One Way Furniture

Outfitting Your Home Theater—How to Buy Home Theater Seating

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:14:49 -0400

Have you ever thought about investing in a home theater? There is no better time than now to consider creating your very own home theater and with a little research and some simple tips you can get the home theater of your dreams at a price you can feel good about.

The main purchase for your new home theater is seating. Being the bulk of the cost, you are going to want to understand all of your options and exactly where your money is going. Good theater seating can make your home theater a pleasant and enjoyable experience for everyone. There are many types of theater seats on the market. Think about what you want in your home theater and choose your seats based on this. For example, do you want individually standing seats or row seating, like what you would find in a theater? Individualized seats give the user a little more space to move and recline in while row seating gives that true theater feel. The type of space you have may sway your decision on which type of seats to buy. If you have the room for a stadium like theater, you may want to go with row seating to achieve the authentic feel of the movies. Alternatively, if you only have a small viewing room, individualized, movable seats may be the better choice.

Once the decision of what type of seats to buy is made, there are many options and upgrades to consider that will take your movie experience from bland to amazing. For instance, built-in speakers give each guest their own individualized sound, making for a realistic movie experience. Many home theater chairs have the speakers built into the head rests, providing the very best in surround sound. The very best chairs have personalized volume adjusters to give each viewer the control over their sounds and the most customized movie experience possible.

Yet another amazing option for home theater seating is the choice to add bass shaker technology. With this feature, the chair will actually shake when the bass in the movie sounds, giving the viewer another sense with which to enjoy the film. Bass shakers add a whole new dimension to the viewing and bring the movies to life in a unique and realistic way. You can experience the movies and feel the action in an exciting and unparalleled way.

Finally, the small creature comforts of a home theater system can make all of the difference. Many people want cup holders at their seat. Other handy features include side pockets, connecting tables and recliners. Quality upholstery or leather seats give the ultimate in comfort and durability and provide your guests the best possible seat for what can sometimes be a lengthy amount of time. Swiveling seats and motorized recliners are also spiffy upgrades that today’s home theater seats can have. All of these little extras can only add to the home theater experience and make the movies from home more authentic and exciting.

If you are considering a home theater, be sure you know about all of the amazing options in seating that are available today. Give your guests the movie watching experience of a lifetime and take advantage of some of today’s best technology. Before the opening credits can roll, you will know that your decision to have your very own home theater was a good one.

Using Wicker in Home Décor

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:36:34 -0400

Once hugely popular, wicker furniture is coming back into style and with some modern updates and changes, it’s no wonder so many are choosing to bring wicker back into their home. Check out these tips and tricks for making wicker work for you.

Choose your space wisely. Wicker is certainly a unique look and is not appropriate for every room in the home. Traditionally saved for the patio or porch, wicker slowly made its way into dens and even kitchens across America. Carefully placed, wicker can work just about anywhere, so long as the décor matches and flows. Try using wicker in light places, sunny rooms or spots where the décor is airy and summery. A breakfast nook could support a wicker bench just as a cottage-themed bedroom could keep a wicker ottoman. Make sure that wicker is placed in moderation in the house; an entire dining set with be overkill in a small dining room. Consider saving big pieces for an outdoor patio or deck.

Think about wear and tear. Known to be a more delicately made furniture option, wicker can be prone to breaking or snapping. Therefore, it should only be placed in areas of light use or where it will be safe from serious wear and tear. Avoid children’s bedrooms or high traffic living rooms for wicker and you can maintain a longer life span of your pieces. Painted wicker can easily chip if worn and snaps or breaks may be common. Luckily, wicker can be fixed and patched fairly easily, but care should be taken to keep your piece looking new.

Consider new materials. Due to the fading quality of traditional wood wicker, there have been many recent updates on the material that can extend the life of your furniture and make it easier to maintain. Some of the more popular materials being used today include plastic, vinyl and even PVC. The latter material produces an extremely sturdy and fairly inexpensive alternative while maintaining the classic wicker look. Usually easier to clean, the new plastic versions of wicker can withstand weather, use and neglect much better than traditional wicker, making them a popular alternative.

Available in swings, ottomans, couches and chairs to name a few, wicker furniture has always been a favorite for people looking to bring a taste of summer into the home. With so many wonderful wicker options, the versatile material can make its way into nearly every room in the home and can enhance the look of any living space. Remember that wicker needs to be cared for just as any other piece of furniture, with regular dusting and cleaning a must. Often, a damp cloth or a quick vacuuming is enough to keep dirt and grime from gathering. There are also wonderful glues and sealers available for splits and cracks in wicker, making the life of your piece even longer. In the event of an irreparable break, you may wish to have your piece rewoven or even replaced by one of the modern alternatives. Either way, wicker is a beautiful way to bring a little summer into your living space.

Going Retro in the Home

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:36:04 -0400

Retro is back! You can see it in the cars, the fashion and even in the music today. Throw back styles and fads are making their way back around and no where is this more evident than in the home. Retro chic furniture and decor is becoming more and more popular and many pieces come with an updated or modern twist. Check out these quick and easy ways to add a little retro into your living space.

Dine in retro style. The kitchen is one of the easiest places to get retro. There are a variety of dining set ups that can bring you right back to the good old days. For example, adding a pair of funky red patent leather bar stools to a counter can give it an instant retro facelift. There are also retro styled tables that beckon days gone by. Add to the table set some funky place settings and retro accoutrements and you've got yourself a retro kitchen. Aside from dining, you can add little retro touches to the kitchen such as a retro trashcan, wall art or lighting. All of these simple changes will transform your kitchen into a retro haven.

Living retro in the living room. Another great space to make retro is the living room. There are incredible selections of retro and modern style sofas that give you the period look. Such pieces as brown leather sofas with squared arms or modular armchairs with smooth corners will transform your living room into a stylish retro den. There are even updated TV stands to house the new flat screen TVs while maintaining a sleek retro look. Going retro in the living room has never been easier.

Retro decorative touches. If big ticket purchases are not in your budget, it is easy to add smaller decorative touches to get the retro look you crave. Some of these touches can even be do-it-yourself projects that you can be proud to display in your home. For example, go to the local record store and buy some old albums, find frames to fit the covers and you have instant retro wall art. Grouped together or alone, album covers are a great way to show your taste in music and in retro! Another simple touch is switching some electronics to retro style alternatives. There are a multitude of retro styled clocks, radios, lights and lamps and phones. Changing these few pieces can change the feel of your home to be totally retro and fun.

Light it up retro. One of the major impact areas for going retro in the home is in your lighting. Switching out traditional lighting fixtures for funky retro lighting can change the entire look and feel of a room. There are so many colorful lighting options to get the retro look from track lighting to lamps to chandeliers. It's easy to get just the look you are going for. There are also great novelty lighting choices that can show your humor and your style at the same time.

With retro back big time, it is easy to change a few little things in the home and get just the retro look you want. There are options for every room and for every budget to add some flair and style to your living space.

Commercial Barstools: How to Boost Your Business

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:29:27 -0400

Are you a new business or one looking to update an existing business? By updating the furniture in your business or starting from scratch, you can create a great new look that is perfectly suited to your needs. Much more than just the typical wooden stools, the options that are available for commercial barstools are varied and exceptional.

One key to purchasing commercial barstools is to keep it versatile. Many restaurants and establishments like to redecorate and change the look of their place from time to time. Buying a barstool that can shift from scene to scene can save you a lot of money and energy down the line. Stick with neutral colors and classic designs. A basic ladder-back stool with leather set top and swivel chair is a good option. Choosing a finish that never goes out of style, like cherry or maple, is also a wise business move.

Another thing to keep in mind while searching for barstools for your business is that your barstools are going to have to deal with some wear and tear. Being in the commercial world, your barstools will have more traffic and more use than if they were simply in your home. With this in mind, you must purchase the best quality barstool that you can. Buy a stool that is made by a popular and reliable manufacturer, like Powell or Hillsdale. Perhaps it is wise to find stools that incorporate more indestructible materials like steel and solid wood rather than plastic or rattan.

A final thought on purchasing commercial barstools is the buying power of bulk. Oftentimes, you can get a better rate on a barstool when you buy in higher quantities. This is a good thing for most business owners who need to buy many of one item. Oftentimes, you can find packages of stools that are much cheaper than if you were to buy each stool individually. Shop around and look for the best commercial deals for your stools.

As a business owner, you probably want to put your best face forward in all areas of the business world. Having attractive, high quality furniture in your business is one way to ensure that you are doing just that. Choosing the right commercial barstools can mean the difference between guests visiting your business in comfort and guests leaving your business unsatisfied. Be choosy when shopping for your commercial barstools and remember that quality should not be sacrificed for anything when your business depends on it.

Going Green In The Home

Sun, 11 May 2008 18:24:38 -0400

Now more than ever there is a global push to "Go Green." Cars are becoming more eco-friendly, factories are getting cleaner and energy is being sourced alternatively. But what about in the home? Here are 4 easy ways that you can go green in furniture and do your part to help our planet remain the beautiful home it is.

1. Buy furniture made with sustainable wood. Sustainable wood is wood harvested from forest that are carefully managed or wood that has been reclaimed from old buildings or furniture. Wood that is truly sustainable is in no way negatively impacting the environment or stripping a forest of its most precious commodity: trees. As it becomes more and more popular, it is easier to find sustainable wood furniture. Check the labels and materials of your product and ask where you can find sustainable furniture. You can get just about every piece of furniture for the home in a sustainable form, often at a reasonable price.

2. Look for recycled material furniture. Another popular trend in an eco-friendly home is the use of recycled material in furniture. Many companies are now offering entire lines of furniture made out of previously used materials. Everything from plastic to metal to wood can be recycled and reused to create beautiful and functional furniture pieces. Read carefully to be sure that the materials are truly recycled and you can add a little green to your living space.

3. Get more durable furniture. One of the easiest ways to get green in the home is to buy pieces of furniture that are going to last. When shopping for a new living room set, consider buying a more durable couch that will last years rather than one that is going to need replacing. Also, reconsider tossing old pieces. Sometimes, simply applying a fresh coat of paint or stain can bring life back into an old tired piece. Also, think about reupholstering your old armchair rather than getting rid of it altogether. And if you must have new, look into donating your old furniture to a family in need or a college-age friend furnishing an apartment. Finding a new home for your old things is a simple and fulfilling way to go green.

4. Check out bamboo. Did you know that bamboo can grow up to a foot a day? This fact makes it one of the greenest materials to work with. Because it is so quick to grow, it is easy to farm and replace bamboo without depleting the crop. Bamboo also happens to be a beautiful woody material that can withstand weather and wear and tear. Bamboo makes for a great outdoor furniture material and you can feel good knowing that you are using a material that is fast-growing and highly sustainable. Consider bamboo the next time you are in the market for an outdoor furniture set.

The hottest trend in furniture today is the push to go green. For many people it is not just a fad but a way of life. Helping to save our planet is just one of the amazing benefits of green furniture. You can also provide a safer living environment for you and your family, save some money and give your home a beautiful and mind-comforting face-lift. Check out the green furniture options the next time you are in the market for some furniture. You will be amazed at how easy it is to "Go Green" at home.

The Perfect Office Chair

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 08:17:18 -0400

Aside from your home, many of us will spend the majority of our lives in some sort of an office or work setting. Just as you wouldn't skimp on your living room sofa or your bedroom set, you shouldn't skimp on your office furniture. Perhaps the most important piece of furniture in your entire office is your office chair. Use this guide to help you choose the best chair for your needs and for your comfort.

Where will the chair be? Based on the chair's location in the office, there are a few different options. For example, if you're looking for a desk chair, you may tend toward a high quality, ergonomically designed executive chair. This type of chair is made with the ultimate in comfort in mind. Oftentimes, the chair will have rolling casters, arms and a nice padded seat. No luxurious detail is spared in the making of this chair, as it is likely the chair that a typical office worker will sit in for hours throughout the day. Alternatively, a chair for a boardroom or a waiting room area can be much less luxurious. Usually a traditional padded chair with or without arms will do. Choose your chair based on the need and the traffic that the chair will see.

Who will be using the chair? When you are looking for a chair for yourself, you will probably want to get the best and most comfortable one that you can. Knowing that you are going to be sitting at a desk or at a computer for lengthy amounts of time should motivate you to find the best chair for your needs. Likewise, you know that if you are filling an office waiting area with chairs, you don't have to be as luxurious. Yes, you want your clients to be as comfortable as possible, but they certainly do not need to sit in executive leather cushioned seats. Think about the type of people using the office furniture and make your decisions based on that. You will save money where you can and you will find the best chairs to suit your specific needs.

How much are you looking to spend? Depending on your budget, the type of chair you can get varies greatly. There are many functional, comfortable task chairs that can be used for a permanent desk chair that fall within the range of $50-100. These chairs are less luxurious than an executive chair, but they also take up less space and are usually more ergonomically correct. This is a great option for a small home office or even a college dorm room. On the higher end of the money spectrum, there are amazingly luxurious and indulgent executive chairs made with soft leathers and real wood. These chairs can range anywhere from $150-900. Knowing how much you are willing to spend on a chair narrows your choices down and can help you to decide exactly the chair for your needs.

Above all else, when choosing an office chair, you must keep in mind quality. With office chairs, there are often moving parts, levels, swivels and detachable pieces. Look for the highest quality pieces that will last the lifetime of the chair and that will keep you safe in the process. Using these quick tips to find an office chair can help save you time and energy and can increase your productivity levels!

A Guide to Finding the Perfect Organizational Furniture

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:04:09 -0500

Is your closet overflowing with shoes and handbags? Does your tie rack need a serious overhaul? Is your office desk a mess of papers and memos? It's time to get organized! With so many amazing and practical storage solutions out there today, organizing your life and your living space becomes a breeze. Take a look at some of the best organizers on the market and how to use them.

Shoe Storage and Organizers — If your closet seems to be overrun with your shoes, it is time to consider a shoe organizer to help alleviate some of the clutter. Let's face it, shoes take up a lot of space. A cubby-like shoe rack can be one option for getting them all organized. With a space for each pair of shoes, you can easily see what you've got and where it is. Another less obvious choice is a shoe storage chest that closes to hide your shoes. This is a good option if closet space is tight and you want to keep your shoes in your main room. There are even hanging shoe bags to help you organize your shoes. Whatever you decide to use, keeping your shoes in check is a great step in cleaning up your closet.

Bathroom Cabinets and Space Savers — The bathroom is one place that can be difficult to organize simply because of a lack of storage. Not many closets have nice built-in storage and cabinet space. This is where a great space saver can come in handy. Whether it's a simple corner shelf, an over-the-toilet rack or a hanging towel cabinet, there are ways to add some storage to every bathroom. The key in bathroom storage is to optimize the space you have with as much storage as possible. Although you may not have space for that granite-topped vanity, you probably can fit a small towel shelf. Take a look at what you have and don't forget to optimize empty wall space.

Kitchen Storage — Another room where space and storage always seems to be in demand is in the kitchen. There are some amazing and creative storage solutions just for this area that can make your life so much easier. To start, there are a plethora of kitchen racks to help you get organized, from pots and pans racks to baker's racks to plate racks. There are also simple drawer storage units in a variety of kitchen-friendly materials like rattan, stainless steel and solid wood. You can even find a garbage can storage unit that is a separate island that can be tailored to match your kitchen's décor. The bottom line is, no matter how basic or fancy you want your kitchen storage to be, there is something available to suit your needs.

Office Organizers and Space Savers — A final place that so many people need to get organized in is the office. Whether it is your home office or your work office, the desk is usually a sure-fire place where organization needs to be updated. Luckily there are a wide variety of desk organizers available that can make this chore a breeze. For starters, simple desktop organizers can make a huge difference. Everything from pencil cans to vertical files to letter trays can help keep the surface of the desk a neater place. Furthermore, any office could benefit from a neat system of filing cabinets, bookshelves and paper sorters. Keep in mind that any office that is organized is going to be more efficient and productive than one that is not.

Spring is almost here and with it comes the opportunity to clean up and get yourself organized. Using some of the wonderful organizational furniture pieces on the market can assist you in making your home a more neat, organized and presentable place.

A Guide to Finding the Perfect Bedroom Set

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:04:54 -0500

Are you sick and tired of falling asleep looking at your unmatched bed, dresser, armoire and nightstands? Have you skipped your bedroom on your home tours because of its unmatched furniture? Are you just ready for a new look in the bedroom? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then it's time to think about a new bedroom set. With so many great options out there, you are bound to fin a perfect set for your bedroom. Follow these simple tips to get started.

What is your style? The first step in buying a new bedroom set is deciding what your style is. Do you prefer a more traditional décor, with detailed carved wood, fancy upholstery and rich fabrics? Or are you more inclined to opt for modern pieces with clean lines, cool colors and sleek design?

Choosing your style is a perfect place to start as it sets to tone for the entire room. Think of what makes you feel the most comfortable and choose pieces based on this. Your bedroom should be a reflection of yourself and by figuring out what décor you prefer, you will be one step closer to creating your ideal sleep space.

Pick a Material. After you have decided on a style an equally important decision has to be made: what material do you want your bedroom set to be made from? With so many amazing options on the market, this can be a bit overwhelming. The important thing to keep in mind is the way that you use your furniture and your lifestyle. For example, if you are a newlywed couple trying to save some money, a simple wood set with little ornate details may work perfectly for you. If you are a busy couple with children and pets, an easy-to-clean surface may be the best option for you. Likewise, if you are a lover of high fashion, a richly textured wood with fine details may be best for you. Whatever your lifestyle, choosing the right material for your room can be a huge decision.

To Match or Not to Match? That is the real question. Bedroom sets come in a variety of sizes and shapes today. Most commonly though, they consist any combination of the following: a bed frame, a nightstand or bedside table, a dresser with or without a mirror, and an armoire. Not all sets include all of these pieces and certainly some will contain more, these are the typical pieces found in bedroom sets. It is up to you if you want to have all of your pieces match. Some people prefer the ease of shopping for a set all at once and like the fact that they can get everything all together and in the same style. There are often price breaks on sets as opposed to buying each piece separately. Other people don't have the budget to afford all pieces at once or just prefer to build up their bedroom set one piece at a time. Whatever category you fall in to, there are so many different pieces and styles of bedroom furniture available that you are certain to find a set—matching or unmatching—for you!

The decision to purchase a new bedroom set is a huge one. Thinking through all of your choices and options before stepping into a store or surfing the web is a wise move. Keep in mind your own personal style and preferences and remember that your bedroom is where you spend the majority of your time. Why not make it the oasis that you have always dreamed of?

New Year, New Look

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:03:28 -0500

With the New Year comes the desire to change, to upgrade, to make anew. This includes many facets of life from health to fitness to profession. How about home decoration? Take a look around your home. Is it time for a facelift? Could your space use a makeover? Follow these tips to create a quick update to your living space.

1) Invest in some good slipcovers. If your couch is looking ragged and a bit used, a quick and easy way to make it over is to cover it with a quality-crafted slipcover. Rather than purchasing a whole new couch or armchair, slipcovers are a simple and cheap way to keep what you already have and make it look new. There are so many beautiful choices available, you are bound to find the perfect slipcover to fit your needs.

2) Framed artwork on the walls. One of the most cost efficient and easy ways to make over your home is to take advantage of framed artwork. There are so many beautiful poster prints available and transforming them into a wall piece is as simple as finding a great frame. Frames come in a plethora of woods and finishes to accommodate any style. Also, take advantage of local artists and galleries as some of the most unique and affordable art can be found there.

3) Change up the window treatments. Yet another fast and affordable upgrade can be made with the purchase of new window treatments. Whether it is a beautiful Roman shade, a sleek panel curtain or a matching valance and curtain, changing the style and color of your window treatments can make a noticeable and positive change to your living space. Not only trendy, new window treatments can control lighting and even heat to and from the house.

4) Update the lighting to create a new look. Perhaps nothing makes for a more dramatic change to a home than the lighting. Adding a lamp to a dim living room can create vibrancy and liven up any space. Toning down harsh light in a dining room can make a more intimate and personal atmosphere. Track lighting and a few modern lamps can take any room from plain to modern chic. Available in any color imaginable, lamps and lighting can transform any room in no time.

5) Accentuate the positive. The beauty is in the details when it comes to home décor. Accenting your large pieces with small decorative touches can take any home from boring to lovely. Whether it's a lamp or a vase or a candle centerpiece, decorating with accents is now easier than ever. Be careful not to overdo it however. Keep it simple with one or two great pieces as the focal point per room. Using vibrant colors in your accents can be a wonderful way to brighten up any space, but neutrals are a safe bet for any novice decorator.

Using these quick tips for decorating, it is possible to update your home's look without the hefty bill. Keep in mind while redoing a space that sometimes less is more. Just a quick update—a fresh coat of paint, a few new throw pillows, a shiny set of cabinet fixtures—can make a world of difference in a room. Choose a few simple touches for your home to start the New Year in a fresh and innovative style!

In Between the Big Pieces: Decorating with Occasional Furniture

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:00:00 -0500

You’ve got the living room of your dreams. A beautiful sectional sofa, comfy armchair and chic entertainment center. So why does the room feel so empty? Decorating with occasional furniture pieces is a wonderful way to fill in empty spaces while enabling you to add a splash of style that represent who you really are. For everything from end tables to coat racks to ottomans, there are a plethora of perfect occasional pieces just waiting to be discovered. Here are just a few examples of occasional pieces that could enhance your living space:

Coffee Table—The coffee table has become quite standard in the American home and is one of the easiest ways to accent your living room. Traditionally made lower than a typical table, a coffee table is the perfect height for a sofa or low sitting area. Coffee tables come in a variety of styles from contemporary brushed steel to rustic dark wood to decorative shadow box. Whether you want a storage solution or an artful accent, a coffee table can provide a much-needed decorative boost to a room.

Bookshelf—Adding a bookshelf to a room can provide a touch of sophistication and grace to your home. A bookshelf is also a great way to create a functional display area in a room. More than just books, a shelf can be used for decorative accents, glassware, and even picture frames. Whether stand-alone or built-in, a bookshelf is a perfect occasional piece for anyone looking to add a little character to any room.

Ottoman—Traditionally an ottoman was used as simply a place to rest your legs. Nowadays the ottoman often doubles as a footrest and a storage unit. Many ottomans are built to open on top to provide a space for holding a blanket, pillows or any other small items. In materials like solid wood, leather and plush fabric, ottomans are a wonderful way to accent a room while providing a splash of style.

Cocktail Table—A fairly new addition to the occasional furniture family is the cocktail table. An extremely useful piece, the cocktail table provides a place to store bar items and table linens while giving guests a place to place their drink. Whether it’s kept in a dining room or a kitchen, a cocktail table is the perfect accent for any living space.

End Tables—Nothing accents a beautiful sitting area like a pair of strategically placed end tables. End tables provide a neat place to place a drink or even to hold a carefully chosen decorative piece. Often available as a matching set with coffee tables, end tables come in countless styles to fit in with your room. Many even have shelving and drawers for an added storage feature.

By no means does this list encompass all of the occasional furniture that is available. Also included are coat racks, television units, baker’s racks and kitchen islands. Occasional pieces provide perfect solutions to the empty spaces that exist in your home. With so many great options, you are bound to find an occasional piece to fit your lifestyle!