28 Jul
Dining Room Furniture

Varieties of Expandable Dining Tables

Numerous dining tables come with extensions to alter their size. This adaptability in size is beneficial if you have limited space but sometimes require more seating room. During holidays and special events, a larger table that accommodates many people is a necessity, while for everyday living, a smaller table can create an illusion of more space and provide greater mobility around the house. Although most tables offer extensions, the types of extensions can vary. Continue reading to discover the most prevalent kinds of extendable dining tables.

Classic Central Leaves for Expandable Dining Tables

 The most widespread type of extension is a leaf that fits into the centre of the table. Typically measuring 12 to 18” in width, each leaf adds space for an additional row of seating at the table. These leaves consist of one solid piece and often have an apron attached at the bottom to give the table a polished appearance when the leaf is in place. These leaves are usually stored separately from the table, and it is advisable to keep them flat to prevent warping. Common places to store these leaves include under a bed or on a shelf.

Butterfly or Self-Storing Leaf

 A highly popular table extension is the butterfly leaf. These leaves are hinged in the middle and fold up like a book for convenient storage under the tabletop. These tables have extra space below the top to accommodate the leaf. Unlike one solid piece, these leaves are split in the middle, adding an additional seam to the tabletop when the leaf is inserted. The ease of storage is favoured among homes with limited extra space, and since the leaf is built into the table, there is no risk of losing it during a move or damaging it from improper storage.

Breadboard Leaves for Expandable Dining Tables

Breadboard leaves are extensions that attach to the ends of the table, rather than the centre like a traditional leaf. Usually, this type of table comes with two extensions. The most common method of attachment is using rods or slides that extend from the ends of the table to support the leaves. A latch lock or clip keeps the leaves securely attached. One advantage of this type of table is that when the leaves are not in use, the table retains a solid, one-piece appearance without any seams on the tabletop.

Leaves offer a fantastic way to add versatility to your dining set. There are other ingenious ways to expand tables; certain custom-order brands offer leaves that completely hide under the table and use a butterfly leaf mechanism combined with wheeled legs on one side of the table for expansion. Whichever type of leaf your table incorporates, the ability to adjust its size is a feature that many consumers appreciate.

25 Jul
Office Furniture

Creating a Sustainable Office Space: Simple Steps to Follow

In these challenging times for businesses, budget constraints and the rise of hybrid working demand more efforts to retain employees in a competitive job market. Amidst these challenges, some leaders may overlook sustainability concerns, believing they lack the time and resources to prioritise it. However, responsible changes don’t need to be expensive, and here we offer three tips for a greener office.

Digital Transformation Embracing a paperless approach might seem daunting, especially if your office has long relied on paper. The average office worker consumes around 10,000 sheets of paper annually, resulting in significant environmental damage and clutter. Considering alternatives is crucial, and thanks to digital technologies, you can manage business correspondence, contract signings, meetings, and schedules without paper. Uploading and sharing contracts for electronic signatures reduces paper waste, and paperless billing can be handled online. Recycling unnecessary paper and scanning and storing essential documents enhance workspace efficiency, organisation, and cleanliness.

Utilise Recycled Materials An eco-friendly office incorporates tools and equipment that can be recycled when needed. Opt for furniture made from sustainable materials to reduce waste and carbon emissions. Pens, notebooks, and utensils also play a role; recycling them helps keep toxic chemicals out of landfills. Though the current rate of recycling e-waste may not be sufficient, raising awareness of the environmental impact of discarded tech devices can drive positive change. Simple actions, such as turning off computers when not in use, save approximately 300 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

Enhance Eco-Efficiency Investing in small improvements like LED lights yields long-term benefits. LEDs surpass fluorescent bulbs in longevity, lack toxic chemicals, and are more energy-efficient. Maximise natural light by choosing an office space with ample windows, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Employees working in well-lit offices often experience lower stress levels. Additional measures to boost energy efficiency include utilising solar batteries and installing sensor-activated lights.

A Final Thought As the UN issues a warning about the challenge of keeping the global temperature threshold at 1.5C, it is vital for offices to prioritise sustainability. By adopting eco-friendly practices, offices can contribute to a more sustainable future and play their part in preserving the environment.

13 Jul
Living Room Furniture

How to Select Furniture for your Living Room

In the market for living room furnishings? Whether you’re seeking to refresh your space with a new couch or starting from scratch, our comprehensive guide has got you covered.

While they say the kitchen is the heart of the home, let’s be honest, we all know it’s the living room! We spend a significant amount of time in our lounge area, unwinding, watching TV, and now, possibly even working from home. Therefore, our living room furniture needs to be functional and durable, in addition to looking stylish and fitting our budget. In this guide, we address everything, from choosing a living room furniture style to practical tips on what to consider when purchasing your pieces.

Once you’ve nailed down your living room furniture, if you’re in need of fresh living room ideas, be sure to check out our gallery next.

What Type of Living Room Furniture Do You Require?

The key essentials for most living rooms are seating options – our guide to the best sofas of the year will assist you in finding stylish, comfortable, and affordable choices. Additionally, you’ll need storage solutions, a designated area for the TV and home technology, as well as occasional tables. Homes that have separate TV rooms or even home theatres can skip certain items on the list. However, for the majority, incorporating all these elements is necessary to create the best living room layout. 

What Style of Living Room Furniture Should You Choose?

The rigid formula of a three-piece suite and matching wooden cabinets and coffee tables has given way to a more relaxed approach to assembling a living room furniture ensemble. Contemporary furniture, Mid-century designs, and vintage pieces can all harmonise beautifully. Rather than adhering to a specific era, consider the overall aesthetic. How can you make it work? Instead of sticking to a single furniture range, opt for the same type of wood throughout, perhaps with a standout piece in dark wood or a painted finish while the rest remains light. Also, pay attention to the furniture’s silhouettes. Are curved lines preferable for sofa legs and overall shapes, as well as for side tables and armchairs? Or do the elongated and low profiles of contemporary purchases better suit the room? Repeating colour or material details can also help unify the selection. 

How to Select Sofas and Armchairs For Your Living Room?

When choosing upholstered pieces, decide on the sofa and armchair configuration that best suits your space. A corner sofa can help define the seating area in an open-plan living space and incorporating a chaise end creates a coveted relaxation spot.

For added flexibility, consider a pair of sofas that can be arranged at a right angle to foster a sociable arrangement or provide optimal TV viewing angles for everyone. On the other hand, positioning a matching pair of sofas facing each other creates a formal ambiance, ideal for rooms used for frequent entertaining.

For more advice, check out our comprehensive guide on how to choose a sofa.