How to cut through the uncertainty of buying a new mattress.
Selecting your next mattress is a serious problem! How come?
Well to start, you spend about 1/3 of your life on a mattress. So if you select the wrong mattress, you just won’t get a great night's sleep.
Without a great night’s sleep, you won’t do your best at work or play. It could even affect your health!
No wonder selecting your next mattress is important!
And because selecting the right mattress is so important, why would you entrust that decision to someone who just got into the business last month? Or who was just recruited from a paint store?
Mattress Liquidators has experienced and knowledgeable staff to help you decide among the amazing array of choices available today.
And we’ll let you in on a little secret.
Often mattress shoppers have a difficult time comparison shopping. That’s because department stores often stick their own labels on major brand mattresses. In our store, we have a book with all of these labels so that you can make real comparisons.
Then we guarantee the lowest price!
We also keep a book with all the mattress sales happening locally in Chesterfield and surrounding cities. That saves you precious time. You don’t have to drive from store to store to find the best mattress and lowest price!
Our showroom is stocked from floor to ceiling with mattresses including: Latex, Memory Foam, Sealy True Form, Spring Free, Posturepedic, Simmons Beautyrest Classic, Simmons World Class, Simmons Beauty Sleep, Restonic Comfort Care, and more.
Our huge inventory means you have a good chance of sleeping on your new mattress tonight!
But if you don’t find exactly what you need in our store, we’ll do the research and find just the right mattress to order for you. (Hint: We don’t shove our inventory on you.)
See what some of our customers say about us ...
"If you don't go to Mattress Liquidators, you will end up spending a lot more on your bedroom furniture and mattresses ... My boss even boasted of what a deal that he got there." Denise
"Anyone and everyone who lives in this area is aware that they sell high quality merchandise at the bottom line (which means that you are never going to find it for anything less from anywhere else). Everyone I know raves about Mattress Liquidators ..." D.D.
"Great service! Great price! Would recommend to anyone! NO pressure. And great price! Worth a look! Bought a top-of-the-line bunk bed set with two mattresses for under $550. I couldn't find a deal like that USED!" Jeff
"If you are not close, IT IS WORTH THE DRIVE!" Sharon M.
Our mattresses have TWO fabulous guarantees:
GUARANTEE 1: If within 30 days of purchase from Mattress Liquidators, you find at any mattress, furniture, or department store the identical item for less — under the same service, terms, and conditions — Mattress Liquidators, upon verification, will gladly REFUND DOUBLE the difference to you.
GUARANTEE 2: We’ll try our best to ensure you choose the right product. But if you make a mistake and, for example, the mattress is too hard or too soft, we’ll take it back within 60 days. (See store for details.)
We also carry futons, headboards, canopy beds, bunk beds, dressers, nightstands, mattress protectors, pillows, sheets, and more.
FINANCING is available on approval of credit. By the way, we are one of the few stores that still offer LAYAWAY ... and not just for a month or two. But for a whole year!
We offer FREE SET UP and removal of old mattresses with delivery. While on this web site, please feel free to browse our online store for other fine furniture products for your home.
OUR CONTRIBUTIONS ...
We're proud sponsors for the Harley's Ride for Macomb County, Beacon of Hope, Lighting the way for Lighthouse Path, Walk Now for Autism Columbus, COTS Coalition on Temporary Shelter, American Cancer Society, JDRF Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Childrens Make a Wish foundation, Special Olympics Michigan.
Family owned and operated for more than 17 years, we serve Chesterfield, MI. And also New Baltimore, Macomb, Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Harrison Township, Lenox, New Haven, Fair Haven, Casco, Algonac, Richmond, Roseville, Sterling Heights, Shelby, Fraser, St. Clair Shores, Utica, Warren, Romeo, and more.
To visit our primary website, just go to MattressLiquidators.net.
Please let us know how we can help you ...
PHONE: (586) 949-1416
E-MAIL: mattliq@aol.com
BEDDING BUYERS GUIDE
Questions & Answers about Mattresses
How do I know if I need a new mattress?
Your current mattress is more than nine years old.
You keep turning it over to try and get it to feel comfortable.
Springs are poking you through the fabric.
You wake up feeling sore and still sleepy.
Your mattress tilts or sags toward the middle.
You aren't sleeping as well as you were a year ago.
You had your last best night's sleep in a bed other than your own.
Can I save by using my old box springs?
Not really. Putting a new mattress on old box springs will significantly decrease the life your new mattress.
Box springs do not add significantly to the cost of your new mattress set.
And be sure to look for box springs with steel or reinforced springs. These will last longer helping your mattress to last longer.
What's the scoop with coils?
Most mattress have metal coils that support the body.
Generally, the more coils the more support and firmness.
But you may prefer a mattress with less coils because you may like the "give" it provides.
Watch for the gauge of the coils, too. A heavier gauge gives more support.
Low coil mattresses with heavy gauge coils are often listed as firm. But they can get lumpy and uncomfortable.
Try out different mattresses to see what you like.
Does the fabric really matter?
Yes. The upholstery of your mattress does affect your basic comfort.
A pillow top will give you the feeling of sleeping on a feather bed, while the mattress will give you the support you need.
If you need a very firm mattress then choose a thinner upholstery. It won't soften the firmness of your mattress.
Some mattresses come with additional layers of wool, silk, foam, and cotton. They can add to your comfort ... and the price. Sometimes these layers break down and can make your mattress lumpy or sagging.
It might be better to add removable layers of liners and pads if you wish additional fabric.
What about foam mattresses?
Foam mattresses are made of either a solid foam or layers of foam laminated together.
Foam mattresses can be super comfy as they conform to your body.
They offer excellent support.
Many are very affordable and often cost less than spring mattresses.
But do be careful. Some of the lighter foams will break down very quickly and become lumpy and uncomfortable
What about latex foam?
Latex foam is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, dust-mite resistant, and breathable.
Latex foam is less dense than Memory Foam.
You can move more freely on this mattress.
It does not absorb liquid, so it is not for heavy night sweaters.
What about Memory Foam?
Memory Foam (Visco-elastic) mattresses are hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, dust-mite resistant, breathable.
Conforms to your body, evens out the pressure. You sleep in one position longer.
However, Memory Foam does not allow you to move as freely as an innerspring mattress.
Some people just do not like the non-traditional feel of any foam mattress.
Memory Foam is more expensive.
Some come with special construction to circulate air and dissipate heat.
What else do I need to know?
If someone offers you a rock-bottom price make sure you take into account the price of any "extras" ...
Delivery should come with your mattress
Will your store assist you in disposing of your old mattress, box springs, and frame?
MATTRESS PROTECTORS FIGHT ALLERGENS
Allergies often do not get any better just because you come indoors. Pollen, dust mites, and bacteria can all be found in your home. We bring them in from outside just by going about our day-to-day activities. Pollen clings to our clothes. Then we sit down on our sofa and the pollen transfers there. Or we sit down on our mattress to take off our shoes. 85% of dirt and dust mites are brought into our homes from the bottom of our shoes!
Dust mites are tiny microscopic relatives of the spider that can be found by the millions on mattresses, bedding, and upholstery. They feed on the dead flakes of human skin we shed every day. Dust mites excrete about 20 droppings a day, which is a main cause of allergies. Your mattress doubles in weight after 10 years due to dust mites. Millions of people are allergic to them. Cleaning your home regularly helps, but it is impossible to eliminate them all.
Your mattress and bedding absorbs dust mites, pollen, and bacteria AND THEN you spend 8 hours every day in bed! No wonder you are sneezing and your eyes are watering!
To help minimize these sneeze-producing allergens, try the following:
Purchase a high quality mattress protector that provides a barrier against dust mites, bacteria, mildew, pollen, etc. It will also provide waterproof protection against sweat stains and spills.
Be sure to protect your pillow, too, with an anti-allergen cover.
If your mattress is more than 8 years old, it is time to replace it.
Wash linen weekly with hot water. A temperature of 140F can kill up to 100% of dust mites and remove almost all pet dander and pollen.
A quick shower before bed will rinse off pollen that can cling to your skin and get onto bedding.
Keep a clean home free of clutter and dust.
Dust mites do not like dry air. Use a stand-alone, single room dehumidifier.
Vacuum weekly with a HEPA filter or a central vacuum.
Wipe surfaces weekly with a damp rag.
With clean and protected bedding, you will sleep even snugger!
DO YOU NEED A NEW PILLOW?
The pillow you sleep on every night is a magnet for allergens, think fungal spores and dust mite droppings. And they?re right next to your head! Over time, this can worsen allergies or asthma. It might even compromise your immune system.
If your pillow has become lumpy, it can negatively change your postural alignment while sleeping, which will decrease the quantity and quality of your sleep. Pillows you use nightly should be replaced every year!
Just listen to the Better Sleep Council:
Just as your bed should provide good support for your body, your pillow should give you the right cushioning to position your head and neck properly. It should hold your head in the same relation to your shoulders and spine as if you were standing with correct upright posture. If you sleep on your side, you may want a fairly firm pillow to give your head and neck extra support. If you sleep on your back, try a medium-firm pillow to cradle your head with more 'give.' And if you sleep on your stomach (although some physicians caution against this position), choose a soft pillow to lessen the strain on your neck.
A good rule of thumb is to replace your nightly pillows once a year. But some wear out faster. If you're not sure, consider the following:
Fold pillow in half (or thirds for larger pillows), squeeze out the air, and release. Does it spring back easily?
Does the pillow feel differently from when it was purchased?
Does the pillow look soiled?
Is the pillow lumpy and bumpy?
Just one negative indicator above means you need a new pillow!
Down & Feather Pillows
Down and feather pillows are the most comfortable pillows available. Though they cost more, many people consider the price more than offset by the increased comfort.
Besides heavenly softness, these pillows can easily mold into almost any shape you want! Much more so than a foam or fiber pillow.
In the past, many people found down and feather pillows to be allergens themselves. But, today, you can find hypoallergenic down and feather pillows.
If you desire a pillow that is:
Very Soft then choose 100% Down
Soft with Some Firmness then choose Feathers Blended with Down
Less Soft with More Firmness then choose 100% Feathers
By the way, if you did not know, down feathers are the very soft feathers of a bird that are found under the tougher exterior feathers.
Pillow covers should be tightly woven to prevent the points of the feathers from coming through the fabric and poking you. Look for a thread count of 230 or more. Also look for double-needle sewn construction, which prevents feather leakage and makes for a more durable pillow.
Follow label instructions for cleaning (most can be washed) and fluffing.
You and your family's sleep solutions should begin by practicing good sleep habits and purchasing the right mattresses for your whole family!
SLEEP TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW ...
How sound sleep significantly affects your fitness, good looks, and health!
Everyday, it seems, science and research is showing more and more the important benefits of a good night’s sleep for fitness, mental agility, and even good looks!
Getting Fit with Sleep!
Today we know that sleep helps burn fat and build muscle! That’s because your body’s bones, muscles, and tissue get worn down during the day. At night, when you sleep, your body is busy repairing your bones, muscles, and tissues!
You really are refreshing your whole body while you sleep!
Plus if you are doing an exercise regimen, the point is to tear down your muscles — even more than normal activities — so that they will grow back bigger and stronger.
If you don’t get enough sleep, your body won’t have time to build that muscle tissue back up. So you will lose some of the benefits of your exercise!
You might say that a good regular 8 hours of sleep is just as important as exercising and eating right.
Getting Smart with Sleep!
Mentally, we all know the benefits of waking up clear-headed. Again, research shows that sleep “resets” the brain allowing more growth and learning the next day.
Studies also show that students who sleep well in quantity and quality do much better in school.
Getting a Memory Boost with Sleep!
Recent research shows that people who have just practiced a task — and then dream about it — get a major memory boost on the task when they awake. But those who dream about anything else don't get that memory boost. Neither do those who stay awake but just think about the task.
Scientists say that it's not the dream that's causing the memory boost, rather it's the brain's memory-fortifying processes during sleep that's causing the dream.
Getting Good-Looking with Sleep!
By the way, have you ever noticed that when you get a really good night’s sleep you look ten years younger? You might spend hundreds of dollars for creams and lotions for your face, but nothing will help you look and feel better than a good night’s sleep … night after night!
Getting a Longer Life with Sleep!
Numerous studies show that there's an unequivocal link between poor sleeping patterns and premature death. Less than six hours of sleep a night led to a 12% increased risk of premature death compared with those who slept six to eight hours a night.
Do's and Don'ts for sleeping the night away!
DO'S
DO: Exercise. Daily works outs will relieve stress and help you to sleep. Just try not to exercise too close to bedtime. DO: Get Out in the Sun. Light from the sun helps to regulate your circadian clock by stimulating your body to produce melatonin — a hormone that controls your sleep cycle. With more melatonin in your body, you will feel sleepy at night. Ideally, you should be out in the bright sunlight sometime each day — morning sunlight is particularly good. So open your drapes wide each and every morning. DO: Get ready to sleep. Just like anything else, preparation is key to getting a good night's rest. If possible, deal with tasks early in the evening. Place unfinished tasks on tomorrow's list to get them off your mind. Give yourself time to unwind before going to bed. DO: Have a nightly ritual. Develop regular routines before going to bed. Like turning down the bed covers, closing up the draperies, laying out tomorrow's clothes. By doing the same things every night, you are signaling to your body that you are getting ready to sleep. DO: Have regular hours. As much as possible, go to bed at the same time and rise at the same time every day, even on weekends. DO: Create a sleep ambiance. Make your room as conducive to sleep as possible. Bar technology and noise from your room. DO: Make your bedroom dark. A dark room signals your body to sleep. Closing drapes and doors will reduce light coming into your room. DO: Control the temperature: Not too hot, not too cold. Extreme temperatures could make it difficult for you to fall and stay asleep. DO: Use your bedroom for sleep and sex only. Reading, using your laptop, texting on your cell phone, or watching TV just confuses your body. When you go to bed give yourself 15 minutes to fall asleep. If you can't sleep, get up and do something until you're sleepy enough to go back to bed. The idea is to train yourself to fall asleep when you are in bed. DO: Sleep until dawn. It's best to wake up at "first light" if possible. If not, try setting a timer with bright lights to help you wake up. This corresponds with nature: Sunlight helps the body's internal biological clock reset itself each day. DO: Invest in quality equipment. Sleep on a comfortable and supportive mattress and pillow!
DON'TS
DON'T: Use stimulants in evening. Drinking coffee or other drinks with caffeine in the evening is a no-no. You might even have a bad night's sleep from drinking a cola in the afternoon! To be safe, avoid all stimulants six hours before bedtime. DON'T: Smoke. Smokers tend to take longer to fall asleep and then they don't sleep as well as non-smokers. DON'T: Drink nightcaps. A late-night drink of alcohol may help you fall asleep, but you're not likely to stay asleep.
DON'T: Worry. Try to leave your cares for the following day. Do as the old song says and "fall asleep counting your blessings. DON'T: Just lie there staring at the ceiling. If you can't fall asleep, then get up and out of bed and do something. Read, watch television, do the dishes, whatever. When you feel sleepy, then go back to bed.
8 More Points About Getting Better Sleep
Please Visit: www.bettersleep.org
1. Did you know that you spend more time on your bed than any other piece of furniture? You spend a third of your life in bed, and you rely on it more for your health and well-being. That's why it's so important to invest in the best mattress you can afford. 2. Have you read about the most recent study of mattresses and back pain?
A study at medical clinics shows that sleeping on a new mattress can help to alleviate lower back pain. If you wake up with pain or stiffness, it's a good sign that it's time to replace your mattress with one that offers better comfort.
3. Your mattress needs to be the perfect fit for you. It's just like buying the right pair of shoes. You may have very needs than your neighbor, so take the time to choose a mattress that meets your individual needs for comfort and support. 4.Sleep loss can cause serious health problems. Doctors now know that too little or disrupted sleep is associated with serious medical problems, including heart disease, obesity, hypertension and weakened immune system. To get the healthy sleep you need, be sure you're sleeping on a quality mattress.
5. Do you have trouble sleeping because of stress? A third of Americans do. It's not always possible to reduce stress, but we can pay attention to our sleep environment. A comfortable mattress can dramatically improve the quality of our sleep. 7. Not sleeping as well as you used to? If you're not sleeping as well as you'd like, if you wake up stiff and sore - or maybe you had your best night's sleep in a bed other than your own - chances are you're overdue for a new mattress.
6. How you sleep at night determines how you feel during the day. Sleep not only determines how well rested you feel, but how productive you are at work, your mood, your energy level, your memory and your overall health. Sleeping on the right mattress is important to the quality of your life. 7. Good sleep is rejuvenating for your mind and body. But it's tough on your mattress. Plan on replacing your mattress and its foundation regularly to make sure you're still getting the comfort and support you deserve.
from the Better Sleep Council.
When you're in the neighborhood, please stop by and say "Hi" to owner, Dan Losh!
SLEEP DISORDERS
When a sleep disorder harms your sleep ...
The information below is drawn from various online and print sources including WebMD, and we believe it to be accurate. The information is not an overview of treatment for particular conditions. Rather, it’s a compilation of sleep recommendations for those afflicted with the indicated medical conditions.
Please always consult your physician for personal guidance with your condition.
Insomnia
* The most prevalent sleep disorder.Image of man who can't sleep because of medical condition.
* In the United States, it affects close to 60% of adults at least one night a week.
* Symptoms include: Difficulty falling asleep and waking too early.
* Causes may include stress or an underlying medical condition.
* For mild cases of insomnia, good sleep habits can often resolve the problem.
Acid Reflux / Heartburn / GERD
* Eat your last meal several hours before going to bed. No late-night snacking.
* Sleep at an inclined position with your head higher than your stomach. This is achieved by putting 4-5 inch blocks under the head of your bed. Do not use lots of pillows as this may only increase the pressure on your stomach. However, a wedge pillow that rests your body at an incline is fine.
* For daytime naps sleep in a recliner.
* Sleep on your left side; studies show that sleeping on your right side worsens heartburn.
* Sleep with loose bedclothes.
Fibromyalgia
* Use a sleep diary. Keep detailed notes of how you prepared to sleep, how you slept, how you woke up, and how you spent your day. Eventually, you will see patterns and may be able to determine “triggers” that interfere with your sleep. Once these triggers are identified, you can eliminate them.
* Only sleep enough to be refreshed. Oversleeping or spending too much time in bed seems to correlate with fragmented and shallow sleep.
* Set a regular wake up time and stick with it. This will lead to regular bedtimes and better sleep. You will also get a clearer picture of how much sleep you really need each night.
* Relax before bed. This can be whatever calms and soothes you: a warm bath, listening to soothing music, quietly reading (but not in bed), etc.
* Exercise earlier in the day. Avoid exercising one to three hours before bedtime, but do exercise.
* Exercise will help you have a deeper REM sleep.
* Sound-proof your bedroom as much as possible. You may not realize that outside noises are waking you up in the middle of the night. You just don’t remember. So try to ensure your room is as quiet as possible. Use or install double-pane windows, thick drapes, carpeting, and anything else that will help absorb noise.
* Sleep in a cool room. Warm rooms disturb sleep.
* Sleep in a dark room. Your bed is for sleeping. It’s not for watching television, reading, or working on your laptop. You need to associate your bed with sleeping.
* Skip daytime naps. If you must nap, limit it to less than 30-minutes.
* Don’t go to bed on an empty stomach. If you’re stomach is growling, you’re going to wake up. Have a light snack, if necessary, before going to bed.
* Avoid alcohol, caffeine, or chocolate before bedtime. Stimulants disturb sleep. Also avoid spicy foods and drinks before bedtime as they can cause heartburn. You might also have to go to the bathroom more often. That combination can make for a night of insomnia.
* Sleep on a good mattress and pillow. The right mattress and pillow will improve your comfort and give your body proper support. The right mattress and pillow can reduce insomnia and even relieve your fibromyalgia symptoms, such as fibromyalgia pain. See if you need a new mattress.
Scoliosis
* Do not sleep on your stomach. You will strain your spine.
* If you like to sleep on your side … place your arms in front straight out or folded. Curl your body forward just enough to give you balance and make you comfortable. If you curl your body too much it will be awkward for your spine.
* If you like to lie on your back … lie flat in a straight line. Let your arms rest flat at your sides. Elevate your knees with a pillow. You might also want a pillow under your legs and feet. It is bad for the spine if you don’t elevate your legs or knees. If this is uncomfortable, then sleep on your side.
* Always sleep on a firm mattress.
Snoring
* Occurs because of vibrations of respiratory structures during sleep.
* The noise may be soft or loud.
* Solutions include: losing weight, cutting down on smoking and alcohol, sleeping on side instead of on your back
* Over-the-counter treatment: nasal strips to place over your nose before going to bed.
Sleep Apnea
* Avoid alcohol and medications such as tranquilizers or sleeping pills. These interfere with breathing by relaxing the muscles in the back of your throat.
* Don’t sleep on your back. Sleep on your side or stomach. If you sleep on your back, your tongue and soft palate might rest against the back of your throat causing your airway to become blocked. To help you not roll over on your back in your sleep, try sewing a tennis ball in the back of your pajama top.
* Switch positions from your side to stomach throughout the night to promote regular breathing.
Narcolepsy
* Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological sleep disorder that afflicts about 250,000 Americans.
* Usually symptoms begin in adolescence.
* Its symptoms are bouts of extreme sleepiness during the daytime.
* Those affected by the disorder may fall asleep throughout the day for brief periods. It may only last a few seconds to several minutes. Sometimes it may last to an hour or more.
* Some people afflicted with narcolepsy will fall asleep unexpectedly, even while talking or while driving a car.
* Narcolepsy may also be accompanied by cataplexy — a sudden loss of muscle tone and control for seconds or minutes.
* Hallucinations and paralysis during sleep are also symptoms of narcolepsy.
Must Read — Facts about Sleep Deprivation
Most likely, you spend between 50 and 60 hours a week in your bed. Probably, that's more time than you spend at your job!
Your sleeping hours are critically important. They are the foundation of your day!
Sleep well and you awake completely rejuvenated. Ready to conquer your day. But sleep poorly, and you unleash havoc on your day ... and your life! We're not exaggerating.
Today, research demonstrates that sleep deprivation is dangerous, and it affects over 25% of all Americans.
Inadequate sleep does not allow your body to repair and restore your physical and mental capacities.
The repair and restoration theory holds that NREM (non rapid eye movement) sleep is key to restoring body functions, while deeper REM (rapid eye movement) sleep is key to restoring mental functions. Research has found that while sleeping, your body increases its rate of cell division and protein synthesis, strongly suggesting that repair and restoration does happen while you sleep.
The obvious effects of sleep deprivation are fatigue and sluggishness. When you are sleep deprived, you are less productive.
In fact, studies show that if you get a good night's sleep and work less hours, you will accomplish more than if you get a poor night's sleep and work more hours.
This is because sleep deprivation causes a chemical imbalance in your brain, leading to muddled thinking and slower reflexes. No wonder you make more mistakes when you're sleep deprived
The Information Consolidation Theory of Sleep helps to explain the role that sleep plays with respect to cognitive abilities. This theory is based on cognitive research and suggests that when you sleep it helps to process information you have acquired during the day. Sleep deprivation studies showed that subjects, who had been sleep-deprived, were unable to recall and remember information.
Sleep also helps your brain to prepare for the day ahead. Some research indicates that sleep helps to solidify information learned during the day, helping it to go into long-term memory.
Driving while sleep deprived is worse than driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2007, more than100,000 accidents were caused due to sleep deprivation, while driving under the influence caused just over 15,000.
Sleep deprivation weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. To make matters worse, it also lengthens the time it takes to recover when you are ill.
Lack of sleep also causes depression and an inability to wisely deal with your emotions. This, in turn, hinders you from good problem-solving and leading a happier life. Think about it ... if you're tired and depressed, you just won't enjoy your normal everyday activities.
You could find yourself moody and irritable. You are likely to get angry with loved ones for no good reason. Face it, when you're sleep deprived, you're no fun to be around.
You might even think something worse is wrong, when all you really need is to sleep well on a regular basis.
And don't forget, a good night's sleep is important for your children, too!
We all know that children today are increasingly obese. Well, recent research shows that sleep deprivation may be a contributor to weight gain and the obesity epidemic. This is because lack of sleep disrupts a number of hormonal and metabolic processes. Even a partial deprivation of sleep can lead to increased appetite.
Besides weight gain, recent studies have shown that students in high school and college who sleep well in quantity and quality do much better with their studies and grades.
You and your family's sleep solutions should begin by practicing good sleep habits (see below) and purchasing the right mattresses for your whole family!
FURNITURE BUYERS' GUIDE
What do I need to keep in mind when buying new furniture?
Think about how much space is available.
Take measurements and make a rough sketch.
Make a list of the pieces you need.
Prioritize what is more important to you: style, comfort, or functionality.
Look at pictures of styles you like.
Prepare a budget range that you are comfortable with.
How do I choose a decorating theme?
Make a list of favorite colors, patterns, or fabrics.
Do you need child-friendly pieces?
Do you need pet-friendly pieces?
Have fun! Buying new furniture is one of the nicer things in life.
What if I like to redecorate often?
Choose furniture that is more flexible, like pieces with neutral colors that will blend with new decorating schemes later.
Have fun and choose trendy pieces.
Plan to spend a little less for less durable pieces.
What if I want my furniture decor to stay the same for years to come?
Choose less trendy pieces.
Plan to spend a little more to get more durable pieces.
How long should my new furniture last?
It depends on your lifestyle. If you choose a light-colored sofa and your two-year-old spills cranberry juice on it, you may have a problem. The upkeep will be exhausting and repeated accidents will take its toll on the life of the sofa.
Even with normal wear and tear, fabrics that are occasionally professionally steam-cleaned will last longer.
Pay attention to the recommendations of the manufacturer, throw in an occasional professional steam cleaning, and your furniture should be good to go for years to come.
Do I have to give up style for functionality?
No. There are so many choices today that you really do not have to give up anything. Simply tell your sales representative what is critical, and what you like. He or she will guide you to something just right for you.
Upholstered Furniture Buying Guide
Kick the Tires.
Not literally, of course. But do put likely pieces through your version of a quality test. Lift one corner of a sofa to see if the frame feels sturdy. Press gently outward on the arms to make sure there is no give. Ask what materials are used and how joints and stress points, such as arms, are reinforced. Frames made of link-dried hardwood and hardwood plywood hold pegs, screws, staples and nails more firmly in place than do softwood plywood and strand board. If the sales associate cannot answer your questions, find another associate--or a store with a better-informed staff.
Look Under The Hood
Some stores have handy cutaways to show how upholstered pieces are assembled. But you probably will have to rely on the know-how of a well-trained sales associate to explain the hidden benefits of a piece. A variety of construction techniques offer comfort and durability but, in general, the number of springs in a foundation and the way they are reinforced determines the cost and quality level.
Take A Test Drive
Don't buy a sofa, chair or recliner without sitting, slouching or reclining in it--for at least a few minutes. Put your feet up. Put your head back. Settle into the piece the way you would at home. Furniture cushions may be constructed using springs, cotton or polyester fiber or down, but most are made from some type of polyurethane foam. Generally, the higher the density the foam, the more durable (and expensive) the cushion. But the only way to tell if the piece is going to feel comfortable to you is to sit in it yourself.
Think Safety
Make sure the piece carries a gold UFAC tag, which indicates it was manufactured according to fire-safety standards developed by the Upholstered Furniture Action Council. Those standards reduce the likelihood of the furniture catching fire from a smoldering cigarette, which is the leading cause of upholstery fires in the home.
What are the different styles?
TRADITIONAL: Simple. Homey. Neutral colors. Simple floral patterns. Colors are not shiny. Fabrics are usually smooth. Pieces are symmetrical.
CASUAL: Still traditional but with a little more modern look. these are sometimes overstuffed and even oversized. Definitely comfortable. Mostly neutral colors like gray, beige, browns, whites, and muted shades of blue. They often have a more chunky appearance.
CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE: A definite departure from traditional and casual looks. Contemporary furniture uses bold bright colors and uses a wide variety of materials including metal, glass, stone, and wood. Pieces may be asymmetrical. You will see fabrics with geometric designs and animal prints. But do not expect to see florals. Nor will you find ornate details. Sleek and modern is the rule here.
FORMAL: Details and lavish ornate decorations go with formal furniture. Fine dark hard woods are often used with a very shiny finish. Pieces are strictly symetrical. Designs may be inspired from a specific historical style and period. Tassels, pelats, and intricate carvings may all be a part of formal furniture.
MISSION: Harkens back to the furniture used in the California missions. The designs are simple and a signature element are repeating wood slats. Made with hard woods, they are beautiful and durable.
ASIAN: These pieces use exotic woods like ginko and kiri. The eminently renewable bamboo is used extensively as well. There are as many styles as there are countries in Asia. So the variety is immense. Many pieces have glossy lacquer coatings. Look for animal themes.
RETRO: A fun trend are pieces that emulate the American furniture styles of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Burnt orange, lime green, and avocado green are funky colors from the past. Sleek tables and dining sets signal the beginning of the space age.
FRENCH COUNTRY: Similar to traditional but incorporating patterns that specifically say France. Like toiles and fleur de lis and bold stripes or checks. Often the wood is distressed.
LEATHER: Leather transcends classification in that it is used in many different styles. It is certainly not restricted to the office or the den anymore! Many like leather because it is so easy to maintain and it always looks great.
It's important to understand that wood has characteristic colors, knots and grain markings. And each wood reacts differently to the various stains and finishes used in manufacturing. Even within matched sets of chairs, for instance, there will be variations of color and grain.
Manufacturers treat wood with a variety of finishes, including distressed, antiqued, high-gloss and painted. The more complex the finish, the more costly the furniture. And a piece described as having a cherry finish mat not necessarily be made of cherry wood.
Much of today's furniture uses engineered wood such as plywood or fiberboard, which is generally less expensive than real wood. Fiberboard is made from a mix of wood fiber and adhesive, which is fused under intense heat and pressure to create a uniformly strong product that resists warping, splitting and has no knots or other surface imperfections. A laminate made of plastic, foil or paper printed or engraved to look like real wood usually is applied on top of the engineered wood.
Before You Buy
When buying wood furniture, follow these tips from the American Furniture Manufacturers Association:
Operate all doors and drawers. Do they open and close easily? The fronts of higher quality drawers should be attached with dovetail joints.
Check that hardware is attached securely and straight. Drawer interiors should be smooth. Higher quality pieces should have support blocks on drawer bottoms and dust panels between drawers.
Dressers and chests-of-drawers should not wobble or creak.
Turn chairs upside-down and examine the joints, which should be snug and free of excess glue. Check under tables that the corners are reinforced and the legs securely attached. If a table has leaves, make sure the opening mechanism works smoothly.
Measure the length of walls where furniture will be positioned and the width of doorways before purchasing pieces. For entertainment centers, measure the height, width and depth of the TV and other components.
What are the best woods and surfaces for my furniture?
HARDWOOD: Cherry, oak, walnut, mahogany, teak, maple, and ash are typical hardwoods used to make furniture. These woods are strong and durable. Furniture made with these woods last longest and are heirloom quality.
SOFTWOOD: Cedar, pine, and fir. These are great pieces to paint or stain yourself. They are also good if you do not want to worry about the kids denting and scratching them.
SOLID WOOD: Furniture pieces made from either hardwood or softwood or a combination of the two.
VENEERS: Involves a thin piece of fine wood (like hardwood) attached to a lesser wood (like softwood, plywood, or particle board). These pieces have the look and feel of a fine wood but are not as expensive.
LAMINATES: Like veneers, but the thin top is not wood, but a product that looks like wood. These are a lot less expensive.
DETAILS & FINISHES: Elements that enhance the quality of the piece. Hardware, joints, styles, and finishes.
FURNITURE TRENDS
CASE GOODS
BACK TO BASICS:
Americana and rustic farmhouse elements are common this market, appealing to consumers who appreciate a sense of history and heritage.
MATERIALS MAKE THEIR MARK:
Veneer patterns and finishes continue to emphasize natural grain patterns.
A SHORE THING:
Coastal designs reflect a growing demand for casual lifestyle furniture, regardless of whether you own an oceanfront property.
HOME ENTERTAINMENT
FINISH ALL AROUND:
360-degree finishing begins to make some appearances.
MEDIA MAGIC:
Consoles and wall units offer integrated wire management, ventilation, adjustable shelves, and more.
OCCASIONAL FURNITURE
WASHED LOOKS:
Shabby Chic influenced styles are spreading around the market.
WELL-WOVEN WEAVES:
Rattan and woven looks are still on the grow.
HOME OFFICE
SMALL-SCALE YET FUNCTIONAL:
Home office groups combine multiple elements and configurations in smaller footprints.
THE “WRITE STUFF”:
Writing desks add appeal to the category with stylish pieces that can fit into almost any room.?
CASUAL DINING
LIGHT TOUCH:
Lighter finishes and wood tones, such as oak, are the spotlight this market.
AUTHENTICITY:
Natural looks with distressing are becoming more prevalent.
UPHOLSTERY
ALL THINGS FAMILIAR:
Traditional is roaring back this market after making way for several seasons of contemporary and transitional. New looks in traditional come with updated fabrics and more than a few style twists to make them current.
COVER UP:
Upholstery makers are opening the gates on slipcovers this market, making them loose and messy or tailored and fitted, as well as washable.
GUSSIED DOWN:
You'll still see blasts of color in big bold patterns, but the trend seems to be watered down at this market, at least a little. Color is still there, just not as much.
FLEXIBILTY AND PERSONALIZATION:
SIZEABLE BENEFITS
More than just a trend, product versatility and personalization have become indispensable industry tools to better satisfy consumer demands. When it comes to versatility, for example, we’re witnessing the development of practical extension systems for dining room tables that help accommodate a greater number of guests and ensure that tables won’t take up too much space in everyday living.
This year, sectional sofas feature adjustable and retractable headrests or an extension at the base that serves as a side table or integrated tray. We’re also seeing more beds with under mattress storage, storage on wheels, small floating bedside tables, and shelves built into wall panels as an extension of the headboard.
Other discoveries include folding ottomans, modular benches that can be easily set up in any room of the home, as well as versatile, ingenious home theater units…When it comes to personalization, manufacturers are offering even more variations on furniture and styles within a single collection (choice of tables, beds, legs, etc.) and greater options for wood or metal finishes, and for fabric colors and textures. Leathers are making a comeback, too. Down or feather stuffing is perfectly in line with the supple armchair fashion, while sofa coverings feature cotton, linen, imitation linens as well as woven or textured fabrics.
WOOD ACCENTS
Natural themes will grow more popular well into 2011, taking the form of carved, distressed and mosaic wood pieces. Woods are ideal for private spaces, such as bedrooms and sitting areas, said Pedersen. They’re rustic, charming and even eco-friendly and safe for nurseries. Smith Vincente and Pedersen pointed out that bamboo, one of the world’s most sustainable resources, is a great way to add a natural touch and unique texture to most designs, whether it’s in its natural wood form or transformed into a soft textile.
A RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE
It’s an undeniable fact: the marketplace has begun to develop an eco-reflex in the choice of materials it uses and the way in which furniture, bedding and accessories are made.
Manufacturers now place greater emphasis on product characteristics and origin to meet a growing number of consumers who prefer to buy “green”: FSC certified wood (or other tracking system) from renewable forests, non-toxic paints and stains, water-based paints and resins, eco-textiles – natural and organic fibers, reclaimed and distressed wood, and the reuse of wood back into the production cycle. It’s all part of a shift towards eco-friendly values among both consumers and manufacturers.
ANIMAL PRINTS
Look for animal prints to be big this year, but not just in their traditional pattern. Designers are taking them to an almost abstract level, as with the energetic Giraffe Pillow.
ETHNIC MOTIFS
Enliven the home with ethnic-inspired pieces, but don’t bother being specific to any country or continent. Instead, Smith Vincente suggested adorning the home with a broad range of ethnic spice from around the world. “It helps the homeowner feel well-travelled."
Going Forward
Creativity is the operative word for furnishing and redecorating your home.
You can equip most any room for a variety of uses. And you can use a wide variety of styles all mixed together. Artfully, of course.
Seriously, today people are making lots of creative choices for their homes. Antique dressers are transformed into bathroom bowl sinks. Crystal chandeliers are making their way into rooms you'd never dream of ... like bedrooms or kitchens.
Functionality, style, and economy are also important.
TRENDS
Neutral Beats
While it's certain we'll be seeing plenty of reddish-orange textiles, Pantone LLC earlier this month named Tangerine Tango its 2012 Color of the Year -- earthy and serene neutrals will make a more lasting impression in leather seating.
Just as apparel designers have been flirting with neutrals for several seasons -- a back-and-forth dance between camel and taupe, gray and taupe or deep brown and mushroom.
Gray and taupe are the more mature mates to pastel pinks and ethereal blues. "Simplicity", "tranquility", and "relaxation" are buzzwords that illustrate the comforting qualities suggested by taupe and gray, either on their own or combined.
Esteemed designer John Mascheroni selected leather that matches PANTONE 18-1312 Deep Taupe and PANTONE 11-0103 Egret, a soft white is part of the same serene palette; a barely there color that makes a statement.
Pantone's Resilience palette, meanwhile, represents a group of sturdy, rough-hewn and substantial hues that work well together. In this palette, a greenish yellow, a foliage-inspired green, and a dash of flamingo orange accents.
Pantone 18-1033 Dachshund, also part of the Resilience palette, is an enduring brown worn effortlessly on an equally classic profile.
The neutrals in the Nonchalance and Resilience palettes are separate in both presence and purpose, but they share a common thread.
ALL THAT GLITTERS
This year, look for a range of metals, from bronze and copper to platinum, gold and silver.
Metallic, gilded and shimmering finishes turn ordinary decor into luxurious pieces that pack a punch.
With luxe finishes on, hints of metallic in upholstery fabrics and shimmering precious metal glazes on earthenware, the look is honest and wholesome without being kitschy, reports UK-based Trend Bible, in its spring and summer. And at last fall's High Point, designers experimented with new ways of applying metal to fabrics.
PATTERN_HAPPY
Reproduced on textiles and incorporated into accent furniture, geometrics now lead the way. "Mid-century design undergoes a bold renovation rendered with an artist's perspective and equally vivid palette," writes Tracy Bulla for Home Accents Today. Graphic patterns come alive in brightly contrasting color combinations or look elegantly subdued in chic neutrals.
CULTURAL INFLUENCE
Inspired by global trends, patterns and motifs blend the texture and color of old-world looks with modern decor. Textiles are inspired by temples in Thailand, while rugs feature Moorish motifs and Moroccan patterning. Also look for African kuba cloths, Central Asian suzani prints, ikats, Scandinavian designs, intricate Indian handiwork and Chinese medallions, lotus blooms and anything dragon-related. The ethnic trend also finds inspiration close to home, as Native American dream-catchers, feathers and tribal patterns influence decoration and print.
FRESH BLOOMS
Trend Bible's spring/summer forecast, Palm Springs, features a laid-back West Coast-style that encompasses a tropical backdrop, "loud patterns with exuberant florals" and "abstract patterning." This thriving trends showcases bold, unexpected color palettes on upholstery, pillows, tablecloths, rugs and wallpaper, and botanical prints as wall decor.
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