When you’re shopping for furniture that feels like it was built to last-solid wood, thoughtful details, timeless design-you’ve probably landed on Ethan Allen. But here’s the thing: Ethan Allen isn’t the only brand that delivers on craftsmanship, comfort, and style. If you’re looking for something similar but maybe more affordable, more modern, or just different in vibe, there are plenty of options that match up in quality and presence.
Why People Choose Ethan Allen
Ethan Allen has been around since 1932. That’s over 90 years of making furniture that doesn’t look like it came from a warehouse. Their pieces are built with solid hardwoods like cherry, maple, and walnut. The joinery? Dovetails and mortise-and-tenon. The finishes? Hand-rubbed, not sprayed. You don’t just buy a dresser-you buy something that can be passed down.
They also offer full-service design. Walk into a store, and a designer will help you pick colors, fabrics, and layouts that work for your space. It’s not just selling furniture-it’s selling a home. That’s why people stick with them. But it comes at a price. A solid wood dining table can run $3,000 or more. That’s why many shoppers start looking around.
1. Stickley: American Craftsmanship, Same Roots
If Ethan Allen feels like your grandfather’s living room, Stickley feels like your great-grandfather’s. Founded in 1900, Stickley is one of the original American Arts and Crafts brands. Their furniture is handcrafted in upstate New York using quarter-sawn oak and traditional joinery. No particleboard. No veneers. Just solid wood, sanded by hand, finished with natural oils.
Stickley’s pieces are heavier, more rustic, and less polished than Ethan Allen’s. Think exposed joinery, hand-hammered hardware, and a matte finish that ages beautifully. If you want furniture that looks like it was made in a workshop-not a factory-Stickley is the closest match. Prices are similar: a solid oak dining table starts around $2,800.
2. Hickory Chair: Luxury with a Southern Soul
Based in North Carolina, Hickory Chair has been making high-end furniture since 1911. They’re known for custom upholstery, hand-carved wood, and fabrics you won’t find anywhere else. Their designs are more elegant and ornate than Ethan Allen’s, with curved legs, tufted backs, and intricate moldings.
Want a velvet Chesterfield sofa with brass nailhead trim? Hickory Chair makes it. Want a walnut sideboard with hand-painted details? They’ve got that too. The difference? Hickory Chair is more about bespoke luxury than mass-market consistency. You can’t just walk in and buy off the floor. You order custom, and the wait is 12-16 weeks. But if you want something truly unique, it’s worth it. Prices start at $4,000 for a sofa.
3. Kravet: The Designer’s Secret
Most people don’t know Kravet by name, but interior designers do. Kravet isn’t a furniture brand-it’s a wholesale supplier for designers. But their in-house line, Kravet Furniture, is just as good as anything from Ethan Allen. Their pieces blend traditional and modern styles, with clean lines, rich woods, and luxe fabrics.
What makes Kravet different? They offer a wider range of styles. You can find a mid-century credenza next to a French provincial armoire. Their finishes are more contemporary, with matte blacks, brushed brass, and weathered oak. They also have a strong focus on sustainability, using FSC-certified wood and low-VOC finishes.
Prices are competitive. A solid wood console table runs $1,200-$1,800. You can’t buy directly from Kravet unless you’re a designer-but many online retailers carry their line, including Chairish and 1stdibs.
4. Lexington Home Brands: The Balanced Choice
Lexington is often called the “other” American furniture giant. They’ve been around since 1919 and make furniture that sits right between Ethan Allen’s traditional style and modern trends. Their pieces are well-built, with solid wood frames and quality upholstery.
Lexington offers more variety in finishes and colors. You’ll find navy blue sofas, white oak bookshelves, and even painted pieces in soft pastels. Their “Heritage” collection is almost identical in style to Ethan Allen’s classic lines. The biggest difference? Lexington’s pricing is often 15-20% lower. A similar dining set might cost $2,200 instead of $2,800.
They also have a strong online presence and frequent sales. If you want Ethan Allen quality without the Ethan Allen price tag, Lexington is your best bet.
5. Broyhill: Classic American Value
Broyhill has been making furniture since 1904. They’re not as flashy as Ethan Allen, but they’ve built a reputation for durability and consistency. Their “Broyhill Signature” line uses solid hardwoods and features the same dovetail joinery you’d find in higher-end brands.
What sets Broyhill apart? They’re one of the few brands that still manufacture in the U.S.-in North Carolina. Their pieces are designed to last 20+ years. The finishes are durable, the fabrics are stain-resistant, and the frames are reinforced. You won’t find the same level of hand-rubbed detail as Ethan Allen, but you get 90% of the quality for 60% of the price.
A Broyhill solid wood bedroom set starts at $1,500. That’s half the cost of a comparable Ethan Allen set. If you’re looking for practical, long-lasting furniture without the luxury markup, Broyhill is a smart pick.
6. Floyd: Modern, Modular, and Mindful
If you’re drawn to Ethan Allen for the quality but want something more modern, Floyd is the alternative you didn’t know you needed. Floyd builds furniture that’s designed to last, but in a minimalist, modular way. Their pieces are made from solid hardwood, steel, and recycled materials.
What’s unique? Everything is flat-pack and easy to assemble. You can rearrange a Floyd sofa, add a shelf, or swap out legs. Their “Table One” dining table is made from reclaimed oak and ships in two pieces. No tools needed. It’s not traditional, but it’s built like a tank.
Floyd doesn’t do ornate carvings or velvet upholstery. But if you value simplicity, sustainability, and smart design, their pieces hold up just as well over time. Prices range from $800 for a side table to $2,500 for a full dining set.
How to Decide: What Matters Most to You?
Not all furniture is made the same. Here’s what to ask yourself:
- Do you want tradition or modernity? Stickley and Hickory Chair lean classic. Floyd and Kravet lean contemporary.
- Are you willing to wait? Hickory Chair and custom Stickley pieces take months. Ethan Allen and Lexington usually ship in 4-8 weeks.
- Is customization important? Hickory Chair and Kravet let you pick fabric, wood, and finish. Ethan Allen and Lexington have fixed options.
- Do you care about U.S. manufacturing? Stickley, Hickory Chair, Lexington, and Broyhill all make their furniture in the U.S. Many Ethan Allen pieces are now made overseas.
- What’s your budget? Ethan Allen and Hickory Chair are premium. Lexington and Broyhill offer similar quality at lower prices.
What You Should Avoid
Not every brand that says “solid wood” actually means it. Watch out for:
- “Solid wood frame with veneer panels”-that’s not the same as solid wood throughout.
- “Engineered wood” or “MDF core”-these are cheaper materials that swell with moisture.
- “Hand-finished” without details-some brands use the word to sound premium, but the finish is just sprayed on.
Always ask: “Is the entire piece made from solid wood?” If they hesitate, walk away.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Ethan Allen to Get Ethan Allen Quality
You don’t need to pay Ethan Allen prices to get Ethan Allen quality. Brands like Lexington, Broyhill, and Stickley offer the same durability, craftsmanship, and timeless design-sometimes better. Floyd brings modern innovation without sacrificing strength. Kravet gives you designer-level options without the designer markup.
What matters isn’t the name on the tag. It’s the wood, the joinery, the finish, and how it feels in your home. Test the drawers. Sit on the sofa. Run your hand over the surface. If it feels substantial, if it looks like it’ll still be around in 20 years, you’ve found your match.
Is Ethan Allen furniture worth the price?
Ethan Allen furniture is worth the price if you value traditional craftsmanship, full-service design, and a lifetime warranty. But if you’re looking for similar quality at a lower cost, brands like Lexington, Broyhill, and Stickley offer nearly identical durability and materials for 20-40% less.
Are Ethan Allen pieces made in the USA?
Some Ethan Allen pieces are still made in the U.S., especially in their custom and hardwood lines. But many of their lower-priced items are now manufactured overseas, particularly in Vietnam and China. Always ask where a specific piece is made before buying.
Which brand has the best upholstery quality?
Hickory Chair leads in upholstery quality with custom fabrics, hand-tufted details, and high-density foam. Kravet and Lexington follow closely with durable, stain-resistant options. Ethan Allen’s upholstery is good, but not as customizable or luxurious as Hickory Chair’s.
Can I find Ethan Allen alternatives online?
Yes. Lexington and Broyhill have strong online stores with full collections. Kravet pieces are sold through retailers like Chairish and 1stdibs. Floyd ships nationwide directly. Stickley and Hickory Chair require in-store consultations, but many dealers offer virtual design services.
What’s the most affordable alternative to Ethan Allen?
Broyhill is the most affordable alternative with comparable build quality. Their Signature line uses solid hardwood and traditional joinery at prices 40-50% lower than Ethan Allen. A full bedroom set can be found for under $2,000.
ravi kumar
February 3, 2026 AT 13:16I bought a Broyhill dresser last year and it’s still holding up perfect. No warping, no creaking. I was scared it’d feel cheap since it was half the price of Ethan Allen, but nope. Solid wood, smooth drawers, just feels right. Honestly? I’m glad I skipped the premium brand.