I would also buy pieces from Thos. Moser.

These would all be chairs, tables or case pieces.

To filter that even further you have to ask for specifics in a category, such as "Who are the top fabric upholstery companies" or "Who are the best leather houses", or "Who builds the best traditional wood case goods?" What you will discover is that companies that offer product in various categories may be very good at making one category, not so good in another.

Would Thos. Moser. be considered a brand or an artisan, or some combination of both?

From what I've been reading, Baker is having some quality problems. I'd choose Hickory White or Harden over Bernhardt. I love Century.

I also like Stickley--they are Craftsman-style predominately but not exclusively.

We have pieces from most of these manufacturers that we purchased over the years that ranged from brand new to previously enjoyed (but well kept). They are all timeless and mix and match quite well together or with various antique pieces we have collected over time as well.

These makers are not inexpensive, but again, are generally timeless IMO.

That top 100 list was certainly not a quality furniture list.

I think it a great, and subjective, question. There are great craft people so I will throw in the caveat of $15 Million minimum in annual sales (I'm guessing here). My list would be:

Top 5 - Hinkle Harris, Century, Stickley, Karges, Francesco Molon & Kittinger (I know it's 6 but I could not eliminate any)

Next 5 - Bausman, Harden, EJ Victor, Hickory Chair, Habersham

Interesting post. These are a few brands that I've purchased for my own home, based upon recommendations from this site. As another poster mentioned, some manufacturers are better based upon the type of piece.
1. Henkel Harris - Dining room, 2 commodes that I use as bedside tables, and 2 chests in the bedroom.
2. Henredon - Aston Court King Sleigh bed
3. Hancock & Moore - Several leather chairs
4. Guy Chaddock - Sideboard that I use in family room to store tech stuff, side tables, kitchen table and 4 chairs
5. Bausmann - counter stools in kitchen & another piece to hold tech stuff in bedroom
6. EJ Victor - sofas in family room and kitchen
7. Stickley - case goods
8. Kravet - ottoman

This site gives great recommendations and I still have several rooms to furnish, so I can't wait to check out some of the other recommendations.

Just like "Billions and Billions Sold" does not mean the highest quality hamburger, large volume manufacturers do not mean high quality.

I see some furniture from a major US brand (who shall remain nameless) who has not gotten a grip on quality since they sent production from USA to China.

And another whose recliner I've owned for 30+ years is nowhere near that quality now.

NOT Landmarks:
- Brand itself. That said, some brands are most likely not going to produce any quality since their mix of price point, scale of manufacturing, materials, type of furnishing, and distribution/delivery chain all militate against quality. Others will produce quality bedroom cabinets but not chairs, or will deliver whatever quality their sub-contractor/manufacturing plants and supply chain can get to them. For the latter, consistency could be an important "signal" (similar to a visual, radio, audio, etc. for a navigational aid). A measure of the signal would be their customer service rating and their public reviews/complaints record.
- Date of purchase. But the typical trend does appear to be "older is better." Cognitive studies have repeatedly demonstrated that memory is not a very good signal, and that there is a human prejudice in favor of the past/"good ol' days."
- Style (traditional, casual, modern/contemporary, urban, etc.) may not be as much of a landmark as another signal.
- Location of its manufacture may also not be as much a landmark as a signal. And perhaps WRT to the manufacturing and distribution/delivery processes (design, production, oversight, etc.). "Dirty water can still flow trough a clean pipe" as the saying goes. And even some clean water can flow trough a dirty pipe, but may be less likely and will be harder to obtain.
- Finally, retailer (company brand store, local retailer, retail chains like Room and Board or Crate and Barrel, Internet?, etc.) may also be only a signal.

Anyone agree or disagree?

For items that are decorative and I don't want to spend too much: Lexington, Hooker, Moosehead (VT, no longer in business, too bad!), Ethan Allen

I am sure i have others but I pretty much stay with the ones I have listed because they are easily found without having to pay access to the trade.

1. Herman Miller
2. Knoll Studio
3. Vitsoe
4. Cassina
5. USM Haller
6. Vitra
7. Fritz Hansen

We now are looking to buy quality dining room chairs that are timeless, but more importantly, will LAST through daily use for at least one generation. I don't mind paying money for chairs, but don't want to pay $700+ per chair and they fall apart.

Any advice on the "anatomy" of a good chair? We are traditional, but could go transitional. Timeless style is what I lean towards. Is it the wood type? glued? screwed? What should I look for?

Thank you in advance. I will look at all brands referenced in the post, but if there is any info on what will make one chair last longer than another chair, that would be helpful information.

1) I'm suprised no one has mentioned Ceccotti here. Probably hands down the most original and highest quality modern furniture in the world.
2) Vintage G. Nakashima. $$$$ absolutely timeless.
3) Poltrona Frau. Gorgeous styles and high quality.
4) De La Espada. Reasonable yet unique.
5) Ligne Roset.
6) Cassina.