Blog posts of '2021' 'March'

Furniture is a reflection of your style. Those well-chosen pieces remain with you throughout your life and are reminders of key events that make your journey memorable. However, they don't last forever, and you need to know when it's time for a fresh start. How long should a sofa last? Keep reading to find out the life expectancy of couches, clear signs that your sofa needs to be replaced, and some reasons to consider re-upholstery options.

How Long Should a Sofa Last?

The question is, how long should your furniture last, including sofas? Truth is, most industry experts agree that the average life expectancy of today's couches is between 7 to 15 years. There are a few factors that impact the longevity of sofas. They include the following: 

Initial Quality

Sofas are made of wooden frames, metal springs, and fabric-covered cushions. Today's couches benefit from advanced manufacturing processes that allow for greater precision. High-quality pieces are made from real wood and screws. Lower-end items are constructed of pressed wood, staples, and wood glue. You'll need to consider the quality of the materials and craftsmanship of your sofa when answering the question, "how long do couches last?"

Lifestyle

Do you remember the way that your grandmother's living room looked? She likely kept the showroom ready for hosting important visitors. If she was like most grandmothers, the living room sofa was rarely used, and the room itself was usually off-limits to children at play.

How long do couches last today? Fast forward to your living room scene. If your sofa doubles as a trampoline for your toddler and the family dog, it won't last quite as long as your grandmother's living room sofa.

Maintenance

Casual lifestyles often equate to eating, working, and playing on the couch. With this much activity happening, your couch is bound to get dirty. Dirt that isn't quickly removed from sofas can cause fabrics to stain and upholstered materials to break down faster than normal. Sofas that have been regularly cleaned and sprayed with fabric protectors last longer than those that have not been properly maintained.

Five Signs That You Need to Replace Your Sofa

1. Your Sofa Creaks

A creaking couch is an audible signal that your seating is on its last legs. These squeaking noises are caused by a weakened frame or loose metal springs. If you keep sitting on the sofa, you risk breaking its underlying wooden frame and causing injury.

2. Your Sofa Has a Bad Odor

You've rented an upholstery-cleaning machine and cleaned your couch several times, but it still has an unpleasant odor. You even hired a professional to clean and deodorize the sofa. While her solution worked for a few days, the sofa's smell returned. This usually means that the smell is firmly embedded in the sofa's padding. You'll need a new sofa to completely remove the source of the odor from your home.

3. Your Sofa Is Stained

Stains on your sofa make your home look unkempt. They often indicate underlying dirt that's difficult to remove with regular cleaning. When you can't remove stains that cover large areas of your couch, it's best to bypass slipcovers and treat your family to a new sofa.

4. Your Sofa's Cushions Are Flat

Your sofa's firm cushions do more than just make it look stylish. Cushions offer back support that contributes to your comfort and well-being. If your sofa's old cushions can't be removed and replaced, you'll want to start looking for a new sofa.

5. Extreme Wear and Tear

Today's families are spending more time at home. Sofas that see a lot of action inevitably take on a worn look on the seat cushions and armrests. Besides unsightly wear inconspicuous areas, older sofas can show a great deal of fading due to sunlight streaming through windows. It's often more cost-effective to buy a new sofa than to restore the sofa's fabric by reupholstering it.

Four Reasons to Reupholster Your Couch

1. Your Sofa Has Sentimental Value

You have a sofa that your mom used in your nursery when you were a baby. You want to keep the piece and gift it to your daughter at her baby shower. Reupholstering the sofa is a great way to preserve the furniture and pass on a legacy.

2. Your Sofa Fits Your Space Perfectly

When you moved into your home, you knew that your living room would be a challenge to furnish due to its odd shape. After taking a considerable amount of time, you found a sofa that fits the space. If the manufacturer discontinued the sofa model that you love, it may be a good idea to consider reupholstering your current sofa and not searching high and low for a similar replacement.

3. You Love the Sofa's Style But Want New Color

Style matters when it comes to sofas. If your well-made sofa is in good condition and just needs a facelift, you may want to consider getting it reupholstered. A high-quality sofa that's made in the style that you want may cost you more to replace than to reupholster. When reupholstering the sofa, you get the enjoyment of choosing new colors, patterns, and textures while keeping a stylish couch that has a solid underlying frame.

4. Add Value to An Antique

You found a great-looking 18th-century couch during your last treasure hunt at your favorite antique shop. You can increase its value by getting a professional to restore it with a reupholstery service.

Contact Us Today 

Your couch doesn't have to be in bad shape before you consider a replacement. Your beloved sectional sofa may not be a great fit in the living room of the new home into which you've recently moved. You may have decided to treat your wife to a home makeover for your anniversary.

Whatever the reason for your new purchase, Badcock Furniture makes selecting the right sofa or loveseat easy. We have an extensive selection of couches that fit a variety of decor themes. Contact us for more information.

Shopping for your children’s furniture and decor can be risky. Besides finding stylish and sturdy 

furniture pieces, you also have to consider your child or teenager’s unique and, of course, very cool preferences. Fixing up a kid’s room can be as much fun as you hoped, but a lot more work than you expected. With that in mind, here are some things you’ll want to consider as you shop.

Style: Your kid is probably only thinking about style, so start there. Ask their opinion about decor and be familiar with the activities they enjoy. Maybe pick some looks from magazines and put together a notebook of ideas together.

Choose sturdy fabrics: Here are some possibilities that are easy to take care of and nearly stain-proof:

• vinyl/pleather

• Ultrasuede/Microfiber

• twill

• denim

• outdoor fabrics

• create your own kid-friendly fabrics with a fabric protectant or washable slipcovers.

Pay more for quality: Inexpensive furniture won’t hold up against the abuse of your kids, teens, and all their friends that come over. Invest in quality furniture that will last longer.

Watch the angles: Sharp corners and right angles are an accident waiting to happen. Curvy and round furniture increase the safety aspect.

Furniture that ages: Keep in mind that this furniture should be able to adapt as the child grows. The simpler the better. Because interests and tastes are constantly changing, don’t choose items that are theme-related. They aren’t little forever and a college-age teen will probably not want a race car or princess bed.

Places for stuff: Make sure you allow for storage of all their “stuff.” Kids and teens have a lot of stuff. When decorating a kid’s room, floor space is usually a valuable resource, so you can buy furnishings that do double duty such as a bookcase headboard or a captain’s bed that has storage drawers under the bed. A toy chest that has a padded lid that can be a bench is another choice that will still be useful as the child ages.

Tips for Buying Kids and Teens Furniture

Things to think about when buying kids and teens furniture:

Have a budget

If you prepare a budget you can apportion certain amounts for essential furniture to ground your spending.

Check out the options

Do a little advanced shopping before the actual shopping day. Hit the stores and pick out some likely prospects for furnishings, then take your child. Narrowing down the selections will save time and grumbling.

Read the specifications

Read the specs and presentation information completely before you buy. Some pieces of furniture are age-appropriate and they will give age, weight, or height recommendations.

Inspect

Look for things like protruding screws, sharp points, peeling paint, warped wood slats, and fraying seams.

Avoid buying used

Prices in second-hand stores and swap meets can look very appealing, but you don’t know how much wear and tear the furniture has seen until it’s in your home. If you do buy used, check with the Consumer Product Safety Commission for past recalls. When a recall happens, it can take years before all the products are taken off the market. If you can’t buy new, buy smart.

Do it yourself

Learn the difference between assembled and knocked-down. It pays to transport and assemble pieces yourself. Many budget furniture and online sellers will sell items knocked-down. If you don’t know what a Phillips-head screwdriver is, and don’t want to learn, then make sure your furniture comes assembled.

Reinforce weight-bearing pieces

Consider adding additional screws to increase strength and stability. You’ll need to inspect the frames to see if there is room to add reinforcement.

Return the registration cards

Kids’ furnishings usually come with a product registration card. When you register as an owner, you are added to a database and kept aware of any safety problems that might arise.

Study Areas

You can create a study area in a bedroom by combining furniture and creating a space that can grow and change with your growing and changing student. Here are some ideas for a bedroom study area (or anywhere else, for that matter).

• Storage and shelving
  Slim bookshelves on either side of a desk can keep books and supplies handy and organized. A pegboard wall can give you an adjustable shelving option. Consider cabinet and shelf arrangements to create a custom look.

• Desk and Chair
  Buying a large desk might not be the best choice for your area, or for your student who might end up working at it for long hours. Also, a comfortable desk chair is vital for long study sessions. An additional comfortable chair is important for taking breaks or for having a friend over to study. 

• Lighting
  The correct lighting is important for their eyes. You should try to put the study area around natural lighting for the day and allow the option of overhead or focused lighting on the desk.

The Quest

So do your homework, and get out there and do some reconnaissance. Badcock Furniture of South Florida is more than happy to help you on your quest for a kid’s room that will grow into a teen’s room and beyond. Contact us today and start with some online shopping. We have desks, chairs, accessories--everything you need. Buy a set or mix it up. We’re here to help and we welcome your questions.

In terms of furniture, what is your vision of the perfect bedroom? Everyone has a different answer to this question, but there are still some things everyone has in common. For instance, the bedroom should be inviting, comfortable, and relaxing. That’s something we can all agree on. 

But unless you’ve done a lot of moving, there’s a good chance that you have only purchased furniture once or twice in your lifetime. Maybe your bedroom furniture consists of pieces and parts from family members, thrift stores, and your bedroom at your parents’ house. How do you choose the right furniture? Here are 6 things to consider.

6 Considerations When Choosing Bedroom Furniture

Consider your space.

The most important thing you can do before buying furniture is to measure your room.

Determine your style.

Decide what type of style you want for your bedroom. Do you long for a traditional sleigh bed or would the simple clean lines of modern furniture suit your style? Perhaps an eclectic blend is more you. Be sure to consider how the new furniture will blend in with any other furniture, fixtures, or decor you want to keep.

Think about bed options.

Think about what kind of headboard and footboard options would work best. Would a high headboard block a window? Do you have long legs that require a low footboard or none at all? Considering these things ahead of time will help narrow down your choices. This is also a good time to reconsider the size of bed you want. If you want to go larger or smaller, new bedding should be in your plans.

Bedside chests or nightstands?

Besides the bed and mattress, nightstands are probably the most important pieces of bedroom furniture. Nightstands provide a convenient spot for books, phones, and alarm clocks, as well as bedside lamps. You’ll probably want two nightstands so be sure to measure and allow enough space.

During your shopping, you may find both nightstands and bedside chests. The difference is that bedside chests are typically taller than nightstands, and about the same width. Bedside chests usually have a single column of drawers while a nightstand usually has cabinet-style doors or an open space on the bottom with small drawers on top.

Chests, Dressers, and Armoires?

Here, you need to decide which pieces will work best for you room. Often, it comes down to what meets your storage requirements. These are large pieces, so measure once or twice before you commit. So, here are some of the specs:

• Chests--chests are usually taller than they are wide. They are a good choice if your floor space is limited. The height varies and they typically have 5-7 drawers in a column.

• Dressers--dressers are wider than they are tall. They work well with a mirror above them. Or a wall-mounted TV. They usually have 2-3 rows of  stacked drawers with 3-4 drawers per stack. Generally, dressers work better than chests when they need to be shared by two people because they can be divided more easily. 

• Armoires--Armoires are good options if you need extra space to hang clothes. They usually include a rod for hanging and drawers or shelves for storing folded clothes.

• Combinations--Depending on your space, you can combine individual pieces to form one large unit. 

Media considerations.

If you’re like most people, a media chest makes an excellent solution for bedroom TV storage. They usually also have space for a DVD or Blu-ray player, and openings for the cords. Media chests are typically shorter than regular chests so the TV is at the ideal viewing height. If you don’t have space for a media center in your room, a TV mounted over a dresser works as well.

Mix and Match

Here’s an idea--skip the matched sets and create a custom space just for you and your lifestyle. The 6 considerations are the same and you’ve got to measure, measure, measure, but the look could turn out more designer and more you.

Switching out.

You don’t have to start from scratch. Switch out some of your pieces. Keep the ones you love, and replace the others. Or if you’re feeling really enthusiastic, pitch it all and start from scratch.

Tips on Mixing Furniture

Not everything goes with everything else, so here are some tips on how to choose the right pieces:

• Mix the materials of the furniture. For example: If you have a wood bed, try metal, painted wood, stone, glass, or lacquered nightstands. Use the same idea for choosing a dresser.

• Color--Instead of thinking about matching furniture color to furniture color, think about coordinating your furniture with the rest of the room. Example: If you have a brass lighting fixture, use brass details in the trim of an upholstered bed or the hardware for the nightstands or dresser. Your nightstands, dresser, or bed can coordinate with artwork, a rug, or lighting fixtures.

• Style--To go for a high-contrast custom look, choose nightstands that are a completely different style from the bed. For example: If you have a modern bed, try a rustic nightstand or dresser. If you feel less dramatic and daring, use the same style, but different textures or colors.

Ready To Shop? Badcock Furniture Can Help

Have you done your measuring? Measure the room and basic measurements of what you have so you can have an image in your mind to compare. Then get out there and make that leap. It can be a big investment, but you are worth it, and it’s time. And Badcock Home Furniture is here to help.

We have conveniently located stores in south Florida from the Keys to West Palm Beach. You are probably near one now. If you have any questions, or would like to check out some of our sales and bedroom furniture and accessories, contact us today. You’ll be surprised at all we have to offer.

Working from home can bring its own set of difficulties. From the typical TV or phone distraction to interruptions by family members, it can be hard to create a solitary home office space. Even more so, COVID-19 has completely changed the way some of us have to work. 

To help keep you from everyday distractions, you can create an inviting home office with accessories and furniture that will keep you motivated. 

The most ideal home office will have a balance of comfort and productivity. While we might have thought the COVID-19 working procedures would change, some of us are still working from home. By creating an ergonomic workspace, you can work efficiently while still enjoying your home environment. 

For tips on home office decor, you can follow our advice below on how to do your best work from home. 

Ergonomic Workspaces: The Home Office

An ergonomic workspace is a room that is designed for efficiency and comfort. In your home environment, you can design and furnish however you want. The main furniture piece you will want to consider is a desk. 

The desk you choose should meet the unique needs in your work life and home life. Different types of desks you can consider include: 

• L-shaped desks are for individuals in the workforce with lots of paperwork or big architectural plans. 

• An executive desk is helpful to those who need extra drawers for file storage and office accessories.

• A writing desk is an ideal piece for someone who needs less desk space and more room space. A writing desk will hold a computer, monitor, and mouse pad. If you are confined to a smaller area and can only fit a writing desk, a built-in keyboard drawer will free the workspace above.

Creating a design that will allow you to work most effectively and efficiently is the influence behind an ergonomic workspace. Having a defined area for your workspace can motivate you to get more work done. 

Some home office decoration ideas to incorporate in your home office design may include filing cabinets, bookcases, plants, natural light, and wall art.

Filing Cabinet 

Those cold, metal filing cabinets you might be picturing are out. Instead, you can purchase a functional wood filing cabinet. One made of wood can be characterized with beautiful carvings and sleek hardware. 

Keeping a filing cabinet will help your office stay organized. Furthermore, purchasing a filing cabinet with a lock will keep your sensitive work-related papers secure.

Bookcases

Placing a bookcase in your office allows you to exhibit a variety of your favorite items. From family photos to a favorite collectible, you can display your items in a space that you will see every day. 

A bookcase is easy to decorate and allows you to change your home office decor style as you please. 

Some items you could put on the shelves might include:

• Books

• Pictures

• Plants

• Sculptures / Figurines 

• Vase

Plants

Plants add life to home office spaces. Whether you place a fake or real plant, they can create a calming impact on your workspace.

By placing a plant in your office you can benefit from:

• Reduced stress

• Increased productivity

• Cleaner air

• Improved oxygen levels

An artificial plant is also a great home office decoration. It can bring the same calming impact of a live plant without the hassle.

Natural Light

Having a window that creates natural light in your office can instantly energize a workspace. 

Natural light will help you:

• Feel happier

• Get better sleep at night

• Boost your vitamin D

• Be more productive

To get the most of the natural light from your window, you can position your desk to face the window. To further the feeling of a light and airy space, you can add natural accents as home office decoration items. 

Wall Art

If your office space does not have a window that creates natural light, you can hang a canvas to create the illusion of a window. 

Adding wall art to your home office decor can make an otherwise dull space, feel brighter and larger.

Home Office Decor Help For You

From finding the right bookcase to display your plants to hanging a canvas, creating a space with home office decor can be overwhelming. 

If you are one of those individuals that find decor a stressful topic, matching furniture sets is a great solution. Home office sets can include any of the following pieces:

• Desk 

• Office chair

• Bookcase

• Hutch

Home office sets range in a variety of styles and make it manageable for anyone during times like COVID-19 to make easy purchases and create a satisfying office space. 

If you need help finding the perfect home office decor items for your newly revamped space, contact us today. 

Moving to a new area should be an exciting event. Nonetheless, a lot of individuals stress at the thought of getting home essentials for an ever-growing checklist. Even more so, moving into your first home can be overwhelming. Even with the preparation and advice from others, there will be hard work and surprises involved. 

From living room furniture to bathroom accessories, there are plenty of first home necessities that one can forget. To find a complete list of the crucial housing necessities, follow along with the checklists below. 

Must-Have Housing Essentials

Moving into a new place can bring the feeling of excitement or dreadfulness at the thought of redecorating. However, the journey to home buying and house decorating is full of personal rewards that should make you proud to call a space your own. 

When moving into a new home, it's important to think of the everyday needs you encounter while trying to prepare a new space. New furniture and accessories can make you feel overwhelmed with decision-making, but some forget about the basic housing essentials needed. Some of those basic home essentials will include:

• Extension Cords

• Batteries

• Flashlights

• Step-stool or step-ladder

• Vacuum

Furthermore, specific areas of your home require separate housing essentials. Typical rooms you might encounter in your home are the living room, dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and laundry room. 

Living Room

The living room is designed to keep you comfortable daily while creating a warm and welcome vibe. You can look for furniture that you think is beautiful but also comfortable. When decorating, you want to create a welcoming space for guests to relax while visiting. 

If you have kids and pets, you may want a couch that doesn't stain easily. Experts suggest purchasing a cushioned sofa with easy-care fabric. On the other hand, those without kids can upgrade to a leather sofa; the leather will scratch easily from pets and become worn by children who jump on seat cushions. 

Larger furniture pieces include:

• Accent chairs

• Coffee tables and end tables

• Ottomans

• Entertainment center

When decorating your living space, remember that creating an overwhelmed space can make guests feel cramped. If you want to add more decoration or a hint of yourself to your living room, think of adding: 

• Bookends

• Coasters

• Area rugs

• Window blinds or curtains 

• Picture frames

• Accent mirrors

Dining Room

In the dining room, many homeowners dream of hosting annual events such as holidays, birthdays, or celebrations. A dining table and chairs will be the focal point of the room. Determine how big of a table you need and how it will fit in your new space. Furthermore, select a sturdy dining room table with enough space for your immediate family, plus extended family and additional guests.

After determining which dining set will work best for your needs, some basic home essentials to furnish the area may include:

• Buffet table, hutch, or bar for extra storage

• Napkin holder

• China Storage

• Table cloths and placemats

• Area rug

• Wall decor

• Chandelier and/or pendants

If you plan to put an area rug in your dining room, experts suggest flat-weave or low-pile rugs. This means the rug is made of natural fiber, like cotton or wool. It also means that the area rug will be easier to clean after spills. When choosing a rug, make sure it is large enough to cover the area underneath both the table and chairs. 

Kitchen

The kitchen is the gathering area for many families. If your family is hands-on then a functional kitchen is most ideal. The most important housing essentials in a kitchen are:

• Trash Bags

• Sponges

• Scrub Brushes

• Rags

• Dish Soap

• Chip Clips

Housing essentials will also include some general appliances such as:

• Blender

• Coffee maker

• Cookware

• Bakeware

• Prep tools

• Spice rack

Other accessories to make a kitchen personalized may include:

• Cookbooks

• Oven mitts

• Hand towels

• Magnets

Bedrooms 

Like a sanctuary, a bedroom can create a feeling of safety and warmth for many. When purchasing your new home, a bedroom set is not needed, but it is a great way to refresh your most lived-in space.

Whether you plan to pick a new bed frame or not, popular housing essentials in a bedroom include:

• Bedside tables 

• Lamps

• Dresser and/or armoire

In your bedroom, it’s the special thought and detail that makes it a personal oasis. For a more personal touch to your bedroom, you can add:

• Full-length mirrors

• Clothing hampers

• Wall Art

• Decorative pillows

Bathrooms

A bathroom is like a second sanctuary to many. It’s a place where refined touches and accents make all the difference when trying to relax. Here choosing a theme will guide you in finding the new housing essentials you need.

Some popular home necessities in your bathroom may consist of:

• Shower curtain

• Bath mats

• Towels

• Extra storage

• Scale

• Plunger and toilet brush

Decor-themed accessory sets are sold in most stores; sets include anything from soap dispensers and shower curtain rings to trash cans.

Laundry Room

A laundry room is where many individuals spend their time, especially those with large families. A designated laundry space should be met with organization and sections for colored clothing. 

To keep an organized and sectional laundry room, the following items will come in handy:

• Drying rack

• Ironing board

• Hampers/baskets

To make it a space of your own, find which items work best for you and your family. 

Contact Us

For a better understanding of all the new housing essentials and the typical decor for each area, contact us.