A special submission
by Devin Holck (Sales Associate)
Selecting tables, lamps, and an area rug should never mystify anyone interested in a cozy, new living room set. Are you looking for the “solution”? Come visit the ‘Room Solutions’ gallery, at Olinde’s.
The ‘Room Solutions’ gallery offers Olindes’ customers the chance to skip the challenge of designing and decorating as every “solution” includes: sofa, loveseat, cocktail and end tables, lamps, and an area rug.
It can be overwhelming when searching for that sleek look or unique flair that says “you”. With dozens of room possibilities, ranging from casual to contemporary, Olinde’s promises that even the novice will achieve that “Welcome Home” feeling.
The ‘Room Solutions’ gallery includes: microfiber, faux leather/fabric combination, sectional, and double reclining sets. Some have a matching chair, ottoman, recliner or sleeper. Moreover, the array of colors includes: sage, stone, taupe, cocoa, mocha, olive, walnut, and saddle. Also, see our adjoining colorful throw pillow gallery.
Visit Olinde’s ‘Room Solutions’ gallery today and one of our certified home furnishings associates will be glad to help you with the easiest furniture decision you’ll ever make.
“The gallery’s solutions are:
(S)imple,
(O)bvious,
(L)ikable, or
(U)tterly
(T)rouble-Free while providing an
(I)ntelligent or
(O)n-the-ball design that’s both
(N)ifty and
(S)tylish.” – D.H.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Protecting your furniture
Few investments you make in your life are as personal, or will be a part of your life as long as your furniture. Furniture makes a house a home, and is the setting on which we: spend time with our families, entertain our friends, and celebrate our holidays.
Even though time can take its toll on furniture, there are some things you can do to protect it.
1-Always dust your furniture with a feather duster, or similar item, rather than a cloth. This will keep the dust from scratching the finish while you clean.
2-If you have leather furniture, condition it at least once a year with a good quality leather conditioner. This will keep the leather soft, supple and free from cracks for years to come.
3-Oil the hinges in your recliners and motion furniture once a year. This will keep them working smoothly, and prevent the frame from bending due to a seized joint.
4-Upholstery should be vacuumed from time to time to keep dust from working into the fabric. Fluff pillows to keep them looking plump and fresh. Direct sunlight may fade certain fabrics, so let your sales person know if you are putting your furniture in a sun room, or by a window.
All of these steps will help keep your new furniture looking nice, but no matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility of an accident. Vacuum cleaners, pets, children, and household cleaners are all common ways to damage your furniture.
That’s why Olinde’s has worked so hard to find a program that will protect your investment.
Ask your salesperson about Olinde’s Elite Program. For a small sum, all of your furniture can be protected against accidental damage such as: spills, stains, rips, cuts, tears, burns, scratches and breakage. If something does happen to your furniture, your Elite plan will make sure it is repaired or replaced at no charge to you.
At Olinde’s we are very proud to offer this program to our customers, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of it.
We look forward to seeing you in the store.
Even though time can take its toll on furniture, there are some things you can do to protect it.
1-Always dust your furniture with a feather duster, or similar item, rather than a cloth. This will keep the dust from scratching the finish while you clean.
2-If you have leather furniture, condition it at least once a year with a good quality leather conditioner. This will keep the leather soft, supple and free from cracks for years to come.
3-Oil the hinges in your recliners and motion furniture once a year. This will keep them working smoothly, and prevent the frame from bending due to a seized joint.
4-Upholstery should be vacuumed from time to time to keep dust from working into the fabric. Fluff pillows to keep them looking plump and fresh. Direct sunlight may fade certain fabrics, so let your sales person know if you are putting your furniture in a sun room, or by a window.
All of these steps will help keep your new furniture looking nice, but no matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility of an accident. Vacuum cleaners, pets, children, and household cleaners are all common ways to damage your furniture.
That’s why Olinde’s has worked so hard to find a program that will protect your investment.
Ask your salesperson about Olinde’s Elite Program. For a small sum, all of your furniture can be protected against accidental damage such as: spills, stains, rips, cuts, tears, burns, scratches and breakage. If something does happen to your furniture, your Elite plan will make sure it is repaired or replaced at no charge to you.
At Olinde’s we are very proud to offer this program to our customers, and we encourage everyone to take advantage of it.
We look forward to seeing you in the store.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Quality Case Goods
Buy Quality When Selecting Bedroom & Dining Room Furniture
The furniture industry refers to wood furniture (bedroom and dining room furniture) as casegoods.
Selecting quality casegoods can be a daunting process.
Here are a few simple things to look for to make sure you get the best bang (quality) for your buck:
- Beautiful finish – better quality furniture has a finish with depth (multi-step finish) and is not muddy, cloudy or murky. There should be no cracks or bubbles in the finish and the piece should be finished on the top, sides and front.
- The strongest case pieces are dovetail (French or English), mortise and tenon, and dowel. The cheaper quality is usually glued or nailed together. Taller pieces should not rock or sway.
- Chairs should be corner blocked and not wobble.
- Drawer construction is important. They should open and close easily. Look for wood center glides, sanded bottoms and dust proofing.
These are just a few tips that may help you in selecting your furniture. Your sales person can give you more tips to finding the right case goods for you.
The furniture industry refers to wood furniture (bedroom and dining room furniture) as casegoods.
Selecting quality casegoods can be a daunting process.
Here are a few simple things to look for to make sure you get the best bang (quality) for your buck:
- Beautiful finish – better quality furniture has a finish with depth (multi-step finish) and is not muddy, cloudy or murky. There should be no cracks or bubbles in the finish and the piece should be finished on the top, sides and front.
- The strongest case pieces are dovetail (French or English), mortise and tenon, and dowel. The cheaper quality is usually glued or nailed together. Taller pieces should not rock or sway.
- Chairs should be corner blocked and not wobble.
- Drawer construction is important. They should open and close easily. Look for wood center glides, sanded bottoms and dust proofing.
These are just a few tips that may help you in selecting your furniture. Your sales person can give you more tips to finding the right case goods for you.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Special Orders
From time to time you may be looking for a special piece of furniture, and you just can’t find it on the showroom floor. Special ordering is always an option, it’s fun, and it can be easier than you think. At Olinde’s we have gone out of our way to make the process of special ordering as simple as possible.
Here are some tips to ensure your success when thinking about a special order.
1) Bring any color samples, wood chips, and fabrics that you may have into the store with you. This will help us coordinate your special order with your room. Bring a picture of your room if you have one
2) Does this piece of furniture need to fit in a tight space? Many times this is the reason for a special order. If that’s the case, please bring the exact measurements in with you to ensure the piece will fit where it belongs.
3) If you’re ordering upholstery, ask your sales person to show you another set by the same manufacturer. That way you can sit in it, and get an idea of what your special order will feel like when it arrives. Are you ordering a wood set? No problem. Ask your sales person to show you a few examples of the company’s quality construction and finishes.
4) Remember that order time vary by manufacturer. So the sooner you can come in and let us know what you are looking for, the better off you are.
5) Your sales person is your personal guide through the special ordering process. Let them know about any design ideas or special plans you have for your furniture. Ask them for their recommendations on brand, materials and construction to ensure you receive furniture that is right for you.
The most important thing to know about special ordering through Olinde’s Furniture is that we do not charge any additional special order fees, shipping charges or custom ordering markup. This is very important when determining whether or not to special order.
Special ordering is fun, and a chance for you to show off your individual style. Let us help make your next special order everything it can be.
Here are some tips to ensure your success when thinking about a special order.
1) Bring any color samples, wood chips, and fabrics that you may have into the store with you. This will help us coordinate your special order with your room. Bring a picture of your room if you have one
2) Does this piece of furniture need to fit in a tight space? Many times this is the reason for a special order. If that’s the case, please bring the exact measurements in with you to ensure the piece will fit where it belongs.
3) If you’re ordering upholstery, ask your sales person to show you another set by the same manufacturer. That way you can sit in it, and get an idea of what your special order will feel like when it arrives. Are you ordering a wood set? No problem. Ask your sales person to show you a few examples of the company’s quality construction and finishes.
4) Remember that order time vary by manufacturer. So the sooner you can come in and let us know what you are looking for, the better off you are.
5) Your sales person is your personal guide through the special ordering process. Let them know about any design ideas or special plans you have for your furniture. Ask them for their recommendations on brand, materials and construction to ensure you receive furniture that is right for you.
The most important thing to know about special ordering through Olinde’s Furniture is that we do not charge any additional special order fees, shipping charges or custom ordering markup. This is very important when determining whether or not to special order.
Special ordering is fun, and a chance for you to show off your individual style. Let us help make your next special order everything it can be.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Choosing The Perfect Recliner
Everyone deserves the right to relax after a hard day’s work, and few things are as comforting as knowing the perfect recliner is waiting for you at home. There is a recliner designed for every size and shape person so that every individual can find the right one for them.
Here are some basic guidelines for choosing a recliner:
1) The first step is always to sit in it. Think of it like buying a pair of shoes: you wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on, and the same is true for a recliner. Sit down, get comfortable, and see how it feels.
2) Once you’re sitting down, and comfortable, ask yourself the following questions: Does the recliner support the back of my head? Do my feet touch the floor? How deep is the seat: does it make me sit too far back or too straight? How do the arm rests feel? Are they too high or low? These questions can help you find the perfect chair.
3) Now that you found a chair that is comfortable to you, its time to recline. Keep in mind that for most people they will spend more time reclined in their chair than sitting up. Check to see if it reclines far enough for you, if the ottoman is long enough and if you are still comfortable reclined.
4) Think about the features you may want on your chair. Would you rather a chair that has a handle to recline or one that looks more like a regular chair? Do you want a stationary recliner, or one that rocks? The new glider recliners use a more natural movement to rock, and are very popular with new and expecting mothers. Would you like a swivel on the base of your recliner so you can turn to look at TV or talk to someone else in the room? All of these options and more are available.
The number one question I get asked about recliners is “Do they make any recliners that don’t look like a recliner?” The answer is “Absolutely!” Even though the overstuffed, traditional looking recliners are still popular, there are many more options. Today’s recliners are designed to be both comfortable, and to fit in with your individual style. From traditional Queen Anne wingbacks, to sleek and modern chairs, many of the recliners we offer look just like normal chairs, and if you didn’t know they could recline, you would never guess.
Also, custom orders in special fabrics are a snap! There is no reason your new recliner should not match your room, your style and your life perfectly.
If you think you deserve a new recliner, let us help you find the perfect one for you.
Here are some basic guidelines for choosing a recliner:
1) The first step is always to sit in it. Think of it like buying a pair of shoes: you wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on, and the same is true for a recliner. Sit down, get comfortable, and see how it feels.
2) Once you’re sitting down, and comfortable, ask yourself the following questions: Does the recliner support the back of my head? Do my feet touch the floor? How deep is the seat: does it make me sit too far back or too straight? How do the arm rests feel? Are they too high or low? These questions can help you find the perfect chair.
3) Now that you found a chair that is comfortable to you, its time to recline. Keep in mind that for most people they will spend more time reclined in their chair than sitting up. Check to see if it reclines far enough for you, if the ottoman is long enough and if you are still comfortable reclined.
4) Think about the features you may want on your chair. Would you rather a chair that has a handle to recline or one that looks more like a regular chair? Do you want a stationary recliner, or one that rocks? The new glider recliners use a more natural movement to rock, and are very popular with new and expecting mothers. Would you like a swivel on the base of your recliner so you can turn to look at TV or talk to someone else in the room? All of these options and more are available.
The number one question I get asked about recliners is “Do they make any recliners that don’t look like a recliner?” The answer is “Absolutely!” Even though the overstuffed, traditional looking recliners are still popular, there are many more options. Today’s recliners are designed to be both comfortable, and to fit in with your individual style. From traditional Queen Anne wingbacks, to sleek and modern chairs, many of the recliners we offer look just like normal chairs, and if you didn’t know they could recline, you would never guess.
Also, custom orders in special fabrics are a snap! There is no reason your new recliner should not match your room, your style and your life perfectly.
If you think you deserve a new recliner, let us help you find the perfect one for you.
What Style is Your Style?
There are many styles of furniture. For example, Early American, Danish, Arts & Craft, French Provincial, English, Country and many, many more.
However, when you are buying a new house or redecorating a room, think of style in four categories:
Traditional style as Home Fashion expert, Margaret DeGange says “supports classic lines and understated details”…. “Early English, French, Italian provincial or even colonial American pieces may be blended or mixed into the space”.
Contemporary style is evidenced by bold colors, clean lines. It is often overscaled, upholstery emphasizes a lack of clutter (no skirts, ruffles, bullion or florals). The bedroom and dining furniture is the opposite of ornate.
Casual style focuses on comfort. It is warm and comfy - often oversized. Fabrics are usually soft and low luster. Bedroom and dining room pieces often have a rugged or warm look.
Formal furniture styles generally take a page from furnishings in historical buildings and homes. Fine formal furniture generally features detailed moldings, gild and veneering. The sofas and chairs tend to be tightly upholstered in luxurious fabrics.
We have just touched the surface of furniture styles. Which is your style? You do not have to be one or the other. Many of our customers say they are eclectic.
To learn more about furniture styles, read Margaret DeGange’s article in the July, 2007 issue of Furniture World (www.furninfo.com).
However, when you are buying a new house or redecorating a room, think of style in four categories:
Traditional style as Home Fashion expert, Margaret DeGange says “supports classic lines and understated details”…. “Early English, French, Italian provincial or even colonial American pieces may be blended or mixed into the space”.
Contemporary style is evidenced by bold colors, clean lines. It is often overscaled, upholstery emphasizes a lack of clutter (no skirts, ruffles, bullion or florals). The bedroom and dining furniture is the opposite of ornate.
Casual style focuses on comfort. It is warm and comfy - often oversized. Fabrics are usually soft and low luster. Bedroom and dining room pieces often have a rugged or warm look.
Formal furniture styles generally take a page from furnishings in historical buildings and homes. Fine formal furniture generally features detailed moldings, gild and veneering. The sofas and chairs tend to be tightly upholstered in luxurious fabrics.
We have just touched the surface of furniture styles. Which is your style? You do not have to be one or the other. Many of our customers say they are eclectic.
To learn more about furniture styles, read Margaret DeGange’s article in the July, 2007 issue of Furniture World (www.furninfo.com).
Monday, April 14, 2008
Choosing the mattress for you!
Submitted by Devin Holck, Certified Home Furnishings Associate
Shopping for a new mattress can be a daunting challenge. Features like pillow top, euro top, latex and memory foam can be confusing for most people.
It doesn’t have to be so difficult. You need to know what size you need. The four common mattress sizes include: twin (39x75), full or double (54x75), queen (60x 80) and king (76x 80).
Next you need to choose your firmness. Firm, plush, pillow top, euro top are the usual selections going from firm to softer. Coil interiors underneath “comfort layer” foams make up the innerspring mattresses. Latex and memory foams are the hypoallergenic, pressure point relieving and “spring free” mattresses.
“The best thing for the consumer is to be helped by a knowledgeable salesperson,” mattress representative Angela Richard said. “A new mattress is like a gift that stays wrapped, and a knowledgeable salesperson is the only one who can tell you what’s inside”. Expect a well-trained salesperson to open the dialect immediately. By asking the customer what they are sleeping on now directs the salesperson to their preference.
Buying the right bed is important. You will probably spend 1/3 of your life in bed. It is one of the few home furnishing products you will buy that has a true health benefit.
Select the mattress that feels best to you. The most expensive is not always the best option. Comfort should be your main priority.
Special thanks to Devin for contributing to this blog.
Shopping for a new mattress can be a daunting challenge. Features like pillow top, euro top, latex and memory foam can be confusing for most people.
It doesn’t have to be so difficult. You need to know what size you need. The four common mattress sizes include: twin (39x75), full or double (54x75), queen (60x 80) and king (76x 80).
Next you need to choose your firmness. Firm, plush, pillow top, euro top are the usual selections going from firm to softer. Coil interiors underneath “comfort layer” foams make up the innerspring mattresses. Latex and memory foams are the hypoallergenic, pressure point relieving and “spring free” mattresses.
“The best thing for the consumer is to be helped by a knowledgeable salesperson,” mattress representative Angela Richard said. “A new mattress is like a gift that stays wrapped, and a knowledgeable salesperson is the only one who can tell you what’s inside”. Expect a well-trained salesperson to open the dialect immediately. By asking the customer what they are sleeping on now directs the salesperson to their preference.
Buying the right bed is important. You will probably spend 1/3 of your life in bed. It is one of the few home furnishing products you will buy that has a true health benefit.
Select the mattress that feels best to you. The most expensive is not always the best option. Comfort should be your main priority.
Special thanks to Devin for contributing to this blog.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Buying Leather
Buying a leather sofa is an important purchase. Leather has great benefits - it is generally one of the most durable and comfortable of all seating exteriors. What used to be very expensive is now much more affordable and high styled.
Educate yourself on the different kinds of leather and leather terminology. Below is a brief explanation of commonly used leather descriptions.
Bicast Leather: Split leather that has been covered with a polyurethane layer. Has a slick, shiny look, durable and easy to care for.
Aniline: The transparent dye used to color the leather all the way through. It conceals none of the natural character and markings.
Pure Aniline: A top grain leather that is aniline dyed and receives no additional coloring, but may include a protective treatment such as Scotchguard. Also called full aniline, naked aniline, or naked leather. Because of the transparency of the color, only the finest quality hides are used to create pure aniline dyed leather. Pure aniline dyed leathers are known for their soft, natural feel as well as their beauty, however aniline dyes offer little resistance to soil, stains or the effect of sunlight.
Semi-Aniline: Also called aniline plus or protected aniline. A top-grain leather that is aniline dyed and coated with matching pigment and/or other topical finishes to even out the color and protection. These offer increased resistance to soiling, staining, and sunlight, making the leather more practical for modern family lifestyles while still retaining much of the softness and natural characteristics of unfinished aniline dyed leather.
Corrected Grain: Leather that has been slightly buffed to remove some imperfections in the grain.
Embossing: The system by which a natural looking grain pattern is formed on certain leathers with pressure from an engraved plate. This can also add to the texture of the leather surface.
Full Grain: Top grain leather in its natural state. No corrections or alterations to the natural grain pattern.
Natural Markings: Common leather markings include shading variations, healed scratches, neck wrinkles, insect bites, barbed wire marks, stretch marks, vein marks and brands.
Leather Match: The use of matching vinyl instead of leather on areas of a frame less subject to body contact, typically the sides and back. A common cost saving measure, particularly in motion and reclining categories.
Split: The bottom layers of the hide that have been split off from the top-grain leather.
Top Grain: The uppermost layer of the hide.
Top Coat: A transparent protective coating applied to the leather surface. May also impart luster to the surface.
Olinde’s has the largest selection of leather in this area – most available for immediate delivery. Choose from promotional and luxury prime points and a variety of styles and colors.
Educate yourself on the different kinds of leather and leather terminology. Below is a brief explanation of commonly used leather descriptions.
Bicast Leather: Split leather that has been covered with a polyurethane layer. Has a slick, shiny look, durable and easy to care for.
Aniline: The transparent dye used to color the leather all the way through. It conceals none of the natural character and markings.
Pure Aniline: A top grain leather that is aniline dyed and receives no additional coloring, but may include a protective treatment such as Scotchguard. Also called full aniline, naked aniline, or naked leather. Because of the transparency of the color, only the finest quality hides are used to create pure aniline dyed leather. Pure aniline dyed leathers are known for their soft, natural feel as well as their beauty, however aniline dyes offer little resistance to soil, stains or the effect of sunlight.
Semi-Aniline: Also called aniline plus or protected aniline. A top-grain leather that is aniline dyed and coated with matching pigment and/or other topical finishes to even out the color and protection. These offer increased resistance to soiling, staining, and sunlight, making the leather more practical for modern family lifestyles while still retaining much of the softness and natural characteristics of unfinished aniline dyed leather.
Corrected Grain: Leather that has been slightly buffed to remove some imperfections in the grain.
Embossing: The system by which a natural looking grain pattern is formed on certain leathers with pressure from an engraved plate. This can also add to the texture of the leather surface.
Full Grain: Top grain leather in its natural state. No corrections or alterations to the natural grain pattern.
Natural Markings: Common leather markings include shading variations, healed scratches, neck wrinkles, insect bites, barbed wire marks, stretch marks, vein marks and brands.
Leather Match: The use of matching vinyl instead of leather on areas of a frame less subject to body contact, typically the sides and back. A common cost saving measure, particularly in motion and reclining categories.
Split: The bottom layers of the hide that have been split off from the top-grain leather.
Top Grain: The uppermost layer of the hide.
Top Coat: A transparent protective coating applied to the leather surface. May also impart luster to the surface.
Olinde’s has the largest selection of leather in this area – most available for immediate delivery. Choose from promotional and luxury prime points and a variety of styles and colors.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
What are you looking for?
A recently published survey by Architectural Digest asks the all important question “What types of things do you wish could be done to improve the furniture shopping experience for you?”
Some interesting responses from consumers emphasized a need for improvement in these areas to insure a better shopping experience:
Better access – customers do not like “have to buy” pressure through a decorator.
Delivery – customers like quick delivery and honest time frame for special order arrivals.
Displays – customers like fully accessorized displays – furniture is a touchy, feely purchase.
Style – a wide selection of styles is important.
Internet – buyers like to do their homework and browse through virtual rooms of furniture.
Locations – customers like conveniently located stores to shop.
Salespeople – knowledgeable, but not pushy salespeople are an added value.
All of our salespeople at Olinde’s are certified by the Furniture Training Company. They assist customers when shopping through our well-lighted, clean displayed and accessorized showroom.
We carry a huge inventory of furniture for quick delivery.
Check out a new and improved website. It is a smorgasbord of furniture shopping ideas.
Some interesting responses from consumers emphasized a need for improvement in these areas to insure a better shopping experience:
Better access – customers do not like “have to buy” pressure through a decorator.
Delivery – customers like quick delivery and honest time frame for special order arrivals.
Displays – customers like fully accessorized displays – furniture is a touchy, feely purchase.
Style – a wide selection of styles is important.
Internet – buyers like to do their homework and browse through virtual rooms of furniture.
Locations – customers like conveniently located stores to shop.
Salespeople – knowledgeable, but not pushy salespeople are an added value.
All of our salespeople at Olinde’s are certified by the Furniture Training Company. They assist customers when shopping through our well-lighted, clean displayed and accessorized showroom.
We carry a huge inventory of furniture for quick delivery.
Check out a new and improved website. It is a smorgasbord of furniture shopping ideas.
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