For the products, either lens will do, as unfocused states. The 15-85mm has a closer minimum focus distance, and that combined with a longer focal length mean higher maximum magnification, so the 15-85mm is better for smaller products (the advantage is really for much smaller products than you mention, things like coins/pens/etc.).
The other consideration is distortion - the 17-55mm has less barrel distortion at the wide end, meaning straighter lines. From that perspective, it's a better choice for furniture. But, that only applies at the wide end - by 20mm or so, the distortion is gone from both lenses, so if you have room to back up, it's not an issue.
Basically, I'd suggest making your decision based on other things you want to shoot - the 17-55mm will be better for portaits and shooting moving subjects in low light, the 15-85mm will give a broader focal range which is useful for landscapes and general shooting in good light. The 15-85mm is also substantially cheaper, so if budget is an issue, I'd definitely take the 15-85m plus a good tripod over the 17-55mm plus a cheap tripod (which isn't any better than no tripod at all).