Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Sectional Sofas Provide Style and Function

Once mockingly called “conversation pits”, interest in sectional sofas is on the rise. And it's not hard to see why. With more people becoming "nesters", sectionals have become increasingly popular. They can be used to soft-divide a room and supply ample seating for entertaining and lounging. They can also be split up to create an intimate seating area or better traffic flow when necessary.
sherrill sectional sofas baers

Since sectionals can be large and bulky, creating a balanced arrangement can be tricky and intimidating. However, their strength is in their size and their versatility. Because they dominate their space and provide plenty of seating, you usually don't need many other pieces. The Design Your Own collection by Sherrill gives you the size and versatility sectional sofas are known for. You can customize your sectional by choosing your fabric as well as the arm and back style. The size of your room, your design preferences, and the needs of your home are just a few of the factors to keep in mind when choosing your sectional.

broyhill furniture sectional sofas baers

Essentials of Sectional Sofas

The essential element to creating an effective layout is balance. Positioning a single chair across from the short end of the sectional will give you this balance. You can determine the ideal spot to place the chair by drawing imaginary lines from the each of the sectional's arms. Where these lines meet is the best place to put the chair. Although the sectional provides plenty of seating, putting a chair opposite it visually rounds out the space and allows for plenty of conversation opportunities. Grounding the space with an area rug keeps everything under control. The customizable sectional sofas in the Veronica Collection by Broyhill Furniture let you choose modular pieces that can create any configuration you wish.

Make the Layout Work for the Space

If you have a sectional and a chair and a half or a sofa that seats two, you can put the sofa or chair and a half across from the short end of the sectional. Then place three poufs or a small bench in front of the coffee table. Since the two-seater will be longer than the short end of the sectional, this will maintain equilibrium in the room.

lexington sectional sofas take five collection baers

When working in smaller spaces that may require extra seating without blocking the view or the television, a large ottoman or two small ones placed across from the larger part of the sectional will allow unobstructed vision. Above, the corner sectional is offset by a pair of ottomans, all from the Take Five collection by Lexington. You can hide or replace the ottomans with a coffee table when they are not needed for overflow seating.

If you have a sectional that is the same length on each side, you can balance it by placing either smallish chairs or a largish one across from it. Again, position the chair on a diagonal, but this time it should be in the same plane as the sectional’s back. This will keep the feeling of the layout open.

Face the Challenges

Long, narrow spaces always present design challenges, and are no less tricky for sectional sofas. Your first thought might be to position the longer pieces of the sectional parallel to the wall and place additional seating – a couple of chairs, an oversize ottoman, or some poufs – across from the shorter end. Try using a rug to pull the space together and place your additional seating so that it faces the sectional. This will keep your space from seeming overcrowded.

If one sectional is good, then two are better, right? If you have a large space, consider two sectionals placed across from each other. This will give you a cozy room with all the seating you need. Or add several chairs and a couch and organize all the seating around a coffee table or two. This is an ideal arrangement for entertaining. You'll be making the best use of the large space with separate areas perfect for conversations.

Although a sectional can be made up of as few as two pieces, they generally contain 3 to 5 sections and can include recliners or chaises. They are great for bringing warmth and softness into modern spaces that can feel a bit cold. Whether the space you have is small or large, slick and modern or family friendly, there is a sectional and a layout that will work for you. Regardless of the layout you choose, remember to aim the television toward the sectional's center so that everyone has a decent view.

Explore more sectional sofas from the many famous brands at the Baer's Furniture near you.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Soften Your Dining Room with Curtains, Drapes, and Rugs

When you think about dining room décor, tables, chairs, buffets or sideboards, and chandeliers are the first items that come to mind. However, curtains, drapes, and rugs are equally important to the look and feel of the room. With all the hard surfaces that fill this space, a little softness can go a long way. The right window dressing and area rugs will make the space warm and inviting.

baer's furniture dining room

Patterns and Fabrics for Curtains

You can go the tradition route and use the same fabric on the window treatments that are on the chair cushions. Although old-fashioned, this is a look that works well in the dining room. Alternatively, you can pick up a color from a piece of art and use that as a solid color on the drapes. When choosing curtains with a pattern, be sure careful to pick one that ties the colors of the room together.

The simple shapes and monochromatic tones of the Criteria Formal Dining room furniture above are softened and complemented by the gentle geometric pattern of the floor-length curtains. The type of fabric you choose will depend on the look you want to create. Rich velvets and elegant silks create a formal and dramatic feel, while linens or light cottons are perfect for a more casual space.

Color, style, and the room itself are all factors to consider when choosing curtains and rugs for the space. If you like voluptuous, billowing curtains that pool on the floor, then by all means go for it. If your style is more tailored, you’ll want to look for something more streamlined. The goal is to use wide swathes of fabric to create softness rather than shutters and hard blinds.

Sizes for Curtains

You don’t have to go for the opulence of drapes puddling on the floor if that’s not your style, but keep in mind that drapes and curtains should at least brush the floor when dressing large floor- or almost floor-length windows. You’re better off going a little long than too short. When too short, they look like they don’t fit the window—this is one of the most commonly made design mistakes.

If you can’t find drapes that skim the floor, you can adjust the rod a little. Generally rods are mounted about 4” over the window frame, but this rule isn’t set in stone. So, go ahead and adjust the rod to fit your space if need be. Also, the general standard is to extend the rod approximately 6” to 8” past the window frame. Making it larger will make your window look bigger.

baer's furniture criteria collection buffet

Fabrics and Patterns Rugs

A bold print or color on the area rug in your dining room can make it the focal point of the space. A smaller patterned rug will make the space feel larger and airy, so this is a good choice for smaller rooms. In addition, your rug color will help define your space and make it feel welcoming. 

Colorways should contrast or complement the colors on the walls and curtains. You can choose a similar pattern in a larger scale, or a solid color that pulls out or complements a color in the drapes. If you want to highlight the flooring select a smaller-sized rug, and of course if you want to downplay the floor, choose a larger rug with a bolder pattern.

Sizes for Rugs

The rug should be wide and long enough on each side so that the chairs can easily slide in and out. And don’t forget that your dining room usually has a few other piece of furniture in it, such as a buffet, sideboard, or server. Try arranging your furniture before you decide on the size of your area rug. Generally, your rug should end before your other furniture, however, if you have to have the front legs on the area rug, be sure to shim the back legs so the piece is level.

The essential element of good interior design is balance. A room with numerous hard edges, such as the dining room, can use a little softness. The right curtains, drapes, and rugs can help you achieve this balance.

The dining room furniture pieces shown above can be found at Baer’s Furniture, family owned and operated for four generations.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

A Chest of Drawers: Fashionable Storage for Every Room of Your Home

Tall and narrow, short and wide, small enough to use as a bedside table or big enough to hold all your clothes, a chest of drawers is one of the most versatile, multi-purpose pieces of furniture. You can put it in a bedroom, foyer, dining room, living room – you name the room, you’ll probably be able to find a place in it for a chest of drawers.

The function of a chest of drawers can be either decorative or practical. Whether a large piece that takes up an entire wall, or a small piece in a foyer or living room, it gives you a place to hold or hide small household items and makes your space cleaner and more organized. And more than just the drawers are useful. You can store plants, baskets, or photos on top of a tall chest and use the top of a small chest for candles, lamps, televisions, books, or flowers in a decorative vase.

theodore-alexander-wellington-chest

When shopping for a chest, consider your entire decorating plan. If you’re style is vintage, look for a practical chest with simple, straight lines such as the Campaign Wellington Chest by Theodore Alexander. It gives you plenty functional storage with sleek, sophisticated style. If you have a more formal style, look for a well-crafted antique reproduction piece. If your style is contemporary, a chest with sleek lines will work in your home.

Keep in mind that you will probably have this chest of drawers for a long time and use it in many different places in your home. So make your selection wisely and you’ll have a piece that will enhance whichever room you place it in. Here are some of the ways you can use this versatile piece of furniture.

theodorealexander paneled chest

Bedroom

This is the logical place to use a chest of drawers, since they were originally created to store clothing. A small paneled chest with 2 drawers makes a perfect nightstand. It can hold books and an alarm clock while keeping personal items neatly stowed out of sight. Put a lamp on top for late-night reading. The gilt verre églomisé paneled chest by Theodore Alexander adds a little opulence to your bedroom.

Living Room/Family Room

The gilt verre églomisé also makes a beautiful end table next to a couch, sofa, or chair. The top offers elegant display space and the drawers keep items such as remotes handy when you need them and neatly stowed when you don’t. Or if your living room is more of a game/craft room for the kids, a chest of drawers can be used to store games, puzzles, books, or art supplies.

Dining Room

Instead of a sideboard, try a long, low chest. The top can be used for serving and while tablecloths, placemats, napkins, and trays can be stored in the drawers. A small chest gives you a place to display seasonal decorations or a floral arrangement. The drawers can be used to store silverware.

theodore alexander commode chest drawers

Foyer or Hallway

Large foyers can often be difficult to decorate. Not a room, not a hallway, but big enough for a small chest of drawers and maybe a side chair beside it. The Commode Chest, also by Theodore Alexander, can hold scarves, keys, and mail. Give each family member a drawer and add a decorative box or basket on top for mail.

Bathroom

A tall, narrow chest can store all the things you’d put in a linen closest – towels, washcloths, and hair supplies. A shorter chest near the shower or bathtub can keep towels and bath supplies handy. Use a decorative basket for shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and towels. Store hair tools such as the blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron in the drawers.

If you are looking to enhance the décor of any room in your home, visit the Baer’s Furniture Showroom near you to check out the entire Chest of Drawers collection by Theodore Alexander.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Essential Elements of Coastal Décor

If you love rooms bathed in sunshine and painted in soft, watery colors with lightweight gauzy sheers or bare windows, coastal décor may be the style for you. Adding a few essential elements of this style will create casual ocean attitude and seaside energy, even if a house on the beach is only in your mind’s eye.

Sea and Sky

Decorating with the colors of the sea and sky is the best way to bring the vibe of the seashore into your home. The turquoise of a Caribbean cove, the deep green of a lake, or the gray of a stormy sea are all coastal-inspired hues that will give you a cottage-y feel. Painting your woodwork a crisp white, another element of coastal style, will amplify the color on your wall, so keep it light to keep it airy. If you prefer white walls, use the coastal hues on your upholstery or linens. Whether you’ve chosen blue, green or gray, layer the shades in coordinating patterns to add depth, texture, and detail to the room. Take inspiration from nature, if you’ve used blue, sunshine yellow is its natural complement, so it is an excellent choice as an accent color. If yellow is a little too bright for you, seaweed green and sandy beige also work well.

coastal decor baer's furniture


Bright Ideas

Coastal decorating emphasizes light – so avoid dark wood tones in flooring and furnishing, since they can make the space feel heavy. Instead, use light woods such as maple, oak, or cork with a clear varnish and blue toned rugs. Keep the window treatments sheer and minimal, or keep the windows bare, to bring as much bright, natural light as possible into the space. White in upholstery, kitchen cabinets, and window treatments will add breeziness to the space.

Ocean Artifacts

Since you are going for an ocean feel, incorporate elements that you could find on a walk on the beach. A piece of driftwood as a lamp base or a jar full of sea glass are perfect decorative accessories. However, be careful not to go overboard, having a theme is nice, but if used too much it will give you a one-note, heavy-handed look.

coastal style bedroom furniture

Embrace the Elements

Since coastal living is often casual, barefoot living, what’s on the outside of the house is just as important as what is inside it. You can link the inside and the outside by furnishing the deck, patio, or garden in the same style. Think of your outside space as another “room” that can extend your look and your living space. Set up some comfortable spaces for lounging with a book or an afternoon nap. If you like to entertain, be sure to have plenty of dining surface to host a crowd. Then, bring some outside indoors by creating a terrarium, hang artwork that portrays an outdoor activity, or a lobster crate repurposed as a side table.

Practical Tips

If you’ve vacationed at a seaside cabin or lived in a house by the coast, you understand that there are some practicalities of this life that must be handled – sand tracked across the floor, harsh sun that faces upholstery, and damp swimsuits that can ruin the finish on kitchen chairs. This can be mitigated by making smart decorating choices. Choose wooden flooring that can be easily swept clean, slipcovers that protect upholstery, and painted finishes instead of stained wood on tables and chairs in the kitchen. These choices are all essential elements of coastal décor, so will enhance your coastal theme.

To find out more about the Seabrook Collection by Broyhill, visit the Baer's Furniture showroom near you. Read about Baer's Furniture leadership changes.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Stylish and Unique Accent Tables to Revive Any Style

End table, side table, sofa table, lamp table — call them what you like, accent tables can revive any style. Small and stylish, they balance the look of your living room, while also functioning as a place to hold beverages, remote controls, reading lights, and more.

When considering adding an end table to your living room, think about both its form and function. How will you use it the most? What style will complement your room’s overall décor? Do you want it to stand out or subtly enhance the room? Keeping these questions in mind will help you determine the best size and shape of your accent table.

tommy bahama drum accent table


Look for the Right Shape, Size, and Weight for Your Room

If you are thinking about a little extra storage, look for end tables with drawers or shelves. The Beach House Round Drum-Style Pompano accent table from Tommy Bahama provides warm sophistication to any space. It gives you hidden storage that keep items neatly tucked away. The shape adds visual interest, and the exotic mango veneer and reeded bamboo panels provide rich texture.

Size — how tall and how wide — is another detail to consider when choosing accent tables. A general rule is that the height be even with or up to several inches lower than the arm of the sofa or chair it accompanies. Think about its usage, if it is too high or too low it will be uncomfortable, too wide and it will weigh down the furniture surrounding it. And if you plan to put a land or other heavy decorative objects on it, you’ll want to be sure the table can support the weight or these items.

tommy bahama sofa accent table


Pick Quality Materials That Will Stand the Test of Time

If you are looking for a sofa or console table, consider the size, shape, and proportions of your room when making your decision. This piece of living room furniture can section off and define parts of a large living room, so length, height, and depth is important. The intricate leather-bound detailing of Beach House Two-Drawer Palm Coast Sofa Table, also from Tommy Bahama, gives the piece an airy and sophisticated look. Two drawers add extra storage the finished back of the sofa table makes it a versatile piece. A quality solid wood accent table will be strong and durable, and compliment almost any style. Lush finishes and textural details will enhance the room’s appeal and only get better with age.

Baer’s Furniture is inspired by Florida living. Visit the nearest Baer’s Furniture showroom to find more pieces in the Tommy Bahama Beach House collection. Contact us for more information.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Pillow Toss: Add Flair to Your Living Room with Subtle Colors and Textures

Does your living room seem to be missing something? Could it be color or texture? Accent pillows can liven up any space, adding flair with color, texture, shape, and design contrast. They add that little something extra, that spark that your room seems to lack without them.

Accent pillows come in many different shapes and sizes and are the perfect accessory for almost any sofa, couch, bed, chair or bench. These days they are even used in porches and patios to make these spaces seem more like indoor rooms. Pillows can liven up a space with color or neutralize a space that may already have too much color in it.

sofa with pillows

When choosing the perfect pillow, consider its purpose. Does it need to be a particular shape, size, or color? Will have a function or be merely decorative? The neutral tones of the Bali Hai Quickship Shoreline Sofa shown above balances out a room dominated by the dark wood floor and the fern carved arms add needed texture. The subtly colored and patterned pillows keep the room from being too neutral.

The right pillows can accentuate your color scheme, but be wary of using too much color. If you already have some key colors in your room, you can use pillows to create contrast and interest, but be careful. Too many colors can make your room look like a carnival—and not the good kind. They will vie for the eye’s attention and detract not add to the style.

Also consider your theme and work to complement the any existing color scheme. Choose prints and designs that go with the rug and highlight the colors in the rest of the furniture. In our example room you can see how the pattern on the pillows goes with the pattern on the rug as well as the color on the Bali Hai Diamond Cove Swivel Chair. Both are subtle enough so as not to be overpowering. The additional pillows complement the colors of the room in a smaller pattern.

tommy bahama sofa pilliws

In addition, the right type and amount of pillows can add warmth and softness to your room. If your furniture is leather, you can mix and match fabrics and textures with your pillows and sofa to create an eclectic, unique style. Pillows are one of the details that can show your personality in the décor. Little touches in the accessories — such as the cool blue tones in the glass bottle shown above — tie the room together.

Are you in the Central Florida area? Our Baer’s Furniture Casselberry location opened in 2013 has the best prices on name brands such as Tommy Bahama, Lexington, Hooker Furniture, and more.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Create a European Farmhouse Dining Room

Europe is a large continent, and European Farmhouse style can be just a varied as the continent itself. European Farmhouse décor is still popular, and there are many ways you can add some European flair to your home. Elegant and classic, this style of décor keeps things simple and highlights your personal touches to your home. You can easily add a little European Farmhouse style to your home by following the basic style guidelines below.

farmhouse dining room stanley furniture

Welcoming Kitchen and Dining Room

The kitchen is the heart of almost any home, and in a farmhouse style home, it is also the soul. The kitchen and dining room are traditional gathering spaces, so the décor in these rooms sets the tone for the entire home. The style is vibrant, yet uncomplicated, still neutral, but also often where you’ll find an eclectic mix of furniture. These principles are at play in the Farmers Market Table and Million Stars Chairs, part of the European Farmhouse Collection from Stanley Furniture. By using pieces that look as if they were collected over time, you create a welcoming, lived in feel in your kitchen and dining room.

Light and Relaxed

While the European Farmhouse palette is neutral, it is not one-dimensional. Different hues of white, cream, and beige create a complex colorway. Keep in mind that frugality is one of the basic elements of European Farmhouse style. Since the early owners of most farmhouses had a limited paint budget, they used a simple, white paint, so stick to white as much as possible. Polished wood floors, subtly patterned, slightly faded-looking area rugs, and textured walls add depth and authenticity to the space.

farmhouse open storage stanley furniture

Open Shelving

Plenty of shelves for open storage and glass doors on cabinets dominate farmhouse kitchens and dining rooms. Open shelves add character and allow you to easily switch out decorations. The Champaign Cabinet and L’Acrobat Open Air Shelf, also a part of the European Farmhouse Collection by Stanley, pairs beautifully to store special occasion serving pieces and fine silver as well as electronic components and media. It comes equipped with a surge protector, marrying modern functionality with farmhouse styling.

Wood Shines

Wooden accents are the main component that makes European farmhouse décor so special and unique. It flavors the whole house without being overbearing. Hardwood floors, ceilings, and wall paneling accentuates and emphasizes the cottage appeal that is a hallmark of this style. And because wooden surfaces age so well, your home will get better as time goes by. If you are not a fan of wood, you can still achieve a farmhouse feel by ensuring that any stone or concrete you use has a rustic, unfinished look. With the exception of traditional French doors and windows, keep glass out of the décor as much as possible, they can mute the rustic vibe of the design.

Vintage Yet Modern

There are quite a few tricks and tips you can do to achieve the European Farmhouse style without doing a major revamp. Beautiful but simple wood cabinets and side tables give you the woodsy appeal without requiring that you redo the floors. Always remember the origin of this look, it’s an effective and simple way to embrace this style and gives you a backdrop against which to add your personal touches that reflect your personality and enhance the style. And European Farmhouse interiors become more charming and graceful with time.

Visit the Baer’s Furniture showroom near you to talk to a design professional about achieving the farmhouse look you desire. Check out Baer's Furniture reviews of our Ft. Myers showroom.