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Vol. LXII, No. 53
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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Vol. LXII, No. 53
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
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 ELEGANT TRADITION: “18th Century American reproduction furniture is our forte,” says Richard Gasior, owner with his wife Donna, of Gasior’s Furniture & Accessories. “It is timeless; it never goes out of style. Those who appreciate fine craftsmanship know it evolved in the 18th Century.” Mr. Gasior is surrounded by a variety of accessories available in the store. |
Marking 30 years in business is a true milestone, and when this has been accomplished with a continuous emphasis on high quality products and superior customer service, it is all the more worthy of celebration.
Gasior’s Furniture & Accessories, at 2152 Route 206 South in Belle Mead, offers a tradition of 18th Century Elegance. Its focus on 18th Century American reproduction furniture has set it apart from other stores, and in the course of 30 years, Gasior’s has earned an honored reputation in its field.
Once upon a time, children attended school in the building that now houses Gasior’s. Opened in 1918, the Harlingen School accommodated grades kindergarten through 12 until the early 1970s, The Gasiors moved in in 1978.
A building with a history is appropriate for Gasior’s, with its specialty on 18th Century American reproduction furniture.
“My wife Donna’s family had a furniture store, and she and I decided to go into a venture of our own,” explains Mr. Gasior. “We thought being near Princeton was a plus for the store. I was especially interested in the history aspect of 18th Century furniture and the quality attributed to this particular period of time.
“I want to stress that in today’s marketplace, we try to maintain American-made products, including from fine manufacturers, such as Baker, Hinkel-Harris, Karges, and Harden,” he continues. “It’s all solid wood, craftsman-made furniture from the U.S., including New York, Indiana, and Virginia. The manufacturers offer various finishes, from wood to painted to inlay. And customers may be surprised to find that the cost of this quality furniture is competitive.”
Timely Today
The furniture is characterized by exceptional craftsmanship, he notes, including dovetail joints, and it is timeless, he adds. “The historic styles of Chippendale, Queen Anne, and Heppelwhite — these are styles that never go out of style. They are as timely today as they were in the 1700s.”
A full array of living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture, and occasional pieces, is on display in sample room settings in the spacious store, which includes two floors.
“With regard to upholstery, we stress comfort,” points out Mr. Gasior. “We offer spring down seat cushions, coil springs, and down and feathers in the cushions. Frames are supported for comfort. Fabrics are an integral part of the overall piece, and we deal with most of the quality fabric manufacturers, such as Brunshwig & Fils, Scalamandre, and Stroheim and Roman.”
Gasior’s also offers a complimentary design service, which has become a big part of the business. “We have three talented designers on staff, who are dedicated and love what they do,” says Mr. Gasior. There are also many fabric samples available at the store.
Country Look
In addition to the basically formal 18th Century reproduction furniture, which often features mahogany, cherry, and walnut woods, Gasior’s carries an assortment of transitional tables and chairs, “Furniture that is between traditional and contemporary, and this is very popular,” explains Mr. Gasior.
Also available is the line of Guy Chaddock furniture, emphasizing a more country look. “It’s solid alder wood, and it’s a country English look, a distressed look,” he says. “It is available in 30 different finishes in bedroom, dining room, and occasional pieces.”
Leather sofas and chairs are favorites at the store, as is the selection of game tables, including flip-top models and traditional with built-in chess and backgammon boards. Complete the setting of the game room or den with one of Gasior’s handsome grandfather clocks and globes “of furniture quality.”
The store is noted for its fine selection of lamps of all kinds in porcelain, bronze, and crystal, and Gasior’s also offers many gift items, such as candlesticks, boxes, decanters, and the ever-popular blue and white porcelain bowls, plates and tureens. Gift items are very reasonably priced, starting at $10.
Gasior’s carries the high-quality Shifman mattresses, which are hand-made in Newark. Exclusive to Gasior’s in the area, they are noted both for comfort and durability.
The store’s selection of needlepoint pillows and framed art are additional attractions for many customers. Art includes oils, prints, and botanicals in assorted themes and sizes. Looking at the art while browsing is part of the pleasure of visiting this handsome store. Customers are never rushed as they try out a leather chair or admire the classic lines of a Heppelwhite sideboard.
Principal’s Office
And while their parents browse, kids can spend time in the store’s playroom (formerly the principal’s office at the school), fully equipped with toys, books, desk, and chalkboard.
It is not surprising that Gasior’s has attracted many regular customers over the years, and from a wide area. “They come from Princeton, as well as all over the state, New York and beyond,” says Mr. Gasior. “I enjoy the fact that people remember us, are satisfied with the furniture, and keep coming back to us.”
He is also very pleased that a second generation of Gasior’s, sons Gregory and Todd, are involved full-time in the business. His wife Donna continues to be active in design and maintaining the layout of the store.
“We all look forward to continuing to provide good quality products and to support the people who manufacture solid wood furniture here in the U.S.,” continues Mr. Gasior. “It makes us happy that people appreciate it.”
And, throughout its years of business, Gasior’s has made a point of giving back to the community. “This has always been important to us, and we especially support the youth of Montgomery Township, including backing basketball and baseball teams, and Scout troops. We want to give back.”
Gasior’s is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday until 8. (908) 874-8383. Website: www.gasiorsfurniture.com.