Yes, Bernhardt is good quality furniture, worth the investment for those seeking durable, well-crafted pieces. The brand specializes in mid-to-high-end furnishings, using premium materials like solid hardwoods and top-grain leather that are designed to last for many years, often becoming heirloom pieces.
Bernhardt offers a favorable balance of sophisticated design and quality construction at a price point that is competitive with other high-end manufacturers. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to know before you buy.
How Is Bernhardt's Quality?
Bernhardt's reputation is built on solid craftsmanship and high-grade materials. While some entry-level collections may vary, their core offerings consistently meet high standards. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Frame Construction: The structural integrity of Bernhardt furniture is excellent. Most frames are built from kiln-dried hardwoods like oak, maple, or cherry and feature traditional joinery techniques such as dovetail drawers and mortise-and-tenon joints for maximum stability.
- Upholstery & Cushions: Upholstered items are built for comfort and longevity. Sofas often feature supportive eight-way hand-tied spring systems and high-density foam cushions (typically 2.0 lb/ft³ or higher), which resist sagging and maintain their shape over years of use.
- Materials & Finishes: Bernhardt uses authentic, high-quality materials across the board. This includes top-grain leather, performance fabrics, solid brass hardware, and intricate wood veneers with protective lacquered finishes that resist scratches and wear.
- Common Complaints: While overwhelmingly positive, some customer reviews mention minor issues with high-gloss finishes being susceptible to cracks in fluctuating humidity. Others note that veneer surfaces can lift over time if not properly cared for.
Is Bernhardt Good Value for the Price?
Bernhardt delivers solid value by offering premium-tier quality at prices that are often more accessible than ultra-luxury brands. You are paying for longevity and design, not just a brand name.
Price Positioning
Bernhardt sits comfortably in the premium furniture market. Expect to pay between $2,000 to $6,000 for a sofa, $1,500 to $4,500 for a dining table, and $1,200 to $3,500 for a bedroom dresser. This places them in competition with brands like Lexington and Century, but often at a slightly more moderate price point for comparable quality.
What You're Paying For
The price tag reflects genuine quality inputs: robust North American manufacturing, solid hardwood construction, meticulous finishing, and timeless design work. Unlike many brands that save costs with engineered wood or lower-density foam, Bernhardt invests in components that ensure the furniture's longevity, making the higher initial cost a worthwhile long-term investment.
Where You Get Good Value
- Upholstered Furniture: Sofas and chairs with leather or high-performance fabric offer exceptional value, as their internal construction (hardwood frames, quality springs) is built to last decades.
- Solid Wood Casegoods: Dressers, dining tables, and bedroom sets made from solid hardwoods represent the best of the brand, offering incredible durability and timeless style.
- Designer Collections: Collaborations with well-known designers provide a custom, high-end look without the full custom price tag, offering strong aesthetic value.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Veneered Entry-Level Pieces: While still well-made, some of Bernhardt's lower-priced pieces that rely more heavily on veneers may be less competitive in value compared to brands specializing in solid wood at a similar price.
- Decor & Accent Items: Small decor items can sometimes carry a premium for the brand name alone, and you might find similar quality for less from a decor-focused retailer.
Bernhardt Quality by Category
Quality remains consistent across Bernhardt's product lines, but here is a breakdown of what to expect from their major categories.
Sofas & Chairs
Upholstered furniture is a Bernhardt specialty. Frames are almost always kiln-dried hardwood, and cushioning is made from high-resiliency foam that prevents premature sagging. Options for top-grain leather and performance fabrics make their seating ideal for daily, heavy use. Expect to pay $2,000-$6,000 for a sofa. Verdict: Excellent construction and a smart investment.
Bedroom Furniture
Bernhardt's beds, dressers, and nightstands are known for their sturdy build. They feature solid wood components and traditional joinery like dovetailed drawers for smooth, reliable operation. The intricate finishes and heavy, solid feel distinguish them from mid-market brands. Prices for dressers typically range from $1,200 to $3,500. Verdict: High-quality, heirloom potential.
Dining Furniture
Dining tables and chairs are designed to withstand constant use. Hardwood construction ensures stability for tables, while chairs often feature reinforced joints. Finishes are multi-layered to resist scratches and spills, though proper care is still essential. A dining table can range from $1,500 to $4,500. Verdict: Durable and beautifully designed for longevity.
Our Verdict: Is Bernhardt Worth It?
Bernhardt is absolutely worth it for buyers looking for a long-term furniture investment. It successfully bridges the gap between mass-market brands and ultra-expensive luxury names by providing superior materials and craftsmanship at a high-end - but fair - price.
Quality Grade: A-
Bernhardt earns an A- for its commitment to high-quality materials and classic construction techniques. The use of kiln-dried hardwoods, top-grain leather, and high-density foam results in incredibly durable furniture. It misses a perfect score only due to minor, infrequent complaints about finish durability on select pieces, but overall it stands as a benchmark for quality in its class.
Value Grade: B+
With a B+ for value, Bernhardt provides excellent quality for what you pay. It may not be cheap, but your money goes directly toward better materials and construction that will outlast cheaper alternatives many times over. The price-to-longevity ratio is strong, making it a prudent choice for anyone furnishing a "forever home."
More Quality Brands Like Bernhardt
If you appreciate Bernhardt's dedication to quality and classic-meets-contemporary style, here are other brands that operate with a similar ethos:
Lexington Home Brands
Lexington offers a similar price point and quality level, focusing on statement pieces and designer collections with a slightly more coastal or transitional aesthetic. They are well-regarded for their solid wood casegoods and intricate custom upholstery.
Shop now at lexington.com
Century Furniture
Positioned at a slightly higher price point, Century is known for its incredible range of custom finishes (over 100 available) and American-made craftsmanship. It’s a great step up if your budget allows for more personalization and heirloom-level quality.
Shop now at centuryfurniture.com
Hickory Chair
Hickory Chair has been a benchmark for quality since 1911, specializing in customizable, American-made furniture built to order. Known for its traditional 18th-century designs and eight-way hand-tied springs, their pieces are made to last generations.
Shop now at hickorychair.com
Ethan Allen
With a focus on classic American design and vertical integration (they own their manufacturing plants), Ethan Allen offers a comparable level of quality. Their complimentary interior design service adds significant value to the shopping experience.
Shop now at ethanallen.com
Baker Furniture
Considered a luxury-tier brand, Baker is known for its collaboration with world-famous designers and use of exotic materials. While more expensive than Bernhardt, it offers a look at the next level of artisanal craftsmanship for those with an expansive budget.
Shop now at bakerfurniture.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bernhardt furniture made?
Most of Bernhardt's wooden furniture is manufactured in its facilities in North Carolina, upholding a long tradition of American craftsmanship. Certain components, fabrics, and specialized items are sourced globally, but the core production is domestic.
Does Bernhardt use real wood?
Yes, Bernhardt predominantly uses solid kiln-dried hardwoods for structural elements. It also employs high-quality wood veneers - thin slices of real wood applied over a solid core - to create intricate patterns like starbursts that would be impossible with solid woods alone.
How long should Bernhardt furniture last?
With proper care, Bernhardt furniture is built to last for many years, often 15-20 years or more. Many owners consider their pieces to be "heirloom quality," meaning they can be passed down to the next generation.
What is Bernhardt's furniture warranty?
Bernhardt typically offers a lifetime warranty on frames and spring systems for upholstered products to the original owner. Other components like cushions, mechanisms, and fabrics usually carry warranties ranging from one to five years against manufacturing defects.
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