Take Care of the Leaf

When it comes to maintaining a formal dining room set, there is one very important piece that furniture consumers tend be misguided with: the table leaf. The usual move is to lean it up against the wall in your closet, right? Wrong!!

You see, your leaf is made of wood just like the rest of the table. Over time, as you probably know, wood can warp. If you have it leaning up against a wall, there is a good chance that over time your leaf will bend and warp. Then, when Thanksgiving rolls around, you end up with a leaf for your formal dining set that either does not fit at all, or leaves gaps and warps in your table.

The best method for storing your leaf and have it maintain its shape is to lay it flat on the floor somewhere. Wrap it in a sheet or pillow case to protect it and then have it lying on the floor with the top down so that no matter the climate it will maintain its shape. Under a bed is the best place to keep it out of the way, especially if it is a piece that you use only once or twice annually.

The other option is to look for a table that offers you a leaf that stores in the table. Becoming increasingly popular, these tables have gears that allow the leaf to fold over and slide in under the table. The wood is kept from warping while, the leaf is kept out of the way, and you don’t have to worry about lugging it to and from the table every time you need 16 inches of extra space.

Though the leaf seems like a minor piece to your dining set, the reality is that when you do need it it becomes one of the most important pieces. Knowing how to store and maintain it, then, can be vital. Hopefully, now, the next time you go to use your leaf you wont have a warped piece of wood on your hands that simply does not fit.

Hope this helps,
The Furniture Guy

China Cabinet or No China Cabinet

A china cabinet is a big responsibility. I know, that is a weird statement to make, but before you go all out and buy one, consider what you are getting yourself into. When I was selling furniture, I had more china cabinets returned than any other piece of dining room furniture. The reason is that consumers just simply didn’t consider what it meant to have one.

For one, a china cabinet is huge. Even small ones are big, and that means that they are going to take up a lot of space in your dining room. When you measure the room, actually try taping off the area where each piece of your dining set will go. Make sure that with the china cabinet in there that you are going to be able to slide chairs in and out, eat without being crowded, and move without breaking it.

Secondly, a china cabinet has a lot of glass in it. A lot of glass means a lot of cleaning. Have kids? Think fingertips. Have pets? Think nose prints. Have neither? Think dust, dust, and more dust. A china cabinet, while great for keeping your, uh, china, is also great for collecting dust.

Third, a china cabinet is incredibly hard to move. While you may have it delivered initially, what if you decide to rearrange the room or what if you decide to move? Will it have been worth it? Only you know the answer, but make sure you ask yourself that question.

Choosing to get a china cabinet for your formal dining room is a big decision. It is often the most expensive piece in the set. On top of that, it is a lot of responsibility. I’m not telling you not to get one. In fact, I have one myself. I am, though, telling you to be sure you know what you want and what you need before you run out and get it.

Hope this helps,
The Furniture Guy

Tis the Season for Formal Dining Sets

When I talk to people who have never worked in or even thought about the retail furniture business, I realize that they have no idea what the “hot” seasons are. For instance, when I was in sales (and to an extent when I was in management) I loved this time of year. This is when people start to trickle into the store looking for a formal dining room set. It’s their first year hosting the family thanksgiving or they just simply want to impress a little more this year. Either way, the formal dining sets start to move right around now.

The truth is that this actually is a pretty good time to start looking. The main reason is that right now you can find the formal dining set you want with time to spare. If there is a backorder, you want to special order, or you are having trouble finding just the right formal dining room set for your home, you have given yourself the necessary time so that card tables and folding chairs do not become your theme.

While I do want to take the next few days to talk about what to look for, how to make the right choice, and which pieces are essential for your dining room, this is just about knowing where to start.

Though I always throw out caution about buying furniture online (unless you are 100% dead certain that what you see is what you want and that what you will get is what you are expecting), the internet is actually a great place to start looking. Check out styles, manufacturers, and even look at prices before you go to your local showroom. That way, you know what types of formal dining rooms you want to look at once you get there.

Once in a showroom, take your time and take it slow. Think about what is important to you now and what will be in a few years. Look at not only the look and price, but also pay attention to the way it is built. A dining set is one of the most expensive furniture purchases you can make, so make your formal dining room one that will last and be worth the money.

Finally, take some time to think about things. Check out a variety of websites, a number of various showrooms, and even give yourself a chance to think about style of your formal dining set and which pieces you want (how many chairs, china cabinet or not, serving table or not, etc). There is no hurry, especially if you are starting now. Get as much information as you can and take your time before making a decision. Also, as always, you can always contact the furniture guy and I will be happy to help in any way I can.

Hope this helps,
The Furniture Guy

Furniture Safety III: FINALLY

When it comes to furniture safety, I truly do believe that the furniture safety strap like these. If you don't like the way they attach, you can always look at other types of furniture straps is the single most important furniture safety purchase you can make. To wrap up, though, I want to mention a few other items briefly. As always, I am certainly open to questions about what I use in my home or what industry people tell me.

Corner guards can help your protect your little one’s head if he or she falls against furniture with sharp corners. If you have a cocktail table, then you should have these in some form or another. Oh, and don’t forget the edge cushioning as well.

Just because you have used furniture tethers on your television stand does not mean your TV, DVD, and VCR are not going to tip and fall off. That is why a TV strap can be helpful. Falling objects are right up there with tipping furniture when it comes to furniture safety.

Get a safety latch for your dressers and armoires. This is important for a couple of reasons. For one, open drawers are footsteps for little one, which creates a serious furniture safety hazard. Secondly, anything in drawers then becomes fair game for your toddler.

There are obviously many furniture safety items out there that you can get. I just wanted to touch base on some that I have used and with which I have had some good experiences. Shop around, talk to people, and get a feel for what you need. Safe furniture is certainly more enjoyable furniture.

I will be back to start talking about dining rooms. Tis the season to think about those big family dinners and that new set you want to use to impress everyone.

Hope this helps,
The Furniture Guy

Furniture Safety Part II

There are a number of safety issues when it comes to furniture. For today, though, I want to concentrate on the one that is likely the most prominent as a problem: tipping or falling furniture. Whether it be a dresser, a chest, a bookcase, or a TV stand, furniture tipping over can cause injury or death in adults and children alike. However, for very little money, you can ensure the safety of your furniture.

In our home, where we do have a 1 year old running around and attempting to climb everythign in site, we have tried to make our furniture safer by installing a furniture safety strap like these. If you don't like the way they attach, you can always look at other types of furniture straps

A furniture safety strap is a simple little strap that connects your furniture to the wall. When your child climbs the drawers of the dresser or pulls on the night stand, the strap keeps the piece of furniture upright. For no more than they cost, they are certainly worth the investment. No matter which type you prefer, you owe it to your family to keep bookcases, dressers, chests, and any other tall or heavy furniture from tipping. As you can see from this CBS report, the danger is certainly real.

Furniture should be enjoyable. So take a few minutes and make sure that yours is not only enjoyable, but also safe. When you baby proof and child proof, just make sure you remember to check the furniture! I'll be back tomorrow to wrap up the safety series with a few more ideas for getting the furniture you want, but making it safe for your child at the same time.

Hope this helps,
The Furniture Guy