[jyl]

Help, I need advice and education on buying furniture.

My wife has decided we need a bedroom set. Apparently the 20 year old hand me down mattress with various flea market dressers is not going to cut it any more.

So the Select Comfort mattress arrived today and we need to surround this expensive airbag with pieces of wood. The usual - bedside tables, dressers, etc.

But I feel a bit overwhelmed with choices.

Okay, the aesthetic choices, I can handle. I know how to nod my head and agree with my wife.

But what about the construction choices? Should I insist on made in USA, or go for made in China? A known name like Stanley, or a no-name? Is veneer a dirty word? Do I want drawers with metal glides, or wood glides? How can I tell if a piece is well made? How well made do I really need furniture to be, anyway?

And the shopping choices? Should we go to a traditional retail furniture store? One of these warehouse stores? Online? Can furniture be bought manufacturer direct?

Any advice, education, or pointers to where I can learn more would be appreciated.

For context, I'm not looking to spend a fortune for furniture that will impress furniture afficionados or will be any sort of "investment", but at the same time I don't want to be buying a new bedroom set for another 20+ years.