Nova Zembla

i tried to buy a couch at nova zembla. twice. the first time i had a hard time getting the clerks attention and he basically just pointed me in the direction of their fabric selections (there are hundreds!). so i thought i'd try again. i visited the store again and was told the manager would call me and give me greater insight on which couch would work best for me ( i have two pets). i gave the clerk my number. waited a week and nothing. called in again and left a message and you guessed it--never heard back. i decided i wasn't going to beg anyone to sell me a couch--in a recession, no less! shame, i liked the store's selection but to this day it boggles my mind i could not get their attention for a high price point item.

Pros: nice selection

Cons: very poor customer service

Posted 10/09/09

I started with a couch. Then a desk. And then some shelves. I need to be careful, because I don't want my home to look like a Nova Zembla showroom. But I keep coming back, and not just because I want to support local businesses - which I do - but because it's good quality, eclectic stuff at a reasonable price. The store fits my idea of good customer service: they will leave me alone to look around, and then give me attention and information when I have questions. I don't want someone dogging my heals or making me feel guilty for coming in if I don't buy something. This seems like a very relaxed place. I'm glad it's in the neighborhood.

Posted 08/03/09

I try to be creative but most times it's a big strtech for me . The stuff in this store definitely can help anyone me get and feel creative.

Posted 08/02/09

Nova Zembla has beautiful furniture at exeptionally reasonable prices. The many items imported from India are of special interest.

Pros: The best furniture values in Brooklyn

Cons: The only store location is in Brooklyn

Posted 06/08/09

Nova Zembla embodies what a local, neighborhood furniture store should have ? excellent customer service and a diverse selection of furniture and home goods. I feel no pressure from the sales people, and they are so helpful with suggestions, ideas and alterations. The delivery of my couch was fast and helpful. No problems whatsoever. Amidst the craziness of trying to find affordable, beautifully crafted furniture for my apartment, it?s so nice to get quality, one on one attention when making such a purchase. In the larger stores, you don?t get this kind of attention and service.

Posted 06/06/09

I was looking for a table for my dining room and am very grateful a store like Nova Zemba exists in brooklyn. When I showed interest in a table that was the style I wanted but not the right size the owner of the store took me to their storage and we found one that worked perfected and gave me a good deal. Thank you Nova Zemba

Pros: has great stuff from all over the world

Cons: everything novaZemba has to offer is not always in the store

Posted 06/04/09

My husband and I just bought a great sofa at Nova Zembla at 50% off. In August we bought a custom made rosewood cabinet and were so pleased with the look and quality that we went back to find a similar side table. NZ is currently running a huge sale: 20% off everything in stock. Since the sofas were already marked down 20-30%, we got a great deal. They sell lots of unique items for the home and most everything can be made custom. You can check everything out on their website: novazemblahome.

Pros: high quality; great value; eclectic style; custom designs

Cons: too many choices

Posted 10/11/08

I first visited Nova Zembla 6 years ago and have returned many times since. Nearly every piece of substantial furniture in my apartment has been purchased there. My most recent acquisition was a beautifully realized cabinet that I had custom designed for my needs (another great feature of Nova). The owner and small staff are very cordial and more importantly knowledgeable of the their product as well as many facets of furniture and design. All Nova's prices are very reasonable and product quality is superb. They specialize in wood furniture and custom upholstery, but they stock all other home accessories as well. Do yourself a favor and go to this store.

Posted 02/15/08

Nova Zembla is a small, overpriced boite of a home furniture store located on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights. The store specializes in a mix of California kitsch and New England rusticity at extreme prices. Most of the actual products are very low quality such as a very poorly made oriental rugs, canvas lampshades, junky wood furniture, and tin mirrors and wall ornaments.

The service at the store is absolutely horrendous which makes you wonder what the spiked prices are all about...What exactly are you paying for? A neighbor reported purchasing a sofa in a delicate fabric that was delivered uncovered in a torrential downpour. The sofa was irreparably damaged by the rain water. When the buyer tried to return the sofa or claim damages, the store offered only store credit instead and refused to even refund the cost of the delivery.

The overall rating: Skip it.

Posted 07/12/07

This is a small place with a limited selection, but everything in there is something you WANT. the owner is young, very nice and very helpful, and we got a great sofa there two years ago that still looks great. They carry high quality upholstered furniture, occasional tables and accessories for your home.

Posted 05/12/03