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Are There Sofas with Entirely Removable Covers?
Question: I want to buy a sofa, but we have a challenging situation. I have a special needs child who throws up a lot. In addition, we have several other children. This means any sofa…
Are Ashley Recliners Made Here in the USA?
Ashley builds furniture in both the U.S. and in Asia.
The country of origin is supposed to be listed on the law label.
Is it Possible to Use Plywood to Firm Soft Innerspring Mattress?
Question: Can I use plywood to firm my soft innerspring mattress? If yes, how do I do it? July 18, 2020 Answer: If you use your mattress on a platform bed or lay it directly…
Which sofa is the Best, Bonded or Leather Match?
Question: Your straight forward analysis and critique of bonded and leather match materials will save me future disappointment. But to resist purchasing the pretty sofa I found, made of leather match, breaks my heart. Oh…
How Am I Certain That A Sectional Merchant is Not Inflating the Price?
Question How do I confirm the Original price of a Hancock and Moore sectional in order to determine whether the sale price is actually discounted as advertised? In essence, how am I certain that the…
What Are Your Top 3 Loveseat Manufacturers?
Question We need a new reclining loveseat. Has your list of the top 5 manufacturers changed since your article was written? What would be the top 3 in order of preference? Thank you so much…
How Good Is the Quality of West Elm Furniture?
Question Is West Elm furniture good quality? Norma Answer West Elm basically sells modern furniture that appeals to customers based on style and price. Construction quality, durability and customer service seem to be low on…
Where Can I Find Supportive Adjustable Lumber Recliners or Chairs?
Question: I read your review on Flexsteel and found it very accurate and seemingly unbiased. I was hoping that you could help me with a review/guidance on adjustable lumbar recliners or chairs. I have been…
Have You Any Insight on the Arredamenti Brand?
Question: My family and I have kept, what we believe is, a A.R. Arredamenti formal camelback + chesterfield styled sofa with a rich coffee colored velvet fabric and ornate carved wood (circa 1970-1980). We are…
Do You Have Product Knowledge About Sofas Made by Taylor King?
Question: I’m looking for a sofa that is made by Taylor King. Are you familiar with this manufacturer? If so, how do they compare to Sherrill? July 13, 2020 Answer: Taylor King and Sherrill are…
What Do You Mean By Simplicity Sofas Furniture is Overbuilt?
Question: I read somewhere that Simplicity Sofas furniture is “overbuilt.” What does that mean? July 9, 2020 Answer: Simplicity Sofas’ design concept is to build furniture that will last forever. There are two different design…
What is the Difference Between a Sofa Bed and a Sleeper Sofa?
Question: What is the difference between a sleeper sofa and a sofa bed? July 1, 2020 Answer: The two terms, “sleeper sofa” and “sofa bed” have become completely interchangeable, both within the furniture industry and…
Jeff Frank is a 45-year veteran of the furniture industry.
He has worked directly with hundreds of manufacturers, retailers, designers, and suppliers.
Jeff’s manufacturing company, Simplicity Sofas, founded in 2007, won the $20,000 Grand Prize in a 2012 nationwide competition for “Most Innovative U.S. Small Business.”
Simplicity Sofas was one of the first furniture manufacturers to sell Direct to Consumer. The brand was selling nearly 100% of sales through its online website several years before Amazon and Wayfair popularized the concept.
After 15 years, Jeff retired from Simplicity Sofas to devote full time to this Insider’s Guide to Furniture blog.
Over his career, Jeff has been directly involved in all aspects of furniture manufacturing, retailing (both stores and online), and product design.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Jeff was a Buyer for a major furniture retail chain, purchasing over $200 million of furniture & mattresses.
As a Buyer, Jeff negotiated with hundreds of large & small furniture manufacturers. He also set pricing for Special Sales Events and the everyday showroom prices.
Other responsibilities included merchandising, advertising, customer service, and more.
In between Jeff’s work as a Buyer and his ownership of a furniture manufacturing firm, he formed a product design team that created a new type of modular, ready to assemble furniture.
Jeff has received 7 patents. 5 of these were licensed to a major furniture manufacturer, accounting for over $40 million in sales.
Jeff has been writing about the furniture industry for over a decade.
He has published more than 2000 articles & reviews, with over 2 million views.
The Insiders Guide To Furniture includes over 500 articles and reviews. Several of these are constantly being re-written and updated.
Research is ongoing. Jeff visits the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, North Carolina to view new products. He also speaks frequently with factory executives.
He is happy to receive your Ask the Expert questions about product quality & value, brand comparisons, design & construction, costs & pricing, customer service & warranty issues, and many more furniture-related topics.