High quality furniture

Hi Skieswideopen, Welcome.

1. I would advise that you rent a place in Spain for several weeks (not just a fortnight) in the off season. During that time you'll find out if Spain is for you. Don't just take anybody's word, find out for yourself. Discuss with you family and whatever you do don't sell your home in the UK. It'll remain your greatest asset and provides for a decent retreat from Spain, if you must. Don't think there are no obstacles to you living the dream. Anybody who tells you differently (usually estate agents) have vested interests in you moving to Spain. 

2. High Quality Furniture:- IKEA is most English speaking peoples' idea of high quality furniture in the south of Spain. However, let's not dismiss their thoughts as Spain has lots and lots of little creepy-crawlies that must be fought on a daily basis. Hence, the main difference in furniture. I'm not knocking your sales pitch or skills and I'm sure there is some scope for you to trade in Spain. But, you'll have an uphill battle. The Spaniards appear to support their own trades people. Furniture in their homes usually does not last and they change their furniture tastes like we change our minds. 

3. I hope I'm talking through my rear end. But, I've seen too many dreams dissipate like vapour and many retreating to the UK with a different point-of-view. Furthermore, I'm a confirmed cynic.

In my experience, there is very little good quality furniture available in Spain.  Although an English speaker, I have been in Ikea once and hated it.  The furniture I have seen in Spanish furniture shops was very expensive and surprisingly low quality.  Some of the furniture in second hand shops was better.  My builder says there is an issue because Spain has surprisingly little native wood, has to import it hence the costs.  So, were you to open a high quality furniture shop, I for one would be delighted.  But, that isn’t a decent basis on which to base a business.  As Matt said, lots of people are happy with Ikea whereas I think it is MFI Mark 2.  Sorry to ruin your stereotype Matt.  There are people who import furniture (or did) - check out the online papers.

Thanks for the input guys. 
My first thought is that referencing IKEA in a discussion of furniture is like pointing to MacDonald’s in a discussion about restaurant options. LOL

I agree.  But I am, apparently, a ‘snob’!

I bought all my quality solid wood furniture from U.K. in my van to Almeria 

would not dream of buying the ikea rubbish .

Not keen on the spanish orange wood furniture give me good solid oak any day 

On the plus side, some of the ‘orange wood’ stuff is up-cyclable (sic).  I did 2 of these with paint and varnish from Brico Lopez

Hi 

We moved here in November 2020, we found a fantastic furniture shop in Mojacar Playa called Aznar near the small garden centre going towards Garrucha, on the roundabout, Sergio who attending to us was absolutely fantastic, he has bent over backwards to help us choose pieces of furniture, both indoors and outdoors and with no sales pressure either, everything looks good quality, beautiful home furniture, I'm a firm believer in you get what you pay for, we have bought some lovely pieces for inside and garden, will be going back again very shortly, the prices are very reasonable for what quality you are getting, but its not IKEA prices or quality, so don't expect a 3 piece suite for €1000, good luck with your search.