When it comes to decorating your home, choosing the right furniture is one of the most important decisions you‘ll make. The pieces you select will set the tone for each room and reflect your personal style. With so many brands and retailers out there, finding high-quality furniture at a reasonable price point can be a challenge.
One company that aims to fill that niche is Universal Furniture. This well-established brand offers an extensive selection of stylish, well-crafted furniture for every room in your home. But is their furniture really worth the investment? In this comprehensive review, we‘ll take a closer look at Universal Furniture and help you decide if it‘s the right fit for your needs and budget.
About Universal Furniture
Universal Furniture was founded in 1968 and is currently headquartered in High Point, North Carolina. The company is a subsidiary of Samson Holdings, a large furniture conglomerate that also owns brands like Smartstuff by Universal, Paula Deen Home, and Craftmaster.
What sets Universal apart is their focus on creating fashion-forward furniture collections at an "affordable luxury" price point. Their pieces feature a mix of traditional and modern design elements, with an emphasis on livable styling that fits the way people really live. Whether your tastes lean more classic or contemporary, chances are you‘ll find something to love in Universal‘s lineup.
One key advantage of Universal is their huge in-stock inventory. At any given time, the company has $50-60 million of furniture ready to ship from their North Carolina warehouse. That means you can get the pieces you want without having to wait months for made-to-order items. However, it‘s important to note that Universal Furniture is only sold through authorized retailers, not directly to consumers.
Bedroom Furniture
Your bedroom should be a restful oasis that promotes relaxation and recharging. Universal Furniture offers a wide array of bedroom sets, beds, dressers, nightstands, and mirrors to help you create that perfect sanctuary.
One of their most popular collections is the Modern Farmhouse bedroom set. Crafted from solid pine in a distressed white or gray finish, these pieces have a rustic yet refined look. The panel bed features a slatted headboard and footboard, while the matching dresser and nightstand provide ample storage. Brass hardware adds a touch of warmth and sophistication.
For a more glamorous vibe, check out the Authenticity bedroom set. The elegant upholstered bed has a dramatic tufted headboard available in your choice of fabrics. Pair it with the collection‘s mirrored nightstands and dresser for a look that‘s sure to impress. Acrylic and brass accents dial up the luxury even more.
If you prefer something in between farmhouse and Hollywood glam, the Spaces bedroom set might be just right. Clean lines and transitional styling give these pieces a timeless appeal. The bed comes in queen, king, and California king sizes, while the dressers range from a three-drawer bachelor‘s chest to a sprawling eight-drawer double dresser. Choose from white or gray finishes to suit your space.
Dining Room Furniture
The dining room is the heart of any home – a place where family and friends gather to share meals and make memories. Universal Furniture has a table for every taste, whether you love the natural look of wood, prefer a sleek glass top, or want to make a statement with stone.
One standout is the Eileen rectangular dining table. The generous 84 x 44 inch top is crafted from rustic oak veneers and seats up to eight people comfortably. X-shaped trestle legs add a modern farmhouse touch. Mix and match with Universal‘s upholstered dining chairs to create a one-of-a-kind look.
For something more formal, the California dining set exudes effortless elegance. The table‘s faux shagreen top looks just like ray skin and is finished in a diamond pattern. Brushed brass metal legs complete the 1970s-inspired look. Curved back dining chairs are the perfect complement and can be ordered in your choice of chic fabrics.
If you have a small space, consider a round pedestal table like the Robards. The 48-inch wide top is perfect for an eat-in kitchen or petite dining area and comes in a goes-with-anything gravel finish. Fluted metal details on the base add a touch of bling.
Living Room Furniture
These days, living rooms are where we do most of our, well, living – from relaxing with family to entertaining guests. Universal Furniture‘s sofas, sectionals, accent chairs, and coffee tables can help you create a space that looks great and feels even better.
Their Clarke sofa is a bestseller for good reason. The classic silhouette features a tight camelback, recessed arms, and turned wood legs that work with any decor style. Choose from over 300 fabric and leather options to make it your own.
Need seating for a crowd? The Gunnison six-piece sectional has you covered, with an armless chair, corner chair, armless loveseat, and console that arrange any way you like. The denim-colored fabric is ultra-durable and easy to clean. Pair it with the matching ottoman for the ultimate cozy movie night setup.
To give any room a punch of personality, consider an accent chair like the Desmond wicker chair. The open-weave kubu rattan frame brings natural texture, while the loose cushions keep things comfy. Use it to fill an empty corner or cozy up a reading nook.
When it comes to coffee tables, Universal offers both traditional and modern options. The Playlist square cocktail table has a metal tube base and "stirup" stretcher with eye-catching appeal. The wood top is finished in a smoked gray tone for a fresh twist on industrial style. For a romantic touch, the Summer Hill rectangular coffee table features elegant curved legs and a scalloped apron in a French country whitewash finish.
Home Office Furniture
With more people working from home than ever before, creating a functional workspace is a must. Thankfully, gone are the days of ugly utilitarian office furniture. Universal makes desks and office chairs that are just as stylish as the rest of your home.
The Coastal Living Bungalow desk puts a fresh spin on the sawhorse table design. Inspired by 1950s architecture, the angular lines and slatted details pair with a crisp white finish for a look that‘s clean and coastal. Three drawers keep office supplies organized and out of sight.
For a luxe look, the Authenticity writing desk features elegant curved legs, a faux snakeskin-embossed leather top, and polished nickel accents. The petite profile is perfect for a bedroom corner or studio apartment, proving you don‘t need a ton of space to work in style.
Comfort is key when you‘re logging long hours at your desk. The Zephyr office chair has you covered, with an upholstered seat and back, 360-degree swivel, and adjustable height. The slim profile pairs perfectly with any of Universal‘s desks.
Quality and Craftsmanship
Of course, furniture isn‘t just about looks – it needs to be well-made to justify the investment. Universal Furniture prides itself on quality construction, with most pieces crafted from solid wood or high-quality wood veneers.
Drawers are made using sturdy dovetail joinery and full-extension metal glides for smooth operation. Dining tables feature mortise and tenon construction for added strength. Cushions are filled with high-density foam for a plush feel that lasts.
To keep costs down, the majority of Universal‘s furniture is manufactured in China and Vietnam. While this might raise concerns for some buyers, the company maintains strict quality control standards and inspects each piece before it leaves the factory. They also employ a team of engineers and quality assurance specialists on the ground overseas to monitor production.
Pricing and Value
So, how much will a room full of Universal Furniture set you back? The brand positions itself as "affordable luxury," with prices that fall into the upper-middle range.
For example, queen-sized beds typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000, while dining tables range from around $800 to $2,000. Sofas start at approximately $1,500 and go up to $3,000 or more for larger sectionals.
While that‘s certainly more affordable than high-end designer brands, it‘s still an investment. Universal‘s pieces are built to last, though, so you can feel confident they‘ll stand up to daily wear and tear. Plus, the classic-meets-modern styling means they‘ll never look dated.
Many retailers also offer regular sales and promotions on Universal Furniture, so it‘s worth keeping an eye out for deals. Financing options are often available as well, allowing you to spread out the cost over time.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
To get a sense of how Universal Furniture holds up in real life, we combed through dozens of customer reviews across multiple retailer sites. The overwhelming majority of buyers seem happy with their purchases, praising the furniture‘s style, quality, and value.
Common positive remarks include:
"Beautiful, well-made pieces that look more expensive than they are"
"Sturdy, solid wood construction"
"Unique designs you won‘t find everywhere"
"Comfortable and cozy upholstered seating"
"Prompt delivery and professional installation"
Of course, no brand is perfect, and we did find a few isolated complaints:
"Finish wore off quickly on heavily-used pieces"
"Cushions flattened out faster than expected"
"Delivery damage due to insufficient packaging"
"Customer service was slow to respond to issues"
It‘s worth noting that many of the negative reviews seemed to relate to the retailer‘s handling of the purchase rather than the quality of the furniture itself. It‘s important to buy from an authorized Universal dealer with a solid track record of customer service.
Shipping and Delivery
As mentioned before, Universal Furniture does not sell directly to the public. That means the shipping and delivery process will vary depending on the retailer you purchase from.
Most large furniture stores offer a choice of curbside, threshold, or white glove delivery options. Curbside is usually the most affordable, but you‘ll be responsible for getting the furniture into your home and assembling it yourself. Threshold delivery brings the pieces just inside your front door, while white glove delivery includes full setup in the room of your choice.
Delivery fees typically start around $100 for curbside and go up to $500 or more for white glove service. Some retailers offer free delivery promotions from time to time, so it‘s worth asking about any current deals.
Lead times also vary, but most in-stock Universal Furniture pieces can be delivered within 2-4 weeks from the time you place your order. Custom upholstery or special orders may take longer.
Warranty and Customer Service
Universal Furniture offers a one-year limited warranty on all of its products. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use. It does not cover normal wear and tear, abuse, or improper care.
If you notice any issues with your furniture upon delivery, it‘s important to notify the retailer right away so they can resolve the problem. Most stores have a limited window for reporting damage or defects.
For warranty claims outside of the initial delivery period, you‘ll need to contact Universal Furniture directly. Their customer service team can be reached by phone or email.
In general, most customers report positive experiences with Universal‘s customer service. The company seems committed to standing behind their products and making things right when issues do arise. However, some buyers have complained of slow response times or difficulty getting in touch with a representative.
Pros and Cons
To sum it all up, here are the main advantages and disadvantages of buying Universal Furniture:
Pros:
- Extensive selection of stylish, well-crafted pieces
- High-quality materials and construction
- Affordable luxury price point
- Unique designs you won‘t find everywhere
- Quick shipping on in-stock items
- Solid warranty coverage
Cons:
- Can only buy through authorized retailers
- Some inconsistencies in quality control
- Limited customization options
- Higher prices than budget-friendly brands
- Potential for delivery damage or delays
- Occasional issues with customer service responsiveness
Alternatives and Competitors
If you‘re considering Universal Furniture, you might also want to check out these similar brands:
Lexington Home Brands – Known for their traditional and transitional styles, Lexington offers a range of well-made wood, upholstered, and outdoor furniture.
Hooker Furniture – With a focus on classic designs, Hooker has been crafting quality furniture since 1925. Their line includes living, dining, bedroom, and home office pieces.
Bernhardt Furniture – This family-owned company is known for their eclectic mix of traditional and modern furniture. They also offer a line of high-end upholstered seating.
Bassett Furniture – A popular choice for custom upholstery, Bassett also offers a selection of case goods and accents at a slightly lower price point than Universal.
Is Universal Furniture Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision to buy Universal Furniture comes down to your personal style preferences, budget, and needs. If you‘re looking for well-crafted, fashion-forward pieces that will stand the test of time, Universal is definitely worth considering.
Their extensive selection means you can outfit your entire home in coordinating pieces, while the classic-meets-modern aesthetic will appeal to a wide range of tastes. The upper-middle price point also strikes a good balance between quality and affordability.
On the other hand, if you‘re on a tight budget or looking for ultra-trendy designs, there may be better options out there for you. And if you need highly customized pieces or have concerns about furniture made overseas, it‘s worth exploring other brands.
Conclusion
Decorating your home is a highly personal journey, and there‘s no one-size-fits-all solution. But if you‘re in the market for stylish, well-made furniture that will last for years to come, Universal Furniture is definitely worth a look.
With their huge selection, quick shipping, and "affordable luxury" price point, Universal offers something for every room and every taste. While no brand is perfect, the vast majority of customers seem happy with their purchases and feel they got great value for their money.
Of course, it‘s always a good idea to see furniture in person before you buy. Visit a local retailer to get a feel for the scale, materials, and construction of Universal‘s pieces. And be sure to take advantage of any sales or promotions to get the best deal possible.
When it comes to creating a home you love, a little research and careful consideration can go a long way. We hope this Universal Furniture review has given you the information you need to make an informed decision. Happy decorating!
