Labor Day Sales

Here is a link to our sister site regarding Labor Day Sales. Labor Day Furniture Sales...what to expect.

Furniche.com - Our sister site

Furniche.com is the sister site to Furiturebrains.com. Launched over the last few months, this site provides information for consumers before, during and after the furniture shopping process. Visitors will be able to find a store by zip code as well as research manufacturers.

All articles and content is organized by product category. Thus a visitor may search for information based upon categories such as living room, dining room, bedroom etc.

Please visit at Furniche.com

On a roll....cushion covers on the move!

On a roll...random shots in a furniture store of cushion covers on the move. Your cushions will take much more wear and tear in everyday use. The covers on these cushions are already rolling on this floor sample. Good cushioning will have some type of wrap or topper on top of the foam core that keeps the cushion covers from migrating and moving. A layer of Dacron Fiber is often adhered to the top of the foam core to keep the cushion cover from moving. The Dacron may serve to purposes, the first to keep the cushion cover from migrating and secondly it may add a layer of comfort.Notice how the covers are moving and the lines are not straight. If the floor sample looks like this in the store then you can bet on your cushions not looking good for very long in your home and with everyday use. Cushions should have nice even lines and fit properly. Some of the problem shown here may be the result of improper sizing of the cushion cover (also called a casing by us furniture folks) or improper size of the foam core. Even though this item was made by a major furniture manufacturer in a mass production method, it is still vulnerable to human error. Be sure to ask about the quality of the cushioning when you go to purchase that new sofa, loveseat or sectional for your living room. See Furniche.com for many other helpful articles.

notice the seams running crooked and rolling to the top of the cushion

Does the Quality Match the Financing?

Is long term financing right for your furniture purchase? No doubt that there are some great finance offers by furniture stores. Up to 5 Years with no interest is really a great deal. However, be sure that the quality of the furniture you buy will last as long as you plan to pay for it. Finding quality in furniture is as simple as asking questions. If it is a sofa then ask about the frame construction. Since sofas get a lot of use, the internal frame should be made of kiln dried hardwood and reinforced by corner blocks and assembled with glue in all joints. Parts of the frame assembled with dowels along with corner blocks are really the best. Staples used to secure frame parts are okay but screws are even better. Unfortunately sofas don't always allow you to see all of the internal framing aspects. A well trained sales associate should be able to answer your questions and explain the quality differences. If they are willing to turn the sofa upside down and pull away the dust cover you should be able to see parts of the frame and they should be able to give you more information. Buying furniture does not have to be a frightening experience but a little knowledge can help you make the best possible buying decision for you and your budget.

Where are the good deals?

Furniture and Home Furnishings stores have had quite a wild ride over the last few years. With this industry tied to the fate of home sales and housing starts, there is no doubt that furniture retailers are "swinging hard". Many stores are now promoting sales and savings of 50 to 80% off. Is this true? What has always been a challenge for the furniture shopper is even more challenging today? The real key is to ignore the savings claims and begin by comparing quality features. Of course the other aspect of finding a good deal rests in your needs. There is truth to the adage, "you get what you pay for". Do your research by asking questions of yourself and your family. How do you plan to use the furniture? Is it form or function? In other words, is this a piece that will simply sit in your "living room" for show or is it a piece that will be used everyday. Furniture is an investment. Do your homework as to your needs and do not be fooled by the hype of advertising. It is kind of like the "side show" at the circus. Some one entices you in with promises of exotic or unique entertainment. The proof is in the performance.
Happy Shopping!

Is Free Delivery really free?

Is free delivery really free? If a store is offering free delivery then it would be wise to take a careful look at the price of the furniture. It costs a retailer to own, operate and maintain a delivery truck. If a retailer is offering free delivery then you should know that the cost of running a truck and paying the employees is hidden in the price of the merchandise. Why customers are fooled by this process is hard to understand. The key to making certain you are not paying to much is to do your homework . If possible you should compare prices on the furniture you selected at other stores to make certain that the asking price including the free delivery is competitive. Ask the salesperson if you can get a discount for picking up the product and avoid having it delivered. Local and normal delivery charges can run from 3 to 5% of the merchandise total and should include complete unboxing and setup in your home. Some furniture stores are willing to concede the cost of delivery as merely the cost of doing business. However, deliveries to distances outside of the normal trading area of the store may incur additonal charges. Is paying for delivery worth the addtional cost? I would suggest that the process of unboxing and moving furniture is not as easy as it looks. Unless you have experience, it is recommended that you pay a nominal fee to have this accomplished and save your back.

Planning your space

Failure to plan is the most common mistake people make when shopping for new furniture and home furnishings. Will the furniture fit through the door? How much space is acceptable between the furniture that will be placed in the room. Will my existing furniture work well with the new items I have selected. This Room and Furniture Layout Kit can help with this process.Read about designing for small spaces.