Top Furniture Trends

[A TV Cabinet]

The newest “must have” for any bedroom is a TV cabinet, with a TV that rises and falls into the cabinet with the touch of a remote control button. These lift cabinets are the latest and most wanted technology, and also happens to be the perfect thing to put at the end of your bed. By day a beautiful cabinet by night an eye level flat panel TV. However keep in mind these tend to run on the more expensive side.

[A Large Upholstered Bench]

A large bench or ottoman can catch your bedspread at night, hold a tray of midnight snacks, or even make a great place to sit. Make sure to choose a fabric or upholstery that enhances the décor, you can also make seasonal changes such as a warm blanket during winter or a sheer light throw or slipcover during the spring and summer.

[A Storage Bench]

An upholstered or wooden bench provides and eye-pleaser at the end of the bed as well as a convenient place to store extra blankets pillows, books, well whatever you want really. It can also serve as a place to put your shoes and socks on in the morning or you bedspread at night.

[A Skirted Table]

A small round or oblong table would work perfectly at the end of any bed, make sure to cover it with a floor length table cloth or slip cover and if you have extra space you can even add a chair next to it.

[A Pair of Chairs]

A small pair of chairs is the perfect place to read whilst in your room, not to mention that it will add a nice finishing touch to the end of any bed. Furthermore, if you add an ottoman or small table and reading lamp you will have the perfect little reading nook.

[A Loveseat]

A small loveseat can be just the thing addition to the end of a bed. You must have a floor lamp close by for reading and you can decorate the loveseat with small pillows and a cozy throw blanket.

[A Low Cabinet, Chest, or Trunk]

Even though a low long piece may look better at the end of your bed, in some rooms a taller piece can work well also. The drawers of this type of furniture can easily be used to store linen, books, craft supplies, and CD’s or DVD’, or anything else that you might use in your bedroom. Nice pieces of wood furniture will also compliment and upholstered bed very well.

[A Wicker or Iron Bench or Seat]

The end of a bench is a great place to put an unusual piece of furniture; it will become a great accent piece to the entire room. Iron and wicker look great in casual interiors and they can also give a more vintage look, and you can add a plaid or floral cushion to coordinate with the rest of the room.

[A Table]

A pedestal or library table is a wonderful space for books, collections, family photos, or even a small television. Make sure that the table is now taller than eight inches above your mattress.

[1] Clear out the Clutter:
There is nothing more cramping in a small space than extra clutter. Figure out ways to hide collections out of sight a couple ways could include table skirts, behind closed doors, or on shelves, make sure everything is neatly arranged. This will automatically make the space in view feel more orderly and open.

[2] Open the Way:
If there is furniture or other décor blocking the way to the view into the room and even out into open spaces a room will look way more cramped. By simply moving the furniture out of the walkways you will open up the space and make it feel larger. Another good tip is to choose short or armless furniture pieces like a armless sofa or ottoman and place the larger pieces of furniture against the walls, and voile the room will look larger already.

[3] Choose Soft, Light Hues:
Light colors will always make the space feel more open and airy, whereas the darker, warmer hues will instantly make a room feel more cozy and intimate. For the optimum affect select softer hues like blues and greens.

[4] Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme:
The key is choose colors that are in the same color family, and use tone-on-tone woven upholstery fabrics, textured wall finishes, delicate tonal drapery fabrics. Again Cool colors a delicate warm textures will make a a room appear more open.

[5] Coordinate Wall and Furniture Colors:
A contrasting color scheme will tend to break up the room. If the pieces of furniture and wall colors blend well the room will instantly open up the room and be less distracting and interrupting to the viewer.

[6] Let in the Light:
A simple and easy way to open up a small space is to well light it. Simple sconces or and open windows will do wonders for a small room. So, get rid of the heavy draperies and open up the windows, or add a few more lamps, or even install track or recess lighting.

[7] See through Space:
If you use materials that are see through everything will instantly look far away. For instance if you have a tiny bathroom replace the opaque shower curtain for a more translucent one and it will open up the space and make it appear larger than it really is. Another good idea for dining and living rooms is to get a dining or coffee table with a glass or Lucite table top, it will open up the space around the table to the view beyond.

[8] Reflective Surfaces:
We don’t all like the look of a mirrored wall but we can all agree that it will instantly make a room look twice as big. Instead of a mirrored wall you can use a large framed mirror hung on the wall or stand an oversized floor mirror against the wall. With both these ideas you get the same effect of a mirrored wall only way more stylishly. Both the space and light will be reflected for a more open look. Need other ideas? You can top an end table or coffee table with beveled, mirrored glass, or get custom cut mirrors for your chest of drawers or bureau.

[9] Believe it or not Bigger is better:
Be sure to use a few larger, simple pieces of furniture or accessories in place of several smaller pieces. The smaller pieces will make the space look more cluttered whereas the select few larger pieces will open up the space. With more open space and larger solid color pieces the space will feel more calm and comfortable.

[10] Keep the Upholstery Plain:
Select plain colored upholstery for furniture instead of bold plaids, stripes, or prints. The key is to use textures to create focal, interest points, rather than patterns.

[11] Light, Airy Fabrics:
Sheer fabrics allow light to pass through window treatments, bed skirts, table covers, and furniture slipcovers. If you are too bored with plain fabrics choose a simple pattern such as soft, floral vines and simple stripes to keep the look simple.

Choosing the right sofa is important to any potential buyer, it is important to make sure that the sofa is comfortable, well built, and solid, will last, and is the perfect style so that it can be enjoyed for years to come. The following are some tips to take into consideration when making this decision.

[Style]

Make sure you purchase a sofa that compliments the decor you already have in your living room. If your decor is more on the traditional side it would best suit you to buy a sofa with rolled arms, a contoured back, skirting or tufted cushions. The more contemporary sofas tend to have simple, straight, clean lines, fewer flourishes and understated upholstery.

[Scale]

You must consider the proportions of the room the sofa will be occupying. Then determine the length, width and height of the sofa that would best fit the room. If you are not sure trying using painter’s tape or masking tape to mark off the area the sofa will sit and leave it there for a day to make sure it will fit the space. It is a good idea to leave at least three feet of space around the sofa for traffic through the room. If you will be spending a long time lounging or laying out on the sofa, make sure it is long enough to do so comfortably. A common furniture buying mistake is purchasing your new sofa and then getting home only to find that it won’t fit through the door or into the elevator, just make sure that to measure all openings before purchasing and check to see if the legs are removable. A farewell to arms? If you are short on space you might want to consider purchasing an armless sofa.

[Number of Pillows]

How many people are you looking to seat? It is a simple fact that no one likes to sit on the crack, so you if you purchase a sofa with only two cushions (love seat) I can almost guarantee that only two people will be using it. A three cushion sofa is most likely going to seat three people, whereas a sofa with a single long cushion will seat as many people as can squeeze onto it.

[Tight Back vs. Pillow Back]

Sofas generally come in two types: tight back, where the upholstery is tailored to the contours of the sofa’s back, and a pillow back, which features removable cushions or pillows along the back. The pillow back style is considered to be more comfortable and inviting, however unless you are extremely diligent with your fluffing the cushions will more than likely always look a bit askew.

[Comfort]

When it comes to your sofa one size does not fit all. Seat depth and back height and angle will affect how comfortable you are in your new sofa. To a sofa that will be particularly comfortable to you measure the distance from your knee to your lower back and then purchase a sofa that has a similar seat depth.

[Fabric]

If you’ve got kids or pets remember to keep in mind that a patterned sofa will hide stains more effectively than a solid color. There are also certain fabrics that even deter bacteria. Micro fiber is always a good choice for kids because it is easy to clean and you can stick with that nice, soft upholstery feel. You can check sofa tags for a caption that says it has withstood 30,000 to 40,000 rubs. Leather is also a good alternative for someone with kids or pets because again it is extremely easy to clean not to mention it is highly durable. You might also want to keep in mind that it is cheaper to re-upholster a sofa rather than purchase a completely new one, so don’t make your purchase solely based on the fabric, imagine the sofa naked and then purchase it more for it’s frame rather than it’s looks.

*** What is you budget? ***

A budget is always a good starting point when it comes to purchasing wood furniture, even if you may not stick to it. If you appreciate quality construction, fine, rare wood or unique design you may be more inclined to spend more for these particular features, or you may find that “perfect” piece and choose to re-adjust you budget. However a budget can help to keep you grounded so that you don’t spend all your available funds on one piece of furniture. You want to make sure you don’t have to live with ugly curtains or bland walls for awhile because you spent every last dime on that irresistible dining table.

*** Where will it be used? ***

If you are choosing a piece for your family room you would most definitely want to make sure that it is durable. Choose wisely, since you will be opening and closing doors and drawers often. However if you are placing the piece in the corner of a little used guest room durability is not as important as “looks” or size and shape. So generally if the piece of furniture is going to be receiving everyday use you might want to consider spending a little bit more to have it function smoothly and properly, where as a decorative piece does not have to break your bank in price.

*** How long will you have it? ***

If you are looking to buy a piece that is going in the living room, dining room, or bedroom it is safe to say that the item will be in your house for awhile, and may even be passed down to future generations. You might just want to allow extra spending room for these particular items in your budget. Not to mention these pieces should be chosen with care and longevity in mind. On the contrary furniture for a baby’s room (while it may be adorable) will generally only be used for three to five years and will need to change as the child grows and their interests and activities grow with them. Unless you are the ever doting grandparent it is safe to say you can cut your corners here, children’s furniture is made with specific government standards and regulations so you can choose this furniture solely based on charm rather than longevity.

*** What style do you like? ***

Even though choosing a specific style is important more and more interior decorators and homeowners are using an eclectic style which means mixing and matching different styles for an extremely unique look. This can be fun, however this doesn’t necessarily mean you can use that dented old blue chest from your childhood in your otherwise formal dining room, but a little flair and inconsistency can go a long way by adding interest and a focal point to any room.

1. The new rage, with the new found popularity in flat screen TV’s, are of course plasma Entertainment centers, these are close to the traditional entertainment centers yet they come with an extra long television cart usually 60” in length. However there are now expandable television carts which can adjust from 48” in length to 72” in length. As far as styles go, a simple television cart or simplistic entertainment center seems to be what everyone wants; the television then becomes the focal point versus a gaudy entertainment center.

2. With the ever growing technological era we can now get a plasma TV lift cabinet. These handy devices look like a tall television stand yet the trick is that your plasma TV can go down into the stand so that it is not visible without a quick click of the remote and voile there’s the TV! These give your living room a sleek, organized look and still they manage to be extremely functional.

3. Next we have Big Screen Entertainment centers these simply consist of stereo or media piers and a light bridge and shelf, the key is something that is functional yet again simple as with the plasma TV’s.

4. Last but not least we have the traditional entertainment centers; these are for those of us who can’t afford the big, fancy plasma TV so we settle for our small one. As far as style with these ones, since the TV is smaller we want the entertainment center to stand out a little bit more.

Before you even think about taking home that new upholstered sofa or chair, take it for a test drive. You should flop down on it several times, and bounce a little, and while doing this listen for creaks or thumps, or the springs hitting against to frame. It is also a good Idea to lift up one side and see how heavy it is, be sure to check out how sturdy the legs are as well, make sure they are part of the frame and not just attached to it. After you’ve done these simple tasks, take a closer look, and be sure to use the following tips:

[The Frame]

Any quality sofa or piece of upholstered furniture will have a frame made of kiln dried hard wood, like oak, alder, birch or maple. The importance of having a kiln dried hard wood frame is that the kiln drying process keeps the wood from cracking or warping in humidity changes. Both high quality hard wood plywood and marine hard wood are a durable substitute to the kiln dried hard wood. The frame should also follow the contour of the shape rather than rely solely on padding.

[The Joinery]

The key here is to look for joints that have been double doweled and fitted with corner blocks that are both glued and screwed into place. Avoid any blocks that have been only stapled.

[The Deck]

The deck is the bottom of the piece and also where you would be sitting. Underneath the cushions an inexpensive sofa will use interwoven straps affixed to the frame. However, better constructed sofas will affix these straps to springs placed around the perimeter, like on a trampoline. The highest quality sofas have the deck built with the springs.

[The Springs]

Any piece of fine furniture will have eight way, hand tied springs. In this system each spring is tied to its’ neighbor spring which provide better comfort, support, and durability. However since this technique involves a higher amount of labor it also includes a higher price tag. The next best thing would be sinuous S-shaped springs, which are made from a continuous piece of metal that has been affixed to the frame. The third option is drop in coil springs, which includes self contained, springs encased in muslin. As a general rule of thumb the number of springs and the way they are affixed will determine the cost and quality of the sofa, also make sure the back of the piece has springs in it to.

[The Cushions]

It is important to choose a piece that has cushions which are made from cotton or polyester fiber, foam, or down, most cushions have a core of polyurethane foam, the denser the foam the heavier it is and the longer it will last. Better quality foam will always have a density rating of 1.8-2.5, however in the cheapest furniture the cushion is only filled with this polyurethane core. In the better (and more expensive) furniture the core is wrapped in Dacron batting for extra lushness. The more costly options can include poly-down cushions, which mixes down with the batting, spring down cushions, which contains a core of springs wrapped in fabric surrounded by down feathers, or and all down cushion which is (as the name suggests) all feathers. It is a good idea to avoid the all down cushions only because they take a lot of work to maintain. Keep in mind as well that cushions will grow softer in time, so if you’re trying out a floor model that’s been there for awhile chances are the cushions will be softer than the new stiffer sofa that you order.

[The Cover]

There are two main types of fabric natural and synthetic. A good rule of thumb is that all synthetic fabrics will be more durable and last longer than the natural fabrics, they are also more color fast and cleanable (the exception being leather). To determine how durable a fabric is run your hand over it, a more durable fabric will be heavier and stand up to wear and tear longer and better, as will leather. Such fabrics such as satins, brocades or damasks are more delicate, and should only be reserved for places where they will get the least use.

Aniline vs. Pigmented:

Leathers are graded by size location and severity of the natural blemishes that are a part of all hides. A mark free, nearly perfect hide is prized and very rare to find. Most aniline leathers do have visible marks such as wrinkles or scars; however these hides will develop a beautiful lustrous vision with use and age. Top grain leather comes from the tough outer hide; where as leather that comes from the inner hide is known as split grain leather which is weaker than the top grain.

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Aniline Leather (also known as “pure” or “full” aniline) is soaked in aniline dye, but does not have any other finishes or pigments applied. Since this leather is super soft only the best hides are used.

Semi-Aniline Leather (also known as “protected” aniline) Have a small amount of pigment applied after being soaked in aniline die, this gives them slightly better protection against stains and fading.

Pigmented Leathers are the least expensive. Even though leather that is used is generally stiffer than others, pigmented leather is more stain and scuff resistant.

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Please keep in mind that adding pigments and colors are not necessarily bad, in addition to lowering the cost of the pieces these leathers offer an increase in uniformity of color, and provide a better resistance against stains, scuffs and scratches. In fact pigmented leathers are perfect for the roughness of family use.

Nubuck vs. Suede

With leather the texture is partly a function of its quality, and the highest grade leather is the softest.

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Nubuck Leathers are lightly brushed or abraded to create a short, plush nap. Nubuck is a top grain letter so it wears better than its suede counterpart, and not only this but Nubuck is also more resistant to damage.

Suede Leather looks exactly like Nubuck leather however suede is split grain leather and is less durable.

Sauvage Leather has more of a two-toned effect that will produce a marbled effect or creased appearance.

Pull up Leathers are full anilines that have been processed to produce a weathered look.

Embossed Leathers are lower grade hides that have been imprinted with a variety of textures to create a custom look.

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As stated above the grade of leather will determine the price you pay for the piece of furniture. A high grade piece might even cost ten times the price of a low grade piece. However even a lower grade sofa can look just as good a it’s higher grade cousin, not to mention a lower grade piece can wear very nicely and give a wonderful worn or weatherd look.

—Eclectic Style—

Eclectic style encompasses a variety of periods and styles and is brought together through the use of color, texture, shape and finish.

The Colors: When decorating in the eclectic style the palette can vary but it is best to stick to a few neutrals and one or two splashes of color, that way it is easier to tie all of the elements together. This is also important because you don’t want to lose the design amongst the color. This Screen Panel has the natural cream background but then there are splashes of colors in the form of greens and reds, which are soft and subtle, but bright enough to bring some color to the room.

The Fabrics: A good eclectic look is partially defined by the multitude fabrics, whether textured, patterned, or both. Choose your colors than make sure to stick with a neutral color for the base and add to it with colored and patterned, solid and textured. Don’t forget the tassels, trim and fringe.

The Furniture: You have to pay special attention to lines, finishes and materials of the pieces you will be combining, and always look for ways to combine them. Whether it be paint, fabric, or a more dramatic sand through finish always be aware of ways to bring your furniture pieces together.

Finishes: The thing that sets an eclectic look apart from all others is the combination of finishes and textures. Juxtaposition and contrast is the key in this look. Designers use soft fabric for chair upholstery and contrast it with the rough texture of a wicker chair., or furthermore with a  soft pea green of a table and combine that with the soft yellow of the china cabinet both to match the same colors found in fabrics of other items such as chairs, but keep in mind a different finish texture.

-Natural Neutrals-

These natural neutral colors are popping up in rustic bedroom showcases all over the place. The key with these colors is using shades of medium to dark browns, beiges and tans, and basically any color that tends to the more earthy colors, reflecting the hues of rock, stone and soil. These colors are perfect for the bedroom because they are very nurturing. Greens and browns are a great combo for the bedroom because they give the space a feeling of warmth that’s leaves you cozy in your bedroom, which is exactly what you want. When choosing a green pay close attention because some shades are flattering to skin tone. You want to choose something that is light and fresh rather than anything deep or overly saturated.

-Pretty Princess-

Natural shades of lavender and green a really in style this year for girls rooms, it’s the new pink. However please note that not just any shade of green will do, it has to be just the right hue. Such as a shade that has its roots in forest green, but is lighter and fresher, so that it can pair well with lavender. While when used in a child’s room these colors give a sweet, more traditional feel, but used in an adult’s room the shades take on a more modern experience. It’s all about matching your patterns.

-Blue Hues-

Predictions are that a big trend will move toward the more environmental palettes which only raise the popularity of classic combinations such as blue and green. The key is to look for softer colors, those of the sky and water, which you can then pair with the more botanical greens. Once you find the perfect balance of subtle blues and greens, accent them with a clean white trim and wood floor, you have yourself a bedroom that has the ability to cleanse and clarify.

-Think Pink-

Even though low key, subtle colors are in this year, there are always exceptions to the rules. Here enters the bold breakout of the pink bedroom. Pink turns any bedroom into a warm, relaxing, and sophisticated haven. You have to keep in mind however, this is not the same sweet, soft pink found in little girls’ bedrooms, no, and this pink is stronger and with just a hint of yellow adds sophistication to any bedroom. As time goes by we are more likely to see more and more pink which will move ever closer to the warmer side, almost flirting with white.

-Lavender Glamour-

Lavender is hitting the trends list huge this year; the goal is to pair soothing earth tones with gold and glittering crystal for a bold non-traditional look. By nature lavender is relaxing and gives you a feeling of peace, so it would only seem natural for the bedroom, and by adding a dash of gold or glittering crystal you can easily “wake up” the room. Another possibility to the use of this color is to add a little Hollywood glam, just make sure not to overdue it. One or two accents are fine, but crystal chandeliers and heavy velvet drapes will make the room seem like an old movie theater. Another good idea when using lavender is to use a neutral color for the walls, ceiling, floors, and curtains.

Furniture and the Wood it comes from 

There are several types of materials used to make furniture. All have high and low points to purchasing a piece made from each specific material, whether it be cost or construction it is good to know where the wood comes from and if its worth that three grand for your dresser because its “solid wood”, so lets explore the wonderful world of furniture construction. Kelley Furniture Has many quality furniture sets made of solid quality wood

1. Mahogany: This is a reddish-brown hard wood with a medium grain and is used more for the high end furniture. Mahogany is a very durable wood, yet it tends to run on the more expensive side. However, buying a true mahogany piece of furniture will last a lifetime so you have shop wisely and make sure the item is what you want, or you would be spending a fortune for nothing. There a generally two types of mahogany used in the furniture making process those are African and South American. The South American Variety is used for fine, higher-end furniture.

Fun Fact: Mahogany is one of the most sought after woods and one mahogany tree can produce 1 million dollars worth of furniture.

2. Oak: This wood comes in two basic varieties, red oak and white oak. Both are extremely durable, blend well with a variety of furniture styles, and are the most popular type of wood to make furniture from. Red oak ranges from light brown to reddish in color, whereas white oak can range from blonde to light brown or gray. Like mahogany oak furniture can last a long, long time however proper care is needed for the oak counterpart, which will most definitely drop the price of any oak piece you find (versus the mahogany price). Its durability makes it great for children’s furniture; because we all know those little ones can be rambunctious and well oak can usually handle it.

Fun fact: Red oak was traditionally used to make railroad ties, wagon wheels, and hardwood floors. White oak was traditionally used in shipbuilding because its strength, durability, and waterproof characteristics. 

3. Walnut: Walnut is a medium to chocolate brown hardwood, with a grain that is straight throughout the tree except at the roots where it gets wavy. Walnut is used mostly because it is stained easily, is easy to carve, and can be polished to a beautiful finish. Walnut is a great choice for more traditional-style furniture because it is not only durable, but can maintain a gorgeous finish for years to come. Much like oak furniture, walnut furniture can last for years as long as it is properly cared for, not to mention walnut furniture is usually in the same price range as oak furniture.

Fun Fact: Walnut stumps are often used to make hardwood veneers. Veneers do two things: a veneer will make the furniture appear to be a higher quality than it actually is by hiding underlying structural materials such as plywood or fiber board, and veneers provide a hardwood surface protection against dents and scratches if used over a solid wood piece of furniture.

4. Pine: Pine is most commonly used in the construction of dining tables, bookshelves, and bedroom sets. Pine is a soft wood which makes it more vulnerable to dents and scratches unless the specific piece of furniture you are looking at has veneers (which again are generally made from walnut). Pine is used today because it is more pliant than other woods and easier to work with. It is usually light-colored and the grain and knots are always prominent. Because of its soft wood quality pine furniture is always less expensive, especially when purchased unfinished; not to mention pine can be easily mixed with a variety of other woods due to its grain, which can blend with pretty much anything. Pine, however, does not have the same life span as it its hardwood counterparts, but if the piece is well constructed and well designed it can last decades (of course remember to properly care for it). Pine is usually used to add a cozy or rustic feel to any room.

Fun Fact: Historically pine was used to make furniture in England and the U.S.A for the lower classes because it was plentiful and less expensive than the hard woods available at the time, such as walnut and oak. Also the description of hard wood and soft wood is based on the tree’s foliage rather than the strength of the wood. Hard wood trees lose their leaves seasonally, whereas soft wood trees maintain their leaves year-round.

  5. MDF: Medium Density Fiberboard is a composite material very similar to particle board. It is made out of wood waste fibers which are glued together with resin, heat, and pressure. MDF is used mainly because it is smooth, uniform and won’t warp or swell when exposed to water or high-humidity. Because of these characteristics and it’s fine wood fibers MDF has a low “tear out,” which means that when sawed, the end has a smooth cut instead of a jagged edge, because of this fact  a coat of primer and a couple of coats of paint take well, leaving an attractive, finished surface unlike other composite wood products. Fun Fact: Some people prefer to use MDF over other construction material choices simply because it has a lower impact on the environment. MDF is made solely from waste products, the leftover scraps that would otherwise be dumped into a landfill. This attraction has helped it gain popularity among homeowners and potential furniture purchasers.