Blog

Merriam-Webster Dictionary tells us that the word ‘sofa’ emerged from the name for an “earlier, raised carpeted floor, from Italian sofà, from Turkish sofa, from Arabic ṣuffa.”  This storied origin reflects the fact that people have been sitting, in some degree of comfort, for all of recorded history.

Early seating was typically hard, with materials ranging from stone to wood, often without much cushioning. Over the centuries, upholstery gained in popularity, making way for contemporary soft seating in a wide range of styles. Join us as we explore ten iconic sofa styles.

Chaise Longue

FEATURES:

Essentially a long, reclining chair. Often features upholstery, one raised side and four exposed legs.

GREAT FOR:

Single lounging or bench like, multiple seating.

HISTORY:

The chaise longue is a perfect entry point into sofa studies, having existed in some form in ancient cultures across the world. From Egyptian to Olmec, artifacts depict gods or nobility lounging on bench-like daybeds. Greeks called their chaise longues ‘klines’ and Romans used their long chairs for dining.

Today, chaise longues are generally longer and lusher. Options have multiplied over the years, and you can find almost any variation - from velvet divans to plastic by the poolside. Choose your level of imperialism, and kick up your heels…

 Love Seat

FEATURES:

Intimate seating for two, traditionally marked by a high, upright back and taut upholstery. Many modern styles have evolved to mimic plush sofas, and appear as miniature versions of current couches.

GREAT FOR:

Small spaces, or as additional seating paired with a full sized couch.

HISTORY:

Your favorite seat for snuggling was not intended for romance. Instead, the double wide seat was designed to accommodate a single woman, circled by the wide skirts in fashion in the 1800’s. As fashions changed, the loveseat was made more comfortable, and expanded to encourage close seating for two. Today, you’ll have no problem finding a loveseat to match your living room set, or a single stunner for your boudoir.

Cabriole

FEATURES:

Namely: curved cabriole legs. Also, an exposed wooden frame, slightly lowered arms, and lack of unattached back cushions.

GREAT FOR:

Elegant entertaining with a touch of formality, lightened when mixed with pops of color and eclectic pieces.

HISTORY:

This is the form you picture in a parlor, with teacups in hand and pinkies raised. This sofa takes its name from the cabriole leg, an s shaped support characteristic of the Louis XV period. We also find the cabriole leg attached to elegant tables and chairs, often claw footed. Today’s cabriole sofas shy away from stuffy and incorporate comfort within their elegant lines.

Chesterfield

FEATURES:

Traditionally leather clad, known for its tufted, deep buttoned upholstery. Rolled arms and back are equal in height, with exposed nail head trim.

GREAT FOR: 

Studies and libraries; a staple for any space seeking a time-honored spin.

HISTORY:

Cue the cigar smoke — the Chesterfield sofa is an icon of British gentleman’s clubs. It was created in the 1700’s for Lord Philip Stanhope, the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield. The purported aim was multiple seating that did not cause unsightly suit wrinkles, and the style caught on. Emblematic of upper class England, the Chesterfield design was exported by Royal Army officials to British Colonies far and wide. Leather versions improve with wear, and add substance to a room.

 Camelback

FEATURES: 

An arched back, peaked at the center and sides. Like the cabriole, traditionally features exposed legs, scrolled arms, taut upholstery, and a lack of separate back cushions.

GREAT FOR:

Elegant, emphatic style. Works well poised between windows.

HISTORY:

The Camelback sofa hearkens back to the late 18th century and the design studios of Thomas Chippendale. Chippendale was an influential British furniture designer and cabinet maker at the fore of fine craft. The Chippendale style, associated with various forms of furniture, was the first style to be named after a designer rather than a monarch. The camelback sofa is a tried and true favorite of the ages, and will happily hold court in your living room.

Lawson Style

FEATURES:

The American standard, designed for simplicity and comfort. Generously sized with three separate seat and back cushions. A simple boxed shape with low arms and serious sinkability.

GREAT FOR:

Casual spaces, focused on simplicity, comfort and ease. The best sofa for midday naps.

HISTORY:

The Lawson style is the the most common American sofa-- the form your picture when you hear the word ‘couch.’ This style is designed for comfort, overstuffed and generously proportioned. The Lawson style was created at the turn of the 20th century for copper magnate Thomas Lawson. You can’t find a more comfortable couch for movie lovers and bookworms alike.

Tuxedo Sofa

FEATURES:

A square, pared back style defined by back and arms of the same height. Tuxedo sofas are often taller than other designs, and are traditionally designed with exposed legs and a single row of tufting.

GREAT FOR:

A stylish space with a nod to glamour. Toss in some extra pillows for added comfort.

HISTORY:

The Tuxedo sofa takes its name from the village of Tuxedo Park in New York, the same place that christened the formal suit. Notable residents of upscale Tuxedo Park included Emily Post, the grand dame of good manners. Tuxedo Sofas appeared in the 1920’s, and with their clean lines and simple shape, hinted at modernism on the way.  A Tuxedo Sofa is a principle of good taste, a style that makes any living room feel upscale.

 Mid-Century Modern

FEATURES:

A streamlined look, with low, exposed legs.

GREAT FOR:

The ‘it’ sofa for modern spaces and urban living.

HISTORY:

Mid-century modern was a design movement evolving from the mid-1930’s to 1965. Mid-century modern sofas were designed for post-war, urban living. They were made to be slimmer for small spaces and lightweight enough for frequent moves. This sofa style is wildly popular today, a darling of minimalist and eclectic homes alike. The Mad Men televisions series pushed this style back into the limelight, and updated versions are in high production. Choose this style for a contemporary, clean-lined look, equally at home in a living room or gallery.

 Sectional

FEATURES:

A multi-piece, modular sofa, often comprised of 3 to 5 parts. Commonly arranged in L-shaped or U-shaped configurations, and made to seat a crew.

GREAT FOR:

Entertaining. Provides generous seating, well suited for cocktail hour or Superbowl parties.

HISTORY:

When envisioning a sectional, you might jump to the overstuffed standard. But you’re just as likely to find a slim, streamlined version. Sectionals these days run the gamut, with a stunning variety of contemporary options. Though earlier examples exist, the modern sectional found widespread popularity in the 1950’s, as American designers like Charles and Ray Eames re-imagined furniture form. Depending on your space and taste, you can seek sleek, streamlined sectionals, or well-cushioned sets with all the bells and whistles.

Sleeper Sofa

FEATURES:

Appears to be solely a sofa, folds out into a guest bed.

GREAT FOR:

Expanding your sleeping space. Plays double duty: living room by day, guest room by night.

HISTORY:

1899 saw the emergence of the first center fold bed. The Murphy bed followed in 1908, a pivoting mattress that folded into the wall. But it was the 1930’s that saw Bernard Castro, an Italian immigrant to America, invent the modern sleeper sofa. The hallmark of his designs was that his sofas retained the sleek appeal of high end furniture, with mattresses seamlessly hidden from view. The engineering has only improved over the years, and contemporary sleeper sofas offer top notch dual function without sacrificing sofa style.

Your sofa is so much more than a place to sit - it’s an icon of rich and varied history. Whether your take is classic or modern, you are now staged for your own sofa story. Are you ready for the search?

There are so many different styles of couches and sofas that it could never be expected of someone to know all the different variations off the top of their head. especially if they aren't a furniture salesmen or interior designer! 

Sofa is commonly thought to be a more sophisticated word to describe a couch. But regardless of what you call the cushiony bench you sit on at home,

 it is probably the center of the living room. 

Although there is no major difference between the word "sofa" and the word "couch," other than place of origin.

In my opinion, todays culture has trained us to believe sofa's are more sophisticated than their lax cousin, the couch.

For example, a sofa takes you back to an 1800's dinner party in France. Guests are sipping martinis and bourbon while politely discussing culture and politics. And then there is the couch. It reminds me more of where you lay with your dog in 2018 as you binge watch Netflix until three in the morning and eat an entire bag of cheese puffs for dinner. 

Now both of these options have their own advantages, don't get me wrong, and it really doesn't matter which you prefer as long as by the end of this article you have a better idea in mind as to which style sofa, or couch, is perfect for your individual needs.

Below are some designs to help you differentiate your style preferences.

Although these descriptions do not provide the full anatomy of the sofa, you can break down the comfort level, material, and finishings you prefer after you decide what basic style couch you like. 

Table Of Contents

• Chaise Longue

• Love Seat

• Cabriole

• Chesterfield

• Camel Back

• Lawson Style

• Tuxedo Sofa

• Mid-Century Modern

• Sectional

• Sleeper Sofa
  
  
  Chaise Longue
  Form : A long, reclining chair, often upholstered, with one raised side and four exposed legs.
  Function : Great for lounging in luxury.
  Fast Facts : Early versions of these long chairs littered the ancient homes of the rich and famous. Egyptian royalty lounged on day beds, while Roman nobility used their long chairs for dining.

-back to top

Love Seat

Form : An elegant sofa for two. Classic forms are high backed with taut upholstery. Current forms include modern lines and softer seats.

Function : Intimate seating, great for small spaces.

Fast Facts : Your favorite seat for snuggling was not intended for romance. Instead, the double wide seat was designed to accommodate a single woman, circled by the wide skirts in fashion in the 1800’s.

-back to top

Cabriole

Form : The form you picture in a parlor. Features curved legs, an exposed wooden frame, lowered arms, and no back cushions.

Function : Great for elegant entertaining with a touch of formality.

Fast Facts : This sofa takes its name from the cabriole leg, an s shaped support characteristic of the Louis XV period. You can also find the cabriole leg attached to elegant tables and chairs.

-back to top

Chesterfield

Form : The iconic sofa of British gentleman’s clubs. Traditionally leather clad, known for its tufted, deep buttoned upholstery. Rolled arms and back are equal in height, with exposed nail head trim.

Function : A perfect choice for studies and libraries.

Fast Facts : Created in the 1700’s for Lord Philip Stanhope, the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield. Emblematic of upper class England, the Chesterfield design was exported by Royal Army officials to British Colonies far and wide.

-back to top

Camel Back

Form : A graceful form, marked by a curved ‘camel’ back. Like the cabriole, traditionally features exposed legs, scrolled arms, taut upholstery, and a lack of separate back cushions.

Function : A classic silhouette, anchored in elegance.

Fast Facts : Designed in the 18th century by Thomas Chippendale. The Chippendale style was the first genre of furniture to be named after a designer rather than a monarch.

-back to top

Lawson Style

Form : The American standard, generously sized with low arms and serious sinkability. A simple boxed shape, amply cushioned with three seat and three back pillows.

Function : Suited for casual spaces, focused on simplicity, comfort and ease. The best sofa for midday naps.

Fast Facts : The Lawson style was created at the turn of the 20th century for copper magnate Thomas Lawson, who demanded a simple style, with comfort as king.

-back to top

Tuxedo Sofa

Form : A square, pared back style defined by back and arms of the same height. Traditionally tall, with exposed legs and a single row of tufting.

Function : Suited for a stylish space with a nod to glamour.

Fast Facts : The Tuxedo sofa takes its name from the village of Tuxedo Park in New York, the same place that christened the formal suit. Tuxedo Sofas appeared in the 1920’s, and with their clean lines and simple shape, hinted at modernism on the way.

-back to top

Mid-Century Modern

Form : Contemporary, streamlined look, with low, exposed legs.

Function : The ‘it’ sofa for modern spaces and urban living.

Fast Facts : Mid-century modern was a design movement evolving from the mid-1930’s to 1965. Mid-century modern sofas were designed for post-war, urban living - slimmer for small spaces and lightweight enough for frequent moves. This style saw a surge in popularity following the Mad Men craze.

-back to top

Sectional

Form : A multi-piece, modular sofa, often comprised of 3 to 5 parts. Commonly arranged in L-shaped or U-shaped configurations, and made to seat a crew.

Function : Great for entertaining. Provides generous seating, well suited for cocktail hour or Superbowl parties.

Fast Facts : Though earlier examples exist, the modern sectional found widespread popularity in the 1950’s, as American designers like Charles and Ray Eames reimagined furniture form.

-back to top

Sleeper Sofa

Form : A classic form that folds out into a guest bed.

Function : Excellent for expanding your sleeping space. Plays double duty : living room by day, guest room by night.

Fast Facts : The modern sleeper sofa was invented in the 1930’s by Bernard Castro, an Italian immigrant to America. The hallmark of his designs was that his sofas retained the sleek appeal of high end furniture, with mattresses seamlessly hidden from view.

No matter what your style may be, there is a couch, or sofa, out there perfect for you and your lounging needs. 

Click on the button below to browse our wide selection of sofas and couches. 

Are you a die hard romantic, swathing your bedroom in flowing fabrics? Or do you prefer simple, clean lines in a contemporary setting? Whatever your bedroom style, there’s a bed to suit. Here, we delve into four bedroom approaches, with bed pairings to match.

Table Of Contents

• Rustic

• Romantic

• Classic

• Contemporary

Rustic

Rustic rooms are warm, welcoming, and earthy, perfect for renewing rest. For a fitting bed frame, look for substantial pieces that hold their own, designed to ground a sleeping space. Seek a Sleigh Bed, a style with outward curving head and foot boards. Most often made of dense wood, this style is properly weighted, while elegant curves keep the frame from feeling heavy. For a rustic room, forgo the sleek, high shine, and seek a frame with a weathered or rubbed wood finish.

The Calistoga Sleigh Bed by Magnussen® fits the bill. Inspired by the ambiance of Napa Valley inns, the distressed charcoal finish is a modern take on rustic charm. For a lighter finish, check out the Whiskey Barrel Sleigh Bed  by Vaughan-Bassett. Perk: this style has an optional platform storage, for stashing your secrets and socks. 

-back to top

Romantic

Romantic rooms are elaborate, sumptuous, and inviting, offering a plush place to recharge. Seek a detailed, decorative bed frame to heighten the sense of drama. For old world glamour, choose an upholstered headboard. This luxe approach is the cousin to lush carpeting, and encourages nights of rejuvenating rest. Sink into the supple support, and let your day melt away.

Check out the aptly named Sanctuary Upholstered Bed by Hooker®. With a high, deeply tufted headboard, this is romance in high gear. For a lower profile, try Century®’s Atlanta Low Post Bed. This refined take is offset by intricate basket weave carving along the base.

-back to top

Classic

Classic rooms are elegant, established, and always in style. Choose a traditional bed to do justice to an heirloom-worthy space. Four Poster Bed frames are perfect options, with varying post heights. Don’t want a soaring canopy? Opt for Shaker style simplicity, with wooden slats at head and foot.

The Ellen DeGeneres Marmont Poster Bed by Thomasville® is the perfect pairing of timeless tradition, today. The streamlined style is a modern take on a classic frame. Better yet, this frame gives you all the options : select high posts for a canopy, or removable fabric wraps for a soft touch.

-back to top

Interested in conversation sets for the patio? Check out this article.

Contemporary

Contemporary bedrooms are simple, sleek, and streamlined. Keep your bed style minimal to maintain clean lines and open space. Platform beds are popular options, with pared back headboards and low profiles. Forget the fuss of a box spring- platform beds are low slung, making ceilings seem higher and rooms feel larger than life.

The Kendall Bed by Century® is low profile, high style. The Camino Grey finish over oak is on trend- the warm gray palette creating a cozy, contemporary space. Leave the complications to your day job, and sink into simplicity.

These four takes are just a glimpse into the options for sweet styles and sweeter dreams, a simple step towards realizing your ideal sleeping space.

Where will you rest your head tonight?

Whether you have a small concrete patio or a small wooden deck, there are several options at Furniture of Dalton to help you make your tiny oasis the perfect backyard paradise.

Table Of Contents

• Dining

• Seating

• Decor

Dining

When you’re pressed for space, a 3-piece bistro, like this Sunvilla Cologne set, is the perfect option for outdoor dining. Providing comfortable seating for two, a bistro set accommodates a slim profile. Adding a couple colorful cushions to the seat of the chairs not only add some flare to the set, but can also transform the chairs into additional patio seating for guests.

Every backyard needs a grill, but sometimes you just don’t have the space. Que the Mini Big Green Egg®. The Mini Egg charcoal grill is 9 inches in diameter, the perfect size to grill a couple chicken breasts at a time, and is small enough to store under a table when not in use. The most fuel efficient charcoal grill on the market, the Mini Big Green Egg® is the perfect grill for a tiny porch.

-back to top

Seating

Finding the right seating for your small patio depends on a few key factors — How many people are you trying to accommodate? Is functionality or style more important to you? Do you need materials that can withstand bad weather or do you have a covered porch?

If you’re looking for individual seating, try a cushioned chair, such as the Sunvilla Indies Wicker Swivel Cuddle Chair. The swivel feature enables the chair to be placed anywhere within the seating arrangement while giving you the functionality to adjust your positioning. Looking for something a little more intimate? Opt for a love seat, like the Lane Venture® Saranac piece, which provides sturdy, comfortable seating for two.

-back to top

Interested in indoor seating too? Check out our epic article on sofas throughout history.

Decor

Finding the perfect rug will not only liven up your outdoor living space, but can also help make a small porch appear larger. Opt for bright colorful patterns for the spring and summer, such as this Cayman Oriental Weaver™ outdoor rug.

No outdoor retreat is complete without a fire pit, and this Ernest Hemingway Fire Pit from Lane Venture® is the perfect piece to complement a small concrete patio. The gas fire pit is 43 inches in diameter, and has a pull-out drawer that disguises the gas canister inside of the fire pit.

Like what you see? To find these products and more, visit us at Furniture of Dalton!

As the weather warms and the great outdoors beckon, we find any excuse to spend more time outside.

Friday drinks on the deck? Yes, please! Sunday brunch on the patio? Count me in…

Whether you’re surrounded by friends or knee-deep in a good book, your outdoor living spaces can be just as cozy as your family room.

These days, fantastic outdoor furniture abounds — designed to play well and look great.

These latest designs leave room for both form and function, and will have you sinking into comfort and springing out with style.

With such variety, the sea of options can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we’re here to guide your search.

As you dream up your ideal outdoor space, we have a few pointers for you to keep in mind on your hunt for fresh outdoor furniture.

Table Of Contents

• Think Function

• Think Space

• Think Material

• Think Color

• Furniture Of Dalton

Think Function

First things first, what do you want your outdoor space to be?

Do you dream of a private retreat? Cue a cushioned lounge chair, and pull up an end table for a cold drink.

Plan to be the host with the most? Opt for modular seats that can be rearranged to fit any occasion.

Do you have a crew of rambunctious kids around the house? There’s a couch that can handle their rough and tumble.

Whatever your vision - take notes on how you want your space to function, first.

If alfresco dining is your main aim, focus on finding a dining set you love. If you’d rather eat inside and lounge out, seek wide, welcoming chairs.

-back to top

Think Space

Next, consider the space at hand. The size of your pieces should reflect the size of your space.

The same chair at home on a grand deck would overwhelm a modest porch.

Do you have a sprawling patio, or a tiny balcony? We have tips for both.

Large outdoor spaces can feel more intimate with clusters of furniture. We love a dedicated dining area and a separate, cozy conversation set for sinking in.

For smaller spaces, we recommend hardworking pieces made to multitask. A great bench can seat two to four, and serve as a table or shelf between visitors.

Once you have an idea of how you’d like to outfit your space, make sure to measure it before shopping begins!

-back to top

Ready to freshen up your backyard oasis? Use our Outfitting Your Outdoors Checklist to get started. 

Think Material

Vision and measurements in hand, you’ll want to think material.

If you were lucky enough to inherit your grandmother’s wrought iron chairs, you’ll know they’re beautiful and heirloom-durable.

This sturdy metal is great for pieces that stay put, but not the best to haul around.

Cast aluminum is rust proof, strong, and light enough to carry to the front yard.

If warm wood is your thing, teak is right up your alley. Teak is dense and weather resistant, and unlike other wooden furniture, can stay outside during harsher months.

Wicker and rattan are classic options, when treated with a resin finish. All of these base materials will cozy up with well made cushions.

Choose a UV coated, weather resistant fabric like Sunbrella, and make sure to select cushions with zippers that allow you to wash covers and air out pillows.

-back to top

Think Color

Last but not least, think color!

Outside spaces can be a great place for a fun palette, but consider your outdoor area that same way you regard a room in your house.

Aim for a thoughtful, considered palette. To form a cohesive look, choose coordinating colors that work well together.

An easy approach is to pair a dominant color with a neutral shade, and experiment with dark and light tones within those two color ranges.

Don’t want to purchase big pieces with every new color trend? Think of your furniture as an investment, and select classic colors that stand up to the test of time.

Blue and white is a tried and true color combination for any space. Celebrate your bright side with pillows and throws, which can be easily updated as trends change. 

These days, fantastic outdoor furniture abounds — designed to play well and look great.

With these considerations in hand, you are closer than ever to your ideal outdoor space. You have the vision, and here at Furniture of Dalton, we are here to help it become a reality. The outside is beckoning… follow its call!

 
Shop Patio Furniture Now!

Following in the footsteps of fast fashion, ‘fast furniture’ is on the rise. There’s a clamor for quicker, cheaper home goods, and the demand is met with big box stores full of cheaply made pieces. Before you join the trend, take a moment to consider the dark side of this movement. We’ll give you three compelling reasons to steer clear of fast furniture.

Table of Contents

• Poor Quality

• Poor Value

• Environmental Impact

POOR QUALITY

Cheaply priced items are inevitably cheaply made. Fast furniture is typically constructed with pressed wood, rather than solid wood. Pressed wood, known as particle board or MDF, is essentially sawdust held together with a mixture of chemicals and resin, heat pressed into usable panels.

Cheaply priced items are inevitably cheaply made.

If you’ve ever moved with a particle board bookshelf, you’ll know that this material is not made for the long haul- quick to show serious signs of wear and tear. Add inexpensive hardware and quick construction, and you’re left with furniture that might last as long as your shoes (and we don’t mean your best pair). Fast furniture is not durable, and often not easily repaired- instead, it’s made to be routinely replaced.

-back to top

POOR VALUE

As you marvel at the low price of a particle board shelf, try multiplying that price… many times. Most fast furniture items don’t make it through the first move, or the first kid. Over the years, people spend more on multiple, cheap purchases rather than investing in well made furniture from the get go.

Over the years, people spend more on multiple, cheap purchases rather than investing in well made furniture from the get go.

Add to that price tag the cost of assembly- most fast furniture is flat packed for efficient shipping, and requires intricate assembly at home. This is such a notoriously tricky task that metro areas support full time freelancers whose sole job is to assemble IKEA furniture in other people’s homes.

This has been such a profitable pairing that IKEA recently purchased gig economy platform TaskRabbit- so they can profit twice from your purchase. Finally, fast furniture items don’t retain much resale value. People often prefer to buy a new version of the same shelf that you’ve worn out over a year. Rather than passing on a useful furniture item to a second owner, the item is likely to end up in a landfill. Which take us to our final point...

-back to top

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

You now know that most fast furniture is made with particle board or MDF. You may not know that serious chemicals are pressed into the process, most notably formaldehyde- a known human carcinogen. By purchasing a pressed wood item, you bring this chemical into your home, where it will offgas harmful toxins into your space.

Additionally, particle board takes significant energy to produce: wood scraps must be shredded, dried, and mixed with chemicals and adhesives, all before the heating and panel pressing process begins. To top off the deal, particle board is often not recyclable, due to the adhesives used to hold the wood particles together. That shelf that you've banged up over the past year, that no one else seems to want? It ends up in the landfill, in a sea of identical shelves. 

That shelf that you’ve banged up over the past year, that no one else seems to want? It ends up in the landfill, in a sea of identical shelves.

Next time you look at a piece of fast furniture, consider the hidden costs behind that low price. The shelf that looks sharp in the store will look significantly less sharp as it is used daily in your home.

As it accumulates dings and scratches, the particle board panels can’t be cared for with furniture oil; as the hardware fails, the panels won’t allow for replacement- these pieces are not made to be maintained. Instead, sooner than you realize, it will be time for a new shelf. When this time comes, even the college kids next door won’t want to take it in.

Lacking resale value, the shelf will be placed by the side of the road, where it will be picked up and brought to a landfill, outside of your city or town. And there the shelf will sit, for far, far longer than it sat in your home. And you’ll buy another shelf to take its place.

That first quick purchase, that low, low price? All part of a growing disposable economy. Opt out, if you can.

With more and more people choosing to downsize, the need for compact dining sets has grown. Turning small spaces into fully functioning living space can be a challenge, but there are some many fabulous ideas on how to decorate your small dining space without giving up style. We've collected some of our favorite looks, perfect for tiny dining and available for purchase right here are Furniture of Dalton. Check them out!

Table Of Contents

• Kitchen Island and Dining Room Table in One

• Scandinavian Style Dining

• Mid-Century Dining

Kitchen Island and Dining Table in One

Geneva Hills Kitchen Island and Chair Set by Jofran

This unique piece from Jofran combines a kitchen island with lots of storage with a small dining set. Gain counter space, storage space and dining space! Made of acacia veneers and solids, this sturdy kitchen island and chair set will add decoration to your space as well as function. Look at the details: turned bun feet and dentil moulding around the apron of the islands top. It also features an expandable drop leaf on one side of the island allowing you to use the piece for a cozy dinner for two. Storage includes five drawers, three open storage compartments and enough wine storage for 5 standard sized bottles. Use this set in traditional, rustic, industrial, classic Italian and French laundered styled rooms.

-back to top

Gather Round: Scandinavian Style Dining

Scandia Lily's Round Table by Thomasville

A round table is a great solution for smaller dining rooms and this table by Thomasville is a modern take on Scandinavian styling. Its simple plank effect pecan top plays off the dry brushed metal pedestal with pecan wood base. Compact but still offering plenty of space to gather for a meal of traditional open sandwiches, local fresh vegetables, and a good cup of coffee.

-back to top

Mid-Century Dining with a Twist

Centiar Round Dining Table by Ashley

Instantly up your coolness factor with this sleek mid-century modern dining table. It features a two-tone aesthetic with a brushed dark bronze tubular metal base and rich brown seating. This is the timeless look your eat-in kitchens is begging for. 

Shop Dining Room Now!

Are you craving a way to make meals feel sacred or special, sanctuaries from all the external buzz?

First step: reimagine your dining room lighting. A shift in lighting can transform a space and ignite an atmosphere. From opulent chandeliers to modern pendant lights, we’ll share some of our favorite options for renewing your dining space.

Table Of Contents

• Amykaye Chandelier

• Hasselt Wall Sconce

• Carmen Chandelier

• Wojan Pendant

• Becket Trio Light

Chandeliers have long been an elegant way to light and uplift a dining space. For a traditional take on transformative lighting, check out the Amykaye Chandelier by Aidan Gray. Aidan Gray has built a reputation on extraordinary European inspired designs; finely finished work that seems plucked from the 17th and 18th centuries. Their range of lighting fixtures reflects this approach, with elegant options that range from fine to finer. The Amyake Chandelier is on the finer end, a delicate chandelier finished in antique gold leaf. Slender arms take a graceful sweep from the center, cradling candle like lights. Acanthus leaves curve along the top, pairing a perfect blend of ornate detail with refined style.

-back to top

Love this look, but lack the tall ceilings needed to do it justice? Move your focus from the ceiling to the walls, and opt for an installation of chic wall sconces. Aidan Gray has you covered, once again. We love the fine lines of their Hasselt Wall Sconce. Two iron arms cross over a hand carved wood base. The arms are finished in the same antique gold leaf as the Amykaye, while the base is a weathered Paris White. Both the Hasselt wall sconce and the Amkaye will cast your dining space in an old world glow.

-back to top

Love the glamour of a chandelier, but want an updated style? For a fresh take, check out the Carmen Chandelier by Currey & Company. Based in Atlanta, Currey & Company is known for its hand forged iron pieces, and the Carmen is no exception. This wrought iron cluster, finished in Silver Granelo, has a light, modern feel. Lights bloom from a central orb, a bright blend of romance and play. This piece is a pretty take on tradition, with a playful dose of contemporary style.

-back to top

Does your dining space beg for something simpler? It’s time to turn from chandeliers to pendant lights. The Wojan Pendant by Bramble is a refreshing take on industrial. A simple tin shade holds boundless potential: both the interior and exterior are fully customizable, with over 50 finish options for each. Bramble is built on this approach: meticulous, custom design with infinite possibilities. The Wojan Pendant becomes a perfect canvas, staged to reflect your individual taste, style, and dining room decor.

-back to top

Does your dining space beg for something simpler? It’s time to turn from chandeliers to pendant lights. 

Finally, for a new take on pendant lighting, we return to Currey and Company, and the Becket Trio Light. This is a streamlined look at lighting, with posh, minimal style. Three glass spheres suspend from fine, wrought iron fixtures, finished in Emery Rust. This is the fixture for cool, cultivated spaces - dining rooms that move in the modern way.

-back to top

Whether your dining room is made for old world glamour or modern minimalism, we have the perfect lighting for you. Check out our endless array of fine lighting options, and transform your dining space into the sanctuary you deserve.

For more on Dining Room Glam:

Making the Most of Your Tiny Dining Room

Dining in Style

Dining Room Redo

Accent tables are a very practical and essential piece of furniture.

We eat on them, play games on them, work on them, and use them for storage among many other things.

You can go into 100 houses, and not all of them will have every piece of furniture available to them.

However, I can almost guarantee that all 100 houses will have a table.

Not only is the table the most practical piece of furniture, but it is also one of the most versatile.

Especially when we're talking about accent tables.

The right accent table, or set of accent tables, can set the design of your room off and act as a statement piece.

An accent table can showcase your own personal style and make a statement as soon as people enter the room.

Whether that room is the living room or your bedroom, your accent table can be surface space for reading materials, a lamp, or even your morning cup of coffee.

Variations of color, size, shape and even texture can drastically change the look and feel of your room, allowing it to showcase your personality.

Accent tables are a perfect way to show off your unique tastes by choosing a table that's as stylish as it is practical and convenient.

Below we will talk about the various ways to incorporate an accent table into your home and have it be a statement piece to showcase your unique style.

Table Of Contents

• What's The Best Material For Your Accent Table?

• Ceramic

• Wood

• Metal

• Mix and Match Your Styles

• Make A Statement

What's The Best Material For Your Accent Table?

As far as materials go, your imagination is the only limit to what you can use for your accent table.

There's an endless list of potential furniture materials, so you will have plenty of options when you choose the accent table that's perfect for your home.

Below we will talk about three of the most common materials used, and why each one might be perfect for you. 

-back to top

CERAMIC

If you thought the only thing ceramic is good for is vases for your flowers, think again.

Ceramic is actually a very versatile material that can be used for a variety of things in your home, including your accent tables.

Ceramic accent tables make for a very creative piece you can utilize in any space where you want to add a splash of personality.

Ceramic end tables provide an endless amount of color options, making them perfect for incorporating a work of art into your home that has a practical use.

-back to top

WOOD

Wood is a classic material you can't go wrong with.

If you want top of the line furniture that you can pass down from generation to generation, wood is for you.

Wood accent tables are strong and durable, able to withstand years of use.

You can paint your wood accent table any color you can dream of, and the color you choose along with the construction style will only get better with age.

Wood is an excellent choice for many people since there are many types of woods with a variety of different finishes available.

WIth a wood accent table, you know that you can have a classic statement piece that will be beautifully crafted.

-back to top

METAL

If you like the industrial look, a metal accent table is the way to go.

With a metal accent table, you will be able to add a touch of that industrial charm into your room.

And with a metal accent table coasters are a thing of the past.

Water rings are no match for a metal surface and can be washed away without fear of damaging your table.

A metal accent table is the perfect statement piece to an otherwise rustic or traditional room or will go well with a contemporary or eclectic interior design.

-back to top

Mix And Match Your Styles

With so many different options available for your accent tables, it would be a crime to buy only one.

Some people might see the limitless options as intimidating, but we see it as an opportunity.

And not only should you buy more than one accent table, but you should also mix and match their styles.

Mix and match the shapes, materials, and colors to get the perfect combination that matches your unique style.

Here are some guidelines to follow when you mix and match your accent tables:

1. When matching wooden accent tables, you should be sure they match in tone. Using a blend of different wood types and finishes creates a natural organic mix, but blending works best when you match warm and cool colors separately.

2. If you're mixing metal tables, feel free to mix more than one type of finish, Metals like gold, brass, and bronze all work wonderfully together to create a dynamic impact, and unlike wood, matching warm and cool tines will create a chic effect.

3. Mix metal and wood. The best combinations of accent tables are often the most unique. A blend of wooden and metal tables can create a rustic industrial style, or bold, colored, dramatic pieces can create exotic duos.

4. When you mix and match shapes and sizes, you're adding variety to the aesthetic of your living space. Try mixing a small round table with a large rectangular table to create a mix that pops and place them conveniently in open spaces in the room.

-back to top

Make A Statement

While being very practical and useful, you can do so much more with your accent table.

The perfectly chosen accent table, or set of accent tables, will provide a pop of style to your room, all while making a statement and showing off your unique style.

So don't settle when it comes to your accent tables.

Be creative and use your imagination. Your options are nearly limitless here.

Take advantage of that and use your accent table as a statement piece.

If you enjoyed this article, you'll also enjoy reading these:

• How to Modernize your Home without Breaking the Bank

• 14 Inexpensive Ways To Make Your House Look Expensive

• 8 Bar Stools You Need For Your New Kitchen

Do you love your house, but you're tired of looking at the same old decorations?

Maybe you have an older house that shows it's age.

Or, maybe you like to keep things in your life fresh, your house included.

No matter what the reason, sometimes your house needs an updated, new look.

If your house is due for a refresh, I have good news for you!

You can modernize your home without breaking the bank.

In fact, you can even give your house the same style as those multi-million dollar houses you see in the home and garden magazines.

And, even better, the redesign doesn't have to break the bank.

You can upgrade your house without downgrading your bank account.

Below we'll look at seven ways you can modernize your home on a budget.

Table Of Contents

• Create A Good First Impression

• Cable Railings

• Refurbish Your Furniture

• Hide The Clutter

• Update the Lighting

• Pick A Color And Shape Scheme

• Add Color

• Join Us In The 21st Century

1. Create A Good First Impression

Beat up doors and windows can add years to the look of your home.

If you can make it work in your budget, add hardwood frames or trendy steel frames.

If you need to keep the costs lower, simply repaint the frames in a contemporary color to add instant visual appeal.

Soft grays and various shades of blues will work wonders.

Before you do this, check the exterior of your house.

If it's dirty, you can buy an inexpensive power washer to blast the dirt away.

You can also use your new power-washer to clean your patios and driveway.

-back to top

2. Cable Railings

If you can't remember what year you installed that old wooden railing, it's probably time to upgrade.

An old, outdated wooden railing on your deck and stairs will age your house as much as your old doors and windows.

You could obviously take down the entire rail and start from scratch, but that will set you back a few thousand dollars.

Or, you could install cable railing in place of the old wooden panels.

For a staircase in your home, the metallic accent of the railings will look chic and sophisticated.

When used outside for a deck or balcony, you won't obstruct your view like you would with a traditional wooden railing.

Before you get started, be sure you research the requirements for railings in your city as they will vary from city to city.

-back to top

3. Refurbish Your Furniture

Just about every piece of furniture you own can be salvaged with some lacquer and woodworking tools.

All you need to do is watch a few YouTube videos, and you'll be ready to sand down and repaint your chairs, tables, or cupboards.

There are also countless websites offering creative ideas for your furniture that you might not have considered. And most of these ideas are very easy to implement.

Add the family into the mix to make it a fun family project and get it finished much faster. 

-back to top

4. Hide The Clutter

The last thing you think of when you think modern, is clutter.

Installing creative storage spaces is an easy way to make your home feel clean and decluttered.

It's also a great way to make your home more appealing to prospective buyers if you're preparing to sell your home.

Built in wardrobes and closets are obvious ways to add storage, but you can get more creative and install floating shelves and use the space under your staircase. 

-back to top

5. Update The Lighting

Clever lighting has the power to transform and modernize your home completely.

It can turn dingy spaces into warm and cozy hangouts while bringing out the best in your color scheme and making the room feel larger.

New lighting can also add aesthetic appeal, whether it's a statement lamp in your kitchen or table lamps that brighten up dark corners.

-back to top

6. Pick a color and shape scheme

A great way to "beat the system" and make your house look modern is to focus on colors and shapes and not on individual items.

Try to arrange your furniture in a way that allows a specific shape or color combination to dominate the room.

Most modern homes decide on one type of furniture, like short and geometrically shaped, and then find a color scheme to compliment it.

The entire room will have a more well rounded, complete design if done this way, rather than buying a few new pieces that clash with everything else in the room.

-back to top

7. Add Color

Even though most modern homes are dominated by white, adding a nice pop of color can work wonders in an outdated space.

If you still have the gloomy beige walls, its probably time for a fresh coat of paint.

Unlike some of the other things we've mentioned, just about anyone can handle the painting duties.

If you're afraid of a large project, you can paint an accent wall or do simple touch-ups on your current color.

However, fresh new paint will go a long way to make your home feel new and modern.

Figure out which colors are currently trending and grab inspiration from your favorite designers.

Then just grab a paintbrush and go for it. 

-back to top

Join Us In The 21st Century

If you use the advice above, your outdated house will get a quick and east 21st-century update.

You will have the look and feel of a brand new modern home, without the steep price tag for upgrades or the out of this world mortgage.

Sometimes all it takes is the stroke of a paintbrush to get the look you want, and in some cases, need.

If you enjoyed this article, you should give these a look:

• 14 Ways To Make Your House Look Expensive

• Five Elements For The Perfect Backyard

• 7 Ways To Make Your Entryway Elegant

• Pick The Right Size Area Rug For Your Space