Finding Furniture

Shopping for furniture can be both daunting and draining. Turn to the local yellow pages and you will find three full pages of options. Many hours (and tanks of gas) can be wasted trekking from one store to another in hopes of finding the perfect sofa, armoire, end table, headboard, barstool or whatever the piece of furniture you're sure you need to complete a room. To assist in the search, we have collected the listings below, a compendium created after many web searches, dozens of phone calls to local retailers and interior designers and innumerable hours in stores just touching and examining.

Irrespective of taste or style, the experts unanimously advise you to buy quality. Don't skimp on fabric, craftsmanship or material when choosing those key pieces. But it is your taste, style and personal eccentricity that will determine which piece will be perfect, which store is most likely to carry it. So, we have broken down the 55 stores listed into categories: traditional, antique, contemporary and transitional. We wish you good shopping and good luck.

Traditional

ARLENE LILIE INTERIOR DESIGN

Arlene Lilie is a retail store with full interior design services. Labeling this Central West End shop as traditional is accurate, but it also carries contemporary and antique pieces, with everything from a 19th century painting and Chippendale chair to a mirrored EVA table and so much more. The flow of the store is inviting, and pieces are displayed with varying styles to create distinctive looks. 4739 MCPHERSON, 314-367-4000.

BAKER ODDS & ENDS

Love Baker furniture? Lust after Barbara Barry's latest creations? Hate to pay full price? You're in luck. Double snake eyes kind of luck. Baker Odds & Ends is a factory outlet in Glendale. The furniture and accessories are priced at 50 percent off the suggested retail price. With new furniture arriving three to four times a month, you're bound to find a great deal. Be sure to check out the "final reductions" in the back and the rolls of designer upholstery for $10 a yard. 10027 MANCHESTER, 314-909-7902, WWW.KOHLERINTERIORS.COM.

COLES LAMAR DESIGN AND GALLERY

The furniture is stunning. Coles Lamar is the type of store where you could pick up piece after piece after piece. Now situated in a vintage Central West End storefront, Coles Lamar's wood pieces are handmade in England and Italy. The upholstered furniture is all custom--pick the fabric, frame and finish. The store carries a full range of modern and traditional, but ask for it, it isn't always on the floor. The lower level is an art gallery featuring local artists. Coles Lamar is also a full-service interior design firm specializing in residential renovations. 4655 MARYLAND PLAZA, 314-361-6027.

THE DESIGNING BLOCK

Eclectic is the way to describe this furniture store and design studio. From the old to the new and whimsical, The Designing Block offers traditional and current designs from several brands, including Wesley Hall, Vanguard, Nierman Weeks and Maitland-Smith. 7735 CLAYTON, 314-721-4224.

EXPRESSIONS CUSTOM FURNITURE

Browse the website and the new store on Clayton Road for helpful style ideas and an abundance of fabric selections. Each piece of custom furniture is made exactly to the specifications of the customer, created at the Expressions factory and ready for delivery in about 45 days. Working with a personal consultant in your home or at the store, you can create your own look. 7817 CLAYTON, 314-567-6200, WWW.EXPRESSIONSFURNITURE.COM.

THE GIFTED GARDENER

Along with its garden accessories, The Gifted Gardener's furniture, lighting and candle collections offer a suitable fit for every mood. It is no wonder the store's motto is "Always a reason for every season!" It's the spot to complete your home--both inside and out. 8935 MANCHESTER, 314-961-1985.

HEIRLOOMS LLC

A high-end, primarily traditional retail store, Heirlooms carries such unique pieces as hand-painted desks, satinwood console tables, a chinoiserie chest and canvas screens. The store has a large fabric library to customize your purchases, which can sometimes be a daunting task. But not to worry. Trained designers are on hand. 32 N. BRENTWOOD, 314-862-7757, WWW.HEIRLOOMS-STL.COM.

BLY'S ETHAN ALLEN GALLERIES

With two locations in St. Louis, it's easy to visit the showrooms of Ethan Allen Home Interiors. From casual to formal collections, Ethan Allen Home can be a one-stop shop for buyers looking to outfit either a whole house or just one room. Interior designers are available to help. 15464 OLIVE, 636-532-2525; 10465 MANCHESTER, 314-909-9091, WWW.ETHANALLEN.COM.

DAU HOME FURNISHINGS

This traditional home furnishings showroom has a strong corner on the Mission style market. It also offers "red tagged" floor samples and a wide variety of custom furniture. Now run by the fourth generation of the Dau family, the store carries brands such as Stickley, Harvey Ellis, Bernhardt (the Martha Stewart Collection) and Wesley Hall. 15424 MANCHESTER, 636-394-3005, WWW.DAUFURNITURE.COM.

INSIDE AND OUT

A hidden gem on Manchester Road, this full-service interior design firm is primarily by appointment only and specializes in custom upholstered furniture. Its stated mission is to help people find their own style and make it functional in their home. The store also carries accessories of all kinds, including lamps, pillows, paintings, china and floor coverings. 9849 MANCHESTER, 314-962-3100.

LAMMERT FURNITURE

If you want it, Lammert Furniture can get it. A St. Louis institution if there ever was one, the store deals mostly in traditional pieces and antique reproductions with a versatile feel. The friendly staff will offer to track down anything. The store also carries Hitchcock, as well as the private labeling of unique pieces. 501 S. LINDBERGH, 314-993-1111.

FRANK PATTON INTERIORS

This three-level store really does have it all, including more than 20 brands of furniture, many lines of custom upholstery, window and wall coverings, lighting, area rugs, floor coverings, all types of accessories as well as a virtual army of designers to help you develop new looks for any room. 13133 MANCHESTER, 314-965-4240, WWW.FRANKPATTONINTERIORS.COM.

THOMASVILLE FURNITURE

Quality is key at Thomasville Furniture. Carrying only its Thomasville line, the store's style ranges from traditional to modern, high-end collections. You can spot Thomasville furniture on such TV shows as The Apprentice and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. 59 BRENTWOOD PROMENADE, 314-962-1550; 14246 MANCHESTER, 636-230-0060; 293 MID RIVERS MALL, 636-397-4511, WWW.THOMASVILLE.COM.

Antiques/Antique Reproductions

BREWINGTON ANTIQUES

It's hard to tell which is more interesting in this Central West End store--the eclectic mix of furniture and accessories or the fabulously vivid owner, A.J. Brewington. After chatting with A.J., you not only wonder if her style may be your own, but you want to stay and hear everything you can about what's in stock and what's in the works for her next purchase. Her passion and love for anything that isn't brand new is inspiring, and her well chosen pieces will help you develop a newfound respect for the world of antique furniture. This is truly a store worth risking a $10 parking meter ticket time and time again. 4733 & 4731 MC PHERSON, 314-361-5373.

CLARK GRAVES ANTIQUES

This is the spot for beautiful and high-end English and Continental formal furniture. Owner Robert Morrissey is truly an antique connoisseur, carrying pieces from 1830 and earlier. A papier mache oval tray caught our eye as well as a Biedermeier cherry wood drop-front secretary with black leather writing surface, not to mention the array of stunning mirrors. If you are searching for an investment-worthy antique piece that you will eventually hand down to your grandchildren, head here. 132 N. MERAMEC, 314-725-2695.

DAVIS PLACE ANTIQUES AND CONSIGNMENT

This is one of the city's best spots for "gently used furniture," items found at estate sales and consignment pieces. This Clayton Row

EDWIN PEPPER INTERIORS

Promoting a timeless style of interior design, Edwin Pepper Interiors has it all. Traditional and contemporary furniture covers the showrooms, while a drapery department, extensive fabric library and a new linen division round out the full-service interior design firm and retail store. Home to approximately 10 designers, anyone can find what they are looking for, in their favorite era or style. 909 S. BRENTWOOD, 314-862-6330, WWW.EDWINPEPPER.COM.

PLUNKETT HOME FURNISHINGS

Furnishing homes for more than three generations, Plunkett offers high-end pieces for any lifestyle. Founded and run by the Plunkett family for the past 73 years, the store offers interior design services and features furniture by Drexel Heritage and Henredon. Styles range from modern to American, European, casual, gracious and more. It even has a sofa called "the Ladue sofa" and a dining room designed by Bob Mackie. 14747 MANCHESTER, 636-391-1900, WWW.PLUNKETTFURNITURE.COM. shop carries an eclectic mix of furniture, including Victorian sideboards, wing chairs and panel screens and pieces from Lammert's and Baker. Italian and even French antiques can be found here. The moderately priced furniture and accessories are all in good condition. 7731 CLAYTON, 314-727-9850.

THE EMPORIUM AT WARSON WOODS

From Shabby Chic and traditional to Old World and French Country, the Emporium at Warson Woods has a lot of everything, including reproductions. On one visit, we found an oak buffet, a camelback sofa, Roman leather side chairs and a beautiful 19th century Italian painted table. 10001 MANCHESTER, 314-909-0100.

EMPTY NEST

Furniture both old and new can be found here, as well as accessories, gifts and more. The store carries Wesley Hall, British Traditions and El Paso lines and sells antiques as well as reproductions. A good amount of the inventory is imported from Romania. Also, Gail Schmidt, one of the owners, is an interior designer--ready and able to offer sage design advice. 21 N. GORE, 314-961-3900, WWW.SHOPTHEEMPTYNEST.COM.

ENGLISH LIVING (FORMERLY OLD ENGLISH INTERIORS)

Dealing in both antiques and antique reproductions, English Living is a retail store with beautiful furniture and superb design services. Most of the furniture is handmade in England. Inventory includes farmhouse tables in varying customized dimensions, dining tables, butcher blocks and accessories that complement the attractive pieces. New to the store: a bedroom collection. 14217 MANCHESTER, 636-230-9111; 9719 CLAYTON, 314-991-2999,WWW.MYEUROPEANHOME.COM.

FINCHES ANTIQUES AND CONSIGNMENT

This antique and consignment shop carries all kinds of traditional furniture. It's one of those places that is good to check regularly because you never know what new treasure will be dropped off by those sizing down their space. It's also great for accessories, lamps and the unique tchotchke. 7729 CLAYTON, 314-725-2622.

FRENCH WENCH

Why travel abroad when you can go west on Highway 40 and browse through the best of the best from France? If you're looking for French Country, grab your keys and get going. Tables, beds, armoires and accessories galore are beautifully placed. Design services are available from Pat Stratmann and Stacy Dean, two of the four owners. 17041 BAXTER, 636-532-4909.

JULES L. PASS ANTIQUES LTD.

Jules L. Pass is another gem of a high-end antique store, specializing in 18th and 19th century English and Continental furniture in excellent condition. Pass travels to England and France three times a year to replenish his fast-moving inventory. Here you'll also find unique, interesting pieces, such as a pair of train safes that would turn a coffee table into a conversation starter. Old church candlesticks and mercury glass bottles are crafted into lamps that are certainly one of a kind. 9916 CLAYTON, 314-991-1522.

ROTHSCHILD'S ANTIQUES/ DAVID RICHARDSON INTERIORS

Come here for a large, eclectic mix of antiques and new items. Design services from David Richardson Interiors are available and shopping off the floor is encouraged. Quirky pieces from around the world include impressive large-scale antique furniture and architectural remnants. Lines include Old Java (furniture) and Kyak (lighting). 398 N. EUCLID, 314-361-4870, WWW.ROTHSCHILDSSTL.COM.

THE SUMMER HOUSE/ SONJA WILLMAN DESIGNS

Traditional European country furniture and accessories in an eclectic setting can be found here. Summer House focuses on custom furniture and accessories with an antique look and whimsical feel. Aside from Sonja Willman's design services, the store offers window treatments, slipcovers, reupholstering and silk flower arrangements. The shop is packed with artful accessories, paintings, furniture, pillows and lighting. The Manchester location is a bit hidden among other unassuming storefronts, but it's worth a stop if you're looking for a European country look. The colors are more vibrant on Manchester, more muted at the Ladue location. 14356 MANCHESTER, 636-256-9264; 9840 CLAYTON, 314-994-9525.

CENTRO MODERN FURNISHINGS

Centro's Central West End showroom carries high-end contemporary Italian furniture that many European lines sell exclusively to Centro. Beautifully designed leather pieces and modern lighting options create individual looks throughout the store. Of the lines it carries exclusively, Centro lists B & B Italia, Zanotta, Baleri Italia, Wittmann, Cappellini, Driade, Montis and Vitra. Most smaller accessories are stocked, such as sculpture-worthy kitchenware and bar accessories crafted from plastic, leather and steel, all as functional as they are visually stunning. 4727 MCPHERSON, 314-454-0111, WWW.CENTRO-INC.COM.

T. ROHAN INTERIORS

With well-trusted design services, hand-picked antiques, custom upholstery and impeccable taste, T. Rohan Interiors has created timeless looks in numerous notable St. Louis homes. Antiques and accessories adorn this Maplewood showroom overflowing with distinctive style and sophistication. 7310 MANCHESTER, 314-647-7400, WWW.TROHANINC.COM.

THREE FRENCH HENS ANTIQUES AND INTERIORS

Three French Hens sells an assortment of what the staff calls French Country meets mountain lodge meets Ralph Lauren. Browsing through the antiques and new home decor pieces in this large Wildwood store can turn into an event that lasts all day. Whether you're searching for the perfect wooden antique bench or a special hostess gift or just want to refresh a room with some new ideas, design services are readily available. Brands carried include Taylor Scott, Michael Perry Custom Architectural Salvage Furniture and Raquel's Collection. 16935 MANCHESTER, 636-458-8033.

TREASURE AISLES ANTIQUE MALL

Don't plan on simply popping in and out of this large, almost maze-like antique mall just north of Manchester on Big Bend. You can find anything from an antique hutch or a colorful brooch to a vintage Louis Vuitton purse. Of course, the items number in the multitudes and quality varies widely. Treasure Aisles is full of hidden treasures, but be prepared to dig. Deep. 2317 S. BIG BEND, 314-647-6875.

WARSON WOODS ANTIQUE MALL

Professionals in the design trade repeatedly dub this antique mall the best in the area. For affordable finds and antiques (some in mint condition), this favored mall is an antique shopper's staple. Designers (i.e., John Houser) and collectors (i.e., Mary Englebreit) have been known to place some of their possessions here. Frequent trips are an absolute must for any collector. 10091 MANCHESTER, 314-909-0123, WWW.WARSONWOODSANTIQUES.COM.

Contemporary

THE AMBIENTE COLLECTION

The Ambiente Collection boasts contemporary European furniture and a great selection of German upholstery. The minimalist will love Ambiente's distinctive but simple pieces, which offer functionality and ergonomic design. With beds, wall units, chairs, stools, rugs, sofas, tables and art in the showroom, there's something for every room in the house. All of the brands carried--including Erpo, Die Collection and Machalke & Machalke--are manufactured in Europe, so you won't find any "Made In China" stickers here. 321 N. 10TH, 314-436-8000, WWW.THEAMBIENTECOLLECTION.COM.

BASELINE WORKSHOP

If you are looking for Poliform furniture systems and Varenna kitchens, the Baseline Workshop is your place. The store also sells Flexform furniture, Tre Piu door systems and Antonio Lupi bathrooms. The 4,500-square-foot showroom alone is worth the trip to Washington Avenue. The space includes a loft-style setting with track lighting and exposed beams, modern Italian designed furniture, modular closet systems and modern kitchens. 1110-1120 WASHINGTON, 314-409-7590.

EXCLUSIVES BY CLB

Classic contemporary is what Exclusives by CLB calls itself. In a heavily traditional market, CLB Designs, a local interior design firm, wanted to give St. Louisians another option. CLB owners Marshall and Caryn Burstein pride themselves on their one-of-a-kind store, only stocking one or two of each item, so once it's gone, it's gone. Custom furniture is available as well as decorative lamps, candlesticks, area rugs and pillows. 8125 MARYLAND, 314-721-3355, WWW.EXCLUSIVESFURNITURE.COM.

HOUSE OF DENMARK

House of Denmark carries Scandinavian and European furniture and accessories in sleek, modern styles. Whether you prefer the total look or a range of styles, the store carries pieces for every room of the house, crafted with clean lines and sleek materials. 12910 OLIVE, 314-878-4800; 11960 TESSON FERRY, 314-843-3400, WWW.HOUSEOFDENMARKFURNITURE.COM.

BOVA CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE

Showcasing sofas and sofa beds, dining and living rooms and bedrooms, Bova carries lines such as Jesper, Skovby, Hammel, Club8Company, Tvilum-Scanbirk and Nicoletti in all types of materials and colors. Although some floor models are for sale, most furniture must be custom ordered. But many bookcases, lamps, accessories, rugs and paintings are available to take home. 15425 MANCHESTER, 636-394-7550, WWW.BOVAFURNITURE.COM.

DOLNICK'S CONTEMPORARY INTERIORS

The showroom at Dolnick's offers furniture that's soft, not extreme. There are pieces from the Contemporary Home collection, as well as many other brands of imported and domestic furniture, including American Leather, Elite, Carter and Calligaris. Some items in the showroom are in stock, but Dolnick's can custom order anything it does not have on hand. 10725 PAGE, 314-428-1800, WWW.DOLNICKS.COM.

INHABIT

Inhabit, a modern, contemporary furniture store located in University City (where Humble Abode once was), carries a variety of brands, including G.Romano, Klote and Trica. The store sells furniture for all rooms of the house in a variety of colors, as well as accessories. 7700 DELMAR, 314-862-3113.

MOSSA CENTER INC.

For a European flavor, Mossa is the place to go. With its imported furniture from France and Italy, this contemporary store offers authentic European pieces, including Ligne-Roset, Flou and Moroso. 1214 WASHINGTON, 314-241-5199.

NICHE

This classic, modern downtown store is part of The Lawrence Group Colors interior design and architectural firm, which specializes in decor with that classic, modern look made famous by such brands as Herman Miller for the Home and Knoll Space. From couches to bedroom furniture, Niche can accommodate custom orders. 922 WASHINGTON, 314-621-8131, WWW.NICHESTL.COM.

NOTAA

Carrying primarily Della Robbia Italian furniture, Notaa is a bit unlike other stores. The Central West End store sells sleek, modern, contemporary and high style. There is an art gallery as well as lighting, hand-woven rugs and accessories. 465 N. TAYLOR, 314-361-5105, WWW.NOTAA.COM.

Z GALLERIE

Carrying a variety of furniture from international vendors, Z Gallerie is unlike most other stores in that it carries everything from lighting and bedding to dinnerware and glassware. There is a wide variety of styles, with an eclectic flair. 2055 SAINT LOUIS GALLERIA, 314-863-1108, WWW.ZGALLERIE.COM.

Transitional Stores

By transitional, we mean stores that cater to customers who aren't necessarily looking to invest in "lifetime" pieces for their homes. Most of these stores carry furniture and accessories sporting the latest trends and materials. Check websites to preview stock, and stop by these national retail and home accessory chains to add trendy pieces to an already established room or to get started with a look you can constantly evolve because the price is often right.

AMERICAN TV & APPLIANCE

OK, the name is a problem. Who would expect that an appliance store is packed with furniture? But it is. A variety of styles are offered; brands include Eddie Bauer and Bernhardt; the prices are on the low side; decorating advice is available; the service is terrific. 5655 ST. LOUIS MILLS, 314-209-3000; 751 GRAVOIS BLUFF, 636-326-7000, WWW.AMERICANTV.COM

ARHAUS

Arhaus has a range of furniture and accessories from outdoor and garden furniture to sofas and sectionals. Carrying its exclusive brand of furniture, it has anything to complete that room that needs finishing. 1657 S. BRENTWOOD, 314-968-3401, WWW.ARHAUS.COM.

ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE

The second largest furniture manufacturer in the country, Ashley offers a wide variety of furniture pieces at very affordable prices. In the mix-and-match scheme of design, Ashley offers entire rooms of furniture with matching materials and finishes. The sales clerks are very helpful, but take note: The store does not take custom orders. 10525 MANCHESTER, 314-966-0047; 4432 LEMAY FERRY, 314-815-3300, WWW.ASHLEYFURNITURE.COM.

BASSETT FURNITURE DIRECT

With Bassett's customizing service and three St. Louis locations, it should not be hard to find that piece you are looking for at an affordable cost. Log on to Bassett's website and use "My Design Portfolio" to design the room you want before you even walk in the store. 14201 MANCHESTER, 636-230-8400; 4265 RUSTY, 314-892-2900; 8355 VETERANS MEMORIAL PARKWAY, 636-281-4700; WWW.BASSETTFURNITURE.COM.

BOMBAY COMPANY

Bombay brand furniture is made to company specifications. The classic styling and 18th and 19th century reproductions make them a sure bet for those people who are adding to an already established home. In recent years, the inventory has traveled beyond traditional to include a more global design. 11 THE BOULEVARD ST. LOUIS, 314-727-9990; 244 CHESTERFIELD MALL, 636-812-0085; WWW.BOMBAYCOMPANY.COM.

BROYHILL

Featuring exclusively Broyhill furniture, this store offers furniture in styles ranging from traditional to European to eclectic. The website offers tips on how to get your decorating

POTTERY BARN

Everything here is made exclusively by and for Pottery Barn stores. In addition to the main store, there is a children's line (www.potterybarnkids.com), with the stores (including locations at Saint Louis Galleria and Chesterfield Mall) carrying furniture and accessories that children adore. A new teen line has also debuted and can be found online at www.pbteen.com or in the company catalog. 262 PLAZA FRONTENAC, 314-996-2630; 280 CHESTERFIELD MALL, 636-536-6101, WWW.POTTERYBARN.COM. project started, as well as a workbook to help you pinpoint your own vision and style. 87 BRENTWOOD COURT PROMENADE, 314-699-9830; 14250A MANCHESTER, 636-207-7300; WWW.BROYHILLFURN.COM.

CRATE & BARREL

With a wide variety of styles from transitional to contemporary, Crate & Barrel carries items from more than 100 vendors, with some items made exclusively for Crate & Barrel. The store is--and long has been--in a class by itself. For great deals, fire up the computer and go to www.cb2.com. 1 THE BOULEVARD ST. LOUIS, 314-725-6380, WWW.CRATEANDBARREL.COM, WWW.CB2.COM.

HEMISPHERES

Hooker, Paul Robert, Summit and Aico are just a few of the brands available here. The collection is Old World influenced and carries a wide selection of furniture for both inside and out. 1225 S. KIRKWOOD, 314-965-9130.

AMINI'S HOME RUGS AND GAME ROOMS

Yes, the focus here is on pool tables and in-home theaters, but nestled away in that 60,000 square feet of shopping space is 13,000 square feet of furniture--leather, rattan, wicker. You can also check out barstools (in 200 styles), 40 dining room tables and rugs, rugs, rugs. Great rugs. 17377 CHESTERFIELD AIRPORT ROAD, 636-537-9200, WWW.AMINISGALLERIA.COM.

INTAGLIA

Classic, modern furniture for all rooms of the home abounds here. The pieces, designed with a neutral palette, are comfortable and affordable. 6303 DELMAR, 314-726-5440, WWW.INTAGLIAHOME.COM.

LA-Z-BOY FURNITURE GALLERIES

Known for the comfort and quality of their recliners, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries boast a variety of recliner options to provide a perfect match for anyone. They also carry sofas, ottomans, tables and rugs, as well as entire collections for the home, including an exclusive line by designer Todd Oldham. 4110 VON TALGE, 314-416-4661; 14177 MANCHESTER, 636-394-7447; 11201 ST. CHARLES ROCK ROAD, 314-291-7447, WWW.LA-Z-BOY.COM.

PIER 1 IMPORTS

With numerous locations throughout St. Louis, Pier 1 carries modern, contemporary and functional furniture at afforable prices. The stores also carry a wide variety of home accessories-- from baskets to batiks. TEN LOCATIONS, INCLUDING 1805 S. BRENTWOOD, 314-961-3160; 9656 OLIVE, 314-993-2013, WWW.PIER1.COM.

RESTORATION HARDWARE

Located in the Saint Louis Galleria, this store carries its own brand of furniture. It has solid hardwood furniture as well as upholstered, leather and fabric furniture. Restoration Hardware is at the high end of the transitional stores and carries classic, timeless pieces (and great cleaning supplies). 1196 SAINT LOUIS GALLERIA, 314-863-7566, WWW.RESTORATIONHARDWARE.COM.

WORLD MARKET

This bargain furniture store carries its own exclusive brand of furniture. Not only does it sell all sorts of indoor and outdoor furniture, but the store also stocks food from foreign lands. 24 BRENTWOOD PROMENADE, 314-918-7800; 238 THF BOULEVARD, 636-728-0011; 3628 S. LINDBERGH, 314-821-4488, WWW.WORLDMARKET.COM.

--Additional reporting by Annie Boken, Laurel Lecht, Jane Louis and Becky Rosner