EXHIBIT 16.1 May 23, 2005 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 5th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20549 Ladies and Gentlemen: We have read Item 4.01 of Form 8-K dated May 23, 2005 of Haverty Furniture Companies, Inc. and are in agreement with the statements contained in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and seventh paragraphs on page 2 therein. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein. Yours truly, /s/ Ernst & Young LLP.