What's Hot: Master Bedrooms

It is, in the words of nearly every “MTV Cribs” subject, “Where the magic happens.”

The master bedroom is also a space that’s continually filled with surprises. In asking retailers about best sellers in the bedroom, we never imagined we’d hear about a tilt-back chair and ottoman, but that’s exactly what’s hot at Baker Furniture in Cramerton, N.C. As for the rest of March’s hot sellers, the common link seems to be richly detailed, upscale looks at lower prices. In many cases, the designs leaned toward the European tradition, but retailers provided us with a range of popular items in groups selling from a little over $1,000 to $3,999.

April 6, 2009

“It’s part of the Dick Idol collection, and it’s made out of mango. We have it in one of our bedrooms ourselves. It’s kind of rustic style, and it appeals to young people and older people, too. We sell it in the $2,500 range (nightstand, bed, dresser-mirror and chest).”

Giff Gates, owner, Gates Home Furnishings, Grants Pass, Ore.

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“People like the style and finish. It’s got a nice country look, and it’s solid wood (with veneers) at a good value.”

Major Midgett, president, Major Furniture, Jacksonville, N.C.

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“It really strikes a chord for our customers ... you might not think a contemporary, merlot color bedroom set would resonate with ‘Alaska’  customers, but they see the value and the style that it represents.” Queen bed, dresser/mirror, nightstand retail for $1,099.

Ron Bailey, president, Bailey’s Furniture, Anchorage, Alaska

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“It is on the higher end for us, but it’s doing very well and the margins are excellent.”

Marty Cramer, owner, Cramer’s Home Furnishings, Ellensburg, Wash.

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“It’s a winning combination of a good finish, a good look, at a reasonable price with quick delivery.” Suite retails for $1,699.

Steve Bichunsky, co-owner, Pilgrim Furniture City, Southington, Conn.

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“It’s been a hot seller for six or seven years. Right now, everybody is looking for value. Consumers would prefer to have wood (pieces) because the perception is that it’s a better-quality product, and everybody wants a good price, too. So, if you have wood at a good price point, it’s a home run. We sell this bedroom group with a chest at $1,299.”

Lenny Kharitonov, president, Unlimited Furniture Group, Brooklyn, N.Y.

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“It’s becoming common now to have (sitting chairs) in a large master bedroom. It’s unusual to have demand at a higher price point (about $1,500 for chair and ottoman). We’re selling them in pairs. It’s something both men and women like, but we never would have thought they would become such a hot item.”

Jim Van Pelt, owner, Baker Furniture, Cramerton, N.C.

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