If you're furnishing your home in the Novi, Michigan area, Ashley Furniture (often called Ashley HomeStore) is a popular destination. Located at 42950 W 12 Mile Rd, the Novi store offers a wide range of living room, bedroom, and dining room furniture. But before you head over, here’s what you need to know to make smart choices and avoid common pitfalls. This guide covers sizing, materials, delivery, and more—so you can shop with confidence.
1. Measure Your Space Before You Shop
The biggest mistake shoppers make is not measuring their room and doorways. Ashley Furniture in Novi has a large showroom, but what looks good in the store may not fit your home.
- Measure the room: Note length, width, and height. Also measure any doorways, hallways, and staircases the furniture must pass through.
- Bring a tape measure: Use it on display models. Don't rely on the floor tags alone—measure the actual piece.
- Check clearance: For sofas and beds, ensure you have enough walking space (at least 24 inches).
Pro tip: Sketch a floor plan with dimensions. This helps you visualize how different pieces will fit together.
2. Understand Furniture Materials and Construction
Ashley Furniture offers a range of price points, and materials vary. Knowing what you're paying for helps you choose wisely.
- Frame: Look for solid wood or plywood frames. Avoid particleboard for high-use items like sofas or beds.
- Upholstery: Leather is often bonded leather (a mix of real leather and polyurethane). It's less durable than top-grain leather. Fabric options like microfiber or polyester are easier to clean.
- Cushions: High-resilience foam with a density of at least 1.8 lb/ft³ holds up better. Ask if cushions are glued or removable (removable covers make cleaning easier).
- Joinery: Dovetail joints or dowel construction are signs of quality. Staples and glue are less durable.
Red flag: If the price seems too good, check the warranty. Many Ashley pieces have a 1-year limited warranty. Extended warranties are available but read the fine print.
3. Delivery and Assembly: What to Expect
The Novi store offers delivery, but there are details to consider.
- Delivery fee: Typically $89–$129 depending on order size and distance. Ask if it includes room of choice and debris removal.
- Assembly: Many items come partially assembled. Full assembly may cost extra (around $50–$100 per piece). You can also hire a local handyman or do it yourself.
- Timeline: In-stock items often ship within 1–2 weeks. Custom orders can take 4–8 weeks. Always confirm availability before purchasing.
Tip: Inspect the furniture upon delivery. Note any damage on the delivery receipt before the driver leaves. Ashley has a return policy (usually 30 days), but large items may incur a restocking fee.
4. Avoid Common Shopping Mistakes
Even experienced shoppers can fall into these traps.
- Ignoring comfort: Don't just look—sit on sofas, lie on mattresses, and open drawers. Spend at least 10 minutes testing a piece.
- Overlooking fabric care: Check the cleaning code (W, S, WS, or X). For homes with kids or pets, choose a W or WS fabric that can be cleaned with water.
- Rushing sales: Ashley often runs promotions like “0% financing” or “free delivery.” Read the terms. Financing may require a store credit card with deferred interest.
- Not comparing prices: Check other stores like IKEA, Rooms to Go, or local Novi boutiques for similar items. Ashley's prices are often mid-range; you might find better value elsewhere.
5. Real-World Shopping Tips for Novi
Based on local shopper experiences, here are actionable steps:
- Weekday visits: The store is busiest on weekends. Go Tuesday–Thursday for more attentive staff.
- Bring photos: Take pictures of your current room and any inspiration. Sales associates can better match styles.
- Ask about clearance: The back of the store often has floor models or discontinued items at 30–50% off. Inspect for wear.
- Check online inventory: The Ashley Furniture website shows stock at the Novi store. Call ahead to confirm availability of specific items.
Finally, don't feel pressured to buy same-day. Take photos of tags (including model numbers) and research reviews at home. A good deal today will likely be available again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Ashley Furniture Novi offer price matching?
A: Ashley does not generally price match competitors, but they may adjust prices if the same item goes on sale within 30 days of purchase. Ask the store manager.
Q: What is the return policy?
A: You have 30 days from delivery to return items. There is a 10–15% restocking fee for non-defective returns. Mattresses and clearance items are final sale.
Q: Can I finance with bad credit?
A: Ashley offers a store credit card through Synchrony Bank. Approval depends on credit history. There are also third-party financing options like Affirm or Klarna online.
Q: Is assembly service worth it?
A: For complex items like entertainment centers or bunk beds, yes. For simple tables or chairs, DIY is easy. Ask the store for assembly instructions beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Ashley Furniture in Novi, Michigan, is a solid option for mid-range furniture, but don't go in blind. Measure everything, understand materials, and plan for delivery. By following the tips above, you'll avoid common mistakes and bring home pieces that fit your space and lifestyle. Happy shopping!