Children's Furniture - Chicago,IL

I second the commenter who recommended "Baby Bargains". It has a good intro to kids' furniture lines.

Have you visited a quality children's furniture store? I'm not sure exactly where you're located, but there are two in the Chicago area that I know of: Lazar's in Lincolnwood and Lil Deb-n-Heir in Naperville. Both have been around for YEARS and have very knowledgable salespeople who don't pressure you. Even if you don't buy anything from them, seeing furniture in person is always helpful as you can see how sturdy they feel. Plus they carry a lot of really quality brands and can give you info about your options.

We really like our daughter's furniture from Stanley - Young America. Good quality, more expensive, but we plan on her having it forever... We really liked Furniture Kidz where we got it. www.furniturekidz.com

Ditto for Stanley - Young American.

Also, don't know if it can still be found, but the Thomasville line of children's furniture (Vignettes) was a nice brand, too.

We like Stanley. We have it for both kids. Good luck!
www.liasophia.com/staceys

Many of the big name adult furniture makers have youth lines. We had a really nice Thomasville set, Stanley makes a nice inexpensive line which we've had. Go to any of the big furniture stores and you'll see for yourself. Also, if you are looking to save money check out Craig's List. I just sold my Thomasville set there for a fraction of what we originally paid and there are many added daily. (www.craigslist.org).

With both of our children, we went to Room and Board. It is a little pricey upfront, but the furniture is well made, made from real wood, classic and will last a lifetime...if that is what you are looking for.

We purchased bedroom furniture for our three boys from PM Bedroom Gallery. The construction is fantastic and all made in the USA. It has held up exceptionally well considering the rough-and-tumble boys using it! It does cost a little more than standard brands but it is absolutely worth it.

Check out Stanleys young America line. My daughter has the Caroline collection. It's gorgeous and classic. My hope is she will pass it on to her daughter someday.
It's pretty pricey. Whatever you end up getting, Marjens in Niles and Town of Lake in Oak Lawn are competitive. You don't have to go there. I've ordered some pieces from Town of Lake over the phone. They're super easy to deal with. Good luck!

Have you looked at PM Bedroom Gallery? There is one in Naperville, and they have showrooms elsewhere too. You can call for a free catalog, but their furniture looks better in the showroom. Their furniture is high quality and made in the U.S. I haven't bought it myself since it is a little out of my price range, but this is what I would like for my own children.

We've been very happy with the Stanley Young American line. Good luck!

Another vote for the Stanley Young America line. We just bought our daughter's set at Carson's Furniture for 50% off. I think the deal has expired, but I know that Darvin in Orland Park was matching it. You could check there.

While I am unable to give you names of top dealers, I can recommend a book for you: "Baby Bargains".

I love the book because it is a comprehensive review of nearly every essential infant item including furniture. They don't always give the highest recommendation to the cheapest item and are really impartial and objective when it comes to their ratings.

At the very least, you'll learn more about the various furniture dealers/retailers out there and can decide if their products get the grade for you or not.

Baby Bargains should help you. Teh PP mentioned PM Bedroom Gallery. My husband and I purchased our set from there and it is worth every penny, although it cost alot of pennies! They have beautiful children's furniture.

We purchased a whole room full of Stanley, the Young American line and LOVE it!

Ken at "My Family Furniture" on RT 120 in Grayslake is great.