Is Crate and Barrel funiture worth the price?

[Anonymous]

I've been looking everywhere for a non-hideous media console for our TV. The only one that I've found that my husband and I can agree on is from Crate and Barrel: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/marin-43-media-console/s625861 (Our house is pretty eclectic, and this one would fit nicely with our decor.) We no longer live in the DC area, so the sucker is going to cost me over $900 with shipping. Any feedback on the quality of C&B furniture? If it's not worth the price, feel free to give recommendations of where I could purchase a non-hideous TV stand.

[Anonymous]

I think so. We have a sofa, a media console and an armoire from Crate and Barrel and they have stood up well.

[Anonymous]

No way I would pay $900 for a tv stand, which just sits there holding the TV (as opposed to furniture that takes a beating).

I think you can find comparable things at World Market:

http://www.worldmarket.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3499152&ab=header:menu:furniture:livingroomfurniture:mediafurniture

Target:

http://www.target.com/c/tv-stands-entertainment-centers-living-room-furniture/-/N-5xtm0#?lnk=nav_t_spc_6_inc_6_10

Overstock.com:

http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Entertainment-Centers/2029/subcat.html?TID=TN:Furn:EntCenter

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on the piece of furniture. That one is (from their description) solid wood and real carpentry-style joinery--not just glued together veneer over MDF like some of what C&B sells. If you've been looking everywhere and this is the only one you can agree on, I say go for it. Also, I doubt you'll find anything less expensive, but Room and Board also has very high-quality, solid wood, made in the U.S. furniture.

[Anonymous]

FWIW, we had a solid wood table and chairs. After about 10 years of hard use the chairs started to fall apart.

[Anonymous]

Yes. But I buy my stuff second-hand on CraigsList for 1/10 the original cost.

[Anonymous]

i prefer to buy, throw away and buy again every few years

[Anonymous]

It's definitely better quality than Pottery Barn.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the feedback. I actually had my eye on one of the World Market tv stands, but my husband nixed it. I appreciate the feedback. I'll keep looking around, but I'm glad to hear that at least one or two of you thought the quality was okay.

[Anonymous]

We have a few things from C&B (couch, chair, coffee table, maybe more) and they are really good quality. Our couch is ten years old and still looks great. That does seem like a ton for a TV stand though. The other thing about C&B is that it holds it's value and you can sell it easily on Craigslist. I've found lots of stuff there that's in great shape for a third of the price. I'd second (third?) the recommendation to look on Craigslist. I'm not sure I'd be spending almost $1,000 on a tv stand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's definitely better quality than Pottery Barn.

Which of course isn't saying much. I mean, we're not talking about Hickory White or Hooker furniture here.

[Anonymous]

I haven't bought any C&B furniture, but I remember an article from Washington Checkbook gave it a very good rating.

[Anonymous]

I have several pieces from Crate and Barrel (couches, chairs, dining room, bedroom etc) and I can say they are excellent (had them for over 6 years) and the customer service was excellent too

[Anonymous]

Thanks! OP here. Again, we no longer live in the DC area, and there's no C&B here. I looked on CL, but there really isn't any C&B stuff or other equivalent stores listed. I might try some consignment stores in the area before I commit to the $900 C&B stand.

[Anonymous]

Not worth the price. Several companies C&B, Pottery Barn, and Store House all have the same issue: their furniture has good design and curb appeal. But the qualiy is not good.