Monday, December 28, 2020

Best Furniture for Pet Owners

Can pet-friendly furniture and great style co-exist in your home? Absolutely! You may have to give up dreams of a velvet sofa or loose-weave area rug, but there are still plenty of great-looking fabrics and materials – even leather! – that are surprisingly forgiving when it comes to scratches, pet hair, odors and random accidents.

Here's what to look for if you’re in the market for new furniture that won’t get wrecked by your fur babies.



Choose Pet-friendly Upholstery Fabrics

Fabrics with high polyester, acrylic, or other synthetic material content should be your first line of defense for everyday spots. Most of these fabrics can be cleaned with an over-the-counter carpet or fabric cleaner instead of calling in the professionals. Just wipe with a damp cloth to clean, and remove pet hair with a dry microfiber cloth, pet sponge, lint brush or tape.

Convenient, but not sexy enough for your living room, you say? Read on.

Outdoor Fabrics

At Baer’s, we’re big fans of Sunbrella fabrics. The colorfast acrylic fabric was made to repel spots, spills and soil, but comes in beautiful colors and patterns that look and feel like high-end velvet or linen! Added bonus: you can take your cushions outside to clean with a hose.

Microfiber

Smooth and soft as suede, microfibers, including microsuede, are a tight weave of polyester fibers which are as much as 1/100th the diameter of a human hair (finer than silk!). This is a dream fabric for pet owners, because that soft, luxurious surface repels allergens and odors. Liquid spills bead up and sit on the surface, giving you time to blot them up before they soak in. Soil can be cleaned with a little dishwashing soap, and tears and pulls are nearly non-existent.

Leather

Real leather furniture is four times more durable than fabric. It will last for 20 years, so go ahead and splurge. Protected leather such as "corrected grain" or "top grain" – which is treated with a resin coating - is the most common type of leather upholstery, because it’s easy to clean, odor and scratch-resistant. Of course, distressed leather is the most forgiving. If you like the look, that may be your best bet of all.

Just make sure you are getting the real thing, or your furniture isn’t going to withstand your furry friends. Faux leather will fall apart faster than you think.

Custom Upholstery

Since you are investing in a new look, comfort, and more, you can design pet friendly couches with custom upholstery. At Baer’s, we have hundreds of options to customize your choice piece of furniture. You can outfit your entire living room with custom upholstery for a fresh, pet-friendly new look.

Camouflage Non-friendly Fabrics with Patters & Colors

If you have your heart set on a certain sofa that doesn't come in a pet-friendly fabric, you have options. Try choosing a geometric or floral pattern or darker color – an earth tone, gray or green – can camouflage daily spots and shedding. Try matching the color to your dog or cat’s coat. Treat sofas, chair and pillows with Scotchgard to make messes easier to wipe up.

Cover Your Couch in Style

If you’ve been draping your furniture with throws to cover pet stains and keep them at bay, consider a slipcover instead. Today’s slipcovers are durable, easy to wash and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. You can give the sofa you already love a fresh look every year or so and have the fun of updating your living room to match without the expense of buying all new things.

Baer’s offers a full collection of Sunbrella furniture, microfiber and leather furniture for pet-owners that will preserve the style you love and keep you and your four-legged family members happy for many years to come. 

Read Baer's Furniture reviews. Get more design inspiration from Bear's Furniture on Pinterest.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

How Much Are Sectional Couches?

Do you wonder "how much are sectional couches," and why some seem so much less than others?

The quick and easy answer is that prices can vary based on the quality of the materials, how the piece is constructed, and if the sectional is built to last.

A sectional is a versatile piece of furniture that you can use in many ways. Once you purchase one, you’ll find that it lets you maximize your space and offers tons of seating for family and friends. You may even wonder how you survived without one.

That’s why it’s important to make sure you get a quality sectional couch that will seat your family for years to come. Let’s break it down.

Cost of Materials Makes a Difference

There are several factors that determine the price of sectional couches, however, the main driver is the cost of the raw materials of its main components — the foam used in the cushions, the wood used in the frame, and the upholstery that covers it — as well as the labor it takes to build it.

Cushion Quality

Cushions are one of the most important features of a sectional. Most people do the sit test or even the nap test when shopping for a sectional sofa, testing the cushions to see if they are comfortable. Comfort, and durability, depend upon a cushion's material.

Foam products used for cushions range in quality. For example, a sectional at a lower price point is likely to have a 1.8 density cushion that will last about 2-3 years. It’s almost always the cushions that break down first, since they get the most wear and tear.

The thicker the cushion, the more it costs the manufacturer to produce the sectional, but the longer it will last. A sectional at a higher price point is likely to have longer-lasting foam that offers consistent weight distribution and ensures individual comfort for each seating area.

Upholstery Fabric

The same goes for the upholstery fabric — better material means higher cost. For example, leather and velvet are more expensive than cotton but also last longer. Microfiber is less expensive but also wears well.

Every fabric has a rub count, similar to the way sheets have a thread count. The lower range for a sectional sofa will have 15,000 double rubs. As the rub count goes up, so does the durability, and in turn, the price.

Intricacy and details also add to a sectional's price. Patterned fabric, thicker upholstery, embroidery, and piping can all contribute to a pricier (and better-looking) piece.

The Frame

When it comes to frames, the price varies based on the wood used. Solid oak frames cost more than plywood frames, and plywood frames cost more than medium-density fiberboard (MDF). That tells you a little bit about which one might be used in quality furniture.

A mix of solid woods and plywood are generally used in higher quality sectionals.

Why Choose a Better Sectional Couch

The drawbacks in purchasing a subpar sectional are compromising your comfort and sacrificing longevity.

If you skimp on a sectional, your cushions will likely lose their shape, the upholstery may rip, and the frame could break — all sooner than you would like them to (and maybe without a warranty). When you choose a quality sectional, you can expect a long-lasting love affair with a comfortable, durable couch.

Monday, November 30, 2020

Top of the Line Recliners: Trends to Watch in 2021

The words recliner and comfort seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. 

 A recliner is the best spot for an afternoon snooze, relaxing after a long day, or binge-watching your favorite show. They just make everything better. Comfort is definitely a 2021 trend and recliners fit right into it.

Remember your grandfather or grandmother’s recliner? That clunky chair, probably made of Naugahyde, and in some basic color such as black, brown, or, the worst color name ever, olive drab. 

Spoiler alert: today’s recliners are nothing like that. They are stylish, come in a variety of colors, and feature sweet amenities such as charging stations, power reclining, and full-body positioning. 

Gone are those old, square, clunky things that didn’t show off their legs. These days, top-rated recliners sport shapely legs and wooden feet that would make an armchair jealous. Modern recliners are dressed to kill in a variety of upholstery fabrics that make it easy to find one that fits with your décor.

When it comes to shapes and sizes, you can still get those old-school recliners, but you can also find recliners that look like classic wingback chairs, show off classic puffy upholstery popular in the '90s, or display clean, mid-century modern inspired lines.

If you're on the hunt for top recliners that feel amazing, have all the features you need, and go with your living room décor, you're right on time.  

Recliners Are on Trend for 2021

Furniture with motion is making a comeback in a big way and with a contemporary twist. Think of sleek recliners, swivel chairs, and adjustable neck and backrests. 

Finding top-rated recliners in 2021 is not an easy task. All these options make it difficult to find your perfect match. Keep in mind that your comfort is the main objective, so be sure to choose a recliner you can relax and sink into. You’ll know it’s right when you never want to get up.



Trend: Powered Up Recliners

These days, power recliners mean more than just power motion (although they have that, too). Following the trend of multi-use furniture, you can now charge your devices while you destress.

Our Pick: Natuzzi Editions Potenza Contemporary Wall Hugger Power Recliner

Wall-hugger recliners do just what they say they do: hug the wall. You can place it a few inches away from the wall and it will still recline fully, so it is optimal for small spaces.  

What makes it top-rated: 
  • Power reclining that lets you find the perfect relaxing angle 
  • Power adjustable headrest so you can adjust at the push of a button 
  • Built-in USB chargers to keep smartphones, tablets, and laptops ready to go

Trend: Rockers, All Grown Up

Rockers have long been popular for use in nurseries and children's rooms, where they are used to gently and easily rock fussy little ones. These days, rocker recliners with modern styling are becoming popular in living rooms and family rooms, whether the children have grown or flown.

 

Our Pick: Southern Motion Recliners Fame Power Headrest Rocker Recliner

"Pretty" is the first thought that comes to mind about this rich black leather recliner. But if that’s not for you, it also comes in a variety of upholstery options, including brown and blue. Combining sleek style with casual comfort, this rocker recliner gives you the best seat in the house on game day. 

What makes it top-rated:  
  • Available in stain-resistant and durable performance fabrics 
  • Offers a power-adjustable headrest that keeps offers support and helps prevent neck strain 
  • Amply stuffed cushions and pillow arms that provide ultimate comfort



Trend: Swivel Is In

Recliners with swivel bases are gaining traction for 2021. Their traditional counterparts featured skirted bases, while contemporary versions show their style with fitted upholstery and cleaner, simpler lines.

The continuing trend of open-concept housing and multi-use spaces is likely driving the popularity of swivel recliners. They make it easy to turn around and change your viewpoint, so you can switch from watching TV to joining a conversation with ease.

Our Pick: Natuzzi Editions Tenera Wing Back Triple Power Swivel Recliner

Genuine leather and sleek style make this recliner a pleasure to relax in. Natuzzi stands for quality leather, and this recliner doesn’t disappoint. The contemporary style and wingback shape make it a stunning addition to your space. 

What makes it top-rated:
  • Swivel base allows you to rotate in the chair as well as recline 
  • Ergonomic comfort, cutting-edge technology, and functional design cradle you in comfort 
  • Wide selection of quality Italian leather upholstery to match your home’s décor 

Whichever recliner you choose is going to be “your chair” in the house, so it should accommodate the contours of your body and speak to your style. Go out there and find the recliner of your dreams. Get more tips from Baer's Furniture's recliner buying guide.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

'Tis the Season to Snuggle: Cozy Family Entertainment Ideas

As the holidays approach, many of us would rather stay in and spend more time with our families. If you fall into this group, you may be looking for family entertainment ideas to keep everyone happy and, well, entertained.

While we all love Netflix, binge-watching the latest shows doesn’t bring on the bonding. Here are some activities that can bring the family together and encourage them to interact with each other, not just their screens.


Baking with Family

You don’t have to wait until the holidays to bake a batch of cookies. Get in the holiday mood by starting your baking early. Baking with the family is an excellent way to kick-off the holiday season. There’s nothing better than the aroma of fresh cookies, cakes, or pie wafting through the house. You’ll need those baked goods for future family fun nights, so pull up the counter stools, get out the ingredients, and get ready for some yum.


Decorate for the Holidays

The holidays have a way of sneaking up on us, so it’s never too soon to put decorations up. From Halloween to New Year’s Day, your home can be dressed up for the holidays. Start with the entryway and give your console table the holiday treatment. Move on to other areas to bring festive air throughout your home.

Give everyone a specific task, and soon your home will be transformed into a joyful abode. It sets the mood, is always super exciting, and everyone can snuggle in and enjoy the fruits of their labor.



Family Movie Night

Gather everyone for a special movie night. Family movie night is more than just sitting in front of the TV with the fam, it creates memories. To do that, you need to be a little creative and make the night special. Snuggle into that comfy leather sectional and enjoy the show.

Have a special treat — it doesn’t have to fancy, but something you don’t usually have. Pizza, popcorn, and s’mores are my ideas for the perfect family movie night menu.

Make it relaxing — it can’t get easier than pizza and popcorn, so you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourself.

Get them excited — excitement is contagious, so talk it up and get everyone hyped.


Family Game Night

Old-school game nights are back in style, although to be honest, they never really went out of style. They differ from movie night in that they can be louder and rowdier and don’t depend on people staring at the screen. Board games and card games are great for small groups, and interactive games like charades are crowd-pleasers. They bring people together and get them talking. Break out Monopoly if you are in it for the long haul.


Just throw some snuggly floor cushions around the coffee table. Set out chips, dips, pretzels, nuts, and other snacks. Pull the games out of storage in your entertainment furniture, pull up the floor cushions, and get ready to play.

Don’t forget chocolate chip cookies or mini cupcakes for those who like to indulge. And who doesn’t like to indulge?

Work on a Puzzle

Puzzles run the gamut from super-easy to super-hard. So aim for something in between (unless you know you’re dealing with expert puzzlers) and set up puzzle night with a cool picture or illustration you can work on as a group. Make it more interesting by setting up two puzzles and racing to the finish!

You can also surprise everyone by turning a favorite family photo into a puzzle to work on together. Pull up some floor pillows around the coffee table and remember to do the outside edge first.

Volunteer Together

When you think about family entertainment ideas, remember the joy of helping others and the feeling you get from giving back. You get to spend the day together working for a cause you all support and making the world a better place. You’re together and engaging with others, feeling energized — and everyone’s focused on the same goal: doing good. When you get home, snuggle together on the couch and realize how lucky you are to have each other.

Read Baer's Furniture reviews. Learn more about Baer's Furniture.


Monday, August 10, 2020

How Would Describe Your Personal Design Style?

Deciding what you like and what works in your home are the first steps to creating a space that you love. Décor is so individual that it can be difficult to get it just right. Identifying your personal design style can make it easier to choose what is right for your home. Take the personal design style poll below, then read more to see if you agree with the results.

Traditional Style

This look takes inspiration from the past with floral-print fabrics and vintage-inspired pieces. It’s all about comfort, with every element feeling warm, welcoming, and familiar. The sense of order created by this style makes it easy to live with.

Hallmarks of traditional style: symmetry in furniture layout; soft edges in skirted pieces and leggy tables and chairs; neutral colors such as cream, taupe, beige, and tan; furniture with rich wood tones; statemen trims and molding.


Transitional Style

This style blends the warmth and comfort of traditional style with the understated colors and clean lines of contemporary design. This creates graceful, streamlined, harmonious spaces that are a pleasure to live in.

Hallmarks of transitional style: warm neutral tone-on-tone colors; furniture with simple lines and silhouettes; neutral flooring in natural woods, tile, stone, or carpeting; textural materials such as leather, chenille, sisal, and rattan.

This Bernhardt Criteria Queen Bedroom Group is an example of transitional style.


Contemporary Style

Contemporary design refers to what is going on now in design, so it is often influenced by what is currently popular. This generally means less ornamentation, subtly patterned or solid fabrics, and minimal accessories. Its emphasis on lines and form means that every piece in the room has to count.

Hallmarks of contemporary style: simple lines that highlight planes and angles; sophisticated neutrals such as black, tan, white, cream, and beige; minimal clutter that creates an open feel; high-impact furniture that makes a statement.

This Lexington Ariana Queen Bedroom Group is an example of contemporary style.


Coastal Style

Light and breezy, with a colorway inspired by sand, sea, and sky, coastal style whispers summer all year long. It evokes the easy, carefree vibe of beachcombing and boating. But you don’t have to live by the seashore to get this look, you can easily pull it off wherever you live.

Hallmarks of coastal style: light, light, and more light streaming through windows, glass doors, and skylights; crisp fabrics such linen, cotton, and muslin; pale neutral colors and crisp whites; natural materials such as seagrass and jute. 


Cottage Style

Cottage style celebrates ordinary treasures, slight imperfections, and blended families of furniture. The style is unpretentious and full of heart. Comfy, casual, and personal, the style celebrates the joy that can be found in every day.

Hallmarks of cottage style: slightly faded colors and pints that have the patina of age; soft colors such as ivory, cream with dusty blues, pinks, and greens layered in; slipcovers that add a low-maintenance charm; rustic flooring materials such as wood, brick, or stone.


Tropical Style

Laidback and easy-going, this style blends many different elements into a vibrant whole. When you think tropical style, relaxed elegance and exotic touches come to mind. Warm and welcoming, this style amplifies small pleasures and urges us to lighten up.

Hallmarks of tropical style: natural textures such as bamboo, rattan, and wicker; bright tropical plants; colors drawn from the sea, sky, sand, and tropical blooms; bold botanical prints that feature palms, plumeria, and banana leaves.

The Tommy Bahama Home Bali Hai Bedroom Group is an example of tropical style.

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Baer's Furniture Reviews: Famous for Quality and Customer Service

Shopping for furniture can be fun if you know what to look for and where to shop. Sure, it can also be overwhelming, there's so much to choose from. And furniture stores can seem intimidating and exciting. Packed with beautiful furniture and accessories, walking through the doors feels like a treasure hunt. If you're wondering what to expect when you enter a furniture store, read these Baer's Furniture reviews to find out.


"… liked every item. I consider the furniture an exceptional value. The buying experience was enhanced by having a knowledgeable and competent designer, Paulette Levine assisting in every decision. …"

-Keith Hari

Read more of the review.

"I worked with Karen at Baer's in Boca Raton. … professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and helped me to bring my bedroom set together. … with her interior design experience, I've got an amazing bedroom group on its way! I'm very excited. Thanks, Karen!"

-Mary Jane Suter

Read more of the review.

"I like Baer furniture and the quality of their items, especially when on sale. … Overall great furniture store."

-Robert David

Read more of the review.

"Great sale prices … Delivery in 3 days! So happy with my experience at Baer's!"

-Mary West

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"… high-quality furniture at fair prices. Excellent sales and customer support services."

-Ed Carhart

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"Super Customer Service from the time we entered the store. Our Rep "Laura" was a tremendous help, lead us throughout the display area to help find the furniture we were searching for. … Day of delivery we were notified by text message and a telephone call that the delivery drivers were running early could we take an earlier delivery time which helped us get ahead of the plans for the day. … tremendously kind courteous throughout the process of bringing the furniture inside and setting it up. Kudos to Everyone at Bear's!"

-Denny Rotenberry

Read more of the review.

Best Customer Service and Delivery

There's nothing worse than finding and purchasing the furniture you want and having to wait long hours for delivery, only to be disappointed. That doesn't happen with Baer's Furniture. Read more reviews to get a taste of how Baer's handles furniture delivery.

"… The salesman and delivery men were courteous and professional. Baer's sends a text that allows you to track your delivery. … We also received a call from the driver AND a recorded message that the delivery was within 30 minutes. … great customer service!"

-Barbara Ilardi

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"Wonderful delivery service. Very careful … Torrey offered a suggestion to put felt on the bottom of sofa feet so as to not scratch the wood floor. … conscientious and professional!"

-Denise Barbato

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"Great customer service. The salespeople are knowledgeable … direct you in the store to exactly what you are looking for. Delivery was prompt. The delivery people were courteous and friendly. Very satisfied with the quality of the products and staff."

-Lisa T

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"… very happy with what we bought. Delivery went smoothly. Delivery guys awesome!!!!"

-Charlita Osborn

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If you are looking for quality, name brand furniture at the best price, guaranteed, stop by the Bear's Furniture near you and take a look around. You'll find the best selection, the best prices, and the most professional salespeople to help you find exactly what you want for your home.

Read more Baer's Furniture reviews. Learn more about Baer's Furniture.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Best Interior Paint Online Color Palette Generators

When choosing a color palette for your home, it' sometimes hard to get it right. Luckily, there are many online tools to help you choose a color and design a color palette around it. Online color palette generators help you identify colors and color palettes, based on your preferences.

For example, you can upload a photo, and the tool will tell you what colors are in it. Other online color palette generators allow you to pick colors from a color wheel. Here's a list of online color palette generators that can help you get the perfect colors for your home.


ColorSnap

This fun, online tool lets you create a palette for any room. Upload your inspiration photo, and it will develop a color palette with coordinating colors. You can easily create an account and save your choices for future use.

As an example, the Bali Hai Stationary Living Room Group by Tommy Bahama offers more than 1,000 fabric colors and styles for you to choose from. Using the online color palette generator can help you coordinate the primary color, secondary color, and accent color.

Visualize Color

With this user-friendly tool, you can upload your own image or use one already in the tool. You get to virtually paint your room or create a palette tailored to your home. Once you've developed your color palette, you can save your list and take it with you to your local paint store.


Colors.co

Colors.co is a standalone tool meant for home decorators and graphic designers. Don't' let that throw you, it's super easy to use. Just upload an image, pick a starting color, and discover more colors to develop your own palette. It has plenty of features that let you work with the colors until you find exactly what you like.
I uploaded a picture of the Bali Hai Queen Island Breeze Rattan Bed by Tommy Bahama Home to demonstrate how this tool works. The color palette generated reflects the rich details such as woven raffia, leather-wrapped bamboo, and rattan of this eye-catching tropical bed, creating an elegant and exotic look.

Canva

Straightforward and easy to use, Canva lets you upload a picture and create a color palette from it. Once you upload your image, you get five colors that play beautifully together. You can then match these colors to paint and other accessories for your room.

Colormind

This is an excellent tool if you don't know where to start when it comes to finding the best colors for your space. It comes with pre-made color schemes to give you inspiration. You can also upload an image and match colors to the ones in the photo.

Turning Your Color Scheme into a Reality

Once you've developed your color palette, the true test if to see how they look on your walls. Buy some paint samples and paint some test patches on the wall to see how they look. Live with them for a few days so you can see how they look at different times in the natural light of your space.
Whether you're revamping an entire room or just want to get a few new accessories for throw pillows, an online paint color generator is a great way to find color combinations you might not have thought of but will end up loving.