Exhibit 99

                                                   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


                   FURNITURE BRANDS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES REFINANCING
                     TO ANNUALLY SAVE $0.05 - $0.06 PER COMMON SHARE      
                   ----------------------------------------------------


          St. Louis, July 30, 1996 - - Furniture Brands International
          (NYSE:FBN) announced that, as a result of its strong operating
          performance and significant debt reduction during the first half
          of 1996, the company has executed a commitment letter with the
          agent banks under its existing secured credit agreement which
          will result in substantial reductions in interest expense.  This
          refinancing, which is subject to various conditions, is scheduled
          to be finalized by the end of September.

          The new secured credit agreement will be structured as a five-
          year, reducing revolving credit facility with an initial
          commitment totaling $475 million.  The company's agent banks,
          Bankers Trust Company, NationsBank and Credit Lyonnais, will
          provide the facility in conjunction with a syndicate of lending
          institutions.  The terms of the new secured credit agreement will
          provide the company with increased financial flexibility as well
          as lower interest rates which are expected to favorably impact
          annual results of operations by $0.05 - $0.06 per common share.





                                                          Exhibit 99

                                               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




                      FURNITURE BRANDS INTERNATIONAL AUTHORIZES
                       UP TO $30 MILLION IN EQUITY REPURCHASES    
                      -----------------------------------------


          St. Louis, July 30, 1996 - - Furniture Brands International
          (NYSE:FBN) announced today that its Board of Directors has
          authorized repurchases of outstanding common stock and Series 1
          Warrants of the company in a total amount up to $30 million over
          the next 12 months, subject to certain restrictions in the
          company's secured credit agreement.  The timing and amounts
          purchased will depend upon market conditions.  Repurchases may be
          effected from time to time in the open market or in negotiated
          transactions.

          The company recently completed the redemption of its Series 2
          Warrants, generating net cash proceeds of approximately $9
          million.  In addition, the company has executed a commitment
          letter with its agent banks to refinance its secured credit
          agreement which, among other benefits, will allow for the equity
          repurchases.  At June 30, 1996, the company had outstanding
          approximately 61.4 million shares of common stock and
          approximately 5.2 million Series 1 Warrants to purchase
          additional shares of common stock at $7.13 per share.  These
          warrants are redeemable as of August 3, 1997, subject to the
          average market price of the common stock prior to that date.