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2016 Best of Olympia: Furniture Works

Best Furniture Store

Ken Adney is the man behind the styles at Furniture Works in Olympia. Courtesy Furniture Works

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When you set out to buy a couch or kitchen table or other home furnishing, most likely you will look to a big-box store. But why go big box when you can go local? Olympia's Furniture Works, winners of the Best of Olympia 2016 Best Furniture store, is all local, all the time, and it offers a great selection of sofas, chairs, tables and more.

"Furniture Works offers an eclectic mix of gently used, consignment and new home furnishings in our six thousand-foot store, located in downtown Olympia," said store owner Ken Adney. "Sure, we have furniture made seventy-five (or more) years ago, but we're particularly fond of mid-century design, and we have furniture in nearly every style. I shop the same way my customers do; I'm looking for interesting, good quality furniture at a reasonable price."

Adney opened the store in 2002 and came to the furniture trade after he'd made several pieces of furniture for his own home. This gives him a one-up over many big-box store salespeople because he has a behind-the-scenes perspective about furniture materials and construction. Ask him (or another staff member at Furniture Works) a question about materials, durability or even design tips. You'll leave the store with more knowledge than you came in with.

Because items at Furniture Works come from both the recent past and more distant design eras, you'll find a pleasing variety of styles. You can even order brand-new furniture from the store's wholesalers if used just doesn't fit the bill.

"Sometimes finding the right piece of furniture can be like looking for a swimsuit in January," Adney said. "It has to be out there somewhere, but it can be hard to find.  That's why we favor so many different styles."

Shopping local comes with other perks. It's a rare day when there isn't something new in the store - as new items are always coming in - and every piece is unique. Shop on "Nickel Mondays" and five percent of your sale will go to a local nonprofit.

Plus, buying used just gives more oomph (and it's lots of oomph as furniture is large) to recycling and reusing. If you aren't sure what to do with your old furniture, Furniture Works can help there, too, either by buying or consigning the item or recommending auction houses or charities that accept donations.

FURNITURE WORKS, 402 Washington St. NE, Monday-Friday, 12:30-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 360.570.0165, http://olyfurnitureworks.com or http://facebook.com/FurnitureWorks

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