Yes, Lillian August is a good quality brand for shoppers seeking sophisticated, designer-driven furniture and who are prepared for a luxury price tag. Their pieces are characterized by high-end materials like kiln-dried hardwood frames and premium fabrics, with construction methods often including durable eight-way hand-tied springs and dovetail joinery.
The brand's value is rooted in its unique aesthetics and bespoke options rather than pure utilitarian longevity. If you are prioritizing a custom, statement piece and view furniture as a design investment, Lillian August offers fair value within the high-end market. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to know before you buy.
How Is Lillian August's Quality?
Lillian August positions itself as a luxury brand, and its quality generally reflects that status. Construction and materials are a significant step up from mass-market retailers, though some inconsistencies exist. Here’s what sets their quality apart:
- Materials: The brand consistently uses premium materials. Furniture frames are typically made from kiln-dried hardwoods like maple or oak, which resist warping. Upholstery features high-grade options, including performance velvets and natural fibers, while case goods often include solid brass or nickel hardware.
- Construction: Craftsmanship is a focal point. Expect to find traditional, durable construction methods such as eight-way hand-tied springs in sofas, high-density foam cushions (2.0-2.5 lbs), and traditional dovetail joinery in drawers - all signs of well-made furniture built to last.
- Finishing and Detail: Items often feature expert finishing techniques, including hand-applied veneers and meticulous detailing. This attention to detail differentiates them from mid-range brands and contributes to their polished, high-end look.
- Common Complaints: While generally well-regarded, some customer reviews mention occasional veneer chipping on heavily used pieces or minor inconsistencies in fabric dye lots between different production runs. Since manufacturing occurs both in the US and overseas, there can be slight variations in quality control.
Is Lillian August Good Value for the Price?
Lillian August offers good value specifically for the luxury furniture shopper who prioritizes design, customization, and a curated aesthetic. It is not a value-oriented brand in the traditional sense, you are paying a premium for intangible qualities alongside physical construction.
Price Positioning
Lillian August sits squarely in the high-end, luxury market. Expect sofa prices to range from $3,000 to $8,000, and dining tables to cost between $2,500 and $6,000. These prices are comparable to other well-known luxury brands like Baker, Henredon, and Century Furniture, placing it in a category far above mass-market options.
What You're Paying For
The premium price covers more than just materials. You are paying for the brand's unique design collaborations, sophisticated aesthetic, bespoke customization options (fabrics, finishes), and the convenience of white-glove delivery service. The brand name itself carries weight in the interior design world, making their items statement pieces.
Where You Get Good Value
- Custom Upholstered Furniture: Sofas, sectionals, and chairs where you can select from a wide range of high-performance fabrics and refined silhouettes offer excellent value as centerpieces of a room.
- Statement Case Goods: Cabinets, sideboards, and dining tables with detailed craftsmanship and unique designs feel like special, long-term investments.
- Designer Collaboration Pieces: Exclusive collections offer a unique aesthetic that you won't find anywhere else, making the premium price justifiable for design lovers.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Simple Decor & Accessories: While high-quality, smaller decorative items may carry a significant brand markup that doesn't always align with their intrinsic value compared to other specialty decor shops.
- For Heavily Trafficked Use: Unless you specifically choose performance-grade fabrics and finishes, the elegant but sometimes delicate materials may show wear quickly, diminishing the long-term value in a busy household.
- If Budget is the Priority: If your goal is simply a durable piece of furniture without the designer aesthetic, you can find better price-to-durability ratios with less design-focused brands.
Lillian August Quality by Category
Quality can vary slightly depending on the specific product line. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect from their major categories.
Sofas & Upholstery
Often considered their strongest category, Lillian August sofas and chairs feature kiln-dried hardwood frames, eight-way hand-tied springs, and high-density foam cushions. These are markers of high-quality upholstery designed for both comfort and longevity. With prices from $3,000 to over $8,000, these are investment pieces best suited for living rooms where both style and substance are priorities. Verdict: A worthwhile investment for a centerpiece.
Dining & Case Goods
Tables, consoles, and dressers typically feature solid hardwood construction, traditional dovetail joinery in drawers, and often showcase detailed hand-applied veneers. While veneers add beauty, they can be susceptible to chipping if not cared for properly. Durability is high, and the craftsmanship justifies the $2,500 to $6,000+ price tag. Verdict: Excellent quality with classic construction methods.
Lighting
Lillian August's lighting fixtures are known for their sculptural and elegant designs, often using high-quality materials like solid brass, crystal, and unique glass. They function as both light sources and works of art. While you pay a premium for the design, the construction quality is solid. Verdict: Good quality, primarily paying for unique and artistic designs.
Decor & Accessories
From vases to mirrors, their accessories are curated to complement their furniture collections. Expect materials like hand-finished ceramics and hand-blown glass. The quality is a definite step up from mass-market decor, but the value proposition is weaker here as the brand markup is significant. Verdict: High quality but may be overpriced relative to alternatives.
Our Verdict: Is Lillian August Worth It?
Lillian August is worth it for homeowners and designers who want statement furniture that blends timeless elegance with modern sensibilities. The brand justifies its luxury price point with quality materials, solid craftsmanship, and a focus on unique, curated design that you won’t find at mainstream retailers.
Quality Grade: B+
The brand earns a B+ for its consistent use of premium materials like kiln-dried hardwoods, high-density foam, and performance fabrics. Traditional construction techniques such as eight-way hand-tied springs and dovetail joinery ensure most pieces are built for longevity. It falls just short of an A due to manufacturing in both the U.S. and overseas, which can introduce minor inconsistencies, and because some delicate finishes require careful maintenance.
Value Grade: B
Within the luxury market, Lillian August provides a solid B-grade value. You are receiving a well-crafted, beautifully designed product that stands out. The price reflects its designer status and custom options. However, it's not a brand for bargain hunters, the value is tied directly to your appreciation of its unique aesthetic and willingness to pay extra for it.
More Quality Brands Like Lillian August
If you appreciate Lillian August's commitment to high-end design and quality craftsmanship, here are other brands with similar standards that are worth exploring:
Baker Furniture
Often considered an heirloom-quality brand, Baker operates at a similar or higher price point than Lillian August. They are renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship, collaborations with world-class designers, and timeless pieces that utilize traditional techniques like marquetry and hand-carving.
Shop now at bakerfurniture.com
Century Furniture
Known for its vast customization options, Century offers high-end, American-made furniture. Like Lillian August, they allow for a high degree of personalization in fabrics and finishes, and their construction quality (hardwood frames, premium suspension systems) is built to last for decades.
Shop now at centuryfurniture.com
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
MG+BW offers a more modern-luxe aesthetic but shares a commitment to quality construction, particularly in upholstery. They use kiln-dried hardwood frames, durable suspension systems, and offer a wide array of premium fabrics, making them a great alternative for comfortable yet stylish high-end furniture.
Shop now at mgbwhome.com
Hickory Chair
With a legacy of over 100 years, Hickory Chair is another premier American manufacturer known for its bench-made furniture. They specialize in timeless, classic designs and offer exceptional craftsmanship that is intended to be passed down through generations - a true heirloom-quality option.
Shop now at hickorychair.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Is all Lillian August furniture made in the USA?
No, not exclusively. While Lillian August's design work is U.S.-based and many of its high-end custom pieces are manufactured domestically, the brand also sources components and fully finished products from overseas, including factories in China and Vietnam. This global sourcing model is common in the industry but can lead to slight variations.
How long does Lillian August furniture last?
With proper care, Lillian August furniture is built to last for many years. Well-maintained upholstered pieces often look great for 5-10 years of moderate use, and solid wood case goods can last for decades. Its lifespan aligns with expectations for luxury furniture, though it is not indestructible and requires care to maintain its appearance.
Is Lillian August considered a luxury brand?
Yes, absolutely. Lillian August is positioned as a high-end, luxury brand in the home furnishings market. Its price points, designer collaborations, use of premium materials, and availability through design showrooms place it in the same competitive category as other luxury names like Baker, Henredon, and Century Furniture.
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