Claus has over 45 years of experience in furniture and design. Educated in Denmark, followed by four years in England working for a furniture and design company that specialized in Scandinavian furniture, he then spent time in Arizona and California before settling in Norfolk, VA in 1975, where he founded Decorum Furniture.
Claus has a passion for the furniture and design business, a keen interest in architecture, love for the arts, and enjoys the cultural amenities of the Hampton Roads Region as well as the City's great selection of restaurants. Claus' favorite pastime is to spend time at home with his Husband, family and friends.
His other pastimes include travel, reading, cooking and baking artisanal breads. I have over 30 years of retail management experience, most of it being in the fashion industry. My transition into the furniture business was something that occurred seamlessly. I am involved in every facet of store operations, buying, merchandising, and display being the ones that keep me most busy.
Claus has a passion for the furniture and design business, a keen interest in architecture, love for the arts, and enjoys the cultural amenities of the Hampton Roads Region as well as the City's great selection of restaurants. Claus' favorite pastime is to spend time at home with his Husband, family and friends.
His other pastimes include travel, reading, cooking and baking artisanal breads. I have over 30 years of retail management experience, most of it being in the fashion industry. My transition into the furniture business was something that occurred seamlessly. I am involved in every facet of store operations, buying, merchandising, and display being the ones that keep me most busy.
Services
When choosing furniture for your home, you want to pick the right pieces for every room of the house, but especially the bedroom. The bedroom is where you start and end your day, so you need to design your bedroom in a way that will make you feel safe, comfortable, and happy. Here at Decorum Furniture, we have a variety of contemporary bedroom furniture.
If you're looking for attractive, modern, reliable office furniture, you're in the right place. At Decorum Furniture, we have office furniture in a variety of styles to suit offices of any shape and size. Since the mid-1970s, we have provided furniture to homes and businesses throughout the area. Our office furniture options are perfect for home offices as well as businesses.
The Hampton Roads region has been extraordinary kind to us and to Decorum Furniture and we are very thankful for the support we receive. Part of our motto is "paying it forward" and Claus Ihlemann, Robert Roman and the Decorum Team try to live by that and we have made it part of our company culture.
Products displayed in Decorum Furniture Showroom, located in Norfolk, Virginia, and featured on our website are carefully selected for this market. Decorum represents over 200 suppliers located in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, Central and South America. We fully evaluate each supplier and product to assure they comply with applicable laws and customer satisfaction standards.
Reviews (26)
Marcella Ryan
Dec 23, 2021
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Best furniture store to deal with. I’ve dealt with Decorum for over 10 years. Walter has always provided the best customer service. The quality of furniture is something you won’t find any where else. They even deliver 4 hours away! I will never shop anywhere else due to the quality of service I am provided time and time again. Thank you Decorum!
Harley Handy
Nov 14, 2021
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I hear people say 'Decorum is Expensive'. Hold on... Their prices are higher in some cases, but not always. They have decent sales, but the experience and quality they offer are valuable. I understand if someone wants to order a $500 sofa from Wayfair, but that's not what this is.
I have made a number of small purchases from Decorum over the years, and recently purchased a sofa. Everyone I spoke with was friendly and helpful. The store was clean, smelled good, and had many items to choose. Walter was great! He listened to my ideas on new decor and offered helpful suggestions. I didn't just buy
I have made a number of small purchases from Decorum over the years, and recently purchased a sofa. Everyone I spoke with was friendly and helpful. The store was clean, smelled good, and had many items to choose. Walter was great! He listened to my ideas on new decor and offered helpful suggestions. I didn't just buy
Milton McGee
Oct 27, 2021
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Two and a half years after purchasing a dining room set they started to peel (2019). We purchased a warranty so we thought we were covered. Nope! Warranty only covers repairs not peeling (2019). We contacted the store and was offered a minimal credit towards a new set (2020). Why would we want another set of chairs after this horrible experience. I wish zero stars was available. We have since purchased chair covers to hide the cottage cheese! Chairs that are used minimally should not look like this after a few years especially at this price point. Never again!
Cheryl B.
Oct 11, 2021
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Melissa Chamberlain
Oct 02, 2021
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For the last 20 years, we have enjoyed shopping at Decorum for high quality, contemporary furnishings and accessories for our home. This year, we are finishing a remodel of a new home and we have many new spaces to fill. As always, Decorum is there with a solid selection of good, contemporary furniture -- and thoughtful, attentive customer service (shout out to Mark who has been a great help). We are not huge fans of buying online, so we appreciate being able to visit a showroom that has so much of what we like. Decorum has been a pleasure to work with over the years and so many of our favorite
Jim Bugg
Aug 16, 2021
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Decorum has become our go to furniture store in Norfolk. Al Cortado is one of the most helpful sales people we have experienced…anywhere. If you haven’t considered Decorum when looking for quality furniture, you should. It is a very personalized experience that you just can’t get at a big box furniture retailer.
Bown Family
Aug 14, 2021
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We highly recommend Decorum!
Great way to end a search for the perfect couch.
Decorum team helped us ensure our investment was wise. We had specific rug and accent furniture to coordinate. The team helped us make a great choice for our life style and taste.
Special shout out to Cam! He was engaging and attentive but not stifling or obnoxious. He listened to our specific needs and entertained our whimsy. The knowledge he shared was insightful and helpful. He tolerated my high energy level with wit and professionalism beyond his years.
We never felt rushed or judged. Cam's patience is epic and
Great way to end a search for the perfect couch.
Decorum team helped us ensure our investment was wise. We had specific rug and accent furniture to coordinate. The team helped us make a great choice for our life style and taste.
Special shout out to Cam! He was engaging and attentive but not stifling or obnoxious. He listened to our specific needs and entertained our whimsy. The knowledge he shared was insightful and helpful. He tolerated my high energy level with wit and professionalism beyond his years.
We never felt rushed or judged. Cam's patience is epic and
Kimberly Warren
Jul 18, 2021
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We have had such a wonderful experience at Decorum and with Al. He is so wonderful!! I asked him to help us with design recommendations and he really did a fabulous job. He put together a great presentation and made so many great choices after visiting our home. Even when I changed my mind he was go generous in helping me make the switch. Everyone we came in contact with at the store and the delivery men were super stars. I really can not say enough how great our experience was and hope that we have a lifetime of design assistance with Al.
Ted Tzavellas
May 22, 2021
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The year was 1985 when we stepped into Decorum for the first time, but not the last. From the original purchase that year to just yesterday’s buy, we have been steadfast with our belief in the true value of furniture that Decorum always provides.
Decorum’s real worth to you is exemplified by its staff. Their design advice, expertise and experience create an environment without pressure or sales expectations. You are welcomed when you enter, but never badgered until you are desperate to leave.
Times may change, but quality is timeless. If your dreams are the blueprints for reality, then take
Decorum’s real worth to you is exemplified by its staff. Their design advice, expertise and experience create an environment without pressure or sales expectations. You are welcomed when you enter, but never badgered until you are desperate to leave.
Times may change, but quality is timeless. If your dreams are the blueprints for reality, then take
Roxanne C.
May 19, 2021
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Cheryl T.
Apr 05, 2021
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I'm reviewing although I didn't buy furniture so I can't rate the buying and delivery process. Went w a friend who has a number of furniture pieces in her home from this store. I am not easily impressed and I was. Customer service was great. Staff welcomed and introduced self and offered to help and didn't hover. Appreciated. Three floors of interesting and varied high quality looking furniture, art and accessories.
Guess they are ending their gift shop sales and everything left was 75% off. Bought fun candles, mugs, wine glasses, cards and more!
Guess they are ending their gift shop sales and everything left was 75% off. Bought fun candles, mugs, wine glasses, cards and more!
Janet P.
Jan 22, 2021
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Maria G.
Nov 27, 2020
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I'm in the market for new LR furniture and I KNEW I would find what I'm looking for here BUT I made sure this place was the last store on the list because I already knew it was going to be all my paycheck and more. One of a kind, great quality and customizable furniture makes it worth it though!
Customer service is iffy and that's what took off a star for this review. I had a few of the sales associates look at me without offering me any assistance. One lady (Michelle I think her name is) finally came and asked if I needed any help while I was sitting and checking out a sofa. She
Customer service is iffy and that's what took off a star for this review. I had a few of the sales associates look at me without offering me any assistance. One lady (Michelle I think her name is) finally came and asked if I needed any help while I was sitting and checking out a sofa. She
Joe B.
Dec 12, 2019
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Our living room was tired, outdated, and in need of some excitement. So we contacted Debbie Pearl at Decorum Furniture for some design ideas. She came to the house, discussed our style, looked at our other furnishings and took measurements. She invited us to meet her at the store an she showed us several pieces and discussed the pros and cons of each as it relates to how we planned to use the room and when we wanted to get it all complete. There was NO pressure. When we found the sofa we were looking for, we then started to find chairs and a carpet that all worked together. And work together it
Robert Rogers
Sep 18, 2019
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Amber L.
Dec 26, 2018
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Decorum is like a wonderland. Three floors of beautiful choices. Everything is so modern and beautiful. All of the staff are extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They treat everyone like they are family. I adore the gift shop. They have a huge variety of items that are unique and priced well. I've shopped here several times and it's never a disappointment. There is something for everyone. My friend has decorated a majority of his place with items from Decorum and it looks award winning, magazine spread worthy. I would highly recommend the store to others. Even if you aren&apos
Audrey A.
Dec 19, 2018
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This furniture store is the BEST in Hampton Roads!! The staff is amazing, very knowledgeable, and helpful. The staff are wonderful in terms of helping you design your space, and also in terms of what piece of furniture will really meet your needs. The gift shop is great too, and is a great place to shop for unique Christmas gifts. Wherever you live in Hampton Roads - Decorum Furniture is worth the trip! $
Elli P.
Nov 19, 2017
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Greg T.
Jun 02, 2017
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Went in today for the first time, I once lived next door at 201 21, and I am glad I did. Walter helped me and the wife and he was great. I work at VCF and worked at Haynes and the Dump for 19 years. I have to say that I was very surprised that they had 999 sofas and really great deals on Floor Sampled only. Cool store man, and also if you can wait, lots of colors and configuration's. Ask if cost there is a cost change for more expensive looking fabric samples, could
save time. They also have books and small gifts. The wife spent 43 bucks on what's in the picture, she also has
save time. They also have books and small gifts. The wife spent 43 bucks on what's in the picture, she also has
Xerxes N.
Jul 01, 2016
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Definitely some nice furniture at Decorum. None of that crap you'd buy at Haynes or Value City. You pay for this kind of stuff but you can clear feel the quality in the goods and know that things will last in your home for several years.
Lots of Eurostyle choices. Lots of modern choices. Lots of contemporary choices. So much to choose from. Even here in good ol' Hampton Roads you can really set your home up with the urban feel. If you're into bright colors, they have a great selection for you.
One of the sales associates, Walter, was very helpful with assisting us to find a lazy
Lots of Eurostyle choices. Lots of modern choices. Lots of contemporary choices. So much to choose from. Even here in good ol' Hampton Roads you can really set your home up with the urban feel. If you're into bright colors, they have a great selection for you.
One of the sales associates, Walter, was very helpful with assisting us to find a lazy
Seana M.
Nov 12, 2015
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I love Decorum! Not only was Stephen incredibly helpful, he was also patient with us when we needed to make some changes, he answered all of our questions, and he was very attentive as a salesman.
Decorum has three different levels of furniture and they always have new stuff coming in. We found that the selection was the best we've found out there, and the prices were really reasonable for the quality we got.
We're waiting on our delivery tomorrow, but it's been a great experience so far! Make sure you ask for Stephen, he was phenomenal!!!!
Decorum has three different levels of furniture and they always have new stuff coming in. We found that the selection was the best we've found out there, and the prices were really reasonable for the quality we got.
We're waiting on our delivery tomorrow, but it's been a great experience so far! Make sure you ask for Stephen, he was phenomenal!!!!
Alison M.
Mar 25, 2013
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Jacqui R.
Aug 25, 2010
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I love getting stopped by the red light that is right outside this store because I can actually take a minute and look at the awesome furniture displays they always have in the windows. Granted, the furniture in here is way too expensive for me right now, I still love looking at it (and maybe one day can actually buy some of it). It's cool and artsy and just the type of furniture you'd expect to be in a hip Ghent store. My roommate and I will often stop inside to see what the latest fashion is in home decor and fantasize about the day one of our homes will be decked out in the stuff.
Leona B.
Aug 07, 2010
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The Norfolk Decorum has become more than just a retail store; it's a Ghent landmark that has gentrification written all over it.
It's typically way out of my price range -- who am I kidding -- furniture in general is out of my price range.
But Decorum's stuff is beautiful. Going in there is mostly a fantasy trip into the pages of Elle Decor. They sell well-made contemporary and classic pieces. The showroom is just fun to get lost in.
I actually did purchase four dining room chairs there once. And when I say "I," I mean that my mother-in-law was kind enough to purchase
It's typically way out of my price range -- who am I kidding -- furniture in general is out of my price range.
But Decorum's stuff is beautiful. Going in there is mostly a fantasy trip into the pages of Elle Decor. They sell well-made contemporary and classic pieces. The showroom is just fun to get lost in.
I actually did purchase four dining room chairs there once. And when I say "I," I mean that my mother-in-law was kind enough to purchase
Brenda R.
Oct 11, 2009
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David D.
Jul 11, 2009
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Decorum is a Tidewater Gem. I am a regular at their Ghent location, but there is also a shop at the beach. This is modern furniture and decor. They carry a wide variety of products and a large Natuzzi section on the second floor. You can expect to be offered a beverage upon entering. The staff is very helpful, but they'll let you browse without too much interruption. If you compare this shop to similar in DC, you'll be amazed at the savings.
