Barker and Stonehouse: Quality Furniture Since 1946

When you begin the journey of making your house a home, you look for pieces that tell a story. You seek exceptional quality, inspiring style, and enduring value. This is the world of Barker and Stonehouse, a British independent furniture retailer that has been a cornerstone of UK homes for generations. Since its humble beginnings in 1946, this family-run firm has grown from a single store in Stockton, County Durham, to the UK’s largest independent, family-run furniture retailer. It’s a story built on the promise of bringing the finest furnishings to customers across England.

The legacy of Barker and Stonehouse is rooted in a simple yet powerful idea: to offer unique and inspiring furniture that lasts. This isn’t just about selling sofas or dining tables; it’s about providing pieces that become part of your family’s life. With an Excellent 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from over 65,739 reviews, the company’s commitment to customer service and quality is clear. From the moment you step into a showroom to the final delivery, the experience is designed to be seamless and professional.

The Heritage of a Family Business

The story of Barker and Stonehouse begins with two RAF men, Charles Barker and Alex Stonehouse. After their service in the second world war, they decided to start a business together. In early 1946, they opened their first store in Bishopton Lane, Stockton. They were soon joined by Charles’s brother, Frank Barker, and opened a second store in Middlesbrough. The company continued to expand, with Richard Barker, Charles’s son, joining in 1960 and later becoming the managing director in 1974. Today, his son, James, leads the company, continuing the family legacy. This continuity has allowed Barker and Stonehouse to maintain its core values while adapting to modern tastes.

This rich history is woven into the brand’s identity. The slogan, “is your house a Barker & Stonehouse?” captures the essence of what the company offers: a chance to create a personal and stylish living space. The firm’s commitment to its roots is matched only by its forward-thinking approach to retail and design.

What Makes Barker and Stonehouse Stand Out?

Several key principles define the Barker and Stonehouse experience. These pillars have supported the company’s growth and helped it build a loyal customer base over more than 80 years.

1. Exceptional Quality and Craftsmanship

At the heart of the brand is a focus on high-quality furniture & accessories. The company believes in the motto: “BUY BETTER, BUY ONCE.” This philosophy encourages investing in pieces that are thoughtfully designed, hand-crafted, and sustainably sourced. The goal is to provide furniture that not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time, aging gracefully with your family. This commitment extends across their entire range, from a sturdy dining table to a comfortable bed.

2. Unmatched Style and Design

Barker and Stonehouse stocks an extensive range of furniture to suit every room and taste. Whether you are looking for living room furniture, dining room furniture, bedroom furniture, or even pieces for your office or children’s room, you will find inspiring options. Their collection includes everything from timeless classics to contemporary designs.

Popular categories include:

• Sofas: Corner sofas, fabric sofas, curved sofas, and swivel chairs.
• Tables: Dining tables, coffee tables, and bedside tables.
• Storage: Sideboards, chests of drawers, and wardrobes.
• Chairs: Dining chairs, armchairs, and leisure chairs.
• Beds & Mattresses: A wide selection including top brands like Tempur and Vispring.
• Accessories: Rugs and lighting to complete your look.

3. A Curated Collection of Designer Brands

In addition to its own collections, Barker and Stonehouse partners with some of the world’s most renowned furniture brands. This allows customers to access iconic designs and innovative products all in one place.

Some of the leading brands you can discover include:

• Stressless: Known as “The Innovators of Comfort™,” Ekornes Stressless creates furniture that combines precise style, comfort, and functionality.
• Ercol: A celebrated British brand famous for its timeless, well-crafted wooden furniture.
• Timothy Oulton: Offers unique, handcrafted pieces with a distinctively vintage and industrial aesthetic.
• Cattelan Italia: A symbol of modern Italian design, known for its elegant tables and chairs.
• Tempur: A leading name in sleep technology, providing high-quality mattresses and beds.

This diverse portfolio ensures that whether you’re looking for a classic Parker Knoll sofa or a modern piece from Kartell, you’ll find it at Barker and Stonehouse.

A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation

Barker and Stonehouse is not just a retailer; it is an innovator in sustainable design. The company has taken significant steps to create eco-friendly retail spaces. Their flagship stores in Thornaby and Knaresborough are prime examples of this commitment.

Eco-Friendly Store Designs

The Thornaby store, opened in 2015, was designed with the environment in mind. It is made from reclaimed materials and features a living wall with a self-sufficient water irrigation system. Similarly, the Knaresborough store, opened in 2012, incorporates low-energy heating, an energy-saving lighting system, and a living roof garden that supports local wildlife. These initiatives reflect the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting responsible business practices. This dedication has helped the retailer achieve carbon neutral status, a significant milestone celebrated during its 75th year.

The Customer Experience: From Showroom to Delivery

The Barker and Stonehouse experience is praised for its excellence from start to finish. Thousands of Trustpilot reviews highlight the professionalism and knowledge of the staff, as well as the efficiency of the delivery service.

Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff

Customers consistently praise the staff for being helpful, friendly, and professional. Whether you visit a store in Leeds, Guildford, or Newcastle, the team is there to offer guidance without being pushy. They take the time to understand your needs, discuss options, and provide recommendations on everything from fabric swatches to sizing. This supportive approach makes the process of choosing furniture enjoyable and stress-free.

Professional Delivery Service

The positive experience continues right to your doorstep. The delivery teams are frequently described as polite, efficient, and careful. Customers receive updates, including a text the day before and a phone call on the way. The teams often assemble the furniture, position it where you want it, and remove all the packaging, ensuring a seamless and convenient service. This attention to detail is a hallmark of the Barker and Stonehouse commitment to customer satisfaction.

Peace of Mind with a 6 Year Protection Plan

To help you enjoy your new furniture without worry, Barker and Stonehouse offers a 6-year protection plan. This plan covers your purchase against everyday accidents, giving you complete peace of mind. Flexible finance options, including 0% APR Interest Free Credit, are also available, making it easier to invest in quality pieces for your home.

Exploring the Stores: Unique Retail Destinations

Each Barker and Stonehouse store has its own unique look and feel. These are not just showrooms; they are destinations designed to inspire. You can relax on comfy sofas, try out mattresses, and chat with friendly staff in a beautiful environment. Many stores also feature in-house cafés, like Stanley’s Coffee House & Kitchen in Knaresborough and Chadwick & Co in Thornaby, making your visit even more enjoyable.

The company has eleven branches across England, each conveniently located.

Store Location	City/Area
Battersea	London
Darlington	County Durham
Gateshead	Tyne and Wear
Guildford	Surrey
Hove	East Sussex
Hull	East Yorkshire
Knaresborough	North Yorkshire
Leeds	West Yorkshire
Newcastle upon Tyne	Tyne and Wear
Nottingham	Nottinghamshire
Thornaby	Teesside Park

Additionally, there are concessions within Fenwick department stores in Fenwick Newcastle and Fenwick Kingston, and at Jarrolds in Norwich.

Final Thoughts

For over 80 years, Barker and Stonehouse has remained a leader in the UK furniture industry by staying true to its founding principles. As a family-run business, it has blended a rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to design, customer service, and sustainability. The company’s dedication to providing exceptional quality, timeless style, and outstanding value has earned it an excellent reputation and a loyal following.

Whether you are furnishing your first home or updating a beloved space, Barker and Stonehouse offers the pieces and the expertise to help you create a home you love. It’s more than just a furniture store—it’s a trusted partner in your interior design journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who founded Barker and Stonehouse?

Barker and Stonehouse was founded in 1946 by Charles Barker and Alex Stonehouse, two RAF men who wanted to start a business after the second world war. It has remained a family-run firm ever since.

2. What kind of furniture does Barker and Stonehouse sell?

Barker and Stonehouse sells a wide variety of high-quality furniture and accessories for every room, including the living room, dining room, bedroom, and office. Their range includes sofas, beds, dining tables, chairs, storage solutions, and designer brands like Stressless, Ercol, and Tempur.

3. Where are the Barker and Stonehouse stores located?

Barker and Stonehouse has eleven stores across England, including locations in Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Guildford, Hove, and London (Battersea). Their flagship eco-friendly stores are in Thornaby and Knaresborough. They also have concessions in select department stores.

4. Does Barker and Stonehouse offer a delivery service?

Yes, Barker and Stonehouse offers a highly-rated delivery service. Their professional teams provide updates, assemble furniture, place it in your room of choice, and remove all packaging. Their service is frequently praised for being efficient and polite.

5. Is Barker and Stonehouse a sustainable company?

Yes, Barker and Stonehouse is committed to sustainability. The company has achieved carbon neutral status and has designed several of its stores with eco-friendly features, such as reclaimed building materials, living walls, and energy-saving systems. Their philosophy of “BUY BETTER, BUY ONCE” also promotes sustainable consumption by encouraging investment in long-lasting, quality furniture.