December 3, 2004

Table Manners

Pearl Furniture

Getting catalogs used to be a break from the bills.

Until reams of images of overpriced sectionals and shabbily chic bookshelves began to spread like fungus in your mailbox.

If you’re looking for a cushy couch but can’t bear to support the Barn and Barrel bulk senders, head to Pearl Furniture. Interior Designer Kim Tepper opened this showroom in the SoGO District (south of Grand and Ogden, silly) after struggling to outfit her own pad with quality — and affordable — furniture.

Pearl is by appointment only, which means you get Tepper’s undivided attention. And all pieces come straight from manufacturers — ordered specifically for you. The 35 design houses she deals with are the same ones that stock C&B, PB, and Restoration Hardware. But Pearl gives you more fabric and finish options than you’d get from the big guys.

Best part: You’ll pay as much as 60 percent less.

Which will make your bill-filled mailbox a much happier place again.

Pearl Furniture, 1438 West Kinzie Street, at West Armour Place (312-491-0400 or pearlfurniture.com). By appointment only.