Our Approach
At Braden’s, we believe the best furniture decisions start with understanding—not pressure. Whether you’re visiting our Knoxville or Maryville showroom or researching from home, these guides walk you through what matters most—in this order:
- Lifestyle + room scale (kids/pets, traffic flow, usage)
- Comfort (seat depth/height, cushion feel, support)
- Construction (frame, suspension, cushions, finish, hardware)
- Materials and customization (fabric/leather, wood, finish, configuration)
Start with a buying guide below, browse our knowledge base, or explore the glossary to get familiar with the terms you’ll encounter.
Start Here
Buying Guides
Sofa & Sectional Guide
Room measurements, seat comfort, construction, materials, and ordering—the 10 decisions that matter when choosing a sofa or sectional.
Read the GuideLeather Guide
Aniline vs. semi-aniline vs. protected, patina expectations, color strategy, and care—everything you need to pick the right leather.
Read the GuideHeirloom Wood Guide
Wood movement, joinery, solid vs. veneer, drawer construction, and finish quality—how to evaluate wood furniture beyond ‘solid wood.’
Read the GuideDining Room Guide
Table shapes, clearances, chair comfort, finish strategy, and custom programs—plan a dining set that fits your room and how you entertain.
Read the GuideOutdoor Materials Guide
Aluminum vs. wicker vs. teak, finishes, cushion fabrics, and seasonal care—invest in outdoor pieces that hold up season after season.
Read the GuideErgonomic Seating Guide
Fit fundamentals, sizing, motion features, common comfort problems, and warranty—find seating that supports your body for the long haul.
Read the GuideMore Resources
Knowledge & Reference
Furniture Knowledge Base
Expert answers to the questions that matter—from spring systems and cushion fills to outdoor materials and dining dimensions. Browse by topic.
Browse QuestionsFurniture Glossary
Quick definitions for the terms you’ll encounter while shopping—mortise-and-tenon, eight-way hand-tied, performance fabric, and more.
View GlossaryOur Brands
The manufacturers we’ve chosen to carry and why. Construction details, what each brand does best, and who they’re right for.
Explore BrandsThe Art of Quality Furniture
A visual overview of what separates quality furniture from the rest—materials, construction, design, finishes, and durability signals.
Read MoreStill Have Questions?
Whether you’re just starting to research or ready to narrow your options, bring room dimensions and a few photos to our Knoxville or Maryville showroom. We’ll help you dial in scale, layout, and materials—no pressure, just answers.
Est in 1956
With nearly seven decades of experience, we’ve built our name on craftsmanship, care, and a deep understanding of what makes a house feel like home.
Designed for Life
We choose every piece for its lasting quality, timeless style, and ability to bring comfort and character to everyday living.
People first, always
From the way we design to the way we serve, we put people at the heart of everything we do.