sofas


Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Contemporary vs. Contemporary

S7350Are you in style? Does your home have a look that would be considered cool by today’s standards? If so, then your home probably has a contemporary or modern look to it. But what does “contemporary” really mean?

Many times people classify contemporary as a distinct style that doesn’t encompass other design styles. Commonly, and un-knowingly, they think furniture considered contemporary is something they are most likely to find in an upscale art gallery in New York city. What they fail to realize is that the word contemporary simply means “of the present time,” and this can encompass a broad range of designs.

“Artsy” furniture, the most common label for contemporary furniture, is likely to be found in urban locations and lofts. This furniture often has flare and is extremely simple. Furniture pieces in this category are not always adorned with straight lines, but typically showcase curved lines to give them a unique look and shape. Leather and microfibers are usually the upholstery of choice in this case.

If you are looking to stay within the contemporary style but want more of a straight lined look, then look for pieces that are of Danish or Scandinavian design. Contemporary Scandinavian designers often use straight lines in their designs and leave their pieces unadorned and crafted of walnut and teak. Sometimes their pieces will have gentle curves, but these will not be at a premium.

Finally, minimalist styled furniture takes the contemporary look to the extreme and is known for its use of straight lines. The Minimalist approach was inspired by Bauhaus design and puts emphasis on free space, functionality, and economical design. You won’t find a lot of furniture in a minimalistic room. Instead, you will find one of two pieces accompanied by a lot of space.

Whether its straight lined or curvy lines, minimalistic or urban, visit your local PMD Furniture Direct ™ franchisee and shop their massive selection of contemporary furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings Collection and give your home the modern style you are looking for!

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Features of durable living room furniture

durable living room furnitureThink you can’t have beautiful furniture just because you have beautiful—but boisterous—children? Think again! Kids can coexist with a beautiful home!

The type of cover you choose for your furniture is very important. Many fabrics come with anti-stain features or treatments to protect against spills and stains.  Microfiber repels moisture remarkably and comes in a dazzling array of colors and suede like finishes. Genuine leather can also be an excellent choice because of its durability and strength. Many leather finishes have a naturally distressed look that won’t show wear and tear over a period of time.  A sofa with a washable slipcover sofa also protects your investment during the messy years.

Clean ability should be high on your list of considerations, right up there with durability.  Sooner or later, your kids are going to jump on your furniture—it’s practically guaranteed! Quality construction using strong frames and high-density cushions can stand up to typical roughhousing. Rearrange your furniture periodically to make sure all pieces are sharing the love—and the rassling!

Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to see how beautiful furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection meets your family’s needs.

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Picking the design of your sofa

S1040Now that you have picked out what style of sofa best suits your family needs, it is time to think about the design you are looking for. This doesn’t mean color, pattern, or fabric but more so what type of features you want on your sofa.

When deciding on what features you want in the sofa you are buying from your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee, you need to understand how they will complement your personal design aesthetic.

Feet: The first question asked here is whether or not you want your feet to be exposed. If the answer to that question is yes, then you need to decide what type of feet you want. If you room is formal or contemporary, then you should lean in the direction of wooden feet. Modern styled sofas usually come with feet made of metals or other mixed materials.

Skirt: If you decide that you don’t want your feet to show, then deciding on what type of skirt you want around the base of your sofa is your next decision. Casual and traditional styled sofas most of the time have skirts hiding the feet. Different types of skirts include pleated, gathered and tailored, and matching or contrasting fabric patterns.

Arms: Arms can be high, low, wide, narrow, curved, or straight. Depending on how high your end tables will be, the height of the arms and width can play a crucial role in how comfortable the sofa is.

Back: If you have chosen to go the wrought of a more stylish sofa, then tight-back sofas are probably in your future. These offer clean lines that will fit a more contemporary styled room. Big fluffy pillowed type backs or more for your casual sofas.

Pillow and Cushions: Sofas are usually designed to have one to three cushions. One being the entire length of the sofa while two or three are designed to sit one person each. These cushions can come attached are loose and many times are available in different fabrics or colors.

Next week we will continue with the size, fabric, and comfort of sofas and how they will complete your rooms design.

Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to shop our vast selection of affordable, durable and beautiful furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection

Wednesday, March 24th, 2010

Don’t Forget the Upholstery

spring cleaningThis past Saturday marks the first day of spring. A beautiful time of year that represents the passage way from winter to summer. People use this season to clean their homes from all the dust and dirt that has collected over a long winter. Usually counters, windows, floors, tables, and carpets, are at the forefront of everyone’s cleaning agenda, neglecting sofas, loveseats, and recliners.

Solid surfaces such as floors and tables expose dust and dirt well. We see this dirt easily and make it a point to clean it whenever it collects. However, this same dirt and dust that is cleaned, sometimes twice a week, is also the same dirt and dust collecting in your upholstered furniture.  What then, are the best ways to properly clean upholstery so it can stay looking new?

  • You should first vacuum your furniture on both sides. Most new vacuums come with upholstery attachments which are used to get corners and spots on a cushion that are hard to reach. Tools such as the crevice tool and dust brush are perfect and can keep your furniture looking new. Use the dust brush on leather furniture so suction doesn’t damage the surface.
  • After vacuuming your furniture, it is important that you flip your cushions. Turning your cushions over and rotating them can make the inner cushion and the fabric last longer. This doesn’t have to be done just in the spring, but all year long.
  • If at all possible, try not to place upholstered furniture in direct sunlight.  Ultraviolet rays will cause sunburn and wrinkles, depriving your furniture of its gorgeous look. If you must place your furniture in direct sunlight, use window blinds or sheers to minimize the sun rays.
  • Finally, give your furniture a good old massage. That’s right, start from the bottom of the arms and back and push the stuffing up, giving it a full look. This works air back into the synthetic fibers and keeps it nice and cushy.

Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to shop our vast selection of affordable, durable and beautiful upholstered furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Collection!

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Protecting Your Leather Furniture

protect your leather furnitureLong considered a sign of luxury and quality, leather furniture is making its way into homes everywhere. More families are leaning towards the purchasing of leather furniture based on the simple fact that leather lasts longer, and is more durable than fabric. Leather furniture, when taken care of properly,  can last up to 2 decades longer than fabric furniture.  How then can you make your leather furniture last that long?

  • Read and follow your leather furniture’s care and cleaning instructions on the manufacturer’s label, which is often attached to the seat deck under the cushions or sewn to a cushion. Unsealed leather should be vacuumed regularly and wiped with a clean, damp cloth. Spills must be blotted immediately with a soft, dry cloth. Sealed leather furniture should be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. Afterward, dry the leather with a soft, clean cloth.
  • Never use a cleaning solution not recommended by the manufacturer. Contact your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to purchase leather care products to properly clean your leather and preserve your warranty protection.
  • Do not place your beautiful leather furniture in direct sunlight or within two feet of a heat source such as a fireplace, register or portable heater. Direct heat sources can cause your leather furniture to dry out, crack or stiffen. Cover windows with blinds or shades and rearrange your furniture regularly to prevent fading.

Visit your local PMD Furniture Direct™ franchisee to shop our vast selection of affordable, durable and beautiful leather furniture from the Royal Heritage Home Furnishings® Leather Collection!