Curbed - Furniture 101: Tips on how to buy and what to look forLove where you live2020-04-28T11:34:02-04:00http://archive.curbed.com/rss/stream/119674692020-04-28T11:34:02-04:002020-04-28T11:34:02-04:00How to pick the best outdoor furniture at any budget
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<img alt="A black wire outdoor furniture couch with white pillows sits in front of a fire pit and a pool." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tCOHsqgE_CY_YRo0kC-3hv2rkmI=/337x0:5964x4220/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53809209/BretonBlackMetalSofaOLB20.12.jpg" />
<figcaption>The <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.cb2.com/breton-black-metal-sofa/s267345" target="_blank">Breton Black Metal Sofa from CB2 ($799)</a> is a sleek option for patio furniture. | Courtesy of CB2</figcaption>
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<p>Savor the outdoors in style </p> <p id="ILgi8z">Outdoor spaces in our <a href="https://www.curbed.com/coronavirus-covid-19">stay-at-home world</a> are more important than ever before. Whether you have a <a href="https://www.curbed.com/2019/4/18/18485032/urban-garden-container-gardening-products-supplies-to-buy-for-sale">small balcony</a> or a sprawling backyard, a bit of fresh air is key to fighting quarantine fatigue. </p>
<p id="mZ5WVI">For many of us, sprucing up our outdoor areas is at the top of the <a href="https://www.curbed.com/2020/3/25/21184365/best-home-improvement-projects-coronavirus-quarantine">home projects to-do list</a>, but picking out quality furniture can be daunting. In the past, we offered <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2016/6/3/11848284/outdoor-furniture-patio-garden">five tips for finding top-flight outdoor furniture</a>. Now, we’re breaking down the best outdoor furniture by material—wood, metal, plastic, fabric, and wicker.</p>
<p id="x4BJIs">While it’s true that some outdoor furniture can be astronomically expensive—running into thousands of dollars—don’t despair! There are plenty of options for budget-conscious patio dwellers, too. Need even more picks? Don’t miss our favorite <a href="https://www.curbed.com/2019/4/26/18517777/best-patio-furniture-outdoor-sofa-couch-shopping-buy">affordable outdoor sofas</a> and <a href="https://www.curbed.com/2019/5/2/18525761/best-outdoor-furniture-patio-dining-sets-table-chairs-shopping-buy">budget-minded dining sets</a>. </p>
<p id="4kQ1DV"><a href="http://www.curbed.com/2016/6/3/11848284/outdoor-furniture-patio-garden">Review our advice</a> and get shopping—the outdoors are calling.</p>
<h4 id="WNW9WI">Wood outdoor furniture </h4>
<p id="Su4QF2">Wooden patio furniture is sturdy, long-lasting (if well cared for), and often feels the most like having <em>real</em> furniture outside. It can also be expensive. Look for dense-grained tropical hardwoods—like teak—that are able to resist warping and swelling, or opt for cheaper wood and throw on a cover for protection. </p>
<p id="JEh6V3">Other popular woods used in outdoor furniture are cedar, pine, and eucalyptus. Be aware that wood furniture often requires staining and oil to maintain its original appearance. </p>
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<aside id="3QYcKB"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"The best outdoor sofas to buy now","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2019/4/26/18517777/best-patio-furniture-outdoor-sofa-couch-shopping-buy"},{"title":"The city dweller’s guide to gardening","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2019/4/18/18485032/urban-garden-container-gardening-products-supplies-to-buy-for-sale"},{"title":"12 affordable patio dining sets to buy now","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2019/5/2/18525761/best-outdoor-furniture-patio-dining-sets-table-chairs-shopping-buy"}]}'></div></aside><h4 id="NVTrCI">Metal patio furniture </h4>
<p id="466LCO">Thanks to the steep price tags of wooden outdoor furniture, metal is becoming an increasingly popular choice. Aluminum furniture is lightweight, durable, and doesn’t require much maintenance. </p>
<p id="u58xOC">Steel is a heavier option, but both usually need to be coated with a protective finish known as powder coating. The good thing about metal outdoor furniture is there are a lot of options at all price points.</p>
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<h4 id="jNWaNe">Plastic</h4>
<p id="Ixn9kj">Plastic furniture may have a reputation for being flimsy, but new technology proves that it can be a great material for outdoor furniture. Using high-density polyethylene—some of which is recycled from milk cartons or bottles—plastic furniture can be highly durable, doesn’t require painting or sealing, and can be designed to look like almost anything. </p>
<p id="yXkVMV">Of course, there are still some poor quality plastic products out there, but even low-end furniture can be treated with UV-stabilizing pigments to reduce fading. The best part? Plastic is easy to wipe down and won’t peel like other products.</p>
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<h4 id="mccbkE">Fabric </h4>
<p id="lirs3J">If your dream afternoon involves a couch and some sun, look no further than an outdoor sofa. Usually a blend of wood or powder-coated steel with fabric cushions, outdoor couches offer a level of relaxation that just can’t be matched in a dining room chair. Speciality treated fabrics mean that these gems can hang outside, no matter the weather. </p>
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<h4 id="wvbABf">Wicker and rattan </h4>
<p id="EEAv92">Before you think wicker furniture only belongs at grandma’s house, take a look at this generation’s wicker: It’s sleek, lightweight, and comfortable. Wicker can also be used indoor or outdoors, so it works well on sunrooms and porches. </p>
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<h4 id="3w1mkL">Rugs</h4>
<p id="VhC0zG">Maybe it’s the pop of color, or maybe it just feels better to have something underfoot, but rugs can tie an outdoor space together. They are made from materials ranging from nylon to polyester to polypropylene, but make sure you find one that is mold and mildew-resistant. Better yet, look for rugs that are treated to resist the harsh exposure to UV rays. </p>
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https://archive.curbed.com/2017/3/21/14988728/best-outdoor-furniture-patio-shopping-buyMegan Barber2019-05-09T14:50:00-04:002019-05-09T14:50:00-04:00How to buy quality outdoor furniture
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<figcaption>The covetable outdoor area of a <a class="ql-link" href="https://sf.curbed.com/2017/6/12/15742548/inside-a-california-wine-country-dream-home" target="_blank">California wine country dream home</a>. | Photo: <a class="ql-link" href="http://www.aubriepick.com/" target="_blank">Aubrie Pick</a></figcaption>
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<p>Tips for navigating the market </p> <p id="qn79cR">As an interior designer with <a href="http://www.jsbrowndesign.net/home">J.S. Brown Design</a>, Scott Brown has beautified interiors along the West Coast for 30 years, from Mexico to his home base in Bend, Oregon. "Fifteen or twenty years ago," he says, "The outside was all but forgotten."</p>
<p id="Ty0lOY">Now, he frequently has clients requesting equally savvy backyard destinations, and he’s happy to comply. "I think it’s so important for designers to not just stop at the door," says Brown. "The outdoor spaces are just as important as the indoors."</p>
<p id="8QbD4l">Today, the outdoor furniture market is booming, with many retailers offering pieces at a variety of price points. "It’s an interesting time right now to do outdoor design. There are a lot of resources available," says Brown. He offered his tips for navigating the market, as well as some of his favorite finds.</p>
<h4 id="mBM4oJ">Make a list of activities to determine what you need</h4>
<p id="Df0xFT">Brown approaches <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2016/6/2/11836492/patio-design-outdoor-room-backyard">the design of an outdoor room</a> much like he does an indoor space, and that means pulling out the tape measure and graph paper before going to the store. "Definitely start with a space plan of the area and consider the uses—whether that’s dining or sitting around a fire pit," says Brown. "Then build from there."</p>
<p id="f32NVm">Begin by knowing where certain activities will occur, then hone in on what size furniture will fit the dimensions of the area. For smaller yards, simple furniture will save space, like a wood bench adorned with cushions, and there are a variety of DIY tutorials online to build one. Having a good plan in place before you begin will keep you from wasting money on pieces that don’t work for your space.</p>
<aside id="BFQjvD"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Best outdoor furniture: 18 picks for any budget","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2017/3/21/14988728/best-outdoor-furniture-shopping-buy"},{"title":"12 affordable patio dining sets to buy now","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2019/5/2/18525761/best-outdoor-furniture-patio-dining-sets-table-chairs-shopping-buy"},{"title":"The best outdoor sofas to buy now","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2019/4/26/18517777/best-patio-furniture-outdoor-sofa-couch-shopping-buy"},{"title":"New outdoor furniture startup wants to turn your backyard into a showroom","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2019/2/11/18217567/furniture-outdoor-sofa-outer-startup"}]}'></div></aside><h4 id="FUhmxH">Choose durable materials, and know how to maintain them</h4>
<p id="MFJ7Bi">Try to choose the most durable material that you can afford. Good options include teak and cedar, powder-coated metal (including aluminum and iron), and various plastics and fabrics.</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Qb6xOyrW-nuDgOIHfGqnbZAbHw8=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6587645/Screen_Shot_2016-06-02_at_9.07.54_PM.0.png">
<figcaption>Emmet Lounge Chair & Ottoman, $429, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/outdoor/chairs-and-chaises/emmet-lounge-chair-and-ottoman" target="_blank">Room & Board</a>. </figcaption>
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<p id="YDAvTt">For good examples of the latter, Brown endorsed two designs from Room & Board: the <a href="http://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/outdoor/chairs-and-chaises/emmet-lounge-chair-and-ottoman">Emmet chair and ottoman set</a> ($429) is made from high-density polyethylene with UV-stabilizers added to minimize the fading, while the <a href="http://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/outdoor/chairs-and-chaises/maya-chair">Maya chair</a> ($899), is a fully upholstered piece comprised of a marine-grade plywood frame and weather-resistant Sunbrella fabric.</p>
<p id="NiSr8s">Next, know how you’ll care for the pieces once you own them. Do you have room to store them in the off-season? If so—lucky you! If not, plan for pieces to be placed under a roof overhang where they will be more protected year-round.</p>
<p id="W8Dojc">"Nothing is maintenance free," says Brown. Look out for rust or discoloration. To abate either, clean and cover metal pieces, oil or re-stain wood, and stow upholstery indoors. Chairs like the Maya are even pretty enough to use inside.</p>
<h4 id="c3mnMd">Evaluate quality</h4>
<p id="yVu0IL">"With exterior furniture, you have to buy decent quality or it's shot within a season or two," says Brown. He recommends looking for sturdy construction.</p>
<p id="WB8BPS">Start by inspecting a piece’s joinery. Metal welds should be smooth and gap-free and blend in with the overall finish. Wood joints should fit close together. Avoid glued and nailed connections; inset screws and wood dowels, as well as mortise and tenon joints, are stronger.</p>
<p id="YzaBsh">The attachment hardware, such as the screws and bolts, should be positioned so that they’re protected from the elements, or made of stainless steel. "You have to know the quality," says Brown. "At least for the pieces that have to stay out or can’t be covered."</p>
<h4 id="DQ9pFP">Shop around</h4>
<p id="QJ0A97">There is furniture to be found at every price point, says Brown, so shop around and compare. He has made successful purchases for clients at a range of retailers, like <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldmarket.com%2Fcategory%2Foutdoor.do&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2016%2F6%2F3%2F11848284%2Fbest-outdoor-furniture-materials-brands" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">World Market</a>, <a href="about:blank">Room and Board</a>, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crateandbarrel.com%2Foutdoor-furniture%2F&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2016%2F6%2F3%2F11848284%2Fbest-outdoor-furniture-materials-brands" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Crate and Barrel</a>, and <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/curbed/http://www.dwr.com/outdoor?lang=en_US" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Design Within Reach</a>. </p>
<p id="x792qh">"We do find good deals at retailers," says Brown. "You just have to keep an eye out." Some companies, like the higher-end outfit <a href="http://www.summitfurniture.com">Summit</a>, will have lifetime guarantees rolled into the price. But remember: "It’s perfectly fine to mix the high and the low," says Brown. "That’s always been the designer’s favorite thing to do."</p>
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<figcaption>Broom Chair, $225, <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/curbed/https://www.dwr.com/dining-chairs-and-stools/broom-chair/477.html" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Design Within Reach</a>. </figcaption>
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<h4 id="p7jnm8">Mix up styles</h4>
<p id="gSVyTU">Brown likes to blend various pieces from different aesthetic styles and materials. "I hate buying suites or matched sets," he says. "Mixing up the textures makes it more interesting. That’s what makes it more architectural and like an interior room."</p>
<p id="4gD4dr">Buying pieces from various outlets can also help with the budget, as you’re not locked in to the price of a whole set, and are better able to capitalize on deals. One of Brown’s favorites is the <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/curbed/http://www.dwr.com/dining-chairs-and-stools/broom-chair/477.html?lang=en_US" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Broom Chair</a> ($225) from Design Within Reach, designed by Philippe Starck.</p>
<p id="0zloMf">"You can stack them and you can leave them outside," he says. "They’re very sturdy and they’re very classic. It’s a modern sleek design but it really fits with any style." Contrast is key here, in style and texture, so feel free to pair modern with traditional, or wood with metal.</p>
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https://archive.curbed.com/2016/6/3/11848284/best-outdoor-furniture-materials-brandsMelissa Dalton2019-02-12T17:15:00-05:002019-02-12T17:15:00-05:008 tips for buying antique furniture
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<img alt="apartment with blue sofa" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yiBr9pz73D1iY7bXl7NGcCCjRTM=/0x73:3000x2323/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50169947/House_Calls_New_York_Campbell_Anderson_livingroom_1.1529011380.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo: <a class="ql-link" href="http://www.gievesanderson.com/" target="_blank">Gieves Anderson</a></figcaption>
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<p>It’s time to pull out some drawers</p> <p id="eHBWSz">One of our favorite places to hunt for furniture is at auction houses, antiques stores, and flea markets. But how can you tell the difference between a hidden treasure and something that’s best left alone? We spoke to expert furniture appraiser Andrew Holter to find out.</p>
<h4 id="ID3yaK">Look closely to see how the piece was made</h4>
<p id="hxLzPJ">Does the piece you’re looking at have drawers? If so, pull them out and look at how they were constructed. That will reveal if the piece was handmade or not. "Look at the side of the drawer—you should see dovetails," says Holter. "And on the inside of the drawer front, where it meets with the sides, there there should also be larger cut marks. Those are called <em>kerf</em> marks. They indicate where the cabinet maker was cutting out the dovetails in the drawer face to be attached with the drawer sides. It’s sort of the leftover marks that the saw created. You want to see those. They are tell-tale signs of hand craftsmanship."</p>
<p id="epuSid">Generally speaking, the earlier the piece—and the further away from a city center it was produced—the larger the dovetails will be. "During the 17th and 18th centuries, from about the William and Mary to Queen Anne furniture periods, they were sort of slapping things together, and they didn’t have time to make small dovetails," says Holter. "Away from the city centers, you got craftspeople who weren’t trained in the typical fashion of coming up through a heavy apprenticeship in a cabinet maker's workshop."</p>
<p id="D78vdP">By contrast, the top early cabinet makers would show off their skill by making the necks of the dovetail much thinner. "As you get into the later time periods, you’ll find dovetails become more refined and then, eventually, you see them getting phased out," says Holter.</p>
<p id="IBYvZA">If you don’t see dovetails, then the piece is probably held together with nails and glue, which is a sign the piece was made in a factory closer to the 20th century.</p>
<h4 id="bd4FRt">Check out the hardware</h4>
<p id="C3H6jE">While you have the drawer out looking for dovetails, don’t forget to inspect the hardware, too. "When you pull a drawer out and look at the back of the handle, you should expect to see a threaded post and a nut securing that brass to the drawer front," says Holter. "If you don’t see that nut and just see what looks to be the top of a slotted or flathead screw going towards the face of the drawer, then that is an indication that the hardware is newer. It’s also a good indication that the piece is not old as well."</p>
<h4 id="TaddQ1">Try to find a signature, a label, or a stamp</h4>
<p id="rT13Ak">While signatures are rare on pieces from the 17th and 18th centuries, Holter says to check on the backs and undersides of drawers (which, as we have come to realize, hold a lot of information about the age and authenticity of a piece of furniture!) to potentially find pencil marks or chalk signatures that may indicate who made the piece and where it was produced. Does the piece you’re looking at not have a drawer? Check either its back or its bottom.</p>
<p id="aSW9eE">"In the later 19th century right up through the 1950s, you start to see factory-made furniture with stamps," says Holter. "You don’t find many names, but you will find either impressed or stenciled numbers on the inside of drawers, which correspond to model numbers of designs that the factory produced."</p>
<h4 id="T1QUJK">Check for damage</h4>
<p id="wkBQsa">Where a piece is most likely to be damaged depends a lot on what part of the furniture is subject to the most wear.</p>
<p id="Cc582r">"We love to tip backwards in chairs, right?" So the back of the chair," Holter explains, or "the upper portion called the crest and the center supports, also known as the splats—are the most likely parts to have been repaired or replaced."</p>
<p id="Kxr1dZ">Chests of drawers, which can be heavy, have often been pushed around rather than lifted and moved. Holter suggests looking first to the feet for damage and replacements.</p>
<p id="Te7LDT">If you see cracks in the wood, though, don’t worry too much. "Wood will expand and contract over time due to fluctuations in temperature and create shrinkage cracks," says Holter. "You should expect to see those in pieces from the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. It’s common, and I don’t necessarily think they detract from a piece’s value."</p>
<h4 id="5HMG2H">Know the difference between a repair and a replacement</h4>
<p id="6ovg95">This may seem obvious, but repairs are when original pieces have been fixed back onto a piece of furniture. A replacement is when the once missing part has been repaired with an entirely new piece.</p>
<aside id="0IZNw6"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"How a fashion designer transformed an 18th-century home into a dreamy inn ","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2018/11/21/18103539/frank-muytjens-inn-kenmore-hall-berkshires-jcrew"},{"title":"The hunt for vintage wallpaper: Where to find and how to decorate with it","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2018/2/22/17039864/wallpaper-interior-design-history-degournay-zuber"},{"title":"Restoring a historic house: 8 tips and tricks before getting started","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2017/6/8/15762608/old-house-renovate-restore-tips"}]}'></div></aside><h4 id="q5krY8">Decide how you feel about refinished furniture</h4>
<p id="2Kv9Lo">There are generally two schools of thought when it comes to a piece of furniture’s finish. The first is that the original finish of the piece is a part of that piece’s history and should never be touched. "Purists think that the original finish lends to the authenticity of the object, because it has never been touched. The finish is layers upon layers of dirt and oils and grime that have accumulated on the piece," says Holter.</p>
<p id="yIaCWN">Tell-tale signs that a piece still has its original finish is if the piece looks purple or black in color. It may also have a crazed surface, or slightly cracked varnish. "Think of a surface that almost looks like a tiny alligator’s skin with crackles—that’s what crazing looks like," says Holter. "That occurs over time with the breakdown of the varnish when it’s exposed to heat."</p>
<p id="blmRGR">While the original finish may represent the piece’s age, it may also obscure qualities of the wood the cabinet maker originally intended to capitalize on. "Many people argue that a piece that’s turned purple or black with age is not how the maker would have originally wanted the piece to look,’ says Holter. "It would have been shiny when new. The beauty of the wood itself—which may have been used to accentuate certain parts of the piece—is now obfuscated."</p>
<p id="F50Q7A">Something to keep in mind, though, is that the original surface brings what Holter calls an "X-factor" to the piece, one that may add to the value of the object. Once it’s gone, it can’t ever be added back, although you can find people who are skilled at <em>replicating</em> the old surface.</p>
<h4 id="wyzdVt">Online auctions are okay! </h4>
<p id="aaMY4y">If you don’t have a good antiques store or auction house near you, don’t shy away from looking online. Aside from sites like <a href="http://www.bidsquare.com/">Bidsquare</a> and <a href="https://new.liveauctioneers.com/">Liveauctioneers</a>, many established firms like Christie’s and Sotheby’s offer online complements to their scheduled auctions.</p>
<p id="GUVTWA">"Traditionally, people like to touch a piece of furniture, feel it, and see it in person," says Holter. "So, it’s very important to trust the seller or auction house you’re buying from. You have to have faith that the seller will accurately tell you a piece is authentic and if there have been any repairs or replacements made."</p>
<p id="YysXmO">Still feel apprehensive about just going off pictures? Train your eye by doing a little research on furniture styles. Holter likes the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/New-Fine-Points-Furniture-Masterpiece/dp/051758820X?tag=curbed-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The New Fine Points of Furniture</a><em> (</em>Crown, 320 pages<em>)</em> by Albert Sack.</p>
<h4 id="4tMb7s">Always buy what you love</h4>
<p id="0OvGxh">"You shouldn’t treat these things as investments," says Holter. "Value can fluctuate just like stocks and bonds—just because these are antiques and they are old does not mean the value will constantly increase."</p>
<p id="qZ3RNs">But after checking the piece thoroughly, considering its age and checking for dovetails and original hardware, what’s the ultimate piece of advice? "The most important point is: buy what you love," says Holter. "Because you gotta live with it!"</p>
<aside id="6qrhZg"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"curbed_handbook"}'></div></aside>
https://archive.curbed.com/2016/7/21/12240462/antique-furniture-buying-tipsRobert Khederian2019-02-11T17:30:18-05:002019-02-11T17:30:18-05:006 important things to consider when buying furniture
<figure>
<img alt="credenza " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4FygUhfFwEHlBY2u_FubgYkOpVQ=/101x0:1702x1201/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50141253/House_Calls_Wayne_Jamieson_Heidis_Bridge_living_room_1_Heidis_Bridge.1519661105.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo: <a class="ql-link" href="http://www.heidisbridge.com/" target="_blank">Heidi’s Bridge</a></figcaption>
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<p>Function and size are key</p> <p id="VhAAnr">Alison Davin’s San Francisco-based firm, <a href="http://jutehome.com/">Jute Interior Design</a>, specializes in crafting home interiors from start to finish, from space planning to final furniture selection. She gave us her top tips for getting the furniture to fit just right.</p>
<h4 id="Lnyg88">Ergonomics are fundamental</h4>
<p id="r1sZQK">"We always start with function," says Davin. "Having something fit your ergonomic requirements trumps what it looks like in the space." This means Davin reviews all of the uses for a particular piece and makes sure to incorporate the client’s personal preferences.</p>
<p id="Mk100w">For instance, she might place a higher-backed sofa before the television so that tall family members don’t have to lie down every time they watch a show. In the dining room, Davin often hears the request for "three hour chairs," meaning seats need to be comfortable for long meals.</p>
<p id="OiQll2">Lastly, she says to check with the whole family before making a final purchase. "Weigh in with all the different family members and get their ergonomic requests," she says. Everybody sits in the sofa differently, so having everyone try it out first is important to avoid costly returns.</p>
<h4 id="3DkFrs">Double-check dimensions<strong> </strong>
</h4>
<p id="pySfGS">Catalog photos are deceiving, says Davin, and never depict the size and scale of items accurately. "Definitely look at the dimensions before you order something that you haven’t seen [in person]," she says.</p>
<p id="d0dA9N">Ask yourself how a piece will fit in the intended room, as well as how it will be transported there. The latter is too often overlooked. Davin has heard many stories from clients about furniture-buying attempts that ended up with their purchase never actually making it in the house.</p>
<p id="DiduyQ">"It didn’t fit in their freight elevator or through their front door," she says. Before buying, use painter’s tape to block out where the piece will go in the room and take measurements of all the doors and stairwells it will traverse to make it home.</p>
<aside id="hZ90Qs"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data="{"stories":[{"title":"Best budget-friendly furniture and decor to buy now","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2018/5/4/17317024/affordable-furniture-decor-sofa-bed-rug-coffee-table"},{"title":"After Ikea: 10 mid-range furniture stores that won't break the bank","url":"https://www.curbed.com/2017/3/21/14985296/mid-range-furniture-store-post-ikea"},{"title":"How to buy a sofa","url":"https://www.curbed.com/furniture-buying-how-to-tips/2018/4/30/17203948/buy-a-sofa-how-to-guide"}]}"></div></aside><h4 id="sU4U8W">Consider construction</h4>
<p id="e6cnAL">Davin suggests doing a bit of research into where a piece of furniture was made and its materials, in order to avoid products that might contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde or fire retardants. Both substances have historically been common in furniture construction.</p>
<p id="Jk44WP"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/business/energy-environment/the-uphill-battle-to-better-regulate-formaldehyde.html">Formaldehyde</a> is currently found in wood glue, while <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/09/magazine/arlene-blums-crusade-against-household-toxins.html">fire retardants</a> are often in upholstery foam. While it’s not possible to completely avoid contact with these chemicals, making more informed purchases might lessen your exposure via their off gassing.</p>
<p id="VwmHrN">To do so, Davin endorses US-made products over imports, and buying solid wood over composite wood construction. "Many US retailers are sensitive to using hardwood versus composite wood that’s glued together with formaldehyde," she says. "In the states there’s a lot more hardwood being used and it’s not only a better product, it’s going to last longer and it doesn’t off gas."</p>
<p id="xIC0DH">Here’s a <a href="http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2015/03/five-couches-without-flame-retardants-you-can-buy-right-now">roundup from the Environmental Working Group</a> of five couches without fire retardants that can be bought from large retailers, including Ikea, Room & Board, and Crate and Barrel.</p>
<h4 id="4XznAd">Don’t be afraid to go bigger</h4>
<p id="IWn9zq">Assessing whether a piece of furniture is proportional to the room and to the other pieces around it, or understanding if you got the scale right, can be tricky for non-designers. "If somebody can’t necessarily figure it out, I think it’s always good to not be afraid of larger pieces," says Davin.</p>
<p id="ssNnBi">She says that clients often assume that a tall armoire or a large sectional will make a space feel cramped, but she finds the reverse to be true. "If positioned correctly, larger pieces can often make a room feel bigger," she says. "Putting a lot of small pieces in a small room just makes the room feel smaller."</p>
<h4 id="0n7pKM">Balance shapes</h4>
<p id="rBVE4L">To get a pleasing mix of furniture pieces in a single room, Davin suggests varying their basic shapes. "What I typically do is count up how many rectangles, diamonds, and circles are in a space," she says. Then she makes sure one shape isn’t overly dominant in the scheme.</p>
<p id="6L5Tzq">"For instance, if you have a round lampshade and a round mirror above a fireplace, then maybe you do a rectangular coffee table and a rug that has a graphic pattern, just to balance out the shapes," says Davin.</p>
<h4 id="9WazdO">Try vintage or custom</h4>
<p id="tfGQ7t">Davin always prefers scouting out vintage furniture or having something custom built for a space, rather than buying from big box retailers. "Usually we will start with vintage stuff and then build [the room] around them," she says. "You’ll probably be able to go to a retailer and fill in the blanks with the leftover dimensions." When shopping for vintage, she has just one suggestion: "Find things that you absolutely love."</p>
<p id="oYDlIH">If having custom goods built to your specifications seems too intimidating, Davin proposes purchasing a custom rug. "If somebody’s going to shop at a chain store and buy everything there, I would recommend that they then go to a carpet retailer where they might buy wall-to-wall carpet," she says. "Give them the dimensions and have them take one of their rugs and bind it to the perfect size, because having a rug that is custom to the space can elevate the room more than anything else."</p>
<aside id="Pys3O0"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"curbed_handbook"}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Paus56">
<h3 id="RPNX26">Watch: How to balance old and new in your place</h3>
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https://archive.curbed.com/2016/7/18/12210634/buy-furniture-online-tips-adviceMelissa Dalton2019-02-06T14:30:24-05:002019-02-06T14:30:24-05:00How to spot quality furniture at Ikea
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<img alt="ikea hackable furniture" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fW07mE0uq4Stv6uoFI8k6q_63Ok=/0x0:2400x1800/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50130927/PH155303.1484222203.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pieces from Ikea’s <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.curbed.com/2018/8/2/17641200/ikea-hacks-lyskraft-scholten-baijings" target="_blank">limited-edition collaboration</a> with Dutch design duo <a class="ql-link" href="http://www.scholtenbaijings.com/#" target="_blank">Scholten & Baijings</a>. | Ikea</figcaption>
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<p>You’ve got to look beyond the particle board</p> <p id="YZlX2T"><a href="http://www.curbed.com/ikea">Ikea</a> is known for producing affordable, <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2016/3/23/11286010/scandinavian-design-arne-jacobsen-alvar-aalto-muuto-artek">Scandinavian-modern furniture</a>, but not all of the store’s flat-pack offerings are shown to stand the test of time. The store can get a bad rap for pieces that fall apart after a move or lose their shine at the first instance of wear and tear. But the Swedish furniture giant actually has a number of sturdy, high-quality items that even your most design-obsessed friends will admire. You just need to know what to look for.</p>
<p id="RyWrnb">Whether you’re <a href="https://www.curbed.com/2017/6/27/15771550/best-home-goods-shopping-advice">furnishing your first living room</a> or looking to upgrade a worn-out bedroom set, here are a handful of expert tips and tricks from Jules Yap, founder of <a href="http://www.ikeahackers.net">Ikea Hackers</a>, and interior designer <a href="http://www.jenchudesign.com/">Jen Chu</a> for spotting Ikea’s best-made designs—without getting overwhelmed.</p>
<h4 id="OpsMXe">Actually go to the showroom</h4>
<p id="3sRxnv">While online shopping is the most convenient way to peruse Ikea’s 10,000-plus products, you’ll have a much better idea of a piece’s construction and material quality if you see it in the flesh. Nothing beats your own experience testing out a piece of furniture when you’re looking for something that’ll last. If it seems rickety in the showroom, there’s no way it’ll feel more solid in your own home.</p>
<p id="uJl5eS">If you want to get ultra-strategic about your time in the store, then surf Ikea’s site to make a list of must-see items. That way, you won’t waste time double-checking bedstead measurements or making sure you didn’t miss the perfect side table.</p>
<h4 id="MdAuiQ">Stick to solid wood, metal, and glass</h4>
<p id="5BPIFz">While Ikea is probably best known for furniture made of compressed wood chips sandwiched between plastic veneer, just steer clear. The material is notoriously damage-prone, and something as simple as over-tightening a screw could split the fiberboard and leave you with a permanently wobbly bookcase.</p>
<p id="NuCsmt">"If you want something long lasting, read the label," says Yap. "Solid wood is a better bet compared to particleboard. Solid wood shelves don't warp as easily either. Metal is probably next."</p>
<p id="Xjyn9o">Furniture made of solid wood—preferably a hardwood like oak or acacia, but even a softwood like Swedish pine—is always going to be sturdier than fiberboard. If you can’t spring for a more expensive material, then think about adding a higher-quality component.</p>
<p id="ePtEf4">"Any tabletop takes a lot of abuse, and it's such a bummer when the surface of your table is marred," Chu says. "If you're going to buy an inexpensive laminate table, get a piece of glass cut for the top. Any glass shop can do it, and it's not very costly."</p>
<h4 id="8kdCgA">Don’t buy complex, adjustable pieces</h4>
<p id="zCgSF5">Yap also advises avoiding pieces with complicated moving parts. The additional complexity creates more potential for breakdown. "Compare the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ikea.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Fproducts%2F30264301%2F&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2016%2F7%2F18%2F12128624%2Fikea-furniture-high-quality-pieces" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Olov adjustable leg</a> versus a <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ikea.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Fproducts%2F80130776%2F&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2016%2F7%2F18%2F12128624%2Fikea-furniture-high-quality-pieces" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Lerberg trestle</a>," she says. "You know which wins."</p>
<p id="PLYvMv">Traditional furniture designs with sturdy cross supports tend to be more durable.</p>
<h4 id="n7zikf">Check the joints and connections, consider glue</h4>
<p id="hxSddr">As with any furniture piece you’re thinking of buying, check out how all of the pieces fit together. Simple dowel joints—like the ones connecting the top and sides of Ikea’s classic <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ikea.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Fproducts%2FS79017837%2F&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2016%2F7%2F18%2F12128624%2Fikea-furniture-high-quality-pieces" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Billy bookcase</a>—aren’t really meant to be disassembled and reassembled. In fact, if you bought this kind of furniture pre-built rather than flat-packed, those joints would be glued.</p>
<p id="kVkHos">Both Yap and Chu mentioned that running a small bead of glue along the edge of a piece before securing it in place can make a world of difference. "A dab of wood glue before you put and screws or bolts in will make the furniture 10 times more rigid, and it will endure way more wear and tear," says Chu.</p>
<p id="H623CX">If you know you’ll want furniture that can one day come apart, try to stick with pieces that have sturdier joints.</p>
<h4 id="2dgqQZ">Keep an eye out for designer collaborations </h4>
<p id="GftG5j">When working with designer collaborators, Ikea will sometimes experiment with different materials and higher-quality construction techniques. The company’s collaboration with Swedish ceramicist Ingegerd Råman resulted in a set of <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2016/5/6/11604824/ikea-new-products-ingegerd-raman-viktigt-minimalist-housewares">handmade furniture pieces</a> made of natural fibers woven onto steel frames, and Ilse Crawford’s 2015 Ikea collection introduced a number of <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2015/2/5/9995156/ikea-new-cork-collection-ilse-crawford">items made with cork</a>. Ikea’s more recent <a href="https://www.curbed.com/2019/1/17/18185972/ikea-tom-dixon-delaktig-bed">Delaktig</a> <a href="https://www.curbed.com/2018/1/17/16901572/ikea-tom-dixon-delaktig-sofa">collaboration</a> with British designer Tom Dixon uses aluminum framing. </p>
<h4 id="SXWQcz">Don’t overlook the small things</h4>
<p id="EG3R3c">There’s more to Ikea than its furniture. The company "makes excellent drawer hardware across the board," says Chu. Swapping out your kitchen’s handles and knobs for a sleeker Ikea design is a relatively simple way to refresh the look of your kitchen, and they’re durable enough for everyday use.</p>
<p id="HKtvZH">"Many of the smaller items—like accessories, linens, kitchen utensils, flatware, and cookware—are a real value for the money," explains Yap. "And they’re long lasting." So when perusing the store, you needn’t feel too bad about impulse-buying Ikea’s housewares.</p>
<aside id="gKF7qU"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"curbed_handbook"}'></div></aside><hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Uacaf4">
<h3 id="XmBNvM">Curbed Video: Storage Ideas for Small Spaces</h3>
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https://archive.curbed.com/2016/7/18/12128624/ikea-furniture-high-quality-piecesBarbara Eldredge2017-03-24T12:01:04-04:002017-03-24T12:01:04-04:00How speakers went from statement furniture to unseen tech
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3mmsvo8DKoGxMRwPv5LSCPLgb9c=/58x0:975x688/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53876227/Record_Console_Open.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Today’s furniture designers are putting a new spin on the all-in-one stereo console. <a href="https://www.wired.com/2015/07/review-symbol-audio/">Wired</a> rated the <a href="https://shop.symbolaudio.com/pages/modern-record-console">Modern Record Console by Symbol Audio</a>, shown here, an 8 out of 10, calling it a “stereophonic objet d'art.” | <a href="https://shop.symbolaudio.com/">Symbol Audio</a></figcaption>
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<p>Remember record player credenzas?</p> <p id="1sy9yv">In today’s wireless age, most want their sound system to be out of sight and out of mind. “If interior designers had their way,” says Scott Orth, director of electroacoustics at <a href="http://www.soundunited.com/">Sound United</a>, owner of the Polk Audio and Definitive Technology speaker brands “there would be no speakers at all.” Orth adds that “the trend amongst average consumers has been go smaller for the last thirty years.”</p>
<p id="5hEr6z">But there was a time when speakers were as essential a piece of furniture as the sofa: The peak of home hi-fi offered handcrafted teak consoles and towering pairs of floor speakers. Today, small, easily hidden speaker systems are the mainstays of home listening. But how did we get from full cabinetry to speakers not much bigger than a tin can?</p>
<h4 id="BhUoYs">The birth of hi-fi and the all-in-one console</h4>
<p id="Q80eVH">Hi-fi, or hi-fidelity—audio jargon for recordings and sound reproduction equipment capable of reproducing stereo or full-frequency recordings—began around 1948, when a slew of new technologies came on the market: reel-to-reel tape recording, the 33 ⅓ RPM long play (LP) record, and FM radio (a huge improvement on existing AM standards). </p>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/prloqW4EC8oV74W8oTyGhxI9Fdw=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8204223/westinghouse_console_ad.jpg">
<cite>Via <a href="http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/electronics-ads-1940s/50#adswsxnl5n08ok5s">Vintage Ad Browser</a></cite>
<figcaption>An ad for a Westinghouse hi-fi console from 1948 highlights the set’s “honest engineering, the highest quality performance, and finest cabinetry.”</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="mEoF31">Consumer electronics technology had to evolve to keep up with the times, so manufacturers began designing cleaner-sounding amplifiers and speaker systems. During this early age of hi-fi, the most popular vehicle of music consumption was the stereo console: an all-in-one record player, radio, amplifier, and speaker system. </p>
<p id="m7xff4">The ease and convenience of these systems made them extremely popular up. <a href="http://www.vintageadbrowser.com/electronics-ads-1940s/50">Ads for consoles</a> touted not only the superior performance but the “finest cabinetry.” These were pieces of furniture to be proudly displayed in your home, a gathering place for the family. </p>
<h4 id="xRg8WS">The introduction of stereo and speaker sets</h4>
<p id="qe0JzY">But the biggest reason all-in-one consoles were so popular? Stereo hadn’t been invented yet. In the late 1950s, Westrex invented the stereophonic tape-cutting head, and the era of two speakers was born. Initially, people were suspicious that stereo was just a gimmick devised by manufacturers in order to sell more speakers, but the masses were quickly won over by the clarity and depth found in stereo recording that mono recording just didn’t have.</p>
<p id="sfMADO">At this time, the age of rock-and-roll ushered in a desire amongst listeners for bigger sound: that meant bigger speakers and more powerful amplifiers. What was once one piece of furniture was now three pieces of furniture: two loudspeakers and a table or cabinet for amplifiers and record players. The hi-fi had its own corner in the living room, often joined by the television. </p>
<p id="swfFoI">Yet, even in this component-driven world, stereo consoles remained popular despite being acoustically obsolete (the all-in-one solution had many downsides, chief of which was poor acoustics due to the speaker enclosure). Whether they were separate speakers and amplifiers or all-in-one consoles, hi-fi setups were viewed by most people as furniture, to be displayed and admired aesthetically as well as sonically. Even speakers during this time took on dramatic shapes and clean, sleek forms inspired by the same midcentury modernism we so admire in a credenza.</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_3aWsvt65j6b_40hUmFHwYcLAyI=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8212877/b7b63a61ef2b0c5a5ccb1a608170bff3.jpg">
<cite><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/204350901816749945/">Pinterest</a></cite>
</figure>
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<h4 id="HEilqN">Post-stereo, pre-digital</h4>
<p id="qRVpwz">When did speakers stop becoming desirable furniture? The answer lies in components. In the analog world, there were few pieces of equipment available to hook up to a hi-fi system: record players and sometimes televisions. (Radios were often combined with amplifiers in components called receivers.) </p>
<p id="d9BWiM">In the 1970s, the cassette tape added tape decks to the mix, and the dawn of video recording (Betamax/VCRs) added even more components. CD players joined in the 1980s, and all of these components overpowered the hi-fi systems of old. But the height of the digital era was what eradicated furniture hi-fi. </p>
<h4 id="5eEwif">The black box era</h4>
<p id="eZGLbR">In the 1990s, DVDs became available, and with them came 5.1 surround sound, previously found only in movie theaters. Speakers for 5.1 were smaller and very lightweight since they needed to be hung on the wall for the effect to work. </p>
<p id="3XXltc">The attractive receivers of old were replaced by black boxes whose goal was to hold the maximum number of components possible, including six speakers. Unfortunately, the era of the handsome, chrome and wood receiver had come to an end, and the black plastic black box era had begun. </p>
<p id="jhIT7Q">The meticulously designed, attractive amplifiers and speakers of old had limited inputs and outputs since they were really made for the analog world and thus began to disappear. A sound system was no longer a standalone piece of furniture, but now you needed a separate piece of furniture—the media cabinet—to contain it.</p>
<h4 id="BpQZn3">The minimalist age of wireless</h4>
<p id="2mPoZ0">The iPod and subsequent mobile technologies set off a trend of minimalism in the 2000s that led to in-wall speakers, and later, sound bars, and smart speakers. The fuss of wires and different media formats became unattractive and remains so to this day.</p>
<p id="PNerPP">Bluetooth, <a href="https://play-fi.com/">Play-Fi</a>, and other <a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8532386/type/dlg/sid/curbed/http://www.sonos.com/en-us/home" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">wireless technologies</a> virtually eliminate the number of necessary components of home theater systems. The trend for manufacturers is to build these components into the sound bar or speaker itself, rather than have them in a separate receiver.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Gg4_tTzqbRM3BSRurDjGxrZUjLM=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8212901/Modern_HiFi_Stereo_Console_Department_Chicago_1.jpg">
<cite>Department Chicago</cite>
<figcaption>Department Chicago’s <a href="https://www.departmentchicago.com/product-page/walnut-hifi-console-pre-order">HiFi Console</a>, a midcentury-inspired, Bluetooth-equipped stereo system retails for $1,895.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h4 id="xZE6Bx">Combining old and new</h4>
<p id="DbxvE7">The <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2015/4/8/9973300/why-everyone-is-obsessed-with-midcentury-modern-design">resurgence of midcentury modernism</a> has brought the all-in-one console into the 21st century, and they’ve seen a small burst of popularity in the last few years. Hundreds of vintage media cabinets can be found on Etsy, and companies like <a href="https://thevintedgeco.com/collections/mcm-stereo-consoles">Vintedge Co.</a> are dedicated to restoring vintage pieces and outfitting them with the latest technologies. </p>
<p id="uSGjLW">A handful of contemporary designers and companies—<a href="https://www.departmentchicago.com/audio">Department Chicago</a>, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2Fscottcassin&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2017%2F3%2F24%2F15022404%2Fsound-system-furniture-midcentury-modern" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Scott Cassin</a>, <a href="https://shop.symbolaudio.com/pages/modern-record-console">Symbol</a>, and <a href="https://wrensilva.com/collections/products">Wrensilva</a>, to name a few)—are creating brand new consoles that wouldn’t look out of place in Don Draper’s apartment, while midcentury-inspired media cabinets can be found at retailers ranging from <a href="https://goto.target.com/c/482924/81938/2092?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.target.com%2Fp%2Fporter-mid-century-modern-tv-stand%2F-%2FA-16878205%3Fref%3Dtgt_adv_XS000000%26AFID%3Dgoogle_pla_df%26CPNG%3DPLA_Furniture%2BShopping%26adgroup%3DSC_Furniture%26LID%3D700000001170770pgs%26network%3Dg%26device%3Dc%26location%3D1022762%26gclid%3DCjwKEAjwwcjGBRDj-P7TwcinyBkSJADymblTh78WHW8juDBmSvcD28_Pq-n5_rnXZshWCltywjnssxoC0aTw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds&sharedid=archive.curbed.com" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Target</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ikea.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Fproducts%2F60239715%2F&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2017%2F3%2F24%2F15022404%2Fsound-system-furniture-midcentury-modern" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Ikea</a> to <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.article.com%2Fproduct%2F1635%2Fseno-walnut-63-media-unit&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2017%2F3%2F24%2F15022404%2Fsound-system-furniture-midcentury-modern" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Article</a> and <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.westelm.com%2Fproducts%2F7440931%2F%3FcatalogId%3D71%26sku%3D7440931%26bnrid%3D3902401%26cm_ven%3DGoogle_PLA%26cm_cat%3DShopping%26cm_pla%3DMedia_Consoles%26cm_ite%3DAllProducts%26kwid%3Dproductads-adid%255E153603528141-device%255Ec-plaid%255E79195266593-sku%255E7440931-adType%255EPLA%26gclid%3DCjwKEAjwwcjGBRDj-P7TwcinyBkSJADymblTZsCF_HUe8L76JE1hkX_CaJ9vOFVQoC5YCOhxUnEPjRoC8dXw_wcB&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2017%2F3%2F24%2F15022404%2Fsound-system-furniture-midcentury-modern" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">West Elm</a>. What’s old will always find a way to be new again.</p>
https://archive.curbed.com/2017/3/24/15022404/sound-system-furniture-midcentury-modernKate Wagner2016-09-12T14:50:00-04:002016-09-12T14:50:00-04:00What's the deal with wireless charging furniture?
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<p>Bringing (wireless) power to the people</p> <p id="v6Z9F3">As any design-obsessed human can tell you, nothing ruins the look of a modern, minimalist room quite like a power cable haphazardly snaking its way from socket to tabletop. Until recently, unsightly cords were a necessary evil of the digital age. But all that’s about to change.</p>
<p id="SesVlT">Wireless device charging is already being rolled out in the next generation of technologically tricked out furniture, with more and more phones and tablets featuring compatible charging technology. Last year, Swedish furniture giant <a href="http://www.curbed.com/tag/ikea">Ikea</a> planted a flag in the realm of wireless-charging furniture with the launch of a <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2015/4/16/9969994/ikea-wireless-charging-available-spring">collection embedded with the technology</a>, but now dozens of <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2016/4/6/11368490/curvilux-connected-nightstand-smart-home-tech">smaller players</a> are joining the fight with designs of their own.</p>
<p id="lz4Bgt">We talked with Grant Reig, Product Manager at the MIT-born wireless energy company <a href="http://witricity.com/">WiTricity</a>, to find out everything you need to know about this brave new world of cord-free, device-charging goods.</p>
<p><a style="width: 300px; float: right; margin-left: 20px;" href="http://www.curbed.com/curbed-handbook"> <img alt="handbook-widget" src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6378049/sandbox_CurbedHandbook-widget.0.0.jpg"> </a></p>
<h3 id="QZ2zDe">How does wireless charging work?</h3>
<p id="RWZcj2">Wireless charging works by transmitting energy through an electromagnetic field. "If you have a Sonicare toothbrush, it’s powered by basic induction," Reig explains. The process requires two devices—a base and a receiver—each containing a loop of wire known as an induction coil. Running electrical current through the wire in the base creates a magnetic field. When you place the receiver’s coil in that field, the opposite happens: Energy is converted back into electricity without the base and receiver needing to physically touch.</p>
<p id="1RfA4N">One promising variation on this process happens to be WiTricity’s specialty. Known as magnetic resonance, this technique makes the energy transfer more efficient by <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/eric_giler_demos_wireless_electricity?language=en#t-267889">vibrating the magnetic field</a> created by the base at the same frequency as the receiver. This enables the base to transmit energy to the receiver at a stronger rate, even when they’re farther apart.</p>
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<h3 id="Q2EU3j">How long has this technology existed?</h3>
<p id="BZrqSZ">"You can go all the way back to Nicola Tesla and his version of wireless power and inductive technology," says Reig. More than a century ago, the prolific inventor was already making wirelessly powered devices. But it’s only until relatively recently that this technology has become small and efficient enough to be integrated into consumer products.</p>
<p id="ARzOSj">Reig believes that wireless power hasn’t yet gone mainstream because poor user experiences are holding it back from widespread use. But every technological advancement in the field brings us closer to a world of wirelessly accessible power. And again, it’s just a matter of time.</p>
<h3 id="fISfJu">Does wireless charging work well?</h3>
<p id="F2gyrs">With our current inductive technology, a phone or tablet can’t be wirelessly charged at the same high speeds as with a wired charger. But engineers are working on closing this gap, and it’s likely just a matter of time, says Reig.</p>
<p id="yUF0P1">Placement of the base and receiver are another consideration. "With traditional induction, it’s important that the two wires are relatively similar in size and in close proximity," Reig says. The base and the receiver have to be placed within a millimeter or two of each other. This is why most of the existing pieces of wirelessly charging furniture include <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ikea.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Fproducts%2F60280682%2F&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2016%2F7%2F18%2F12128634%2Fwireless-charging-furniture-phone-lamp-tablet" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">clear visual indicators</a> for precisely where to place your device.</p>
<p id="Q63ZG3">But resonant technology has the potential to provide a charge over larger distances of six feet or more, which means you’ll soon be able to scroll through Twitter even as your phone is charging, without being tethered to the wall.</p>
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<h3 id="j0GyXZ">Who is making wireless charging furniture?</h3>
<p id="jPqItO">As Curbed <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2016/4/12/11414154/wireless-charging-furniture-ikea">recently discussed</a>, a number of companies are venturing into the field of wireless charging furniture. Ikea is the largest player, with a collection of <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2015/3/2/9985794/ikea-wireless-charging-stations-smartphones-tablets">lamps and side tables</a> embedded with the technology in addition to offering <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2015/4/16/9969994/ikea-wireless-charging-available-spring">stand-alone charging pads</a>.</p>
<p id="qTQ4kb">As Ikea product developer Bjorn Block—who worked on the company’s wireless collection—told Curbed, "charging mobile devices was a pain point in life at home. People couldn’t find their charger, the cable was too short, and all the chargers and cables create a mess at home." Adding, "Hide-tech is the ultimate hi-tech."</p>
<p id="gf2gLZ">But Ikea isn’t alone. Argentina-based company Curvilux successfully launched a crowdfunding campaign earlier this year for <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2016/4/6/11368490/curvilux-connected-nightstand-smart-home-tech">a nightstand</a> featuring a wireless charging pad. And the London-based company Fonesalesman is also working on a line of wirelessly charging furniture—dubbed <a href="http://www.fonesalesman.com/blogs/news/44384196-furniqi-empower-your-home">FurniQi</a>—starting with a bamboo nightstand integrated with a charging pad.</p>
<h3 id="Kphu15">Is wireless charging limited to new furniture?</h3>
<p id="h3GBRS">"I’ve even taken antique tables at my house and retrofitted them with wireless charging," says WiTricity’s Grant Reig. The company—which licenses its technology to other companies rather than creating its own products—has demoed charging pads that can be hidden on the underside of existing furniture pieces, meaning that you’ll be able to take advantage of this technology without throwing out your grandmother’s Victorian dining set or the original Eames desk you’ve always coveted.</p>
<p id="HBsbnZ">"Antiques made of wood are actually quite good for that," says Reig, "especially with magnetic resonance where you can separate the base and the receiver."</p>
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<h3 id="SjFKQg">What can wireless charging furniture be made of?</h3>
<p id="JqaERM">The magnetic field generated by the base can safely pass through most materials including wood, glass, ceramics, and even the human body, says Reig. "But aluminum, steel, and other metal materials will block that field." A metal screw or two won’t affect the power transfer, but a tabletop made of a sheet of metal or even having large metal supports can keep the technology from working properly.</p>
<h3 id="N65nJ1">How much does wireless charging furniture cost?</h3>
<p id="eeL4hq">The most expensive aspect of wireless charging furniture is—surprisingly—the furniture. The technology itself is relatively affordable, with stand-alone bases and receivers costing anywhere from $10 to $60. Ikea’s wireless charging line has items ranging from <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ikea.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcatalog%2Fcategories%2Fdepartments%2Fwireless_charging%2F&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2016%2F7%2F18%2F12128634%2Fwireless-charging-furniture-phone-lamp-tablet" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">$30 to $180</a>, but that doesn’t include a receiver-embedded phone case. The Curvilux nightstand costs about <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.indiegogo.com%2Fprojects%2Fcurvilux-the-first-smart-nightstand%23%2F&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Farchive.curbed.com%2F2016%2F7%2F18%2F12128634%2Fwireless-charging-furniture-phone-lamp-tablet" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">$250</a>, and a FurniQi side table is <a href="http://www.fonesalesman.com/collections/wireless-chargers/products/furniqi-side-table">$199</a>.</p>
<p id="au6ZN4">Crafty types can also <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-a-hidden-Qi-wireless-phone-charger/">make their own wireless charging furniture</a> for as little as $10 by embedding an inductive charger into an existing piece.</p>
<h3 id="gmwhf1">How will the technology change and improve?</h3>
<p id="mQVn1C">All of the current lines of wirelessly charging furniture still have to get electricity directly from a wall outlet. That means your new nightstand or table lamp will be wired. But new developments in the technology could lead to furniture pieces and devices <a href="http://news.mit.edu/2014/making-wire-free-future-0710">powered through the carpet</a> or across greater distances so that your phone can be receiving a constant charge no matter where you are.</p>
<p id="Qyh14E">"We’re looking forward to wireless power being a lot more ubiquitous, embedded in everything you touch," says Reig. "Everywhere from the center console of a car to your dining table, coffee table, nightstand, desk—any place where people regularly put their devices."</p>
<p id="Rn6lKL">Imagine the convenience of setting your phone down on your office desk or a table in a cafe and automatically recharging its battery. Or never having to lurk near that single power outlet at your airport gate, stressing over whether your phone will have enough charge to see you through a long flight.</p>
https://archive.curbed.com/2016/7/18/12128634/wireless-charging-furniture-phone-lamp-tabletBarbara Eldredge2016-08-26T11:30:00-04:002016-08-26T11:30:00-04:00A guide to interior lighting
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<figcaption><a href='http://www.sunnyeckerle.com/'>Illustration by Sunny Eckerle</a></figcaption>
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<p>Foolproof tips from a veteran lighting designer</p> <p id="fYbJHh">Designer Michelle Steinback was in the middle of remodeling her Eichler-style ranch in Portland in 2013 when she needed some lighting that worked with the existing architecture. "I wanted globe lights, in glass and brass, and no one made them," Steinback says.</p>
<p id="zjYUYQ">Having spent the ten years prior in production and design for a large lighting manufacturer, it wasn’t hard for Steinback to make her vision a reality. She recalls: "I was like, ‘Oh, I know how to make these. Why don’t I just design what I want and make them myself, because I can’t find what I want?’"</p>
<p id="w9knLn">This became the start of her bespoke lighting company, <a href="http://www.cedarandmoss.com/">Cedar & Moss</a>, which now offers a range of modern and midcentury-style fixtures. As far as her own decor goes, at last count Steinback had somewhere around 58 sconces in her house.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.curbed.com/curbed-handbook" style="width: 300px; float: left; margin-right: 20px;"> <img src="https://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6378049/sandbox_CurbedHandbook-widget.0.0.jpg" alt="handbook-widget"> </a></p>
<p id="i6LQFF">"Of course, I love lights so I push it too far sometimes," Steinback says with a laugh. "But lighting can just be so beautiful." Here, she offers<em> </em>her tips for navigating the lighting market to find the perfect fixtures.</p>
<h3 id="pE2tJl">1. Function first<strong> </strong>
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<p id="bzyIfz">First and foremost, your lighting purchases will depend on the practical illumination needs of the room. A few questions to ask yourself: What tasks and activities will you be doing there? How much light do you personally prefer? Do you like it bright or more moody? How much natural light does your house already get?</p>
<p id="VN9MWA">A good way to get the answer to these questions is to observe the space, much like you might observe a potential garden plot, and how you tend to use each room. "Any time that you can understand the space, you’re going to be wiser and more practical about the choices you make," Steinback says.</p>
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<figcaption>Cedar and Moss, <a href="http://www.cedarandmoss.com/lighting/ridge-sconce">Ridge Sconce</a>, $225</figcaption>
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<h3 id="Bh1Q2l">2. Layer</h3>
<p id="4DZUKq">For Steinback, once she has an idea of the room’s practical needs, the next step is to think in terms of layering. "The mistake people sometimes make is that they expect one light, or a few lights, to do all the work in a room," she says. "I think that those end up being harsh rooms to be in."</p>
<p id="5fO1zE">Layering light sources, especially when wired to dimmers, creates versatility and can accommodate different activities in the same space. Steinback uses the example of her own family room, where she utilizes floor lamps, table lamps, and sconces, all on dimmers. Turning the sconces down low makes the room ideal for movie screenings, while turning up everything at once brightens the table for family game nights. "Having that flexibility is so nice," Steinback says.</p>
<h3 id="TEf2up">3. The free agents: table and floor lamps</h3>
<p id="bSFjv9">Table and floor lamps can provide both ambient and task lighting. As decor goes, they are very flexible because they’re not hard-wired. They can be moved to wherever light is needed and there’s available table or floor space.</p>
<p id="w0powU">When choosing a table or floor lamp, consider the room’s scale and the relationship of the lamp with the furniture around it. "If you have a bigger room, you can do a bigger lamp," Steinback says.</p>
<p id="F5bxra">Stylistically, the choices are pretty much endless. "In terms of style, I think it has everything to do with your personal style and what you like," says Steinback. "I don’t think there’s a right or wrong." She recommends asking yourself: "What do you love and what do you want to look at everyday?"</p>
<h3 id="rkImuN">4. For walls: sconces</h3>
<p id="tQTAbV">Traditionally, sconces have been used for accent lighting, such as highlighting bookshelves, framing a fireplace, or lining a hallway. And while these are still terrific spots for them, Steinback thinks sconces have the potential for even more creative placement.</p>
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<figcaption>Cedar and Moss, <a href="http://www.cedarandmoss.com/lighting/tilt-cone">Tilt Cone sconce</a> in modern black, $189</figcaption>
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<p id="OKCOW3">"I have rooms in my house, like my family room and bedroom, where there’s a sconce every four feet all the way down a wall," she says. "You don’t see that very often but it looks great and offers tons of light. Instead of a big light in the center of the room, there’s all this light on the side, which really almost replicates a big window."</p>
<p id="D0txlD">An ideal space for such a treatment would be a darker basement that’s been converted to living space, or in a home where the ceiling is too high for traditional overheads.</p>
<p id="zGMzVa">Additionally, sconces are great space-savers. "I found that in smaller spaces, you may not have the surface area for table lamps so sconces make more sense," Steinback says. For this reason, we’re seeing more and more sconces used as bedside lights and stylish kitchen task lighting.</p>
<p id="MgI4kA">Sconces also add architectural interest. When placing them, look to other architectural elements in the room for a guide, such as window heights, door openings, or casework. "You just want to make sure that you’re continuing lines that already exist in the architecture," Steinback says. Don’t forget practicality either; for instance, avoid installing where it’s so low that you might walk into it.</p>
<h3 id="5LqC8Q">5. For ceilings: chandeliers, pendants, and flush mounts</h3>
<p id="MFLss4">Both chandeliers and pendants are suspended from the ceiling, but they have their differences. A pendant is typically used for commercial applications. It has a single bulb socket, a more modern silhouette, and might hang from a rod, string, or chain.</p>
<p id="CNeEfS">The chandelier harks from pre-electrical times, when candles were used as a main lighting source. It has multiple sockets (or branches) and is often more ornate in style. "Typically people would put a single chandelier over a dining table or in the entry," Steinback says. "Although in the past couple decades it’s become more popular to, for instance, put multiple pendants over a table in lieu of a chandelier."</p>
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<figcaption>Cedar and Moss, <a href="http://www.cedarandmoss.com/lighting/alto-pendant">Alto Rod 10" pendant with clear shade</a>, $189</figcaption>
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<p id="kKikM3">Hang these pieces wherever you want to make a style statement and bring light down into a space. Just remember to factor in ceiling height if anyone will be walking beneath them. For kitchen islands and counters, 72 to 76 inches from the floor is comfortable. For tables, 36 inches above the surface is a good rule of thumb.</p>
<p id="kbyEyx">Flush mounts are fixtures affixed to the ceiling that do not have rods or branches leading to the sockets. "Usually you just need these up and out of the way," Steinback says. In recent years, flush mounts have been used as a more stylish alternative to cans or recessed lighting.</p>
<h3 id="z2lzD3">7. Don’t forget wattage<strong> </strong>
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<p id="OkrA2C">Just any bulb won’t fit every situation. Steinback loves to use multiple low wattage bulbs throughout her home, almost like she’s recreating candlelight. "I don’t burn a lot of candles in my house but I have a lot of really pretty atmospheric lights that are just like sculptures," she says. "They’re more about mood."</p>
<p id="r84gGc">She also recommends buying bulbs at the hardware store. "When you can, buy 130-volt bulbs," says Steinback. "Those are commercial grade. They last longer and are better quality." If buying LED or compact fluorescent, look for warm light or a Kelvin range of 2700-3000.</p>
https://archive.curbed.com/2016/7/18/12211650/lighting-lamps-how-to-guideMelissa Dalton