Are you looking for new living room furniture? A unique living room chair can be a great way to show off your personal style! Here are three types of chairs to consider  -- they all will bring extra comfort and fabulous visual appeal to your home:

The Chair and a Half

Larger than the average chair but smaller than a loveseat, a chair and a half is a versatile piece of furniture. It can be a central piece for a small living room or bedroom, perfect for lounging on and reading a book (and even sitting multiple people who don’t mind getting cozy). Or, it can be a great extra piece in a larger living room.  

The Chaise

Chaises are like chairs and ottomans combined all in one and are the ultimate for sitting relaxation! They are long chairs that give you a place to stretch your legs, and the back is often set at an angle to encourage reclining.

The Slipper Chair

Slipper chairs are upholstered, armless chairs that sit close to the ground. Traditionally, slipper chairs were used for sitting or when getting dressed in women’s bedrooms, but now people use them all over the house. They often come in bright, colorful patterned fabrics – perfect for adding a pop to any space.

Finding the right chair for your living room will have you cheering with joy! One of these options could be the finishing touch for the look you are going for.

Browse living room chairs at Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Furniture 101

Spring has sprung, and so have all sorts of advice to help you with your spring cleaning tasks. As you create your to-do list, don't forget about your furniture. Take this cleaning spree as an opportunity to give even your largest items a sparkling fresh, new look!

Check Your Furniture

As you begin your spring cleaning, take stock of the furniture you have. Clutter is clutter, whether it’s a sideboard handed down through the family or a much-loved chair that no longer goes with your current style. Take stock of items that no longer seem to be serving a function. Store those extra pieces, repurpose them, sell them or donate them to a furniture bank.

Also, look for wear and tear on all of your furniture. You can reupholster or repair any pieces you would like to keep, or, depending on the damage, you can sell or throw pieces away.

Time to Clean Your Furniture

After a long winter, your furniture needs the spring just as much as you do. It has been cooped up inside, exposed to months of dirt, dust and germs. Every piece needs a good, deep cleaning to look its best.

When cleaning your furniture, always consult the manufacturers’ directions first. If you do not have that information, here are some suggestions that may help. Remember to always test in an inconspicuous spot first and begin with the mildest option.

Cleaning Upholstered Furniture: First tend to any spots. Try to blot any spills immediately. If you have to use a cleanser, go with the mildest possible, and use a soft brush to work it into the fabric’s fibers. Vacuum after it dries.

As part of your spring cleaning, you’ll want to vacuum the entire piece anyway. Be sure to turn any loose cushions for more even wear and tear, and fluff them to help them keep your shape. You may even want to switch your cushions’ placement on pieces like sofas, since the entire couch is likely not used evenly.

Cleaning Leather Furniture: Cleaning leather furniture is similar to cleaning upholstered furniture, but with leather, it is OK to use a damp -- not soaking wet -- cloth to clean built-up dirt. You should also always use a white cloth so you do not accidentally deposit dyes on your furniture. You’ll still want to vacuum the furniture and tend to spots first.

If your leather has any dry water stains, you can try to minimize their appearance by using a soft damp cloth and wiping (not scrubbing) the stain from its center outward.

Cleaning Wood Furniture: You can also remove dust from the surface of your wooden furniture with your vacuum -- use the brush attachment (not the one that spins). With a soft damp cloth, clean the surfaces using a circular motion. If your wood furniture needs to be oiled or waxed, now is the time to do it.

Of course, the best way to care for all of your furniture is preventive care. Be sure to attack any stains immediately, and when you have a major problem, like a large ink stain, for example, don’t be afraid to call a professional.

Browse all furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Furniture 101

A spilled glass of wine or grape juice does not have to mean the end to your favorite living room chair or your brand-new dining room area rug. Sure, you can take preventive action, like choosing durable fabrics or even getting materials treated, but that only helps before the glass gets knocked over.

Surprisingly, your best bet when a spill strikes is doing what your grandmother might have done: Seltzer that spill.
 
Keep an unopened bottle of clear soda water or seltzer on hand for spills -- even tough ones like wine, animal urine or food. While this often works on furniture upholstery as well, you should always consult the manufacturers’ instructions, especially if your furniture is upholstered in a delicate fabric. But, once you decide the seltzer treatment is the right way to go, follow these steps:

1. Gently scrape off (or mop up) as much of the spill as possible, then soak the stained area with seltzer.
2. Let it sit for awhile while the bubbles work more of the spill up to the surface.
3. Blot carefully with a clean, white absorbent paper or fabric towel, being sure not to rub the stain back into the surface or spread it further.

This process will often eliminate the entire stain. If not, it will keep stains from drying and setting before they can be removed by conventional cleaning methods.

Browse furniture at Furniture.com.

Category: Furniture 101

There are a lot of moving pieces -- literally -- when it comes to buying dining room furniture and setting up this important room in your home. You need to be sure that the furnishings you choose allow for family and guests to easily move about the dining room, enjoying their meals and company, and that you can easily move around for serving and entertaining.

Luckily, we’ve compiled some guidelines so that you can purchase and arrange your dining room table, dining chairs, sideboard/buffet and china cabinet/hutch in a way that will please the eye and be completely functional. These measurements will provide some good guidelines for choosing the size of your furniture. And remember, these same rules apply whether you have leaves in your table or not, so if you plan to use the leaves, keep that in mind for the overall measurements.

• Beginning at the entranceway to your dining room, you should have 48” from there to the dining room table. This will give everyone enough room to easily come in and out of the room, especially for anyone bringing hot food to the table.
• You need 36” between the dining room table and chairs and any other piece of furniture or wall. Anyone sitting at the table will have enough room to move the chair out and get up from the table. Your rug should also be 36” wider than the table all around to accommodate this movement.
• A place setting takes up about 24”, and you will want to leave 24” between chairs. You’ll want you guests to have enough room to be comfortable and able to cut their food without bothering anybody else.
• For lighting, you want your overhead chandelier to hang about 24” to 32” from the table – this way it won’t be in anyone’s face while you’re talking. The lower your lighting hangs, the more modern it will look.
• Chairs and their arms should be able to slide under the table. For maximum comfort, the top of the seat should be 7” below the bottom of the apron so there’s enough room for people’s legs.

By opting for a dining room set, you will be able to avoid some of these concerns because you will know your chairs were built to be used with that table. But taking all of these measurements to be sure the new dining room furniture you have fallen in love with will work in your dining room will be completely worth it the first time you have a dinner party.

Browse dining room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Dining Room Furniture, Accent Furniture, Furniture 101, Design Tips

Not too long ago, people were suspect about buying anything online and wondered whether this Internet thing would ever take off. Well it certainly has, and now people buy everything online from books to wedding dresses and, yes, furniture.

There are a number of reasons to buy and research furniture online:

Convenience: Shopping for anything online is convenient, and this rings true for furniture, too! You can look for the items you want whenever it works for you – you don’t have to worry about the store’s hours. Plus, if you live somewhere it’s inconvenient to get to a large furniture store, like NYC or another big city, then shopping online brings the store to you. When you shop online, whether you live in Nevada, Virginia or somewhere in between, you can get your purchase delivered to your door.

Choice: Websites are able to offer more choices because they are not limited by physical space. On Furniture.com, we show you the furniture that is in stock at your local retailer’s store. But just because it is in stock, that doesn’t mean it’s on display on the floor.

Information: Furniture websites, like Furniture.com, often offer detailed information on each piece of furniture. Shopping online allows you to get this information on your own when you want it. We also offer close-up views so you can see the furniture as well as if it were right in front of you.

Saving and Sharing Items: When shopping online, you can easily save the furnishings you love to a wish list or your cart. You can also use sharing tools, like Facebook, Pinterest or emailing to a friend to see what others think about your choices and to weigh in with their opinions.

Whether shopping for furniture or just researching, the Internet clearly offers some benefits for using it as a tool in the process. But with these great reasons to shop for furniture online, the real question is why wouldn’t you?

Browse furniture at Furniture.com.

Category: Furniture 101

Decorating your home can be challenging, especially when you have limited space. Multifunctional furniture is a great choice for smaller apartments and homes because of the versatility. These furnishings can fill multiple purposes such as extra seating, sleeping space or storage solutions. Here are a few must-have pieces that will add both design and function to your living space!

Chest of Drawers

The first essential piece of furniture is a chest or dresser, which is perfect for extra storage. Most often these pieces are associated with bedrooms where they are used for storing clothes or turned into vanities, however they can blend nicely in any room in your home. A chest in the bathroom can hold toiletries, towels and other bathroom supplies. In the living room, you can use it to hide your electronics and movies, and in a hallway or foyer, a chest of drawers not only acts as storage but serves to compliment your home decor!

Sideboards

Sideboards are a stylish item most often found in dining rooms. They are great for showcasing china and silverware or for storing napkins and other dining essentials. If you enjoy entertaining, a sideboard can easily be converted into a server for food and refreshments. During parties or holiday gatherings, a sideboard will allow for more space at the family dinner table.

Daybeds

A daybed is a great multi-use piece. Often called convertibles, these beds are basically a twin bed that appears to look more like a small sofa. They are great for small bedrooms or apartments because they allow extra seating that transforms into additional sleeping space. Daybed frames come in many different styles and you can easily adapt them to your room decor with the addition of fashionable throw pillows and blankets.                

Ottomans or Cocktail Tables

Ottomans and cocktail tables are often the centerpiece of a living room, used for holding drinks and food or simply kicking up your feet at the end of a long day.  Many have storage capabilities for holding magazines, remotes, movies and other items. Plus, an ottoman can serve as extra seating for guests. With many different shapes, sizes and designs, make sure you pick one with a functionality that fits your needs! 

Browse multipurpose furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Design Tips, Furniture 101

When you get home from a long day at work, nothing says relaxation like kicking back in a recliner. Imagine it: Your body being enveloped by soft leather as you lean back and elevate your feet. You can finally relax, enjoy a cold drink and let the stress of the day melt away.

But to make this a reality, first you have to find the perfect reclining furniture for you and your home. From rocker recliners to reclining sectionals, you have a lot of choices and a lot to think about.

Reclining Furniture

If you are looking for recliner, you have more options than just one chair that everyone has to take turns using. Check out all of your options:

Recliners: Recliners are single, stationary chairs that can be used in upright or reclining positions. The exact range of motion depends on the chair and its mechanics, but it can range from just being able to put your feet up to fully reclining to an almost laying down position. You’ll likely use a lever, button or switch to set the chair’s position.
 
Rocker Recliners: The main difference between a regular recliner and a rocker recliner is that the chair can rock when in the upright position.

Reclining Sofas: Having reclining furniture does not mean you have to choose between a recliner and a sofa. You can have all the functionality of a recliner combined with the look and additional seating of a sofa. Reclining sofas are ideal for watching the game on TV or for a home theater.

Reclining Sectionals: Reclining sectionals are similar to reclining sofas. The specific furniture you choose to buy will dictate the exact configuration and how many of the seats recline as well as what other bells and whistles your seating might include.

Additional Features

The technology used in designing reclining furniture has advanced in recent years, allowing the designers to include new, discreet feature to enhance users’ enjoyment. Here are some of the special features you may want to consider for yourself:

Power: Power reclining furniture allows you to change the chair’s position at the touch of a button, making it very easy for anyone, regardless of size or strength, to take advantage of all the chair’s comforts.
 
Versatility: We’re seeing more and more features like cup holders in our reclining furniture, further making this seating a great option for heavy duty entertaining. And, in the case of reclining sofas or sectionals, sometimes there are center consoles and fold-downs.

You have a lot to choose from when considering reclining furniture for your home. But resting in your new seating will make it all worth it!

Shop reclining furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Furniture 101

Many parents or pet owners are hesitant to replace their old living room chairs or sofa, thinking it would be better to wait until the children are older or the puppies and kittens have grown into calmer animals. But you can have your family – furry friends and all – and a new living room design too! Some fabrics are more conducive to the wear and tear of these specific family members, and choosing such a fabric for your living room upholstery will give you all furniture that you can live with.

Option 1: Leather Living Room Furniture

A leather sofa or living room chair is a fantastic choice for a number of reasons. It is very durable and comfortable. Leather furniture will contour to the shape of your body when you sit on it but will also keep its shape. You can easily clean any spills or smudges with a damp cloth, and it doesn’t attract pet hair. And, as asked in the Moms Write Stuff blog, “Who in his right mind wouldn’t want to sit in the lap of luxury?... One way to do that is by choosing leather furniture.”
 
Option 2: Microfiber Living Room Furniture

Microfiber is another fantastic option for your living room upholstery. This fabric has a seemingly flat weave, so your pets won’t easily get their claws stuck in anything by simply jumping on the furniture (which can be the case with some textured fabrics). And its smooth, tight feel makes microfiber easy to clean, however, you may need to use microfiber-specific cleansers, because the bleach and fabric softeners found in some household cleansers could damage the microfiber over time.

If you do fall in love with a living room set that is not upholstered in a durable fabric, like leather or microfiber, all is not lost. You might be able to treat the fabric for durability, however, be careful and consult manufacturer instructions – this could impact the fabric’s feel.

Browse living room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Living Room Furniture, Furniture 101

You don’t want or need everything in your bedroom match perfectly. A mix-and-match bedroom design can give your room a sense of personality and character -- it can be fun and create an inviting space. Plus, mixing bedroom furniture gives you the freedom to make design choices based on what you like and not simply what comes in a set. Some of the most interesting rooms are those with a variety of styles and designs.

When it comes to a mix-and-match look, there are no rules. You can make subtle changes, or you can mix it all up for a more eclectic look! The question is how to mix and match without going overboard. Here are some tips that can make it easier to create a room that is uniquely your style.

Bedroom Color Scheme

Determine what color inspires you and keep that same color scheme throughout your bedroom suite. Using a specific color or color family can help you create a mixed style that is not over the top. Once you identify the color, you can choose different shapes and patterns that will give your bedroom that mix-match feel without being unsettling. For example, if you choose a blue color scheme you can experiment with different blue patterns in throws, comforters, rugs and wallpaper to enhance the entire room.

Bedroom Focal Point

One thing you definitely want when mixing and matching decor in your bedrom is maintaining a sense of balance for the room. You can help achieve this by choosing a focal point and creating the rest of the design to around that piece. For example, if you love a specific bed, make that the focal point of the room and choose furniture that is different in style but similar in size and weight. You don't want your bedroom furniture to contrast so much that it is distracting, so make sure it is similar in dimension.

Bedroom Furniture Wood Color

You can choose wood grains that are similar colors but different styles. You can either choose furniture in all the same wood family or with a bit of variation. This allows you to pick different styles of furniture without deviating too far from the look of the room. For example, if you choose a light-colored wood bed, add antique nightstands or a dresser made from wood in the same family but not an exact match. If the colors coordinate, the style can be different while still giving a cohesive look.  

Remember that mixing and matching bedroom furniture is supposed to be fun! Your bedroom should be a reflection of your personality, so first priority is pleasing yourself. Pick pieces that you enjoy and you will surely create a bedroom suite that feels like your own personal retreat!

Browse all bedroom furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Bedroom Furniture, Design Tips, Furniture 101

There is nothing more exciting than picking out a new living room or bedroom set for your home. Beautiful furniture can change the entire feel of a room. But it is important to take proper care of your new furniture to make sure it lasts a long time. These simple maintenance and cleaning tips can help you keep your furniture looking new for years to come!

Furniture Care Tip #1

Heat, moisture and sunlight can be harsh on upholstery and wood surfaces. It can cause fading and even damage the material. But you can easily avoid these problems by placing your new furniture out of direct sunlight. Don’t put your furniture directly in front of or under a window. If you have no choice, use window coverings to reduce your furniture's direct exposure to the sun. Also, keep furnishings away from heat and air condition vents, and make sure you use coasters and placemats on your dining room furniture and accent tables to prevent water and heat damage.

Furniture Care Tip #2

Keep your new furniture's look by rotating pillows and cushions on chairs and sofas on a regular basis to maintain their shape. People often sit in the same spot, and over time furniture can become misshapened. Vacuum and clean your surfaces and fabric weekly to maintain a fresh look and prevent dirt and grime from getting embedded over time. Dusting and polishing wood surfaces ever 4 to 5 months will help maintain that new furniture look as well.

Furniture Care Tip #3

No matter how hard you try to protect your furniture, spills and accidents will happen. Often furniture is treated with dirt and water repellents before it leaves the factory, plus you can usually get additional stain protectors when making your purchase. These will definitely help, but they are not a substitute for acting fast when a spill occurs. The first thing to remember is to follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. In many cases, you can blot spills gently with a clean cloth or sponge. Do not rub -- rubbing the area can often cause more damage. If this does not work and you need to use a cleaner, once again, consult the manufacturer's incstructions on the types of chemicals that may be used. Make sure you test a small amount of it on a hidden area of the furniture first to see how it will react. When you are ready to use it on the spill, blot and move in a circular motion trying not to oversaturate. Lastly, if you are still unable to remove the spot, call a professional to come properly clean the furniture.

Following these helpful tips on cleaning, care and maintenance will help you keep your furniture looking new for a long time.

Category: Furniture 101 

You’re ready! You’ve decided now is the time to buy a new mattress set. Whatever your reason – perhaps your living situation has changed or you’re just tired of the lumps and want a better night’s sleep – congratulations! We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, and investing in a quality mattress set is a smart move for your mental and physical well-being. 

If it’s been a while since you’ve shopped for a mattress set, you may not be prepared for all the options that await you. Here’s an easy-to-understand overview of the three main types of mattresses available today and their unique features.

Innerspring (Coil) Mattresses

An innerspring mattress consists of a spring core, which provides the support, and a comfort layer. A variety of materials can be used for the comfort layer, including memory foam and latex form, and many innerspring mattresses have a pillowtop layer as well. 

The key benefits of innerspring mattresses include:

• Wide range of options in firmness.
• More affordable price points.
• Feels familiar – they're what most of us have been sleeping on all our lives.

Memory Foam Mattresses

A memory foam mattress has a core of visco-elastic memory foam, rather than innersprings, to provide both support and comfort. Your body sinks into memory foam, distributing your weight over the surface of the mattress to relieve pressure points.

The main benefits of memory foam include:

• A custom fit to your body.
• Aligns your neck and spine, reducing pressure points.
• Reduced motion transfer since the foam absorbs motion.

Latex Foam Mattresses

A latex foam mattress has a central core of latex foam, as opposed to innersprings. The material's unique properties provide excellent support and comfort. The pressure relief is similar to memory foam but is accompanied by a buoyant, floating feeling as the foam supports the contours  of your body.

Other unique benefits of latex foam include:

• Hypoallergenic – latex is naturally antimicrobial, dust-mite resistant and mildew-proof.
• Soft yet supportive, it aligns the spine and reduces pressure points.
• Breathable and resilient, which prevents heat buildup.

Remember: Buying a new mattress set is an investment, so don’t rush. Be patient and consider all your options to find the perfect one for you!

Browse mattress sets at Furniture.com.

Categories: Mattresses, Bedroom Furniture, Furniture 101

Are you thinking about buying a counter height dinette set? Counter height furniture is one of the biggest trends to hit dining room furnishings in the last 20 years, and most recently it has evolved from a strictly casual look to one that can also be the centerpiece of a formal dining room.

The Appeal of Counter Height Dinette Sets

Counter height dinette sets at home began to grow in popularity as our culture became more laid-back. People enjoy the informal cafe or bistro feel they bring to a space. Their compact nature makes them great for a kitchen corner or an alternative to a breakfast nook.

Since many counter height dining tables are round, square or triangular – rather than rectangular or oval – everyone faces each other, facilitating conversation and entertaining. And, as the host buzzes around bringing food or getting drinks, guests are still at eye level, so everyone is always a part of the party.

Counter Height Dinette Style

Now you can find counter height dinette sets in a number of styles and configurations to meet your needs. You can find tables made of wood, glass, marble, metal and combinations of these materials, and sets that seat anywhere from 2 to 8 and more, especially if the table has a butterfly leaf – both easy to store and use.

Seating for these dinettes has also become more interesting. Many sets have counter height benches available, and some have chairs that can be placed together to become a continuous seat.

Because of the varied options in counter height dining furniture, you can easily use a tall dinette set as your main dining room furniture. The furniture’s look and feel will help you create a dining space for entertaining and family.

Browse dining room furniture at Furniture.com.

Categories: Dining Room Furniture, Furniture 101

At Furniture.com, we don’t just sell furniture, we love it! And we love what it does for your home.

You see, without furniture and design accents, you just have an empty space. But when you fill that space with people you care about, furnishings that speak to you, wall art that makes you smile – that’s when the house, apartment or room you have becomes your home.

Our goal is to help you find the tools and resources you need to discover your style and create a home you truly love. In our posts, we’ll cover everything from Furniture 101 and style definitions to buying tips, new products, special deals and more!

We’re here for you, so if you are ever looking for information we don’t have, let us know via email or by posting in the comments below. We’d love to help you out and may even create a post about on the topic!