Since 1985, Bothell Furniture has been a mainstay in downtown Bothell, and a recent move to a larger building just four blocks away has allowed it to spread its wings. The store’s salespeople have distinguished themselves by their knowledge and expertise. They buy carefully selected individual pieces of furniture rather than container loads of cheap imports, and they pride themselves not only on their relationships with customers, relationships that sometimes span generations, but also with furniture designers, builders, and manufacturers.
A down-to-earth showroom where either music hums in the background or a TV broadcasts local channels and sports games make the atmosphere low-stress. Many furniture stores feel like car dealerships with high pressure sales, but not Bothell Furniture. You will receive a friendly greeting upon arrival but left alone for browsing.
Scott Susott and Jared Holeman purchased Bothell Furniture in 2007 from the original owner. Susott joined the company in 1987, and Holeman started in 1993. This type of long-term employee retention can be seen across the board, from the delivery team with 19 years of experience to the office manager, Kim Sundal, who has worked for Bothell Furniture for 18 years. The employees like their work, and that always speaks well of a company.
Bothell Furniture caters to how we live in the Northwest. According to Susott and Holeman, that means furniture which is functional, architecturally clean, and built to last. You’ll find American made pieces in the transitional, Mission, and Craftsman styles.
The store carries Western Heritage by master craftsman Tim Mclellan, whom you may know as a finalist from the first season of Ellen’s Design Challenge on HGTV.
You’ll also find Simply Amish products. Susott and Holeman quickly point out the title “Amish” represents a way of making furniture and not a style. Yes, Amish people really do make this furniture. You can choose multiple types of wood and stain options, which means many of the pieces are customizable.
You’ll also find Flexsteel sofas and chairs, another well-established American company, with over 1,500 fabric options. New to the store: Biltwell, which provides an option with its mid-century modern style of fabric sofas. Sprinkled throughout the showroom are a few local designers and builders as well.
Hands down, Susott and Holeman both love Western Heritage for its impeccable designs and Simply Amish for the quality of wood. Another favorite is the special events they produce called “Meet the Builders,” which gives designers and builders an opportunity to come out and talk with customers and interested buyers. Last summer, store representatives visited Amish craftsmen in Illinois to watch them at work. That was in exchange for an earlier visit here.
“The Amish don’t fly,” Scott said, about one of their past events with Simply Amish. “They took a train. So for them to come out here is a big deal. Plus they’re not building anything while they’re gone. That shows integrity. Try and find that story in another furniture store.”
Photographed by Shannon Black
18811 Bothell Way NE, Bothell
425.486.5833 | bothellfurniture.com
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