Consumer Tips

Protecting & Restoring Furniture

Between everyday uses and the constant desire to keep a room looking updated, furniture can get a little worn out or dated. Luckily there are certain measures you can take to protect your existing furniture, and even restore furniture pieces you thought were doomed.

The following tips will help you prevent damage to pristine pieces:

  • Prevent painting problems. Removing your furniture when preparing for a home improvement project is the best option to protect it from any paint spills, according to Elmhurst painters. If you have larger furniture pieces that are difficult to disassemble or move, protect it by covering the furniture with a cloth or plastic tarp. To ensure protection, tape around the bottom perimeter to make sure the plastic is secure.
  • Master moving furniture. To make sure that your furniture is getting the most protection during a move, you’ll want to dismantle each piece and store in bubble wrap. This will help to cushion the pieces while they are being moved and prevent scratching and denting.
  • Stop every day wear-and-tear. Whether its spending the day in your favorite chair with a good book or propping your feet up on the coffee table, the daily use of furniture is inevitable and we forget to be mindful of possible damages we could be causing. In order to avoid easy wear-and-tear, purchase quality pieces of furniture. A coffee table with a durable wood finish will last much longer, especially if you’re constantly propping your feet up on it. Consider the materials a piece of furniture is made with prior to purchasing.

If you have a piece of furniture that needs some love, you can restore it back to its former beauty rather than purchasing a new piece:

  • Fill in scratches. A common problem with wood furniture is that it can be easily scratched. These scratches can make a piece look worn out and unsightly, but there are many quick and easy solutions to giving your wood furniture a mini cosmetic makeover. To get rid of scratches, there are several methods you can try. For instance, some people swear by rubbing walnuts into specific areas to fill them. The more conventional way to repair scratches is to use a kit that usually involves applying stain. No matter what method you choose, repairing the scratches on wood will get rid of that worn look.
  • Reupholster your pieces. Mahwah, NJ interior decorator Susan Keefe believes that reupholstering furniture that is stained or outdated is the best way to give it new life. There are so many options when it comes to upholstery, from modern, chic patterns to solid colors. By reupholstering your furniture, you can refresh it while giving your home a new, updated look without having to purchase new furniture!

These furniture protection and restoration tips brought to you by the experts at Jaron’s Furniture.

 

How to Effectively Move Your Office

Relocating your office can seem like a challenging task, however with patience and planning, you can proactively solve problems that arise and ease the stresses of the move ahead of time. The following are tips on how to effectively move your office.

  • Plan Ahead:  Before you start the moving process, it is important to create a step-by-step plan of what you need to do to ensure a smooth transition. Make sure the new office is in top condition. If there are any problems, like repairing the heating and cooling system, arrange to have them fixed as soon as possible. You’ll also want to make sure that the new space is big enough for all of the staff while accounting for any possible future hires. Expect that your plan will be put into action over the course of a few months, as moving is hard to do in a short amount of time.
  • Set a Budget:  Overspending can happen in the blink of an eye, so it’s always best to determine a budget. Think about what furniture and office supplies you can bring with you, as well as what will need to be replaced. Don’t forget to account for supplies such as boxes, tape and bubble wrap too.
  • Delegate Tasks:  Give each staff member the task of packing up their own desk area and advise them to take home any personal belongings such as their office decor and laptops. This will hold each person accountable for their own belongings, which can take some pressure off the move and prevent lost or misplaced items.
  • Communicate:  Meet with your staff before the move and make sure that everyone knows what the plan is and, most importantly, the moving date. This will give your employees a general timeline of when they need to get all their ducks in a row. This will also ensure that nobody shows up at the old place wondering where everyone is! Make sure you listen to the employees thoughts and preferences about the new place because you don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable or like an afterthought.
  • Select the Right Movers:  You’ll want to hire movers who are trustworthy and with a good track record to avoid ending up with boxes full of damaged items and furniture that is broken. Look for Bucks County movers who have helped to do larger scale or commercial moves in the area. Hiring a local mover ensures that they are familiar with the location of your current and new office, and will make the overall move go more smoothly.
  • Update Your Business Address:  The last thing to remember is to update any resource that lists your businesses address and to get your mail forwarded to the new building. You don’t want to send anybody to the wrong office!

 

With these tips on moving your office effectively, you are on your way to making a smooth, hassle-free transition.

 

How to Make Moving Simple

Moving is a hefty project that can end up costing you a fortune if you don’t go about it the right way. Whether you’ve moved many times in your life or this is your first big move, these tips can help make your move as cost-efficient and simple as possible.

  • Get rid of clutter. Moving is a great time to clear out the items you no longer have a need for. As your packing, think about everything that you’re putting into boxes or loading up onto a moving truck. Is it something that you use often, and will continue to use? If so, pack it up. Consider getting rid of items you forgot you had, or rarely ever use. They’ll take up valuable space on the truck and quickly clutter up your new space.
  • Pack way in advance. Waiting until the last minute to pack can create a nightmare of a situation for you. Setting goals weeks in advance can help motivate you, and avoid a disaster the day of your move. Once you’ve made settlement on your new place or signed a lease, mark your calendar. Fill in various dates with goals to have certain rooms packed by. This will help keep you focused on your end goal – your new space!
  • Skip the expensive packing materials. Use old clothing or pieces that you’re going to get rid of to wrap delicate items your packing. Purchasing bubble wrap can be expensive and greatly increase your costs of moving. Similarly, pack up items in things that you already own, like laundry baskets and luggage. Then, you can more accurately purchase the amount of boxes you’re likely to use. When you’re packing boxes up, fill in all of the empty space. This means you’ll have to use less boxes, thus spending less money on them. You’ll also help protect the items packed in the boxes by preventing shifting from occurring.
  • Keep your boxes organized. Number each box that you pack up, and keep a notebook of all of your numbered boxes and their contents. It also helps to categorize your boxes, whether it’s by labeling them with colored tape, or simply writing the name of the room the box belongs to on each of the box sides.
  • Make your necessities accessible. Pack other items you know you’ll need right away, like towels, toiletries, and kitchen utensils, in a clear plastic container. Place this box in the moving truck last, or take it with you in your car so you’ll have easy access to the items as you need them. Similarly, pack an overnight back with a few sets of clothes and other necessities. This will make your first night in your new home more bearable.
  • Hire a professional. Professional moving and shipping services, like those offered at Good Greek Moving, provide unbeatable service and make moving as easy as possible for you. Hiring a professional means you’ll get the most out of the space on your moving truck, your items will be handled with care, and you won’t risk injuring your back lifting heavy boxes and furniture.

Moving is an exciting time! Make it as easier on yourself and your wallet with these tips.

 

Smart Furniture for Small Spaces

Living in a small home or apartment can be challenging when it comes to furniture. Space is limited, making it vital to choose only functional furniture pieces that you need. Jarons has put together a guide to choosing furniture for small living spaces. Read on to figure out which furniture pieces will best suit you and your living quarters!

Jarons Ottoman

Create hidden storage in everyday furniture pieces. That ottoman that you use to rest your feet on and convert into a table when you entertain can serve another purpose! Utilize it for storage, to stow extra linens or pillows inside of. Use a bench in your dining room or kitchen to sit on, and store extra place settings inside of it. Find ways to utilize all of the space in your home, including the void spaces in your furniture pieces!

Utilize multipurpose pieces. Opt for furniture that serves more than one purpose. For example, an ottoman can serve as a table when you entertain, or a bunk bed could have a mattress on top and a desk underneath. When you’re cramped for space, these pieces of furniture will help you remain functional while also saving space.

Arrange furniture away from the walls. Placing tables and couches flush against a wall can make a space feel smaller than it truly is. If you’re arranging furniture in a small home or apartment, create a unique space in the center of the room by arranging the furniture away from the walls to give the room volume.

Use your walls for storage. Make the most of your floor space with plenty of shelving. Whether you like to organization of a floor-to-ceiling bookcase or prefer the clean lines of simple shelving, line your walls with storage space. Avoid cluttering your shelves, as this can make a small room feel cramped.Jarons End Table

Take advantage of color. The experts at CertaPro Painters of Akron suggest a simple way to make a small space appear larger – match the color of your furniture to the color your walls. The furniture will seemingly disappear into the walls, making the space appear more open!

Invest in nesting tables. If you’re tight on space but want the extra table room, nesting tables are the perfect solution. Another option is to utilize an end table that is equipped with a drawer and small shelving underneath. This end table has a pull-out tray and lower shelf storage, perfect for small spaces.

Make the most of your small living space with these furniture tips from Jarons! Check out our selection of functional furniture today.

 

 

Black Friday Furniture Shopping Tips

Black Friday Furniture Shopping TipsBlack Friday is next week – are you ready? Many people will venture out in the early hours of the morning to get the best deals on big ticket items, from electronics, to cars, and even furniture. If you’re planning on making a big furniture purchase this Black Friday, review these tips before you head out in the cold!

  • In the weeks before, make a list. If you haven’t already, spend some time combing through the furniture ads and circulars. Combine items that interest you into one list. Include pertinent information like product, color and price. Then, organize the furniture pieces by store. Try to put the stores in an order that makes the most sense for you to shop in. For example, start with the store furthest from your home, then work your way back towards your neighborhood.
  • Test the furniture before you make a decision. Sit or lay down, depending on what you’re looking at. Move around and try different positions. As you do so, take mental note of things you like and don’t like about the furniture. Is it comfortable? Will it be easy to clean? Do the measurements fit the space you have available?
  • Bring a family member or friend along. If you’re bringing big furniture pieces home that day, you might require help moving things to your car. Check with the retailer to see if they offer free in-home delivery for added convenience. More importantly, a shopping buddy can also help keep you sane should you have to fight traffic or wait in long lines.
  • Set a budget and don’t go over! Limit yourself on how much you want to spend in total. If you can, take the cash out in advance so that you don’t overspend. If you are using credit cards, keep track of what you spend throughout the day and know how much room you have to spend on your card.
  • Don’t forget to check clearance. Black Friday sale prices are great, but you may be able to find furniture marked down with even steeper discounts in the clearance section.
  • If you can’t make it out on Black Friday, look online. There are plenty of retailers that offer online sales on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Black Friday is fast approaching. If you have your heart set on a new piece of furniture, be prepared for the early morning rush with these Black Friday shopping tips!

 

Tips to Prevent Furniture Tipping Injuries

At Jarons, our customer’s safety and satisfaction is always a priority. Furniture tipping has become a growing epidemic in the United States. On average 40 children are taken to emergency rooms daily with injuries caused by furniture tipping. A majority of these injuries are caused by heavy furniture items, including desks, bookcases, and dressers.[i] Jarons, along with a number of businesses are recognizing the dangers that furniture tipping poses to children. Some retailers are recalling products that are known to be a tipping hazard.

Furniture tipping is preventable. When purchasing new furniture, keep your child safe by following these tips:

  • Secure cabinet doors and drawers with child-proof bumpers that prevent children from opening them. This will inhibit their ability to climb onto open drawers or doors, which can cause the furniture to tip.
  • Affix heavy furniture, including bookshelves and televisions, to walls with L-brackets to prevent them from tipping. These anchoring devices are inexpensive, and can withstand the weight of the furniture should your child decide to climb it.
  • Store televisions on a low stand with a wide base, and ensure the television does not exceed the weight limit of the stand. If necessary, mount the television to the wall.
  • Avoid top shelf teasing – don’t punish your child by taking away a toy and storing it on a high shelf. In this way, you are challenging the child to try to find a way to access their toy, which can bring them to climb up furniture.
  • Ensure that electronic cords are tucked away so that children cannot trip or pull on them and cause the electronic to fall.[v]

If your child is injured in a furniture tipping accident, contact the personal injury lawyers at Naftulin & Shick. Often there are financial and emotional damages caused by a furniture tipping injury, and Naftulin & Shick are experienced in dealing with these types of cases.

Protect your child from a furniture tipping injury with these furniture safety tips.

Buying Furniture on a Budget

One of the more costly components of owning a home is furnishing it, and if your pocket is already strained from your new mortgage payment or other home repairs, it can seem like a frustrating process. However, the good news is, there are ways to budget shop for furniture. Below are some tips to ensure you get great new pieces for your home while not breaking the bank:

Knowledge: Before you even step foot into a local furniture store, take a moment to gather your thoughts and ideas. Make sure you know exactly what you want, and which furniture pieces you need the most. If you don’t have either a mental list or a written list of what you need most, you will most likely find yourself buying pieces that you don’t necessarily need and therefore spending too much.

Unfinished Furniture: One route you can take is looking into purchasing unfinished furniture. Your local furniture store will most likely offer an array of unfinished pieces, and with a little bit of time and hard work, you could have a completely unique family or dining room, all while saving a little bit of money.

Buy Used or Discount: Primarily buying used or discount furniture instead of new will help you save as well. Your local furniture store may have some assorted used pieces, but you can also look for yard/garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, or public auctions to find unique older pieces. A little restoration work and those pieces can look good as new!

Jaron’s Furniture Outlet has a selection of clearance furniture called “The Heap,” where everything is discounted 20%-80% off of our everyday low prices. Click here to learn more about our clearance center: http://www.jarons.com/clearance-center

Selecting the Right Furniture Style

Decorating your living quarters is no easy task. With so many various styles and finishes to choose from, diving into the variety of options at hand may seem overwhelming for any newcomer.

Fortunately, the unique factor about this entire process is that the creativity lies entirely in YOUR hands. What style fits you the best? Which style expresses you the most? What colors do you find most aesthetically pleasing? The following furniture styles will help guide you through this rather seemingly tedious process with ease:

Traditional: Stemming from early 16th century European ideals, traditional furniture was intended to mimic many of the royal elegancies from that time period. Known for its hand-carved and stained wood features, carpenters would deeply-carve pieces that radiate the utmost sophistication- after all, many royal families throughout Europe were noted for utilizing this style, and despite its early roots, many people are still found using this style today.

Modern: Offered as a refreshing break from the previous traditional styles, modern furniture marked the start of a new era of design. Heavily influenced by the concept of modernism post World War II, modern furniture originally brought abstract and distinctive styles into homes and apartments throughout the globe, contrary to the classical elements of its traditional predecessor. Instead of wood, a variety of steels and plastics were blended together, ultimately reflecting the breakthrough in technology around that time.

Contemporary: Popular in many urban areas, contemporary style contains many similar features to modern styles, with a twist. Virtually the same materials are highly regarded in both styles, but the idea of minimalism is what sets contemporary style apart. Contemporary design is meant to be simple yet sharp, which means the fewer pieces in a room, the better. Many furniture trends lie in contemporary design, so if you like to keep up to date with style, this may be the look for you.

While there are hundreds of more in-depth and specific styles of furniture originating from each culture in the world, the three described seem to be the most popular among professional decorators and homeowners alike. So, feel free to be creative and use any of these styles in the  manner you desire, and take a look at our online store for some possible ideas. Happy decorating!