Barker and Stonehouse is generally worth it, offering good to very good quality furniture that balances stylish design with durable construction. The brand excels in its mid-to-high-end upholstered pieces and solid wood furniture, which typically feature robust materials like kiln-dried hardwood frames built to last.
However, quality isn't uniform across the board, some lower-priced items may use less durable materials like veneers or particleboard that don't hold up as well over time. The brand is a solid choice for shoppers seeking long-lasting, design-forward furniture who are willing to invest a bit more than budget prices.
How Is Barker and Stonehouse's Quality?
Barker and Stonehouse offers above-average quality for the mid-range market, but it's important to know where they excel and where they make compromises. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
- Frame Construction: Most sofas and armchairs are built on kiln-dried hardwood frames (using woods like oak or birch), which provide excellent structural integrity and resistance to warping. This is a key indicator of quality and is standard for well-made, mid-range and above furniture.
- Cushions & Upholstery: Cushions typically use high-resilience foam with a density between 30-40 kg/m³, offering good support that holds its shape. Higher-end collections often include luxurious feather or down toppers for extra comfort. Fabrics range from durable performance textiles to natural linens and top-grain leathers.
- Casegoods & Surfaces: Dining tables, cabinets, and coffee tables use a mix of materials. While you can find durable reclaimed and solid wood pieces, many items feature wood veneers over engineered wood (MDF or particleboard). These surfaces look great but are more susceptible to chipping, scratches, and water damage than solid wood.
- Common Complaints: While generally positive, some customer reviews cite durability issues with certain products. The most common complaints include cushion sagging after 4-6 years of heavy use, fabric pilling on lower-grade textiles within 2-3 years, and veneers chipping on tables and cabinets.
Is Barker and Stonehouse Good Value for the Price?
Barker and Stonehouse offers solid value, positioning itself as a step-up from fast furniture without reaching luxury designer prices. You're paying for a curated design aesthetic and reliable construction in their better collections.
Price Positioning
As a mid-to-high-end retailer, Barker and Stonehouse is priced above budget brands but remains competitive with other design-focused UK retailers like MADE or Heal's. Expect to pay £700 – £2,000 for a sofa, £600 – £1,500 for a bed frame, and £500 – £1,200 for a dining table. While not cheap, the prices generally align with the better materials and construction methods used.
What You're Paying For
You're investing primarily in trend-aware, original designs and durable core construction, especially in upholstered furniture. The brand name carries a reputation for curating stylish, contemporary collections that feel more special than mass-market options. The costs also cover their detailed in-store showrooms and attentive service.
Where You Get Good Value
- Upholstered Furniture: Sofas and armchairs with kiln-dried hardwood frames, dense foam cushions, and performance fabrics offer excellent value and should last 8-12 years.
- Solid & Reclaimed Wood Furniture: Pieces made from solid or reclaimed woods are built for longevity and represent a good long-term investment.
- Sale & Clearance Items: Barker and Stonehouse runs seasonal sales with discounts of 10-20%, which can significantly improve the value proposition on higher-ticket items.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Veneer-Heavy Items: Furniture made primarily with wood veneers over MDF or particleboard can be overpriced for its durability, as it can chip or damage easily.
- Base-Level Fabrics: Some of the less expensive fabric options may show wear (like pilling) sooner than you’d expect for the price, diminishing long-term value.
- Full-Price Trend Pieces: Paying full price for highly trendy decor or furniture may not be the best value, as the style might not have the longevity to justify the cost.
Barker and Stonehouse Quality by Category
Quality can vary significantly between product lines. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from their key categories.
Sofas & Sectionals
This is arguably their strongest category. Built with kiln-dried hardwood frames and high-density foam cushions, most sofas priced from £1,000 upwards are designed for longevity. Customer satisfaction is high for their comfort and sturdiness. We recommend opting for a performance fabric for high-traffic homes. Verdict: A solid investment, especially in the mid-to-high price range.
Bedroom Furniture
With bed frames typically ranging from £600 to £1,500, quality is generally good. Look for solid wood or fully upholstered frames for the best durability. Cheaper models may utilise more particleboard in non-structural areas like headboards. Drawers typically feature solid construction. Verdict: Worth it, but scrutinize the materials list on lower-priced models to avoid surprises.
Dining Furniture
Dining tables range from around £500 to over £1,200, with quality directly tied to materials. Solid wood tables offer fantastic durability and value, while tables with veneer tops require more careful use to avoid scratches and heat marks. Chairs are generally sturdy and well-constructed. Verdict: Stick to solid wood tables for the best long-term value.
Rugs
Barker and Stonehouse offers a curated collection of rugs, often made from wool or durable synthetics. They are style-focused and competitively priced against other home decor retailers, though they are not specialty rug dealers. Quality is good for the price, mainly complementing their furniture collections. Verdict: Good for style and accent pieces, but specialized rug stores may offer better durability.
Lighting
The lighting selection focuses on statement design pieces with materials like metal, glass, and wood. The quality is primarily aesthetic - you're paying for the look rather than advanced functionality or heirloom construction. They are generally well-made and safe, but the value is in the design. Verdict: Good for achieving a specific look, but often overpriced for the materials alone.
Our Verdict: Is Barker and Stonehouse Worth It?
Barker and Stonehouse is a trustworthy choice for anyone looking to invest in stylish, well-made furniture that will outlast budget alternatives. By focusing on their higher-quality collections (specifically hardwood-frame sofas and solid wood pieces) and shopping during sales, you can get excellent, lasting furniture for your home.
Quality Grade: B+
Earning a B+ for quality, Barker and Stonehouse delivers reliable craftsmanship and durable materials like kiln-dried hardwood frames in its core offerings. This grade reflects their consistency in upholstered furniture, earning them a reputation for longevity. The grade isn’t an A due to the use of less durable veneers on some casegoods and occasional customer complaints about fabric wear and cushion sagging over several years.
Value Grade: B
The brand receives a B for value. The price-to-quality ratio is fair, especially when you factor in the contemporary and curated designs you won't find at cheaper stores. Their furniture is built to last significantly longer than fast-furniture equivalents, justifying the higher initial cost. However, it's not a top-tier "A" value because some items with veneers are a bit overpriced and delivery fees can add up.
Better Alternatives to Barker and Stonehouse
If you're seeking a slightly different style, better long-term durability, or more competitive pricing, consider these alternatives:
MADE
MADE offers a similar contemporary design aesthetic, often at slightly lower price points. Their focus is on direct-to-consumer sales, providing good value and strong customization options, along with an impressive 10-year warranty on many items, which is better than Barker and Stonehouse’s standard offering.
Shop now at made.com
Heal's
Positioned at a higher price point, Heal's is known for timeless, modern designs and exceptional craftsmanship, with much of its furniture made in the UK or Europe. If you're looking for an heirloom-quality piece and are willing to invest more, Heal's offers superior durability and premium finishes.
Shop now at heals.com
Loaf
Loaf focuses on comfort-first, relaxed furniture with an inviting, laid-back style. Their sofas are especially well-regarded for being "squishy" yet durable, using solid wood frames and high-quality cushions. Prices are comparable to Barker and Stonehouse, but the aesthetic is more casual and cozy.
Shop now at loaf.com
Habitat
A good option for those on a tighter budget, Habitat offers fresh, modern designs at more accessible prices. While entry-level products may not match the durability of Barker and Stonehouse's best items, their higher-end collections offer good style and decent quality for the money, making it a strong value-oriented competitor.
Shop now at habitat.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Barker and Stonehouse furniture last?
Well-cared-for Barker and Stonehouse sofas with hardwood frames typically last 8-12 years. However, some customers report cushion sagging becoming noticeable after 4-6 years of regular use. The longevity of their wood furniture depends heavily on whether it's solid wood (can last decades) or veneer (less durable).
Is Barker and Stonehouse better than MADE?
The two are very comparable in terms of target audience and style, but they have different strengths. Barker and Stonehouse offers a more traditional retail experience with beautiful showrooms, while MADE provides excellent customization options and a stronger warranty (often 10 years). Quality is similar, so the choice often comes down to specific designs and current pricing.
What kind of wood does Barker and Stonehouse use?
Their upholstered furniture frames are typically made from kiln-dried hardwood, such as oak or birch, which is a mark of quality. Their casegoods (tables, dressers, etc.) feature a mix of solid wood, reclaimed wood, and wood veneers over engineered wood like MDF or particleboard. Always check the product specifications for details on a specific item.
What is Barker and Stonehouse's warranty?
Barker and Stonehouse generally offers a 1-year manufacturer's guarantee that covers defects in materials and workmanship. In some specific collections, this warranty may be extended to 2 years. This coverage does not include wear and tear or damage from accidents or misuse.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
