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Will Thicker Cushions Fix My Uncomfortable Sofa?
Question I bought a sectional seagrass sofa from Pottery Barn for a lake house that has individual cushions. The cushions are 3 1/2 thick and very lightweight foam! They sit on the frame( 6 )…
Where Can I Find the Best Recliner For People With Disabilities?
Question I’m looking to have a very specialized custom recliner built and you seem to be someone who can point me in the right direction. I’m 6’7″ and handicapped. I’m looking to have an oversized…
Is Scotchguard the Best Upholstery Protector for Furniture?
Question Hi, I’m looking for sofa fabric protector, I found the link on google: https://www.fabricers.com/best-fabric-protector-and-upholstery-protectors-reviews/ they recommend some other products for the sofa! But you seem to recommend Scotchguard! Should I go for Scotchguard? Morgan…
What American Manufacturers Produce Leather Sectionals that do not Have Inferior Framing, Cushions and Leather Quality?
Question: What American manufacturers produce leather sectionals that do not have inferior framing, cushions and leather quality? Feb. 1, 2021 Answer: More and more upper end custom upholstered furniture manufacturers have been switching from solid…
What Is The Highest Quality Sectional For Wear and Quality?
Question Can you tell me what is the best reclining sectional sofa on the market for construction quality, wear and longevity? May 20, 2020 Answer Have you checked out my article Who are the best…
Where Can I Find Replacement Chair Foam Online?
Question Where can I find replacement foam for an upholstered chair with a core density of 3.0 or higher? May 20, 2020 Answer Most foam suppliers that sell small quantities of foam for individual cushions…
Will An Expensive Sofa Retain Its Sturdiness Over Time?
Question Thank you for your article about the best American-made recliner sofas; very informative. Living in Hawaii, our choices are very limited. No store here carries the top two brands. One store carries one American…
Does Costco Actually Carry Good Quality Furniture?
Question Thank you so much for your previous help. Can you please review the Brower reclining sectional from Costco. Generally, Costco has a reputation of carrying good quality furniture. How does this compare with the…
What Should I Look For When Choosing Between Recliners?
Question I am confused between the following two reclining furniture options. Which is better? I am having back pain and need something which helps my back pain and looking for something with better cushion quality…
How Do I Avoid Junk and Make Sure My Furniture Will Last?
Question Jeff, First off thank you for this great website. In the past, I have made the mistake of purchasing cheaper furniture (including two Hooker Bonded leather recliners) to only see it wear down and…
Which Will Last Longer, Faux Leather or Leather-Match?
Question I’m looking at leather furniture again after purchasing bonded leather evidently. Terrible experience. I’m looking at two different sets. One is made out of top grain leather where the body touches & polyurethane fabric…
What’s Your Opinion on Southern Motion Sectionals?
Question My wife and I would like to know your opinion on Southern Motion sectionals that have recliners on each end. The fabric is polyester. The motors are guaranteed only three years. My concern is…
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.