WALTER EDWARD SMITHE, JR. (1936-2022)
It is with great sadness that the family of Walter Edward Smithe, Jr., announces his passing. Walter was the patriarch of the extended Smithe family and the founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. He died peacefully with his beloved wife of 64 years, Florence Flynn Smithe, by his side. Many family members from…
It is with great sadness that the family of Walter Edward Smithe, Jr., announces his passing. Walter was the patriarch of the extended Smithe family and the founder of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. He died peacefully with his beloved wife of 64 years, Florence Flynn Smithe, by his side. Many family members from far and near gathered close during his final days, cherishing the memories of time spent with Papa during the 86 years of his extraordinary life.
Walt was born in 1936 to Margaret Slifka and Walter E. Smithe Sr., and he was raised in the Belmont and Central neighborhood of Chicago. In his own words, he was well-educated in Catholic Schools. He graduated from St. Ferdinand primary school in 1950 and Fenwick High School in 1954. He attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a Bachelor of Philosophy in Commerce degree in 1958 and a master’s degree in Anthropology from Loyola.
Walt married Flo, his neighborhood sweetheart, in July of 1958. The newlyweds moved to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana, where he fulfilled his commitment to the US Army, attained the rank of Captain, and developed expertise in the nascent field of computers.
After discharge from the Army, Walt enjoyed a successful career in the computer industry working for GE and IBM. In 1967, Walt was lured back to the family furniture business, and soon pioneered the concept of custom order furniture in Chicagoland. This was the foundation of Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design. Walt’s vision and leadership provided the roadmap to success still used by the firm to this day.
In 1980, at Loyola, Walt pursued his love of antiquity and culture by earning a master’s degree in Anthropology. His thesis was based on archeological sites he observed on rugged, oceanfront land he and Flo loved and owned in Malin Head, County Donegal, Ireland. Precious family memories were made there, among wonderful neighbors, the steep cliffs and surging sea.
Walt is remembered as the ultimate connector. His gregariousness and natural ability to find a common bond with others nourished him and created an enormous community of friends and colleagues. Until recently, he spent weekends at the Smithe showrooms, engaging with associates and clients. Walt volunteered for many years with Habitat for Humanity, traveling to the US and Central America to help build houses, often under difficult conditions. His care for, and interest in others was truly unique.
In his later years Walt, or “Papa” to his grandkids and great grandkids, immensely enjoyed his time with extended family. He delighted the children by engaging their curiosity and imagination, playing banjo, and singing folk songs like “The Rock Island Line” and dreaming up his tales of Tiny Tim and the Magic Gumball Machine.
Walt’s success in business is only exceeded by the success of his personal life. He is survived by Flo, his cherished wife; 7 children, Walter III (Mary) Smithe, Cindy (Randy) Perry, Tim (Mary) Smithe, Margaret Smithe, Mark (Will Forrest) Smithe, Hope (Jason) Byrne and Amy Smithe; 16 grandchildren, Maureen (Chris) Brusznicki, Meghan (JC) Clarke, Caitie (Danny) Jisa, Casey (Hillary) Perry, Colleen Smithe, Bob (Meghan) Perry, Wes (Lexi) Smithe, Cameron Smithe, Kelly Stock, Kevin Stock, Reid (Ashley) Smithe, Kathleen Stock, Jack Smithe, Summit Byrne, Ethan Byrne, and India Byrne; 23 great-grandchildren; and brothers Tomm (Rosemarie) and Gary (Debbie) Smithe, and sister, Nancy (Bob) Waters. He will be dearly missed by all. Walter is preceded in death by his parents, and his grandson, Timothy Smithe, Jr.
The wake will be held at Ryan-Parke funeral home in Park Ridge on Friday, October 21, from 4-8pm. Father Larry McBrady will celebrate his funeral mass at 2pm on Saturday, October 22, at St. Paul of the Cross Church in Park Ridge, Illinois, the parish where he and Flo raised their family.
The legacy of his life and work lives on in the hearts of all whose lives were touched by this great man. And now he rests in peace.
Your Fall High Point Furniture Market Trend Report
Twice a year, in April and October, furniture manufacturers, retailers, and designers from around the world travel to the otherwise quiet High Point, NC for the High Point Furniture Market (HPMKT). The Walter E. Smithe buying team never misses HPMKT as it is an opportunity for us to find the newest furniture and décor for…
Twice a year, in April and October, furniture manufacturers, retailers, and designers from around the world travel to the otherwise quiet High Point, NC for the High Point Furniture Market (HPMKT). The Walter E. Smithe buying team never misses HPMKT as it is an opportunity for us to find the newest furniture and décor for our clients and showrooms. When we return, the question we get most often: “What were the biggest trends?”
Fresh from the [furniture] market, here are the latest furniture trends.
The coziest of fabrics
We saw oodles and oodles of chairs, sofas, and even sectionals covered in ultra-soft and cozy boucle and Sherpa fabrics. As Chicagoans, we fully support this trend. With fall in the air, these comfy styles had us wanting our favorite pair of sweats, a good book and a hot toddy!
Natural & Organic
We practically live our lives totally plugged-in and, as wonderful as it is to get outside and connect with nature, it isn’t always feasible. The next best thing? Bringing the outdoors in with furniture made with organic materials, elements and shapes. Think rattan, natural wood finishes, stones and petrified slabs of wood. On top of being cool and on-trend, it’s a beautiful, bright, and timeless look.
Throw-back inspired
One of the newest emerging trends that we are most excited about are pieces with modern interpretations of styles from decades past. Think 70s, 80s, and 90s… yes, THOSE decades past! We saw lots of greens and rust tones of the 70s, the curvaceous lines of the 80s, and oak finishes of the 90s, but all of these looks had modern updates like brass accents and organic materials. The styles all gave us nostalgic vibes while still feeling new and current.
50 Shades of White Upholstery
We are seeing more and more white upholstery go through our warehouse and this trend is only growing. The biggest driver of this trend? Worry Free fabric, of course! Our family is VERY passionate about Worry Free furniture, so we left HPMKT pumped about all the beautiful, soft and creative white fabrics we saw that had stain-resistance built-in. These fabrics look and feel like “regular” non-performance fabrics, so you don’t have to sacrifice style or comfort. Best of all, you can finally have that white sofa you’ve been coveting!
Curves for Days
Organic lines are rarely perfectly straight, and, with such an emphasis on furniture looking and feeling organic, it makes sense that furniture is moving away from being linear. There was an abundance of gorgeous and creative curved upholstery, but the curves didn’t stop there. We saw so many curvaceous casegoods like sideboards, occasional tables, dining tables and chairs, and beds. Curves naturally force your eyes to move around the room, instantly giving your space more interest.
If you want to add some Fall 2021 HPMKT style to your home, contact your Smithe designer today! Don’t have one? Let Walt personally select one for your project here or head into any of our 10 showrooms.
Add Some Artwork
Make your home a reflection of your personality by adding the finishing touches – after all, design is in the details. Whether you need a new piece of art or a ton of pieces, we have thousands of options to choose from! Black and White If you’re not a fan of color but still…
Make your home a reflection of your personality by adding the finishing touches – after all, design is in the details. Whether you need a new piece of art or a ton of pieces, we have thousands of options to choose from!
Black and White
If you’re not a fan of color but still want your artwork to stand out, check out some of our favorite black and white pieces below.
Set of 15 Roman Busts on Acrylic
Glitz and Glam
Sparkles, Shimmer, and Shine. Everyone that walks into your room will stop and stare at these beautiful pieces of art.
6o Divine Glitter Hand Painted
POP of Color
Add some color to your space with these vibrant pieces!
MOI!! Hand Painted Original Art
If you don’t see what you’re looking for here, head over to one of our 10 Chicago showrooms or work with a Smithe designer to find the perfect artwork for your space!
Best Seat in the House
No matter where you’re sitting, you’ll have the best seat in the house with our Power Motion Sofas and Sectionals. See what’s available for immediate delivery from our Quick Ship Stocked Collection so that you can start enjoying your new furniture right away. Sectionals Evans 6-Piece Leather Reclining Sectional Evans Double Reclining Leather…
No matter where you’re sitting, you’ll have the best seat in the house with our Power Motion Sofas and Sectionals. See what’s available for immediate delivery from our Quick Ship Stocked Collection so that you can start enjoying your new furniture right away.
Evans 6-Piece Leather Reclining Sectional
Evans Double Reclining Leather Sectional- 5 piece
The Evans Collection is a crowd favorite! You’ll love the power motion reclining mechanisms, top grain deep grey leather, and saddle stitching. Choose from 5 or 6 pieces.
EdieDuo Power Reclining Sectional
As stylish as it is comfortable, this luxuriously soft contemporary La-Z-Boy sectional offers accommodating comfort for any size gathering, plus the incline feature allows you to position this directly on a wall. Available as a configurable sectional and chair.
The Perez Power Motion Sectional
The whole family can kick back and relax in the Perez sectional! 3 power reclining sections, quality leather seats and back with leather match sides. This sectional is a limited special buy, so get yours now before it’s gone.
Bennett Duo PowerReclining Sofa
With sleek side power buttons and built-in USB ports, and it’s clear this classic style has been given a modern makeover. Buy it as shown or customize this best-selling La-Z-Boy sofa.
Understated style and unexpected power describe the La-Z-Boy Edie Duo Reclining 2-Seat Sofa. Its clean and casual design features padded outer arms, a padded back, tapered wood legs and welt trim.
Stocked in this beautiful top grain grey leather with saddle stitching, you’ll love the dual power recliners on our Colonnade Sofa. Also available as a reclining chair.
For more sectional and sofa options visit smithe.com or work with a Smithe designer to shop your style, budget, and time frame.
Bristow Collection
Our best-selling Bristow Collection is growing! What started as a single dining table has expanded to give you the perfect foundational piece for your dining room, bedroom, or home office. As part of our Quick Ship Stocked Collection, you can start enjoying your Bristow right away with immediate delivery. Keep reading to learn more about…
Our best-selling Bristow Collection is growing! What started as a single dining table has expanded to give you the perfect foundational piece for your dining room, bedroom, or home office. As part of our Quick Ship Stocked Collection, you can start enjoying your Bristow right away with immediate delivery. Keep reading to learn more about why this collection is a Smithe client favorite.
Bristow Dining
Our dining selection is available in rectangular or round, with 3 finishes and multiple sizes to fit your room size needs. Tables with a leaf have a functional self-storing butterfly leaf, making it easy to extend for guests or tuck it away when not in use.
Bristow Coffee Finish
Bristow Coffee Rectangular Tables
Bristow Natural Finish
Bristow Natural Rectangular Tables
Bristow Greige Finish
Bristow Greige Rectangular Tables
Bristow Bedroom
The Bristow Collection is made by hand using Mango wood, a replenishable resource. Each piece reflects natural markings and rich characteristics of the wood that partner beautifully with other furnishings. Check out our newest pieces to the collection below.
The Bristow Greige Bed is also available in queen size.
Bristow Office
The neutral greige finish on our Bristow Office Collection allows you to layer on accent pieces that bring you joy while working from home.
Get this highly desired look now for a fraction of the price of other retailers. Be the first to know about more expansions to our best-selling collections by signing up for our email list at smithe.com.
Notable Neutrals
Update your outdoor furniture with our notable neutral picks for this summer! You don’t always need to go bold to have your furniture stand out. Shop our favorite pieces for your tranquil outdoor space below! Loom Outdoor 79” Sofa Drift Nesting Coffee Table Web Outdoor Club Chair Loom Accent Table …
Update your outdoor furniture with our notable neutral picks for this summer! You don’t always need to go bold to have your furniture stand out. Shop our favorite pieces for your tranquil outdoor space below!
More Smithe Favorites
Shop our Woven Collection, Contempo Collection, and so much more on smithe.com. Work with a Smithe designer to find the perfect outdoor furniture options for your space!
Dining Room Lighting
Let your dining room shine with lighting from Smithe. With plenty of styles to choose from across all budgets, we have what you are looking for. Darlana Large Linear Lantern Available in 4 finishes and 3 different sizes, the Darlana Lantern is a favorite among design influencers because it looks good in any space.…
Let your dining room shine with lighting from Smithe. With plenty of styles to choose from across all budgets, we have what you are looking for.
Available in 4 finishes and 3 different sizes, the Darlana Lantern is a favorite among design influencers because it looks good in any space.
Add some glam to your dining room with this contemporary polished nickel chandelier covered in gorgeous crystal droplets. It is available in additional sizes and finish options.
The distinctive white hues of the recycled glass used to make the Sommelier Blanc Chandelier bring this fixture a feeling of luminosity even when it’s not turned on.
Made from natural fine abaca rope, finely woven over a powder-coated metal frame, this gorgeous chandelier is giving us Coastal Boho vibes.
One of our most popular designs, this midcentury-inspired fixture features transparent glass spheres. 12 of the 18 arms are adjustable, making this the perfect piece for hands-on clients. The Dallas Modern Chandelier is available in polished nickel and approved for use in covered outdoor areas.
Allendale Aged Brass Chandelier
Allendale breathes new life into a classic style. Available in one-to-three-tier, rectangle, and multiple finishes.
This black industrial chandelier is an inspired redefinition of the task light.
See all our lighting options on smithe.com or work with a Smithe designer to find the perfect lighting fixture for your home, style, and budget.
Baby to Teen and In-Between
Now is the perfect opportunity to give your little one an upgrade! Get the best deals on furniture for the youngest ones in your home from Walter E. Smithe, or for some inspiration, see our Youth Room Inspirations page. Cribs True Traditional Crib Minimal. Efficient. Clean. Unlike most cribs, the True Crib has no…
Now is the perfect opportunity to give your little one an upgrade! Get the best deals on furniture for the youngest ones in your home from Walter E. Smithe, or for some inspiration, see our Youth Room Inspirations page.
Minimal. Efficient. Clean. Unlike most cribs, the True Crib has no high-back, so it does not need to be positioned against a wall. It can float in the center of a room!
Baby Relic Batten Crib in Cloud
From modern to the most traditional of tastes, this Relic Batten crib design will work for you. This 4-in-1 convertible crib converts with ease from crib to toddler bed, to day bed, and finally into a gorgeous, adult full-size bed with the purchase of our conversion kits (sold separately).
Relic Winchester Crib in Fossil
Gender-neutral, this crib will work in any space. This design is wildly loved. Talk about a gorgeous show-stopping bed! It converts with ease from crib to toddler bed to day bed and finally into a beautiful, teen/adult full-size bed with the purchase of our conversion kits (sold separately).
Pretty never goes out of style! The Elinor Collection reflects a stylish infusion and the finish and charming hardware add to the comfort of a home dressed in refined style! Available in twin and queen.
This is a dream come true for children everywhere! The Cottage House full size bed is sure to transform any room into the ultimate dreamland.
Cozy, comfortable simplicity is the hallmark of the Lawler Bed. Easy neutrals and fabrics come together with a classic headboard design. A simple change to the bedding over the years is all you’ll need to you as your child’s tastes and interests evolve.
Anchors Away! Bring joy to your little sailors with the Captain’s Nautical Bunk Bed. Let their imagination sail away with this whimsical design and bring on the sleepovers! This bed comes as a twin over full.
Madison Complete Twin over Twin Bunk Bed
Instantly double your space with the Madison Twin over Twin Bunk Bed. Stylish and durable, this bed offers a great solution to a shared room or provides an extra spot for guests (and stuffed animals).
A modern take on the classic bunk bed, the Scrimmage Bunk Bed, showcases subtle panel detailing for extra flair. It also includes a ladder and a convenient shelf for the top bunk.
To see more beds, storage, and accessories, head over to our Youth Furniture section on smithe.com. With the help of a Smithe designer, create a space that is as unique as each child and quality furniture that nurtures and grows with them!
Spring Greenery
Bring nature into your home without the upkeep of real plants. Artificial plants are IN, and we are here for it! Our faux greenery looks so close to the real thing that you’ll have to remind yourself not to water them. Add some green to your space now! Olive Tree This faux Olive Tree will…
Bring nature into your home without the upkeep of real plants. Artificial plants are IN, and we are here for it! Our faux greenery looks so close to the real thing that you’ll have to remind yourself not to water them. Add some green to your space now!
This faux Olive Tree will be sure to add tranquility to your space. At 96”, it is the perfect size to height to bring your eye up without adding too much bulk.
One of the more difficult plants to keep alive, but the most popular for décor is the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Brighten up any space in your home with this gorgeous faux plant or tree, available in different sizes and styles on smithe.com.
Add some coastal vibes to your home with a faux Palm Tree. See our top picks for this artificial greenery above!
Add a pop of color with these realistic faux floral arrangements!
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Head over to smithe.com to see more of our Floral and Foliage options.
BIG Clearance Sale Favorite Finds
We are having our biggest clearance sale of the year! Give your home a refresh with up to 75% off. Everywhere you look right now, inventory is low, but not at Walter E. Smithe. Our warehouse has over $2,000,000 in quality furniture ready to be delivered immediately to you. Check out some of our favorite…
We are having our biggest clearance sale of the year! Give your home a refresh with up to 75% off. Everywhere you look right now, inventory is low, but not at Walter E. Smithe. Our warehouse has over $2,000,000 in quality furniture ready to be delivered immediately to you. Check out some of our favorite clearance finds below!
OFFICE
Willow 48 inch Desk in Dalia and Black
$509 CLEARANCE $319
Willow 48 inch Desk in Ginger and Silver
$509 CLEARANCE $319
$2709 CLEARANCE $1629
$449 CLEARANCE $279
$449 CLEARANCE $279
BEDROOM
$1559 CLEARANCE $939
$1489 CLEARANCE $899
$9609 CLEARANCE $5759
$3579 CLEARANCE $2149
Stella Six Drawer Double Dresser
$2779 CLEARANCE $1669
DINING
Bristow 89.5 inch Table in Griege
$2319 CLEARANCE $1399
$2189 CLEARANCE $1579
Gramercy Bar Stool Light Grey
$439 CLEARANCE $269
Gramercy Leather Counter Stool
$569 CLEARANCE $349
Cole Upholstered Dining Chair
$1329 CLEARANCE $759
LIVING
$3499 CLEARANCE $2099
$2499 CLEARANCE $1699
Berkeley Sofa – New Navy Velvet
$3649 CLEARANCE $2629
$6099 CLEARANCE $2799
Bilboquet 2 Piece Sectional in Worry Free Fabric
$4268 CLEARANCE $2899
LIGHTING
$2729 CLEARANCE $1639
$2059 CLEARANCE $659
$2429 CLEARANCE $1459
$669 CLEARANCE $399
$429 CLEARANCE $199