About Great Estates Furniture

We're conveniently located in Millersville, MD, off of I-97 between Baltimore and Annapolis.
Visit us today to discover that special piece you've been looking for.

 

A Quick Lesson on Quality
With hundreds of manufacturers offering thousands of brands, determining price vs. value can boggle the mind.
One manufacturer’s top-of-the-line products could be equal in quality to another manufacturer’s moderate line.  The only way to know what you’re getting is to know the lingo and know quality.

All Wood vs. Solid Wood vs. Natural Grain
All Wood typically means construction of particle board, fiberboard and other engineered products made from wood and wood byproducts.  These pieces are covered with plastic-derived veneers or foil laminates to simulate wood grain.  Staples or bolts hold together (instead of dovetailing, which is preferable) and inferior surfaces will often be cardboard.  This method is the least desirable construction method.  The results are heavy, poorly crafted products. 
Solid Wood usually means solid boards glued together.  The boards may be hardwood (like maple or oak) or softwood (like pine or cedar.)  Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods but dent easily.  Veneers are typically used to cover the exterior sides and may be stained in any finish.  (A “mahogany finish” does not necessarily mean the veneer is made of mahogany wood, it merely describes the color of the stain.)  Sofa and chair frames should be kiln – dried hardwood to resist warping. 
Natural Wood Grain is the material of choice used in the finest furniture.  The wood is usually enhanced with a clear finish.  All interior construction is solid wood, including the drawers.  The corners are dovetailed, double doweled and blocked for strength and durability.  Furniture of this caliber is constructed to last for generations.  Natural wood grain is the finest furniture available. 

Finished vs. Mid –grade vs. Full Grain Leathers and Micro-Fibers
Finished leather is the least desirable leather for furniture.  Although it may look good while new, normal wear and tear will easily scratch the surface exposing its thin finish. 

Mid-grain leather is a better value.  Though acquiring a patina of wear, it will not scratch like lower quality finished leathers.  But mid-grade leather does not have the finest hand (feel) and is typically stiff. 
Full-grain leather, also called aniline-dyed, is the softest of all leathers and is available in a variety of colors.  The most luxurious leather, it will hold up well year after year.
Microfiber Suede is a leather substitute that has the comfort of suede but can clean easier, wear longer, and hold dyes of all colors well. 

Eight – Way Hand Tied
Once upon a time, eight – way hand-0tied seating systems were supreme.  But in the 21st century, new technologies offer many types of spring systems that provide superior quality and comfort.  Look for sinuous wire construction made of heavy gauge steel and webbing systems made of polypropylene yarns and natural rubber filament.  Cushions should be environmentally safe (made without ozone destroying CFCs) and consist of “spring fiberdown” or “polyblendown” for luxurious comfort and a soft, sumptuous feel. 
With all upholstered pieces, check that seams are straight, patterns match and cushions have well-sewn, sturdy zippers (so they may be removed for easy cleaning).

Glass top Furniture: Clear Glass vs. Green Glass
Less expensive glass will scratch quickly and is prone to warp.  Low grade glass is usually only 3/8” thick.  Quality glass is at least ½” to 5/8” thick.  To spot quality and durability, look for a deep green cast when viewed from the side.  Also, watch for interesting shapes such as ovals and free forms and creative edges like triple ogees, waterfalls and broken edges.
At Great Estates, we will be happy to answer any further questions you may have about quality, construction or price.  Just give us a call!

CONSIGNING FOR CASH
It’s easy to turn your good quality, gently used fine furniture and accessories into cash with Great Estates generous consignment plan.  We are always on the search for great treasures and interesting items!
Consigning makes sense from a financial, convenience and safety standpoint:

• Advertising is expensive, and consigning eliminates that cost.
• Showing your items to potential buyers is time consuming, and consigning eliminates that burden.
• Opening your home to strangers can be opening your home to trouble, and consigning eliminates the security risk.

Here’s how it works:

• Email or bring us a photo and a brief description of each item.  Include as much detail as you can.  Be specific about the condition, age, color, weight, purpose (if it is not obvious) of each item.  If something needs repair, state what needs to be fixed. 
• Be sure to include your name and phone number in case we have questions.  We will contact you within 5 business days if we accept your item (s).
• If we accept your consignment, we’ll schedule a time for you to bring it on we can provide names of reputable delivery services to do it for you.
  

DESIGNERS, BUILDERS, DEVELOPERS, REALTORS, & COMMERCIAL INTERIORS
Our designers are experts in stretching model home dollars to get the most dramatic look for the smallest budget.

• Furnished models sell more quickly than unfurnished. 
• Furnished models command higher prices than unfurnished.
• Great Estates can place furniture in models though our leasing program.
• Realtors can utilize our designers to help stage homes for sale.
• Great Estates offers incentive programs for developers and builders to help speed sales.
  
  

SAVE TIME AND MONEY SETTLING ESTATES
When an estate contains fine furnishings, artwork, antiques and/or rugs, Great Estates takes the hassle out of disposition.  When liquidating an estate, call us to arrange an evaluation of the pieces to include estimated sale proceeds.  Once in the showroom, the items will be placed on display with other fine furniture, artwork and accessories.  Your client’s valuables will be displayed to their best advantage, resulting in a higher sales price.  It’s a painless solution for faster disposition of (and greater revenue to) an estate.