--- title: "Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design — Furniture & Accessories | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/walter-e-smithe-furniture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~277593591 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~277593591.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design" category: ["Furniture & Accessories"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9b33a40b02b49899_7092-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1251 W Thorndale Ave, Itasca, Illinois 60143, United States" latitude: 41.972 longitude: -88.0202 phone: "(630) 694-6736" website: http://www.smithe.com rating: 3.9 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 124 last_updated: 2026-08-25 --- # Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design Original Houzz profile: [Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/walter-e-smithe-furniture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~277593591) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Furniture & Accessories - **Location:** Itasca, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Wheaton, Elmhurst, Lombard, Bartlett, Carol Stream, Streamwood, Park Ridge, Hanover Park, Addison, Glendale Heights, Elk Grove Village, Glen Ellyn, West Chicago, Melrose Park, Rolling Meadows, Maywood, Roselle, Villa Park, Bloomingdale, Bensenville, Bellwood, Franklin Park, Hinsdale, Westchester, Prospect Heights, Norridge, Wood Dale, Warrenville, La Grange Park, Northlake, Schiller Park, River Grove, Winfield, Oak Brook, Broadview, Inverness, North Riverside, South Barrington, Stone Park, Rosemont, Oakbrook Terrace, Amf Ohare - **Houzz rating:** 3.9 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - 1,000 Ideabook Saves SINCE 1945 We design for you. If you need a little help or a lot, our designers are here to help. Complimentary. You can find it here. Your style, your budget, over 200 brands, on trend. It's built right for you. We work with quality brands you can trust, so you can just relax and enjoy. We'll stand behind it. If it's made right, it should last. Service doesn't stop at delivery. ### Services Provided - Custom Furniture - Furniture Sales - Furniture Delivery - Custom Rugs - Lighting Sales - Outdoor Furniture Sales - Custom Table - Antique Restoration - Custom Pool Tables ### Areas Served - Chicago - Aurora - Naperville - Schaumburg - Arlington Heights - Palatine - Des Plaines - Mount Prospect - Wheaton - Elmhurst - Lombard - Bartlett - Carol Stream - Streamwood - Park Ridge - Hanover Park - Addison - Glendale Heights - Elk Grove Village - Glen Ellyn - West Chicago - Melrose Park - Rolling Meadows - Maywood - Roselle - Villa Park - Bloomingdale - Bensenville - Bellwood - Franklin Park - Hinsdale - Westchester - Prospect Heights - Norridge - Wood Dale - Warrenville - La Grange Park - Northlake - Schiller Park - River Grove - Winfield - Oak Brook - Broadview - Inverness - North Riverside - South Barrington - Stone Park - Rosemont - Oakbrook Terrace - Amf Ohare ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design | | Address | 1251 W Thorndale Ave, Itasca, Illinois 60143, United States | | Phone | (630) 694-6736 | | Website | http://www.smithe.com | | Followers on Houzz | 124 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/walteresmithe?ref=hl ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/walter-e-smithe-furniture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~277593591) - **Website:** http://www.smithe.com - **Phone:** (630) 694-6736 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2019), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 3.9 out of 5 — 13 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 23.0 - Communication: 20.0 - Value: 23.0 ### Reviews **★ — ssj168, July 2026** > I rarely leave negative reviews, but my experience with WES has been extremely disappointing from start to finish. > > When I placed my order, I was not informed of the actual lead times until after I had already paid. The majority of my furniture took approximately seven months to arrive, and the matching chests took more than ten months. I had originally expected to have the furniture before Christmas, but instead spent nearly a year waiting. > > Unfortunately, the delays were only the beginning. The original coffee table arrived defective and had to be returned twice before I finally received an acceptable piece. After waiting more than ten months for the chests, both arrived defective as well. WES delivered the damaged chests back to me as temporary loaners while replacements are supposedly being made, but I have still not received a timeline for when those replacements will actually arrive. > > The quality of several pieces has also been disappointing. Before purchasing, I expressed concerns that the fabric on the back of the swivel chairs did not appear durable enough, and I was assured it would hold up. It is already fraying. I also questioned whether the three-legged side table would be stable, and I was told it would not tip over. In reality, it falls over regularly when my dog or five-year-old simply walks past it. > > To make matters worse, the delivery team dropped the chests while bringing them into my home, leaving marks on my floor. > > What has been most frustrating is the lack of communication and accountability throughout the process. Given the repeated delays, multiple defective pieces, delivery damage, and quality concerns, I expected WES to proactively acknowledge the situation and make a meaningful effort to make it right. That has not happened. > > I lead a sales organization myself, and if one of my customers experienced this level of service, I would be doing everything possible to restore their confidence. Instead, I have spent months following up, waiting for updates, and dealing with issue after issue. > > The furniture is beautiful when it arrives in acceptable condition, but based on my experience, I cannot recommend WES. If you're considering purchasing from them, be prepared for potentially very long lead times, inconsistent quality control, and a customer service experience that falls well short of what you would expect for premium furniture. **★★★★★ — Lisa Staub, June 2026** > HIghly recommend! > > Nichole was so nice to work with and did a great job helping us choose our bedroom furniture. > > Delivery exceeded expectations! Cristian S. and Santos were friendly, respectful, and so careful not only with our new furniture but also when moving our old. Before they left they wanted to be sure we were happy with everything, and again just so kind. This company is very lucky to have them. **★ — HU-159843327, Aug. 2021** > DO NOT SHOT HERE. This is the WORST company I have ever worked with! We ordered a white couch in 2020 at an Illinois suburb store. The attendant at the store was extremely helpful in finding us our dream couch and helped us customize the couch over a few hours. He also mentioned that they have a great product to prevent stains called SmitheKote. This sounded great to us because we knew we wanted a white couch and wanted to avoid stains as best as possible. We mentioned several times how thankful we were for the SmitheKote product and to make sure it was included in our couch. When our couch was finally delivered - the wooden leg was bent. We also had a stain on the couch the second week in - we called the service desk to ask how to remove the stain - at which point they informed us we did NOT have SmitheKote. We called our attendant at the store more than 5 times to ask what had happened but he never returned our calls. Eventually we were escalated for additional support where the support person made fun of us for choosing a white couch "I would never buy a white couch that might get stained". Finally, someone was sent out to our house to spray our couch - at full cost including travel time. Now over a year later, we called the company to see how to clean the couch to not affect our warranty and ruin the SmitheKote product. We were informed we DO NOT have SmitheKote - even though our couch was absolutely sprayed. We were then told that Walter E. Smithe does not provide guideance on how to clean their couches and to call a different cleaning store. All I wanted to know was how to avoid breaking the warranty.... and instead I was told they couldn't help. > > We absolutely do not recommend working with this company... you will regret it :( **★ — Sunagel + Associates LLC, Feb. 2021** > I had contacted Walter E. Smithe through their website inquiring about pieces of furniture I was interested in possibly purchasing. > > I was contacted by Christine Hoffman (a designer at their Lincoln Park Showroom) that same evening. We spoke on the phone for a bit about my residence and plans for future furniture needs. I told her that I would follow up the next day (Saturday) with an email about the pieces I was interested in. > > I sent her that email thanking her for her time and looked forward to hearing back with her thoughts on some of the selections I was interested in. > > I didn't hear back from her for over a week, so I followed up with another email where she responded that she didn't get the original email (which was forwarded back to her) and that she would be back in touch after she reviewed my email and selections. > > It has now been 3 weeks with no response, and my subsequent email requesting a response came back with notice that my "email address has been blocked". I'm not sure what to make of that? **Comment from Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design:** > Thank you for reaching out! > > Christine is actually no longer with the company, as of recently, which is likely why the address was blocked. Our designers are instructed to turn over any projects before they leave, but it sounds like she did not. Our sincere apologies! > > I would be happy to connect you with a senior staff member at that location to answer questions and help with your selections if you would like. Please just let me know the best way to contact you, and I will have someone follow up ASAP. > > Again, I'm sorry for the poor experience, that is not what we want any of our clients to have when working with our company. > > Best, > > Carrie M., Online Marketing Manager > carriem@smithe.com **★★★ — Lindsey Fisher, June 2018** > I ordered four pieces of bedroom furniture off their catalog. The furniture wasn't as expected, but they have agreed to exchange my items for new furniture. **★★★★★ — ashachicago, Oct. 2015** > Walter E Smithe has been great in terms of their customer service! The original sofa I ordered, I did not like.....the cushions had too much down in it, which caused excess wrinkling. They were completely gracious and generous in the exchange...not only did they let me do an exchange for a custom sofa, but they added 250 extra dollars to spend. AND, I was able to keep the existing sofa till my new sofa was delivered! Not only do they have great stuff but they really do want to make their customers happy!!! **Comment from Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design:** > Thank you for your review - We are happy that you are happy! **★★★★★ — Meghan Clarke, Aug. 2015** > My entire house is furnished with Walter E. Smithe - from our rugs to our furniture to our artwork - even our drapes and accessories! The designs and the furniture we ended up with surpassed our expectations. We couldn't be happier with the experience of shopping there and the subsequent service. If you are looking to furnish a home in the Chicago area, you must shop here! **Comment from Walter E. Smithe Furniture and Design:** > Thank you, Meghan! We'd love to see pictures of your finished rooms! **★★★★★ — dkowalski87, July 2015** > IN LOVE with my furniture as well as overall service from Walter E Smithe!! We purchased a sectional, ottoman and area rug for my new home. I had such a great experience and appreciated the patience of the designer to help me figure out what I really needed and wanted, because I really wasn't sure. Comfort was a big factor, but I wanted a sleek look to the room... Well, we accomplished that and more!! And I can't say enough about the Smithekote! My 2l month old granddaughter was over Saturday and my son gave her a cheetos while she was sitting on my new sofa!! Low and behold, I got a wet rag and it came right off!! > I have to also add on how great the delivery drivers were... so courteous and kind.. helped me figure out which way I wanted my area rug around the sofa, etc. Good guys.. > I highly recommend Smithe in a second... You won't find the quality, service as well as value anywhere else in this area... I have shopped around a lot and can tell you this as fact!! Thank you to the whole cast and crew...you are all great people! **★★★★★ — ddmramirez, Nov. 2014** > I have bought several items from Kathryn Garcia. She is very knowledgeable about the products and services at Walter E. Smithe. Kathryn is passionate in helping me find amazing pieces to compliment my home. I have the utmost confidence in her ability, dedication, and willingness to assist me complete any home project. Kathryn Garcia can take some furniture pieces, wall art, curtains, rugs, and creativity and transform any room! **★★★★★ — Katie Snickars, Nov. 2014** > We just moved into a new home and used the design services of Carrie Miko to help furnish our dining room, home office, and kitchen. We couldn't have been happier with the end result. From consulting to delivery we were super happy with our Walter E Smithe experience. Carrie helped us to find the perfect farmhouse table, helped us with measurements and even did a virtual placement of how the table and chairs would look in our room. Every piece of wood furniture in our home is from Walter E Smithe and has upheld so well. **★★★★★ — lanivab, Nov. 2014** > We used the design service of Eliza Diederich at Walter E Smith to decorate our lake home. Not only did she help us choose furniture and accessories that were perfect for us and the spaces we were decorating, she also helped us choose paint colors that gave our lake home a "wow" factor. It was great working with her. She is professional and always took our budget and personal taste into consideration. We love the spaces Eliza has helped us create. **★★★★★ — mckernant, Nov. 2014** > The Smithe team has done an excellent job for me over the years. They effortlessly pull together the perfect mix of furniture, accessories, etc, give excellent recommendations on paint colors, everything I need to make my house a home I can feel comfortable in and be proud of. > > The team are so considerate, never pushy and come to treat you like family! I always go back to Smithe whenever I am considering a change! ## Selected projects - [North Wheaton Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-wheaton-makeover-pj-vj~5989302) - Location: Wheaton, IL - Photos: 23 - Description: Walter E. Smithe Furniture designer Mary Ellen created a home the beautifully blends modern and traditional elements in a wonderfully timeless way. The home has an open concept kitchen, dining room, and family room/great room as well as an enclosed living room and sunroom. The entryway is such a style statement as well. - [Wheaton, Illinois Home Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wheaton-illinois-home-makeover-pj-vj~3533840) - Location: Wheaton, IL - Photos: 31 - [Gold Coast Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gold-coast-makeover-pj-vj~2678014) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 39 - [Room Inspirations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/room-inspirations-pj-vj~2098455) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 47 - Description: We invite you to browse some of our current favorite looks and be inspired to design your next room. Stop into a Smithe showroom today to see it in person. Every style, every room, you'll find it at Walter E. Smithe. - [Elmhurst Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmhurst-makeover-pj-vj~2696305) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: Designed by Oak Brook designer Mary Ellen Wilson - [Lincoln Park Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-park-makeover-pj-vj~2678048) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: A Lincoln Park Makeover Story: From Bachelor Pad to Lincoln Park Luxe Reid and Azure Lappin's story is one we can all relate to - meet and marry the love of your life, then struggle to blend your unique styles when it comes time to move in together. The Lappin's townhome was filled with Reid's parent's hand-me-downs, and some rather eccentric art. It was a time capsule representing years of bachelor-hood and living with his brother. Azure's more contemporary style was absent from the home. Smith… - [Northfield Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/northfield-makeover-pj-vj~2678365) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: The Santostefano Family Makeover Story: From Downton Duo to North Shore Foursome When Michael and Dana Santostefano moved from the city to the North Shore, they called on Smithe to transform their new home. Their project presented us with 2 major challenges: The First Challenge: Getting it done before the arrival of their twins! Dana is due this summer with 2 little girls, so getting them settled in their new home was essential. The Second Challenge: Incorporating various sentimental pieces that… [See all 7 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/furniture-and-accessories/walter-e-smithe-furniture-and-design-pfvwus-pf~277593591) ## Community Q&A **Q: Sectional** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you please tell me where you purchased this sectional from? The type of fabric and color. Also the dimensions. Thank you. A: Apologies, we didn't see your question until now! This is sold through our company, Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design in the Chicagoland area. Price varies based on layout you choose and fabrics - we are fully customizable. Please email us at contactus@smithe.com for more info, or check out our products at www.smithe.com! **Q: Is the Marble top detachable?** *(in Product Questions)* Hello just wondering if the marble top is attached to the base permanently or it is just resting on the base. Also do you have more pictures of more angles of the coffee table or it placed in a room with other furniture like a couch? thank you, Pilar **Q: I need 2 of these. Do you have any more?** *(in Product Questions)* Thank you A: Sorry for the delayed response - we did not receive this message (went to spam mail!) Yes, we have multiple in stock and can ship out quickly on this item. Please let me know if you need anything else! **Q: Do you ship to Hawaii?** *(in Product Questions)* A: sorry for the delay - we can ship to Hawaii as long as its not in a very rural area. They typically will drop ship this type of item for $79. Please let me know if you have any additional questions! **Q: Is the headboard sturdy enough to lean against?** *(in Product Questions)* The headboard will be up against a wall with windows on it and won't be flat against the wall portion. I want to know if it will be wobbly if I'm sitting up in bed leaning against it. A: We would always recommend that upholstered headboards are securely fastened to a sturdy bed frame or some attach to a wall. It should be fairly sturdy if this is done, however it is at a starting price point/quality level, and may not be 100% waiver-free. **Q: what does the back look like?** *(in Product Questions)* does the back separate for each reclining portion or is it a solid leather back? A: there are 2 recline modes - one with just the legs coming up, and the back is fairly upright. This does not affect the back as far as distance pushed back. The second adjustment of recline makes the back stick out about 3". It would be a bit difficult to put a sofa table behind it, or you would have to put it several inches away from the back instead of flush with it. Hope that helps! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*