Bassett Furniture is one of the most recognized names in the American home furnishing industry, known for its long history of craftsmanship and extensive customization options. Founded in 1902 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the company has grown from a local sawmill operation into a premier furniture retailer with stores across the United States. Today, Bassett offers a wide range of products for every room in the home, blending traditional construction techniques with modern design sensibilities to meet the needs of contemporary homeowners.
The History and Reputation of Bassett Furniture
Bassett Furniture began as a family-owned business in Bassett, Virginia, and quickly established a reputation for producing durable, well-made wooden furniture. Over the decades, the company expanded its catalog to include upholstered seating, mattresses, and outdoor collections.
The brand is frequently associated with “attainable luxury,” offering higher quality than mass-market retailers while remaining more accessible than high-end boutique designers. Their commitment to domestic manufacturing remains a core part of their identity, particularly through their BenchMade line, which is handcrafted in the United States.
For shoppers looking for longevity, Bassett is often a top choice because of its focus on structural integrity. By using solid hardwoods and proven joinery methods, the company ensures that its pieces can withstand the rigors of daily use for many years.
Understanding the Customization Process
One of the primary reasons homeowners choose Bassett Furniture is the ability to customize almost every piece to fit their specific style and space. The brand offers a “Design Studio” experience that allows customers to play the role of the designer.
When purchasing upholstered furniture, such as sofas or sectionals, you can choose from over 800 fabric and leather options. These materials vary in color, texture, and durability, including high-performance fabrics designed to resist stains and fading.
The customization does not stop at the fabric. For many collections, you can also select the following details:
- Arm Style: Choose between rolled, track, or flared arms to match your aesthetic.
- Leg Finish: Select from various wood stains or metal finishes for the base of the furniture.
- Cushion Firmness: Options often include standard foam, plush down-blend, or extra-firm support.
- Nailhead Trim: Add decorative metal accents in different colors like brass, nickel, or pewter.
The BenchMade Collection
The BenchMade line represents the pinnacle of Bassett’s craftsmanship. These pieces are made one at a time by skilled artisans in Virginia and North Carolina, ensuring a level of detail that mass-produced furniture cannot replicate.
BenchMade furniture is primarily constructed from Appalachian hardwoods, such as red oak and maple. Because these pieces are made to order, they offer a unique character, with natural wood grains and hand-applied finishes that make every table or bed frame slightly different.
This collection is ideal for those who prioritize sustainability and American-made goods. By sourcing timber from local forests and employing local craftspeople, Bassett maintains a smaller carbon footprint and supports regional economies.
Product Categories for Every Room
Bassett Furniture provides comprehensive solutions for the entire home. Understanding their main product categories can help you plan your interior design project more effectively.
Living Room Furniture
The living room is often the heart of the home, and Bassett offers a vast selection of seating options. This includes stationary sofas, modular sectionals, and motion furniture like recliners and power-tilting headrest sofas.
In addition to seating, they provide coffee tables, end tables, and media consoles. Many of these items are designed to coordinate with their upholstery lines, making it easy to create a cohesive look in your space.
Bedroom Collections
Bassett’s bedroom furniture focuses on comfort and storage. Their bed frames range from upholstered headboards to solid wood sleigh beds and modern platform designs.
To complete the room, you can find matching dressers, nightstands, and armoires. Their storage pieces often feature cedar-lined drawers and dovetail joinery, which are hallmarks of high-quality cabinetry.
Dining Room Sets
Whether you need a formal dining table for holiday gatherings or a casual kitchen nook, Bassett offers customizable dining solutions. You can choose the shape of the table (round, rectangular, or oval) and the type of base (pedestal or four-leg).
Dining chairs are available in various styles, from fully upholstered parson chairs to classic wooden ladder-back designs. Many tables also include leaf extensions to accommodate extra guests.
Quality Standards and Construction
When investing in furniture, it is important to know what is happening beneath the surface. Bassett utilizes several high-end construction techniques to ensure product durability.
For wooden furniture, they use mortise and tenon joinery, which is one of the strongest ways to connect two pieces of wood. Drawers typically feature English dovetail construction, which prevents the drawer fronts from pulling away over time.
For upholstered pieces, Bassett uses kiln-dried hardwood frames. This process removes moisture from the wood, preventing it from warping, cracking, or squeaking. The seating systems often utilize heavy-gauge sinuous springs or drop-in coil units to provide consistent support and prevent sagging.
How to Shop: Design Services and Showrooms
Shopping for furniture can be overwhelming, but Bassett offers tools to make the process simpler. Their physical showrooms are designed to inspire, featuring fully decorated room vignettes that show how different pieces work together.
One of the most helpful services offered is the Complimentary Design Consultation. You can meet with a professional designer, either in-store or in your home, to discuss your vision. They can help with:
- Space Planning: Creating a floor plan to ensure your new furniture fits perfectly.
- Color Coordination: Matching fabrics and finishes with your existing paint and flooring.
- Style Selection: Helping you narrow down choices based on your personal taste and lifestyle.
Caring for Your Bassett Furniture
To protect your investment, regular maintenance is essential. Different materials require different care routines to stay in top condition.
For wood furniture, dust regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid using silicone-based polishes, as they can create a waxy buildup. Instead, use a high-quality furniture polish or simply a slightly damp cloth followed by a dry one.
For upholstered items, it is important to check the cleaning code located on the furniture tag:
- W: Use water-based cleaning agents.
- S: Use mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.
- WS: Either water-based or solvent-based cleaners are safe.
- X: Vacuum only; do not use liquids.
Regularly rotating your cushions and vacuuming in the crevices will also help prevent uneven wear and keep the fabric looking fresh.
Conclusion
Bassett Furniture offers a reliable balance of heritage, quality, and modern customization. Whether you are looking for a single statement piece like a BenchMade dining table or furnishing an entire home, their wide selection and professional design services provide a straightforward path to a beautiful interior. By focusing on solid construction and personalized style, Bassett remains a go-to destination for homeowners who value furniture that is built to last.
If you are looking for more tips on creating a comfortable and stylish home, explore our other articles on interior design trends and home maintenance. Our goal is to help you find the best solutions for your living space with ease and confidence.