At Paul Rich & Sons Home Furnishings + DESIGN, Shifman’s hand-tied, two-sided mattresses made from natural materials offer decades of comfort that far outlast foam mattresses.
In an era dominated by fast furniture and mattresses that arrive vacuum-sealed on the doorstep, local stores dedicated to craftsmanship and longevity have become increasingly rare. For 43 years, the family behind Paul Rich & Sons Home Furnishings + DESIGN in Pittsfield, Massachusetts has built its reputation on American-made companies that prioritize quality materials and long-term durability. According to owners Tom and Pam Rich, few brands embody this commitment to traditional craftsmanship more clearly than the Shifman Mattress Company.
“The mattress business these days is basically about foam, foam, and more foam,” says Tom. “Most mattresses on the market are made of polyurethane, a petroleum-based product. It’s inexpensive and can feel cushy at first, but its longevity is limited. Most people find they need to replace their foam mattress in just two or three years.”
For more than 40 years, the Rich family has partnered with Shifman Mattress Company, the family-owned manufacturer that has been handcrafting premium mattresses in Newark, New Jersey, for over 130 years.
One hallmark of Shifman’s construction is its 8-way hand-tied box spring. “That’s how a truly good piece of furniture is made,” Tom explains. Each coil is secured by hand in eight directions, creating a responsive, resilient support system that significantly extends the life of the mattress. “Shifman mattresses easily last 20 to 30 years,” he adds.
Above each box spring sits Shifman’s proprietary innerspring system, engineered for durability and surrounded by layers of natural materials including cotton, natural latex, wool, and cashmere. Higher-end models incorporate even more luxurious fibers such as New Zealand wool, alpaca, and supersoft mohair. Shifman is also one of the few manufacturers still producing two-sided mattresses designed to be flipped, further enhancing comfort and longevity. The brand is also renowned for its exclusive Sanotuft hand-tufting technique, which secures all upholstery layers from top to bottom without the use of buttons.
A queen-size set can require roughly 16 hours of hands-on craftsmanship, an extraordinary contrast to mass-produced foam mattresses that roll off assembly lines at industrial speed. “Customers often feel the difference the moment they lie down,” says Pam. “Shifman’s use of natural materials resonates with people who want healthier, more sustainable choices.”
Paul Rich & Sons Home Furnishings + DESIGN showcases more than 20 Shifman models in its 30,000-square-foot showroom on North Street in Downtown Pittsfield, with hundreds of pieces available for immediate delivery. The store’s knowledgeable design team helps customers select the right mattress, just as they do with every piece of fine furniture. Delivery is handled by the store’s own professional team, and for customers outside the local area, Shifman mattresses can be shipped nationwide via white-glove delivery.
“Shifman is a really special part of our business,” says Tom. “They’re truly a unique product that stands apart in the mattress industry.”
This content was produced by Chronogram Media Branded Content Studio in collaboration with our sponsor, Paul Rich & Sons Home Furnishings + DESIGN. It does not necessarily reflect the attitude, views, or opinions of the Rural Intelligence editorial staff.
