Demystify upholstery and leather furniture

As a member, if you have ever been in our upholstery section you probably had no idea where to start and might have become extremely overwhelmed. Just know you are most definitely not the only one. With that said I am creating this post to help you (as a member) demystify the upholstery section of the showroom :  )

 

The first thing to know:

 

Some upholstery and leather suppliers are what you see is what you get. How do you know this you might ask?

 

When you look at the price list, if a product is only available in the fabric/leather shown, it will have one base price for each product available in the series.

 

These manufacturers are pretty easy as it takes the choice out of your hands, however; maybe about 25% of our upholstery/leather is what you see is what you get, the rest you get to decide.

 

What to do when I have options?

 

There are two ways to go about this

 

you can look through the fabrics of a manufacturer first and than the catalogue for a style

 

or

 

You can do the opposite and look for the style and than the fabric

 

Neither is a wrong or right way, it all depends on you!

 

 

Once I find a style and a fabric how do I find the price?

 

All fabrics will have a "grade" that is marked on the sample ( if not on the sample it will definitely be in the manifest)
and will also be available in the fabric manifest, it is usually a number or a letter.

 

 

 

 

•  

 

 

ALWAYS REVIEW THE MANIFEST!

Not only will the manifest tell you the grade  (if the fabric does not) but it will also tell you if the fabric is still available.

Unfortunately sometimes items get missed when updating and fabrics are not removed when they should be. This is why it is so important to check the manifest.

 

• Once you know the grade of the fabric you should be able to determine the price. The price list will show you the different prices for each grade.

Having extra fabric/leather choices!!

I also strongly recommend choosing a 2nd, 3rd and even a 4th  choice for fabric/leather.

 It has happened where a supplier does not know a fabric has been discontinued from their fabric supplier until it does not show up with a fabric order.

Having a 2nd, 3rd and even 4th choice will make it easier and less time consuming for you if the original fabric is not available.

Also inquiry, inquiry, inquiry!!!
it never hurts to double check with the manufacturer that the style, fabric/leather and finish are still available before hand to avoid any hiccups along the way

 

What if I do not like any of the fabrics but I love the style of the product?

 

Some manufacturers will allow for COM orders.

 

COM means - Customers Own Material.

 

In the price list the COM will usually be the same as the lowest grade fabric pricing. If the price list does not show a column for COM it is probably not an option

 

Where do I get fabric for a COM order?

 

Many of our upholstery/leather suppliers will actually sell their fabric by the yard.

 

At the front of the price list ( usually a few pages in past the info on structure and composition of the product) manufacturers will list the yardage price for each grade, however; I have found a few suppliers that do not list the yardage cost but still will supply fabric only. All we have to do is inquire.

 

We also carry a manufacturer who sell nothing but fabric, I can not mention their name but, they are high end and fabulous. I have seen fabric from them that is $85.00 a yard for Direct Buy members,  that retails at around $130.00.

 

 I do love the COM program, the only issue is a lead time of 4-6 weeks may turn into a 6-9 week lead time, and the cost may be higher, as we strongly suggest the fabric come to the showroom first before being sent to the supplier.

 

The reason for this is :

 

1) we can make sure it is the correct fabric and

 

2) make sure there are no flaws, pulls or dye issues.

 

 

 

With the fabric coming here and than being sent to the supplier there is extra freight.

Most of the cost can be worked out before ordering so you can determine if this option is for you or not.

What if I am not finding the fabric/leather or finish sample in the showroom?

 

For most of our manufacturers we do have all their fabrics/leather samples in the showroom. 

 

If we are missing a sample we can always inquire to the supplier to see if we can have one sent out.

 

The manufacturer may only supply temporary samples when requested ( sometimes the cost to send all samples to all centres is to expensive for the manufacturer).

 

The supplier information page for the manufacturer will usually tell us if we can request loaner samples or not

Can I get a fabric product in leather or vise a versa ?

 

If a product is available in either or both the price list will tell you .

 

If the price list is only showing you pricing in the fabric grade than you can only get the product in fabric.

 

If the price list shows two grading systems  ( usually it will state at the top which is fabric and which is leather) than you can do either.

 

What is Bi cast leather?

 

Bi cast leather (also known as Ranen leather or PU leather, sometimes described as split leather) is a material made with a split leather backing covered with a layer of polyurethane that is applied to the surface and then embossed.

 

What does it mean when the price list says " Leather/Vinyl combo"?

 

A leather/vinyl combo is when the sides and back of the product are vinyl and the rest is leather. This will usually cost less than a full leather product and I usually recommend with small children as they like to run with things, lol

 

 

The style has wood legs, will they come in the finish shown in the picture?

 

Unless it is a " what you see is what you get" supplier. The price list will usually tell you if you have finish options for the legs or tell you if the style comes in a specific finish.

 

We should have most of the finishes in the showroom and if we do not we can usually request them from the supplier or our corporate office

 

 

 

The catalogue/website shows throw pillows, do I get throw pillows with my item? Can I choose the fabric?

If the manufacturer shows throw pillows on the catalogue page/website than they will usually come with the product unless otherwise stated in the price list or supplier information page.

 

Most manufacturers will allow you to choose another fabric to cover the pillows with.

 

For most it does not have to be the same grade; however, some manufacturers will ask that the fabric be of a equal or lesser grade, or there will be an upcharge, again, this info will usually be in the price list or the supplier information page

 

If a fabric is not selected than the throw pillows will be made in the same fabric as the product.

 

Suppliers will also usually have a price list for just pillows so if you want different sizes or perhaps a bolster, etc, you can get them!

 

 

Can I upgrade my cushions, add fringe, welting, trims, nail heads etc?

Can I request unattached or attached back cushions?

Can I get contrasting thread?

Can I get a different fabric for the body than the cushions?

 

For most of our custom manufacturers all of the above are options.

 

The available options will be either listed with the product in the price list

or

It will be listed on a separate price page usually right at the front or the back of the price list



 

 

 





So the steps are this

1. pick a style and fabric/leather  (if you can choose)
2. determine the grade
3. find the price for the style and fabric grade in the price list
4. determine the finish
5. add on any of the options if you want them
6. write out a pre order form listing all model #'s fabric/leather, finish and options
7.  add on all the extra costs for shipping, handling, taxes, etc
8. bring the catalogue and sample to the front desk
9. place the order with the service staff!!

 

And always remember....

The service staff is here for you!

 to answer or submit any questions to the manufacturer, help you fill in your pre order form and determine all the options available : )

 

 

 

 



Upholstery Trends 2013!!

Ahhh Home!

The place where you unwind from the day.....      a place that reflects you.

 

Furniture Buying Practices

**Information courtesy of Furniture/Today

• In 2012,  32% of U.S. households – more than 36 million – bought furniture and bedding products, spending a combined $84.2 billion.
• This year, more than 52 million – a massive 46% of all households – have plans to buy furniture and bedding product.
• The leading category is bedding.  This category accounted for 12.7% of all spending in the furniture category in 2012.  Queen mattresses were the top seller.  This year bedding is expected to be 14.5% of all furniture purchases

• Stationary Sofas and Reclining chairs take up the next two slots. 

• Stationary sofas will take up 7.5% of the total planned furniture purchases and Recliners 6.9% this year.

• In 2012, 73% of those sofa purchases were in fabric and 27% in leather.

• Reclining chairs continue to gain momentum.  The category has been growing since 2010.  Older consumers with more disposable income helped boost this category

Furniture Buying Breakdown by Category

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buying Trends By Generation Baby Boomers

• Boomers (Aged 49-67) comprised 42% of all furniture and bedding purchases in 2012.

• In 2013, Younger Baby Boomers (49-57) plan to buy motion sofas, casual dining and curios at high rates.

• Older Baby Boomers (58-67) plan to buy recliners, stationary chairs and bedding at higher rates this year.

Buying Trends By Generation Generation X

 

 

• A full 36% of Generation X’ers (33-48) purchased furniture and bedding in 2012.

• They will focus on Youth Bedroom/Guest Bedroom, Master Bedroom, and Desks in 2013.

• Desks with function and smaller in scale to work in a variety of rooms are a growing trend.  Hooker introduced “Workwell” this past April market to address this growth category.

 

 

 

 

Buying Trends By Generation Millenials

• For this survey the age used is 18 to 32.
• Millennials plan to buy more Youth Furniture at a rate 2.6% times higher than their population presence.

• They will also be interested in Formal Dining and Master Bedroom furnishings.

 

Buying Trends by Income

 

• Middle Class Households ($50,000-$99,999) accounted for 41% of furniture and bedding purchases in 2012.

• They made up 42% of dollars spent – about $35.4 billion.

• High-Income households (over $100,000) account for 21% of furniture purchased in 2012. 

• They were 29% of the dollars spent – about $24.4 billion.
 

Why Consumers Feel the Way They Do

• The bulk of consumers describe their decorating style as eclectic.  Three out of four prefer their home to have an unplanned look, while one-fourth like a complete, coordinated look.

 

• A home needs to reflect the personal style and creativity of the homeowner.

• The purchase of a new piece of furniture needs to appeal to the consumer emotionally.  Perhaps the bright color on the chair makes them feel good.  Maybe it’s the endorphins released when they finally make that decision to update their living space.  Whatever the reason…it guides the decision to make that purchase.

Ways to Transform a Room

 

• Add an interesting chair with a fun fabric or finish
• Repeat that color in an accessory in the room
• Mix in a pair of ottomans that allow a different color or texture – These also add function with additional seating
• Don’t be afraid to mix different styles

 

Add a   “POP”  of Color

 

 

 

 

• A great way to quickly change a room without a huge investment:

• Add a great chair in a “WOW” fabric, new toss pillows or an ottoman in a bright color.

Noteworthy Decorating and Style Trends #1 - Neutral

• Sophisticated or Casual - Neutral Décor is a popular way to style a home. 

• By adding great organic styled accessories, a more muted accent color, or mixing it up with weathered wood hues or industrial accent…this style is a great backdrop for decorating.

 

 

Neutral Sophistication

 

 

Neutral is limitless….  Sleekly sophisticated, classically cottage,      to coastal casual.

 

 

 

Noteworthy Decorating and Style Trends #2 - Menswear

• Call it a Mad Men or Mod Men look – Menswear is a popular trend of the moment. 

• Mix textures…such as a mohair or velvet, with plaids or stripes add a dark wood tone and you have set the stage for a great room.

Menswear  

 

…Texture         

…Stripes

…Plaids

…Rich Colors

…Mixed Media

 

 

Noteworthy Decorating and Style Trends #3 – Global Mix

• “Well-Traveled” – my personal fav!  Eclectic mix of exotic fabrics influenced from around the world, animal skins, leather, antiques, rich or worn wood tones.

• Creates a casual, collected look that can continue to morph as the homeowner finds new treasures to add.

Well-Traveled

Layer with

Collected Objects

&

 Global looks

•Ikat Prints

•Suzanni Patterns

•Animal Looks

•Vintage Appeal

•Tribal Patterns

•Industrial accents mix well with this style

Noteworthy Decorating and Style Trends #4 - Geometrics

•  Geometric Craze – Chair scale to Mid-scale…geometric shapes continue to be a popular addition.  From chairs to tiles this pattern has a broad appeal.

 

 

Geometric Shapes –

Fleur di Leis, Quatrafoils, Circles, Trellis, Greek Keys, Lattice…..the options are plentiful!

BLUES, GRAYS, & GREENS named as 2013 Design Colors

Research Courtesy of Furniture/Today and Apartment Therapy

 

Consumers (29%) have the blues this year – naming blue as the go-to design color.  Specific shades include Navy, Turquoise, Peacock, Teal, Cobalt, Blue-Grey, Pale Blue, and Robin’s Egg.

One respondent says, “It’s such a happy color.” 24 year-old from Ohio.

 

 

Study in Blue

 

A strong, deep navy hue between Cobalt & Sapphire, dubbed Monaco Blue by Pantone is still a hot color in apparel and home furnishings again this season.  It is one of the top colors listed for Pantone for Spring 2013.  It pairs nicely with Mid-Tone Blues, Greenish-Yellow hues, Sparkling White, and even Rich Raven.  Look for Greyed-Blues and Green-Blues this season as well.

 

Tranquil hues that soothe the soul.

BLUES, GRAYS, & GREENS named as 2013 Design Colors

Research Courtesy of Furniture/Today and Apartment Therapy

 

Grays were the second most popular color, chosen by 18% of consumers in the survey.  “Gray is the neutral, but not boring” said one respondent.

“It’s a way to add mood without permanently dictating my colors in the future.”  31 year-old from Illinois.

 

Gorgeous in Grey/Gray/Greige

 

• Grey can be cool or warm…sleek and contemporary…or cozy and comfortable.  It pairs well with White, Green, Fucshia, Lemongrass, and many hues of Blue.

• Make it a menswear statement and add a touch of brown or caramel.

• From apparel to home accents – grey is the new neutral.  It adorns the walls in many shades and wraps us in it’s appeal.

 

BLUES, GRAYS, & GREENS named as 2013 Design Colors

Research Courtesy of Furniture/Today and Apartment Therapy

Greens were picked by 13% of respondents, including hues of Chartreuse, Emerald, Avocado, Mossy Green, Pea Green, and Sea Foam. 

Another respondent says, “It provides a pop of color that’s refreshing.”  28 year-old from Ohio.

 

 

Green with Envy

 

Pantone has appointed Emerald as the Color of 2013. 

• However, don’t overlook the other happy shades of green in the color spectrum.  Tender Shoots from Pantone is another one to watch.  Bright, leafy greens with names like Spring Green, and Burst of Lime – add a punch of color to a neutral room. 

• Look for Jade colorations as well…mixing in with Grey hues to make a sophisticated color palette that works well with light wood tones.