture with us next month when we move in to TV.

We have looked around and found a set we like but on researching it, the reviews are not to pretty good. Since we would have to order this "sight unseen" that is not too pretty good.

So, can anyone recommend a store or brand or set that is similar to this one (Bonaventure Park by HomElegance) that we can touch and feel locally (Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando, etc)

Our budget is around $15k for the three rooms

What you show in your pictures is imitation antique, traditional furniture. Just looking at your pictures is screams machine carving, plastic molding and made to a price.

If, your furniture is well made, you might want to consider having it refinished. A good job is not going to be cheap.

You may want to visit The Furniture Barn. They have some nice traditional furniture that has been cleaned and lightly restored.

We bought an all leather couch. Quality-even the ends are leather not the commonly used to save money vinyl. After five years, you don't see it unless I tell you. The ends of the cushions are vinyl and they are peeling

[DAVES]

Thanks everyone for the helpful comments.

We spoke with Babette's, and were not able to find what we wanted.

We continued searching and considered a trip to Hickory, NC, and decided against that for now.

So, we ended up (we think) deciding to just get what we "need" to have for now from Macys and then shop around and replace pieces as we find what we want without the "moving in soon" pressure. Macys is having a sale now (aren't they always?) with 44%+10% off - so it is not too expensive.

We only have about 3 weeks until move in and decided we just didn't need the stress right now.

(Now to decide which cars to keep and if we should get an Atomic Cart or what - lol - NEVER MOVE AGAIN!)

Buying the wrong thing because it is one sale is always a mistake. Furniture as you tease is always on a sale the reason is we've all been conditioned to buy on sale. The sale price is often what is the normal retail price-or perhaps, a fair price. It is always less expensive to to the right thing the first time then to sell you mistake to buy what you really want.

As to three weeks to move. I was packing right up till the time the moving van pulled up in front of our home.

Do not make the mistake we did. The buyer who I had misjudged asked for a guess about $1,000 worth of of furniture.
I agreed to give it to them. At closing they complained the place was not broom cleaned-whatever that means. Sadly typical today their atty demanded I leave $1500 in escrow to clean it. Apparently before we got there my atty agreed to this-without asking me. I enjoyed the expression one the face of their atty, my atty, the title representative. my crying wife etc etc etc When I explained if they want to try this stuff we will put the closing off and I will give away everything not listed in the sales contract. Moral sell everything you are leaving behind or leave it out with the trash.

[GrumpyOldMan]

Thanks for all the helpful advice!

We are meeting with the Realtor to put our current house on the market tomorrow. They will be responsible for all the clean up, touch, up, staging, everything including the sale. We are packing a truck, my son in law is driving it down in return for a Disney vacation on us.

Shopping is a PIA!

We have been looking for Wing Back chairs in a style we like for days. We finally found a place that does it, and we really got excited, then noticed the store is in Ireland. I asked if they delivered, and they said not to The Villages!