Location:
Rubin’s Furniture
224 E. Chicago St.
(also in Madison and Chicago)
Store hours:
Mon & Fri: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Tues – Thurs: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sat: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sun: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.
I’ve had a pretty busy couple of weeks settling into my new apartment. The boxes are mostly unpacked, but there’s still quite a bit of work to be done—especially in the home décor department. And so I found myself wondering: Where do design-conscious Milwaukeeans go for furniture and decorations? A few inquiries later, and I had an answer: Rubin’s Furniture.
Founded in Madison in 1932 by Ben Rubin, Rubin’s Furniture has undergone many changes since its insertion into Milwaukee’s Third Ward in 1993. Known as Badger Furniture in its early days, Rubin’s Furniture reverted to the family name in 1983 after sole ownership was established by current owners, Robert and Judith Rubin. Son Bill Rubin has also taken up the family business, overseeing and managing store operations.
Although the entrance is slightly unassuming from the street, the Rubin’s Furniture banners lined up near the corner of Chicago and Water are a good indication you’ve arrived. Customers are greeted by a rather unusual bouncer and a sign proclaiming “furniture with your point of view,” before entering the showroom. As is customary in the Third Ward, Rubin’s renovated warehouse space takes advantage of exposed ceilings and wide open spaces. At first glance, it’s nothing more than a storage space, but upon closer inspection it boasts a well-arranged layout with complementing accessories and preset room plans.
There are featured pieces and cozy corners to guide customers in their design visions, but don’t fret if you’re feeling wary of your design skills—Rubin’s will set up free house calls with one if its sales personnel. Everyone who works the floor is experienced in floor planning and home design and can help get you started. Rubin’s even goes a step further by inviting local interior designers to submit samples of their work with the chance of being brought on as consultants, helping customers design their own Rubin-centric rooms. Not only does the interior designer program bring in fresh perspectives, but it also supports the local design community.
Much of the furniture will cost you a pretty penny, but the accessories department is where Rubin’s caters to the budget-conscious. For less than you’d pay for a nice dinner out, you can find a variety of wall hangings and accent pieces. But sales manager Kelly Briesch says Rubin’s bestsellers are custom-made pieces and quality leather: “…visit all other stores first, then come to Rubin’s to experience what correct leather looks and feels like,” a recent commercial states.
As for customers, they truly “run the gamut,” says Briesch, acknowledging that the clientele tends toward condo furnishers and repeat customers from the west and north suburbs. The typical Rubin’s customer has an eye for contemporary, urban style, and according to Briesch, the contemporary selection is what sets Rubin’s apart from all other furniture stores. With more than one buyer, it’s no wonder the selection is both extensive and unique. One of the main resources for the Milwaukee store is the bi-annual Highpoint Market held in High Point, N.C. And because Rubin’s buys directly from designers, it is able to compete more aggressively pricewise and ensure the authenticity of its pieces.
The last word: With custom pieces costing a few thousand dollars and up, Rubin’s isn’t for every budget. But its regular sales (the Comfort Sleeper Sale is on now) provide some good deals, and the accessories are unique and affordable. Whether shopping for a full room remake, or just a unique accent piece, Rubin’s is a good place to start.
