I would start with estate sale. Check the want ads under antiques or estate sales or household or just furniture.
There are amazing buys out there....and very often very very good quality stuff.
When you have to have everything all at once it can be daunting, and often when you go to an auction or tag sale it allows you to say...Oh this will tide me over until I find something better..And sometimes you learn to really love the hunt.
Linda c

Ty I've been to bedroom furniture online link, not bad.

Which brand is better, or are they all good? Also, should I find a designer to decorate the whole house or diy?

Thanks!

Be aware that there are a number of people here who wait for questions, then post a promotion to their own web site (that is against the forum rules, BTW). It may appear you are getting helpful advice from a satisfied customer. Often not. You are getting pitched by people who not only have a less than unbiased opinion but also a vested interest in promoting their wares. Isn't it strange that the same person always directs you to the same site?

Consider that if they are doing this deceptive and unethical promotion, how ethical they are going to be in a transaction buying from them?

So Bobsmyuncle, safe to assume no affiliation to http://www.mybobs.com/ ??

LOL. No association what-so-ever.

I am a sole proprietor running an independent furniture repair business. I started this business after nearly 30 years of serious hobby and semi-professional woodworking (There is a very fine line between 'hobby' and 'mental illness.' -- Dave Barry)

My handle comes from a British expression, see link.

I never promote my business here and I think anyone would be hard pressed to find out what it is.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bob's your uncle.

Ok, so back to the original question...

We're in Boston area/Northshore, and also purchasing furniture for a whole house. We've been to them all...

Basically, I think Jordan's is the best be to get a good lay-of-the-land. They have a huge in-store selection and the furniture is generally good, middle of the road quality: not too cheap (i.e., Bob's, Ashley furniture) and not ridiculously priced (i.e., Cabothouse/Thomasville).

The key to shopping Jordans is looking for the solid-wood stuff (i.e., we bought stuff made by Kincaid 10 years ago from there, and it's still holding up perfect) and trying to buy American-made whenever possible.

You can also try craigslist, especially for the dining room - just go look, the site is cluttered with options. Going that route will allow you to comfortably afford Thomasville, Lexington & Ethan Allen, at "used" prices. Just got to make sure the wear isn't too bad.

How about Boston Interiors? Bernie and Phyl's?