living room Archives - Page 11 of 31

How To Choose Your Family Sofa

legs of two children and a dog sat on grey sofa

It’ll be the piece of furniture that the family will snuggle and sit on for many years to come so getting the right one is essential. Just how do you make the choice of the right family sofa?

1 Measure, measure, measure

Before we plunge into the long list of ‘what to consider’ we need to start with THE most important aspect of choosing a family sofa – size.

You need to consider the dimensions of the space in which it will sit and what arrangement will work best for your family AND the room.

For example, would two smaller sofas work better in your living room than one large three-sofa? What about a small leather sofa and armchair combination?

Consider all the options before you order a large, L-shaped sofa that seats 10 because the smaller sofa and armchair combination could work just as well, if not better in terms of versatility and style.

2 Do consider fabrics and colours

Patterned fabrics will hide a myriad of stains and spills whilst a block colour can be a little more unforgiving in this aspect.

You might also consider that a brown leather sofa would work best, especially as it can be wiped over with nourishing leather wipes from time to time to keep blemishes at bay.

Leather also ages beautifully, and so the brown leather sofa you choose now could well last throughout the entire childhood and teenage years of your children and still look just as fabulous!

Fabric, on the other hand, can give a very sumptuous and plush look to a room. Some fabrics can also be pre-treated with a stain-repelling substance so that any spills in the early years of its life won’t affect the look of your modern sofa. And don’t forget you could reupholster the sofa, leather included, if the frame remains in good condition.

3 Don’t choose fabrics that date

Colour and pattern are fantastic in any living room, but they are subject to the whim and changes in interior design trends.

For example, a mustard yellow upholstered fabric sofa may look fantastic and on-trend now but what about five- or 10-years time? Will it look old and jaded, clearly belonging to another era?

Choose colour wisely, maximising the longevity of your sofa for years to come by choosing a colour, pattern and style that is modern and in keeping with your taste but is not too specific or tied to a certain trend.

Having said that, there are some trends that last the test of time. A plush velvet armchair or sofa, for example, will always remain at the height of glamour and sophistication with both dusky pink with gold-effect frames remaining in vogue as too will dark green velvet.

4 Extend legroom with a footstool

All too often we are so fixated on buying the sofa that we forget the other important components of relaxing on it – stretching out our legs.

This is impossible to do when you have family sitting with you but if you need to stretch your tired legs, it makes sense to opt for a matching footstool.

Some designs are bijou and compact – the small leather footstool is ideal for most people – although there are other much larger footstools that can, if you want, also act as a ‘coffee table’. Simply balance your tray on its vast top and you have a piece of furniture that is both comfortable for your feet and also ideal as an occasional table. Why not consider a leather sofa set, for example, that includes both stylish sofa and matching footstool?

Discover the timeless elegance of the wingback chair

Brick wall with electric blue velvet armchair and yellow cushion

It’s not a new shape by any means but the winged armchair never goes out of fashion. No matter what interior décor style you opt for, there is a place for this iconic armchair amongst your reclaimed wood furniture. And we’ll show you how to use it.

In the bay window

The bay window gives a sweeping curve to any room and whilst you may have fallen in love with it, dressing it can be problematic.

A sofa is too straight across it, swallowing too much floor space and other pieces of furniture are a mismatch too.

But now imagine two modern-shaped velvet winged back armchairs, with a reclaimed wood coffee table between them, complete with a pretty lamp and a rug to pull it all together. Wouldn’t that make a fantastic space to sit, to unwind, to chat, to relax, to read…?

Sofa companions

In many living rooms across the country, the living room furniture is placed to revolve around the TV. An important piece of equipment it may be but shouldn’t the living room space be about you, your family and the time you spend together.

If the have the room, remove the TV and make the living room seating area into a space where you re-connect.

With a large wooden coffee table as the centrepiece, place two leather winged back armchairs directly opposite your brown leather sofa. Immediately, you have created a seating circle.

If you don’t want it to look too matchy-matchy, stick with the same style of armchair but opt for fabric armchairs instead.

The statement piece

The high back armchair, as humble as it may be, can be the statement piece. And so if you want to create a space that draws the eye, a leather winged back armchair with generous proportions is a perfect choice.

Frankly, it will fit in any space in any room but there is something imposing about a single leather armchair in the office or in the reading nook. Emphasise its proportion with a small side reclaimed wood side table and a generously sized rug that will balance the setting. To give it warmth, add texture with a soft throw or a scatter cushion or two.

Remember – opposites attract

All too often, we are guided by designers and stylists to bring cohesion and style to a space by opting for items that are the same.

Whilst this can be pleasing to the eye, it can all look a little predictable. Or maybe your style is eclectic, the marrying of pieces into a combination that is stylish yet individual, balanced yet exciting.

And so fabric winged back armchairs playing against your leather sofa would work a treat as too would mixing styles. A modern, sleek sofa for example with the traditional-shaped fabric armchairs would be a case of opposites attract.

A worthwhile investment

There are some pieces of furniture that we invest that stay with us for years. No matter how many times you move home or change the décor, there is one piece that always seems to be fit in. The wingback armchair is one of those.

Our Endless Love of Reclaimed Wood Furniture

On this international day of love, we think there is no better time to declare our endless love for reclaimed wood furniture than today.

Reclaimed wood furniture is unique, different, stylish and warm. There is a simplicity to it and yet, it has a complexity that also makes it a must-have for the home. For any room, from the hallway to the kitchen, the dining room to the living room, to the bedroom, reclaimed wood is a beautiful material. But why do we love it so much?

Emotional connection

The wood used in a reclaimed wood dining table, bed frame, coffee table and more is usually a slow-growing hardwood – in other words, too good to waste. Some are native to the UK and others from further afield, their qualities well-known.

In its previous life, the timber performed a range of functions, possibly structural such as oak beams or in another guise, such as doors. It may have been used outside too, such large heavy railway sleepers.

When it is no longer useful, it is reclaimed and given a new lease of life. And so a structural beam that was part of the strength of a building becomes a reclaimed wood coffee table, for example.

Unlike brand-new furniture made from recently felled wood, it is not pristine. It has marks and scuffs. There are dents and knots. Without compromising its strength and integrity, reclaimed wood brings the romance and the story of its past life to furniture for the home.

For us, that is simply perfect, wouldn’t you agree?

Unique and beautiful

You can tell by the expert craftsmanship of reclaimed wood furniture that the artisan’s heart and soul has been put into each piece. Specialists in reclaimed wood work it into a new shape and form guaranteeing it is genuinely unique.

It is this uniqueness that many people covet. No two pieces of reclaimed wood are the same. There will be scuffs in different places, the grain will hold a different pattern and the wood itself will hold its own different secrets too.

We may want something different, but we also want beauty and style too. More often, when something is ‘different’, it is made to stand out. We don’t always want that.

We want a reclaimed wood bed frame, for example, that looks like wood, feels like wood and behaves like wood. We want style and beauty with a hint of uniqueness, but we don’t want it to stand out for all the wrong reasons.

This is another reason why we love reclaimed wood – its subtleness and the fact that every piece is different and beautifully unique.

Across the home

There is nowhere in the home that reclaimed wood furniture cannot be used. brought back to life, it still has so much to offer…

… a functional reclaimed wood bench alongside a rustic dining table is a match made in heaven. Or, if you prefer the Nordic style with its clean lines and light textures, reclaimed wood can be that too.

… a reclaimed wood bed frame is as unique as relationships and family. Alongside bedside tables, chest of drawers and wardrobes, create your own exclusive boudoir in the style that you want.

Find out for yourself

We could go on and on about reclaimed wood and what it feels like to allow the palm of your hand to drift across the history contained within its grain, but that would be taking it away from you. Why not discover the beauty of reclaimed wood furniture for yourself?

A Match Made in Heaven

Mathematical calculation drawn in the sand for love

With Valentine’s day near, it can mean only one thing – love is in the air! And for us, that means celebrating the partnerships that stick together through thick and thin. In the world of furniture, there are many and our love for them is as strong as ever…

Armchair and side table

Is there anything better than sinking into the warm folds of an armchair after a long day or when you need to escape real life for a while? We think not, which is why the partnership between armchair and small side table is as strong as ever.

For an armchair to be truly useful, it needs its trusty sidekick of a side table or if space allows, a rustic coffee table to perch your feet, coffee cup or wine glass. One ties in with the other…

Dining table and chairs

… which is exactly how the companionship between a reclaimed wood dining table and chairs can be described. Both have their uses separately but they are better together. Whether you opt for wooden dining chairs or the plush fabrics of upholstered dining chairs, the chemistry between both is the ultimate love affair.

Bed and bedside table

No matter the dimensions of your reclaimed wood bed frame, without a bedside table it offers little apart from a place to lay your head. Taking care of everything from your alarm clock to bedside table lamp, this small but mighty piece of bedroom furniture has one of the biggest hearts and is a must in any bedroom. There is an undeniable connection between the bed and bedside table that is set to last for all eternity.

Kitchen island and pendant light

No man is an island, a saying that shows we all need some kind of emotional connection in our lives. The same could be said of the kitchen island and the relationship between it and the hanging pendant light. Casting light where there is shadow is its number one priority and catching the light when it falls is the kitchen island’s job. When you are working, eating or sitting at the kitchen island, you need light, something that our stylish pendant ceiling lights offer. The only problem is deciding which one…

Console table and mirror

Another couple that every could benefit from having it its life is the console table and mirror. Commonly found in the hallway, this must-have combination is so stylishly versatile it can lend itself to anywhere in the home. The slimline features of a narrow console table give it an elegant style and with handy storage solutions combined, it’s no wonder so many of us choose to have one in the home.

And with a mirror hanging above it, reflecting light in what can sometimes be a small space, you see how the two personalities complement each other.

Coffee table and rug

Both have a streak of independence but that makes their partnership even more wonderful. The rug provides the colourful, patterned platform that the coffee table needs to shine. And if there is one thing that makes any relationship a success, it is the mutual support that one offers the other.

Spread the love if you can you think of other furniture combinations that are perfect together.

Come out of the dark – how to incorporate dark wood

Are you afraid of the dark? Dark wood furniture, that is? For too long, we have seen it as imposing and difficult to handle but there is a growing resurgence in love for dark wood furniture. It is possible, however, to welcome darker tones of furniture into your home without it being too imposing. Here’s how…

1 Bright lights and dark wood

The monochrome design – contrasting a very dark shade such as navy or black with white – is a design option that has always been, and always will be, popular. You can emulate this with dark reclaimed wood furniture nestled against a crisp, white backdrop. You can’t argue that the enhanced proportions of a dark reclaimed wood dining table would look out of place in a bright and airy dining room.

2 You can add colour too

Of course, for many, bright white walls simply do not fit well with their home or their style and so you may think that using colour with dark wood furniture is something that should be done with caution. However, adding flecks of colour is possible and welcomed too by furniture with a darker timber.

Dark furniture can be dramatic both in colour and texture, similar to this beautiful but practical reclaimed wood TV unit from the Luxe Kensington Collection. Add the colour of your choice to bring out the depth of its beautiful patina and texture.

3 Dark + dark = perfection

The one thing about a piece of dark furniture that many people are uncertain of is the fact that it will stand out. Enter a room and a dark piece of furniture, no matter how small, will hit you between the eyes. If you want dark furniture but don’t want ‘the-only-thing-that-stand-out-in-a-room’ effect, this is what you need to do: match like with like.

And that means standing a piece of dark furniture against a dark coloured wall. A dark reclaimed wood desk, for example, sat against a dark forest green wall would bring a welcome Victorian style to a space, showcasing its elegance without it being uncomfortably stark or stand-offish.

4 Choose more than one piece of dark wood

We know the rule – dark colours close down a space – but sometimes, we just need to embrace the obvious and dress it so that it becomes an elegant, stylish and comfortable space.

Choosing more than one dark piece of furniture brings cohesion and symmetry to a space and when you opt for pieces from the same collection, you also promote a balanced feel to a room. Take a look at the Luxe Kensington Collection, for example. With its darker shade matched with the reflective chrome legs and frames, it brings a heightened drama to a room.

5 If you have a large room, go for it!

If you are blessed with a larger space, there is no denying that dark wood furniture is simply perfection. You could deck out the whole room in dark furniture from the same collection that brings instant symmetry and drama to a space.

If there is one thing to learn it is this: there is nothing to fear from dark wood furniture.

Wood Trends – Discover latest Textures & Styles

Rattan chairs positioned around wooden stools and tables in a bohemian cafe

Wooden furniture has been around for so long, that we could all fail at times to recognise its real beauty. Wood is a versatile material and can be made into so many different shapes and styles of furniture that there is a different texture, finish and style for every room in the home and any design style. Let’s take a look at what is trending in the world of wood right now…

Geometric heaven

Top of our list is the texture and pattern that can be created with wood, including timbers used in reclaimed wood furniture. The geometric shapes included in the reclaimed elm large sideboard from the Glasgow Collection, for example, showcases the true versatility of wood but also the warmth and detailing it brings to a room. What stories could this piece of reclaimed wood furniture tell?

The elegance of parquet

Who would have thought that rectangular wooden tiles laid in a fishbone pattern could be so elegant and, in the 21^st century, coveted by so many? Oozing sophistication, the parquet design can be used to good effect on tabletops such as an oval dining table and a reclaimed oak coffee table.

The beauty of rattan

Rattan, like wood, is a natural material, taken from fast-growing vines in countries with tropical climates. Once cut and dried, the strips are incredibly strong, more so when woven together. Some people consider rattan a ‘wood’ or a timber because it has the strength and versatility of wood. As well as rattan dining chairs, it can also be used in light shades too, perfect for a pendant light over a reclaimed wood dining table.

Texture and warmth

A smooth surface is delightful and the less polished texture of the rustic styles are equally as appealing and popular. But when you want to ‘lift’ a piece of furniture so that it stands out from the rest of the room, texture is the means by which you can do it. The panels created by wood and exquisite craftsmanship on the head and footboard of a reclaimed wood bed, for example, are perfection as too, is the texture of such as a reclaimed wood sideboard. As well as the grain, there is the dimples and scarring of its previous life to add to the overall appeal.

A 3D effect

Building on the idea of panels and textures is when the wood itself is worked so that it has a raised, three-dimensional effect. The beauty of this is shown to its maximum in the large oak industrial sideboard from the Mitcham Collection. Ever popular, it is the panelled details that make this piece a really ‘stand out’ piece of furniture for the dining room, the living room or even the hallway.

Curved edges

Corners and angles don’t have to be sharp. In fact, a curved edge is so much friendlier and brings more than a hint of refinement to any wooden piece. From the oak dining table to the oak carver dining chairs to a hallway bench, these pieces are perfect for any home but, if you enjoy the simplicity and warmth of the Scandinavian or Nordic style, these are a must.

And, on top of all this, you have different timbers giving different colours, from dramatic dark furniture to light oak and elm. Our world would be so much less vibrant without wood, wouldn’t you agree?

5 Brilliant Need-to-Knows about Reclaimed Wood

A reclaimed wooden coffee table with bowls of food and a plant

We have been using wood for hundreds of thousands of years. Even before early man discovered fire we were using wood to make tools, implements and weapons and our long love affair with this magnificent material is as strong as ever.

Despite modern breakthroughs, wood is still considered the most versatile and beautiful of materials for making furniture. Resilient and adaptable, it can have multiple lifetimes and although you can use any type to make furniture, not all woods are equal. In fact, every piece is different, which is why we love it so much, but that does mean it’s important to understand all of its amazing intricacies to make sure you choose the right furniture for you.

This is why we’ve put together our Top 5 brilliant need-to-knows about reclaimed wood.

HAPPY HISTORIES – AGING GRACEFULLY

If only wood could talk, what stories it could tell! You can’t beat the history reclaimed wood furniture brings. Reclaimed wood is experienced, grounded and wise – qualities that are as invaluable in furniture making as they are in life. Some wood can be as old as 200 years and still look better than its younger counterparts!

YOU OLD CHARMER – FULL OF CHARACTER

One of the things that we like most about reclaimed wood is that it is full of character, and by character, we mean imperfections. Much of this comes from its age and history – nail holes, bolt holes, bug holes, staining, open knots and even scratches We love the process of finding ways to use reclaimed wood to create unique furniture and give it a new story to tell. For example, old scaffolding boards with tall stories crafted into a modern office desk ready for a new and very different career ahead.

EACH DIFFERENT, EACH UNIQUE

Reclaimed wood furniture is genuine and comfortable in its own skin. It has evolved over the years to become what you see today and its proud of how it looks. And just like us, no two beams, planks or boards are exactly alike. We love this about reclaimed wood and think it adds to the excitement of buying a reclaimed wood dining table or reclaimed wood bed frame, but it does come with its surprises. Those wonderful cracks, nail holes, knots and tones differ from wood to wood and furniture to furniture, so when you’re buying reclaimed wood furniture you need to be prepared to expect the unexpected. There will be slight differences in tone and texture, all of which add to its individuality. If you’re looking for furniture with personality, warmth and one that will keep improving with age, you’ve found a friend for life in reclaimed wood.

SUSTAINABILITY – GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK

As we become more socially and environmentally conscious, sustainability is becoming a key driver when it comes to home furniture. Reclaimed wood will not only make your home beautiful, it will benefit the planet and help you stay the right shade of green as it’s, by default, recycled and repurposed. It also preserves natural resources by reducing the need for logging; less trees being cut down equals more time to grow. Go on, give it a hug.

REMEMBER, IT’S ALIVE!

Even after wood has been cut down and turned into furniture, it continues to be a living, breathing matter that responds to its environment just like a tree in the forest. It expands and contracts with changes in humidity, and can also change colour over time as it’s exposed to air and sunlight.

From poky to palatial – 10 tips to make a small room look bigger

An industrial coffee table with a wooden top in a bright living room with beige sofas

Few of us are blessed with generously proportioned rooms, but that doesn’t mean a room has to look small and poky. There are plenty of styling solutions that can accent key features in a room and make it look bigger. And we have 10 tips to help you!

Make more of natural light

When natural light is in short supply, a room can soon look small. Dark corners and shaded areas are not good for the small room and so making the most of natural light with minimal window treatments is a must.

Gaps and legs

If you take nothing else from this list, let it be this one. Gaps and legs are essential for helping a room feel bigger. Opting for sofas, a modern armchair and a leather footstool on legs create a sense of light and space, mainly because the light is allowed to flow through the room.

Be ruthless when it comes to clutter

Things piled on shelves and on sideboards will draw attention to the bijou dimensions of the room. That means you need to be ruthless with clutter. Opt for furniture that offers you the storage that you need, such as a small sideboard.

Multi-functional pieces

Multi-functional furniture in a small room is a gift because it offers more than one function in a busy home. A coffee table with storage, for example, is one option as too is a wooden blanket box that could also act as a coffee table. Some footstools have handy storage space too.

Be reflective

We start the list with making sure natural light pours into a space and now, with reflective surfaces and mirrors, you can ramp it up! A round wall mirror opposite the window is a great move as too is a large mirror in a dark corner for capturing light.

Don’t put furniture around the edge

The temptation with a smaller room is to make the most of floor space by placing sideboards, display units and seating around the edge of the room. Conversely, leaving a gap of a few inches between the wall and the sofa or armchair, for example, creates an illusion that the room is bigger than it actually is.

Get savvy with style and size

A small room can mean smaller furniture, so we understand why you would opt for several armchairs over one large sofa. But did you know that one large piece can also contribute to the room feeling bigger than it is? That’s because a large sofa is less cluttered to the eye than several smaller armchairs or two-seater sofas.

Light and neutral

Staying away from dark, dramatic colours also has a big impact on the feeling of space in a room. This doesn’t mean that white is the only option, however, as the neutral colour palette is awash with choice.

Put the accent on height

Hang ceiling to floor curtains to create the illusion of height. Or, if you can, leave the window completely uncovered.

Spread the light

We can’t push the point about light more! And spreading light around the room means making sure you have plenty of lights. From pendant lights to floor lamps to recycled glass table lamps, spread them evenly around the room so no matter where you stand, every portion of the room is gently lit.

Follow these tips and any small room will blossom before your eyes!

Learn how to Zone

A rustic living room with a wooden desk and upholstered chair

Many of us crave larger rooms and yet, one of the most difficult spaces to style and dress is a large space. Items of modern furniture can look lost and small and with no clear definition and an open space can soon look jumbled and incoherent. Zoning makes sense, but you don’t want to cut out light or restrict its flow. How do you achieve this?

1 Sofas

A large sofa can be perfect for creating the boundary between the dining area and the social zone. To maintain the sense of flow between different areas, don’t opt for a high back armchair or sofa, keeping their height lower to maintain a clear vision of the space.

2 Side tables

The often unsung hero of any room, side tables are perfect for clustering together to create a clear definition between one area and another. Sleek and versatile, they can be easily moved when you want to open up the space, such as when you are entertaining.

3 Dining sets

Uniformity is the key to symmetrical balance in open-plan living and so a clearly defined dining area with a dining set makes sense ‘to the eye’. No matter your style, opt for a dining table with chairs or dining bench that has a clear connection. For example, an industrial dining table with dining bench and complementing chairs is one option, or upholstered chairs could add a hint of luxury to a reclaimed wood dining table. Coordinate the upholstered dining chairs with any other seating in the kitchen, such as the bar stools for an effortless stylistic connection.

4 Upholstered dining bench for a cosy corner

If your dining area is in a corner, you can create a cosy nook with high-backed, upholstered dining benches. Once again, balance and symmetry are key, so make sure there is a clear connection between the benches and the dining table and other items in the kitchen area, otherwise they’ll look like an afterthought.

5 Shelving

Open shelving or display units add semi-privacy to an area and can also help to reduce noise in an open space too. As they are easy to move, shelving gives many future options for creating corners and zones in the space as your family and needs change.

6 Sideboards

Opting for long or large sideboards is also ideal for creating smaller space in the room. Coordinate your choice with the shelving units you have picked for a balanced and stylish appeal.

7 Console tables

The console table, a narrow but tall table, is not just for the hallway. In the open-plan setting, they make the perfect addition. They don’t have to stand alone either. Place them at the back of the sofa in its centre to give a more definitive edge to the seating area.

8 Rugs

A change in the flooring also denotes a change in the zone and so a large rug in the seating area serves a dual purpose – a change in pace in that space but also adds texture and colour. Smaller wool rugs can also be helpful but keep the pattern, styling and colour similar so that there is a hint of cohesion.

9 Colour

It’s tempting to paint different walls and sections in contrasting colours but that can be too obvious and jarring. Opt for one base colour that filters throughout the space with colour afforded by upholstery and rugs in bold prints and patterns. Choose pendant ceiling lights that set off your zones to perfection.

Zoning larger rooms will not make your space look smaller; rather, it will give you an open-plan feel but with structured areas for different uses of the same space.