The phenomenon of fast fashion has hit the furniture and home décor industry, leaving in its wake particle board and cheap upholstery soon to be kicked to the curb. While fast furniture is trendy, quick, and priced suspiciously low, consumers may be sucked into a cycle of purchasing low quality furniture that won't last. With the rise of social media and paid influencers pushing the latest furniture trends, how can you be assured your purchase will be worth the cost and last for years to come?
Gladhill Furniture stands by our motto: “Quality. Value. Your Happiness…Guaranteed”. That is why we carry only the best brands that align with our philosophy. In today’s Quality Spotlight, we’ll discover why Stickley, Bernhardt, and Hooker continue to be leaders in the furniture industry.
Stickley: “To the best of my ability”
In 1900, Gustav Stickley produced his first line of hand-crafted furniture. Since then, the company’s dedication to his maxim “to the best of my ability” has continued to shine in their processes and furniture. Their furniture is still hand-crafted from premium hardwood sourced in the USA, using traditional techniques with a strong focus on sustainability.
Stickley is known for their various joint-joining techniques that harness and improve the natural strength of wood. With each piece being meticulously built by hand, your furniture is certain to last a lifetime, and can be passed down from generation to generation as an heirloom.
Bernhardt: “Great design is our guiding principle”
Bernhardt was founded in 1889 in North Carolina and is still run by the same family four generations later. Recognized innovators of luxury design in furniture, they are inspired by raw materials in nature such as capiz shell, bone, German silver, hardwoods, and more. Once a color pallet is created from raw and unexpected materials, skilled artisans use meticulous techniques done by hand to produce a new design that is sustainable and ethically sourced.
Aligning with Gladhill’s philosophies, Bernhardt is also well-known in their community for giving back to schools, hospitals, health care clinics, shelters, food pantries, and children advocacy centers.
Hooker: “Live an exceptional life”
Established in 1925, Hooker is also a family-run company spanning three generations. Like Stickley and Bernhardt, they are committed to quality workmanship which shines in their solid hardwood furniture. The first thing you will notice when looking at Hooker furniture is their rich and stunning finishes. Hooker artisans utilize 13 steps by hand through the whole finishing process, resulting in smooth and long-lasting pieces.
Hooker’s dedication to environmental responsibility includes repurposing leather and wood scraps, recycling, and carbon footprint reduction.
Brands like Stickley, Bernhardt, and Hooker remind us of the enduring value of craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. Choosing long-lasting pieces not only enhances your space but also supports a future of conscientious consumption. Both your wallet and the environment will thank you for investing in quality furniture that lasts.
Thinking you might need some design help to bring your vision to life? The design experts at Gladhill Furniture & Mattress are here to help when you are ready. Get started today, or speak to our team of designers - they have years of experience in helping customers and clients create personalized design for their home, specializing in a variety of design styles, project sizes and budgets. Not to mention, you’ll feel like a VIP with a personal designer that helps you realize your design dreams all while making the whole process effortless.