Home Furnishing

Universal Furniture

2011-09-09T10:03:00.000-04:00

Universal Furniture Great Rooms Collection

Universal Furniture has spent the several years now updating and improving their image. NO longer are they fighting for the customer wallets with Coaster, Ashley and other importers. Universal now has several casual dining collections with Brentwood Court, Great Rooms and Main Street. Of course they feature several formal dining collections: Artisan Oak, Bolero, Casa Verona,Classics Today, Contessa, Cross Town,Forecast, Governor’s Place, Hilltop Terrace, Kentwood, Main Street, Modern Outlook, New Lou, Pacifica, Paula Deen Home, Rough Luxe, Summer Hill, Summerglen Drive, True Vintage and Villa Cortina.

If you are looking for a unique step up without getting gouged price-wise you may want to check out Universal and see what they might offer for your home. Make sure you shop around, many local retailers will try to sell you on a "sale" when in reality you can still buy the furniture less elsewhere. Tricky, Tricky.

Bassett Furniture Columbus Ohio

2011-08-02T11:28:00.000-04:00

Bassett Custom Dining

I grew up in Columbus, Ohio. One thing I like about being in a city in the mid-west is the fact that there is a lot of diversity in furnishing designs. I've recently fallen in love with Bassett Furniture. For one, it is made in America. Yeah, let's see you find "Made in the USA" on a table or chairs from any other manufacture. Another thing I like about the Bassett Custom Dining program is that they ship in 30 days. So, the consumer gets a high-quality product, customized in about a month. That's pretty amazing. Their table and chair sets range from about $1,000 - $2,000, depending on the size of table and how many chairs you want. So, if you are looking for something country, transitional or even contemporary for your kitchen or dining room, you may want to check out Bassett.

Top 5 Tips to Take Care of Your Kitchen Table | Phil In Furniture

2011-04-25T22:50:00.001-04:00

Top 5 Tips to Take Care of Your Kitchen Table | Phil In Furniture

So I’m guessing that you don’t have the time to read through all of my posts. I’ll do you a favor and give you a quick synopsis on how to care for your kitchen table.

Cleaning: It’s typically best to use a damp cloth followed by a dry cloth. If you need to step it up a notch try adding a mild soap to the damp cloth.
Leaf Storage: Do not store the leaf on end. Lay it flat under a bed, this will avoid warping.
Chairs: Put glides on the chair legs. If your floor surface is hard you should use felt glides, if your set is on carpet go with the vinyl glides. I prefer the ones that peel and stick.
Chairs 2.0: Don’t lean back in them. Leaning back in your chair regularly will reduce it’s life by about 80%.
Avoid Damage: When you put a coffee mug, pizza box or hot dish on the table, check to the heat. If it is too hot to touch, then it is too hot for the table.

There are more things to consider, but these are the highlights. If you have any questions, let me know by leaving a comment below.

Canadel Furniture and the 2011 Price Increase

2011-04-20T10:24:00.001-04:00

Canadel Dining Furniture

If you have been in the market for a new kitchen or dining room set by Canadel Dining Furniture, you may want to move forward with your decision. For US customers, there will be an “increase of roughly 10%” on May 9, 2011. Yeah 10%! That means if you’re looking at spending $3,000 it will cost you $3,300 once the price increase kicks in. There are a select few items that won’t have the full bump like 36″ wide tables (5%) and the Champlain Collection(3%) but the rest will cost you the full tithe. Canadel Furniture cites the declining US Dollar as the culprit. Get your orders in before the deadline… or offer to pay with Canadian Dollars.

Chromcraft Dinettes

2011-03-23T11:07:00.001-04:00

Chromcraft Dinette Zip Ship Core

There is still a demand for dining caster chairs, but they have many names such as:

Chairs on Rollers
Castered Chairs or Castor Chairs
Coasters
Coaster Chairs
Tilt-swivel
Chairs on Wheels

Though they are known by many names, the fact remains that some people need the comfort and will search anywhere to find the right set. Chromcraft Furniture is one of a few factories who still make this type of chair. If you're having a hard time locating a dealer, just check out Kitchen Tables and More/Dinette Gallery who ships all over the Continental 48.

New Tech Is Changing Your Shopping Habits

2011-03-16T10:51:00.000-04:00

It used to be that when someone was searching for a long-term durable good like furniture, they would drive around to all the stores in town. They would compare the items, try to negotiate the price down, even make several trips back and forth to make sure they were getting the best deal. That was until about ten years ago when two things happened: 1. Gas prices increased and 2. The Internet became a resource that educates consumers and gives them options.

Retailers now talk to customers every day in their store who found them online. What's amazing is that it's not a young audience only. People in their 80's are coming in, taking pictures with their cell phone so they can remember what they looked at. Why? So they can go home and shop online. In furniture the trend seems to be that the average customer begins to shops casually online, then finds a local store, then visits the local store. From there this customer has two options:

I'm going to select from this store that I'm in
I like what I'm seeing, I'm going home to find it online for less(hopefully).
As a retailer I know have to consider this with each customer by doing 3 things.

Make sure that my prices are lower than all the other online competition
Provide an amazing level of service so that the customer would rather buy from me
Have an online store as well, that way if the customer does go home to shop online, they find that you're the best price in the eCommerce world as well. If all three are the case, then the customer has little reason to buy elsewhere.
So if you are the buyer, you may not realize just how much retailers compete for your purchase. Because of the ways you have changed your shopping habits, you are reaping the rewards of competition and finding things at a lower price.

Champlain by Canadel

2011-03-02T13:03:00.001-05:00

Canadel Dining Set

For most people looking for high-end dining furniture that is customizable the common answer is Bermex, Canadel or Amish. However, for someone who wants something different, rustic and flat-out gorgeous, then the answer may very well be Canadel’s Champlain Collection.

Every piece of this collection goes through an 11-step antiquing process, so you know that your furniture is 100% unique. It is based on early colonial workmanship, but don’t let that paint a picture of “country furniture” this style is very transitional and flow with most any kitchen or dining room.

The quality is amazing, which is to be expected with any product made by Canadel. The finish is a baked-on, catalyzed lacquer to ensure longevity. You also get to chose your stain including 2-toned if you like. There are several chairs, fabrics and tables that come in different shapes and sizes.

Let me tell you, if you haven’t seen Champlain by Canadel, you are missing out. It is absolutely beautiful!

Chromcraft Quick-Zip-Shipping

2011-02-14T14:17:00.003-05:00

Chromcraft dinettes zip ship

Well well it looks like the folks over at Chromcraft have heard the demands of the consumers looking for their “chairs on rollers” without wanting to wait up to 16 weeks. Imagine a slew of customers in the streets of Cairo demanding a change in the regime of long waits for their tilt-swivel dinettes, and the military decides to make the angry crowd happy by giving them a zip-ship Chromcraft kitchen set. Ok so it’s not that extreme, but Chromcraft Furniture now has several sets in stock, ready to ship if you are willing to go with the fabric shown. They have several sets in this quick-ship/zip-ship program, and all indicators point to them expanding this line. We’ll start to see just how quick a “zip” actually is before long.

Arlington Dining Collection by Intercon Furniture

2011-02-01T14:21:00.003-05:00

One of the hottest trends in furniture right now is the two-tone finish. Consumers love the two-tone look for many reasons, one being the dual finish helps to break up the sometimes overpowering appearance of solid color tables. Many people love the idea of integrating bold colors like black or white into their homes, but are afraid large pieces in these solid colors would be too overwhelming or stark. Enter the two-tone finish. Adding a different shade to the tops of tables and seats of chairs immediately warms up and tones down stronger colors to allow for smooth blending of colors in your space. Additionally, a two-tone finish adds more versatility to the furniture by allowing pieces to coordinate with twice as many furnishings and areas of the home. The two-tone finish also alleviates the need for furniture pieces to match exactly to flooring, cabinets, etc. The dual colors pull in different tones from the surrounding area without making your space look like everything was supposed to match, but missed.
Two-tone finish options range from easy-to-find Cherry/Black and Oak/Nutmeg to more uncommon shades like Oak/White or Chestnut/Espresso. And with custom order companies, the possible combinations are endless. While two-tone finishes became popular as a trend, this is a look that I’m sure is here to stay.
There are literally thousands of furniture options available in two-tone finishes. One is the Arlington Dining Collection by Intercon Furniture. The collection is available in both hand rubbed Black and Java or White and Java finishes. Not only can you choose your finish, but the Arlington also offers two chair options, Slat Back or Lattice Back. The result is a myriad of options that allow the Arlington to be fit exactly what is needed for a variety of spaces.
Versatility is huge this collection. The transitional styling allows the Arlington to fit in homes with contemporary styling, but at the same time complement more traditional decorating schemes. Tables are available in regular dining height, counter height (36″ high) and pub height (42″ high). Table sizes range from a small 42″ round dropleaf for tight apartment eating spaces, to a rectangle dining table that extends to 78″ long and can comfortably seat 8. This collection even features a counter height table with storage in the base. The multifaceted Arlington has one more piece that more and more consumers are seeking out in their search for a kitchen or dining set: a bench! Arlington’s bench offers the choice of the Black/Java and White/Java finish and is available in both the Slat Back and Lattice Back options.
An important feature of the Arlington collection that should not be overlooked is the quality. Every piece in the collection is constructed from solid Rubberwood with a high quality lacquer finish. Avoiding a solid black or white finish on the top of the table (the part of any set that takes the heaviest beating) will ensure that the pieces look great for years to come. The backs & seats of chairs and barstools in the Arlington collection are ergonomically designed to provide utmost comfort and support. Together with sturdy box frame construction, stretcher bars afford a durable design on chairs and barstools.
If this collection isn’t for you, fear not! There is a two-tone finish set out there to fit everyone’s needs. However, if you are already creating a mental picture of how great the Arlington Collection will look in your space, I hear Kitchen Tables & More in Columbus, Ohio, is due to have a set from this line on their showroom floor soon!
Guest Author Janae

Verona Dining Collection by Intercon Furniture

2011-01-26T12:00:00.001-05:00

Verona Dining Collection by Intercon

Here’s your dilemma. You’ve been looking for a kitchen or dining set. You want something that is sophisticated, but will also stand up to the test of time (and the kids). Let me introduce you to the Verona Dining Collection by Intercon Furniture.
This collection perfectly marries quality construction with elegant design and function. The Verona group includes regular dining height and counter height sets that are suitable for both the kitchen and dining room. All sets can seat up to 8 comfortably, which is a plus during the holidays or for those with large families.
One of the most striking features about the Verona Collection is the finish. Intercon selected an Italian Rustic color and applied it to the American Cherry and Red Birch wood of this collection. The result is a finish with a unique color and dry brush technique that you won’t find on the neighbor’s table. In addition, several pieces have tan brown Italian Granite inlays that contrast beautifully with the red in the finish and add to the rich look of this collection.
Concerned about durability? Tables in the Verona Collection are framed in solid red birch with inlaid American Cherry veneers on top. This durable wood, along with optional granite inlays on some models, provides a lasting surface. Chairs, leaves and case pieces are 100% solid birch. Solid wood chairs will endure the daily abuse of meals, game nights, homework conferences and work-from-home sessions.
Another great feature about the Verona collection is the functionality. The folding leaf table (available in both regular and counter heights) starts as a 46” square to fit well in smaller spaces, and expands to a 65” round to comfortably seat up to 8. Also included with this exceptional table is a built-in 20” Italian Granite Lazy Susan, great for playing games or passing the salt. In the dining collection, a self-storing butterfly leaf offers the option of extending the table out to 92”, but doesn’t compromise closet or under-bed storage space with a bulky leaf.
Just a warning, this set is heavy! Even without granite inlays, the tables of this collection are hefty and may be difficult to move once assembled. Lead times with this company are anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the time of year. The Verona Collection’s high quality does translate to a slighter steeper price tag, but the collection’s value is undeniable.
Guest Author- Janae

Canadel Furniture vs Bermex... FIGHT!

2011-01-21T10:18:00.001-05:00

Canadel vs Bermex

Canadel Furniture and Bermex Dining are two competing dining furniture lines. They are both made in Canada and they both have nice products. If you are in the market and can’t decide which of these manufactures fit your needs best, maybe I can help.
Quality of Finish: Both companies have a Catalyzed finish. Bermex features a catalyzed varnish where Canadel has a catalyzed lacquer. Most experts will tell you that a varnish is better, but it is usually thinner than the lacquer. Bermex +1

Quality of Table Construction: Both companies use a high-quality birch. However, Canadel uses anti-warp boards on the underside of the table top. Canadel +1
Quality of Chair Construction: This one is a wash in my opinion. You can expect the chair to last a lifetime (if not abused) from either manufacture. EVEN
Fabric Options: Canadel-over 300 Bermex-186 Canadel +.5

Wood Finish Options: Candel-120 Bermex-114 EVEN
Shipping Time: This varies quite a bit. Depending on the time of year you may wait 3 weeks or over 2 months. Canada has a mandatory shut down for the factories every summer, and the timing depends on where your custom set is in the production cycle. EVEN
Style Options: Both factories have several options on table shape, table size, chairs, buffets and hutches. I side with Canadel on this one because of their Udesign software that lets you create your combination and it displays it to you on their website. Canadel +1
Price: Both companies are pricey, but well worth the value. This furniture, if cared for, will last for generations. Canadel in general is a little less expensive, but they also have a Champlain collection that is higher than Bermex. Canadel +.5
So, according to my formula here Canadel wins by 2. So, why do I have a Bermex table, chairs and buffet in my dining room at home? Because they had the look that I wanted. You can look for opinions of everyone you know and it won’t matter. Go with the set and manufacture that you like best and you’ll be happy with it, after all you’re the one that get to eat there.

Canadel Furniture

2011-01-15T09:19:00.002-05:00

One of the finest lines in kitchen and dining furniture is Canadel Furniture
. While it costs more than the average set, the quality is hard to beat. Why are they one of the best?

Catalyzed Lacquer Finish- The finish is literally baked on the furniture. This helps prevent chips and dents, but mainly will help you avoid water rings or water marks left by a wet glass and staining.
Solid Birch ~~or Oak~~- The wood used by Canadel is top quality Birch which gives a beautiful and rich look ~~or if you prefer the deep grain the Oak option is very nice.~~(Correction: Canadel now solely offers Birch as a wood species option.) Plus birch is considered a “hard wood” which adds to the longevity.
Custom Choices- Canadel has over 70 finishes and over 55 fabrics to chose from. Chose your table size and shape, then you can actually chose the leg or pedestal style for the table and the leg style for most chairs. Then you can chose the edge(profile) of your table. Distressed or matte finish. All that then you can even get Coran or Zodiaq.
Solid Construction- Table: Solid wood including sliding tracks, blocked corners, undersides of tables are completely sealed with ultraviolet seal coat and reinforced with anti-warp boards to prevent warping due to humidity. Chairs: Blocked to prevent twisting and cracking, chair joints are glued and nailed(or screwed), legs are individually adjusted to eliminate rocking, backs of chairs are steam-bent to prevent cracks and are nailed and glued for strength and durability.

Yeah, they’re top-notch. So, where do you purchase such a fine piece of furniture? (Made entirely in North America) Several high-end retailers sell Canadel, but Kitchen Tables and More Furniture in Columbus, Ohio guarantees the lowest price in Central Ohio… just sayin'.

Ashley Furniture: 4 Things You Should Know

2011-01-14T11:01:00.001-05:00

Ashley Furniture North Shore Dining

Ashley Furniture is the most recognized name in dining furniture right now. From Price is Right to the commercials seen for your local Ashley Homestore, it seems hard to miss the orange Ashley Logo. They have a recipe that few manufacturers have replicated in the furniture industry that have helped create a trusted brand. Here are a few things that you should know:
1. Shop Around for the Best Price. One thing that most shoppers don’t understand is that you cannot buy Ashley Furinture “factory direct.” All Ashley Furniture has a middleman with a markup. You actually have a decent chance of saving money at a retailer who carries Ashley Furniture along with other manufacturers.
2. Ashley Furniture is priced well. You get a lot of look for what you’re paying and the quality is decent.
3. It is imported. Like most furniture these days, Ashley Furniture is made in Asia. Don’t let that scare you away too much. The only things you’ll find made in the USA is very pricey.
4. Ashley knows how to flow goods. They have their own freight lines so they can ship to the retailer in a decent amount of time. They also typically have a large amount of their inventory stocked which helps speed up the shipping process.
Ashley Furniture is altogether a great company. They are not the highest quality out there, but they sure know how to make your home look nice on a reasonable budget. You can shop for them at your local store to see how it looks in person, but don’t be afraid to order online from a reputable retailer. A retailer who has a brick and mortar store and an e-store will likely have the ability to cut the price and ship it right to your front door.

2011-01-13T11:00:00.000-05:00

Tilt-swivel sets with casters are getting harder to find. The days of walking in to your furniture store and seeing caster dinette sets lined up are gone. There are a few specialty retailers who still carry this niche product. Many of the factories who made the tilt-swivel dinettes have closed up shop. You can, however, still buy Chromcraft Dinettes dinettes on casters.
Chromcraft has a downside though; they take a long time to ship the product. Many special orders take 16 weeks or more. If you can’t wait that long, you may need to look for the tilt-swivel set in stock or look for a different brand. There are other manufactures who make caster kitchen sets like Tobias Designs and Douglas Casual Living. Douglas is a bit of a confusing subject. There was a Douglas who sold tilt-swivel sets for many years, then went out of business a few years back. A new company now uses the Douglas name, but has a different product in the same category.
All this to say, you will have a hard time finding a caster set that tilts and swivels, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. Shop around, make calls, and be patient if it’s a special order.

Kitchen Tables and More by Dinette Gallery at Easton

2011-01-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

Kitchen Tables and More Furniture Columbus Ohio

There are big changes happening at the Dinette Gallery. After extensive research including a man-on-the-street video, the Dinette Gallery realized that the word “Dinette” is a strange old term. Therefore, the 32 year old company is changing their name to “Kitchen Tables and More.”
Part of this change includes a new 10′ x 30′ sign on the freeway in Columbus, Ohio. This big undertaking has given Kitchen Tables and More the opportunity to clearly communicate what they sell to the 200,000+ cars that drive on I270 daily. The new sign uses LED technology and should significantly lower the electricity usage and maintenance costs over the years. The previous sign for “Dinette Gallery” used neon lighting. The cost of maintaining that type of sign was part of their motivation to change, but the main reason for the change is to eliminate the confusion of what a “Dinette Gallery” is.

Amisco Furniture

2011-01-13T10:51:00.000-05:00

Amisco Furniture Stools

Amisco Furniture is a Canadian company, specializes in contemporary barstools, counterstools and kitchen tables. Their modern and contemporary styles are not only for the edgy designs, they also have styles that are more transitional.

While most furniture manufactures only give a 1-year warranty, Amisco comes with a free 10-year warranty on all welding. This is a nice feature since the welded joints are the one place that is most likely to cause problems over time on metal furniture.

The other benefit that you get with Amisco is the custom options. You can choose from several finishes of metal and you can choose from several nice fabric options.
It does take a few weeks to get this brand of furniture once ordered. It can vary from 3-9 weeks depending on the time of year.

Canadel Furniture: What you need to know when custom ordering

2011-01-13T10:06:00.002-05:00

If you’re looking to custom order high-end kitchen or dining room furniture such as Canadel Furniture there are some very important things you should know. Check out this video to get the skinny.

Kitchen Pub Sets

2010-10-21T15:58:00.000-04:00

Many people are turning to tall kitchen tables called "pub sets" like the
Amisco dining table "Kyle" which adds the feel of being at a restaurant and makes your guests feel at ease when they want to just plop down for a while. The standard table height has been used since the average height of an American was much shorter than we are now.

What You Need to Know When Custom Ordering

2010-08-10T15:11:00.002-04:00

If you're looking to custom order high-end kitchen tables or custom dining room sets, there are some very important things you should know. Check out this video to get the skinny.

Floor Protection, Chair Longevity

2010-07-27T15:06:00.004-04:00

So let's take a look at how to make your chairs last longer and at the same time protect your floor. Watch this video on how to do that.

How To: Self-Storing Leaf Tables

2010-07-21T14:46:00.002-04:00

,

There are some kitchen tables with selfstoring butterfly leaves in a very convenient way. Watch this video to see how it is done.

Canadel, Canadel, Canadel

2010-07-07T16:46:00.000-04:00

Canadel Furniture Kitchen Dining Set

One of the finest lines in kitchen and dining furniture is Canadel Dining Furniture
. While it costs more than the average set, the quality is hard to beat. Why are they one of the best?

Catalyzed Lacquer Finish- The finish is literally baked on the furniture. This helps prevent chips and dents, but mainly will help you avoid water rings or water marks left by a wet glass and staining.
Solid Birch or Oak- The wood used by Canadel is top quality Birch which gives a beautiful and rich look or if you prefer the deep grain the Oak option is very nice. Plus birch is considered a "hard wood" which adds to the longevity.
Custom Choices- Canadel has over 70 finishes and over 55 fabrics to chose from. Chose your table size and shape, then you can actually chose the leg or pedestal style for the table and the leg style for most chairs. Then you can chose the edge(profile) of your table. Distressed or matte finish. All that then you can even get Coran or Zodiaq.
Solid Construction- Table: Solid wood including sliding tracks, blocked corners, undersides of tables are completely sealed with ultraviolet seal coat and reinforced with anti-warp boards to prevent warping due to humidity. Chairs: Blocked to prevent twisting and cracking, chair joints are glued and nailed(or screwed), legs are individually adjusted to eliminate rocking, backs of chairs are steam-bent to prevent cracks and are nailed and glued for strength and durability.

Yeah, they're top-notch. So, where do you purchase such a fine piece of furniture? (Made entirely in North America) Several high-end retailers sell Canadel, but Kitchen Tables and More in Columbus, Ohio guarantees the lowest price in Central Ohio... just sayin :)

Make Your Chairs Last Longer

2010-06-16T15:45:00.001-04:00

As was discussed in Going Greenest, chairs and barstools need glides. Don't settle for the default glides that come from the factory. The factory installed glides are typically small and don't do what they need to. Go buy them at your local hardware store or furniture store.

Hard floor: Felt Glides
Carpet floor: Plastic Glides
Bigger is better: Get the largest glide that will fit on the bottom of the leg.

The goal is to make your chairs or stools slide across the floor as little as possible so that the joints are not stressed. It also makes it easier on you when moving a heavy chair or stool.

Are You Prepared to Decorate?

2010-06-09T15:05:00.000-04:00

When preparing to decorate or furnish a room, you need to be prepared. I recommend having a small bag that you can grab at a moments notice. Here are some items to keep in your bag:

Small sample of wood to match or contrast against, this can be a drawers from cabinets or a leaves from kitchen tables
Paint chip or sample
Fabric or leather swatch or an arm cover from a sofa
Pillow from the sofa in case you need to take a nap... I mean in case you need those colors to work with
Picture of the current room

Many times when decorating, you may stop by a store on a whim. Then once you arrive it's difficult to recall all the colors and tones in your home.

Kitchen Tables That Don't Match...Intentionally

2010-05-26T13:38:00.001-04:00

napoleon dining set

When shopping for wood kitchen tables, many folks think that they have to match the wood/laminate floor. Adding variety by contrasting the wood tones provides a rich depth that would get lost if you match the wood finishes exactly.

Storing Your Table's Leaf

2010-04-28T13:38:00.004-04:00

Here is a video describing storing the leaf of your kitchen tables or dining room tables as discussed in my previous post Storing Your Leaf.

Changes

2010-04-26T10:04:00.004-04:00

Major changes are coming to this blog about dinettes and kitchen tables. All of you who want more of my pretty face, well, you'll get more of it soon:) I hope to begin vlogging by the end of the week about furniture tips and featured furniture items. Now I'm off to get a camera.

Furniture Needs

2010-04-21T14:40:00.004-04:00

How do you know what you need when picking out dinette sets, barstools, or entertainment centers? One thing is for sure, asking too many opinions can just confuse you. I've seen many instances where someone will poll every friend they have only to never make a decision. My suggestion, ask a few people who have good taste, then go with what you want. After all, you will be the one looking at your purchase every day:)

Update: All Four on the Floor!

2009-09-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

Reposting as a favor to all of our friends at Chairs Quick (http://chairs-quick.com)

How many times have you heard it from mom when you're sitting at the kitchen table and you lean back in one of your chairs to have only two chair legs touching, and she says, "Four on the floor!" Well there is actually something to that old saying. Safety aside, some in the furniture industry estimate that you will lessen the life of that chair. Some estimate 50-75% of the life a chair is lost when you regularly lean back. Of course the heavier we Americans get the less likely our chairs will hold out like they did for grandma, especially when we jeopardize the structural integrity by leaning back on two legs.

Kitchen Tables That Give... Legs vs Pedestal

2009-02-16T15:53:00.004-05:00

When shopping for kitchen tables or dining room sets you may notice a little wobble with tables that have a pedestal. A leg table will give you more stability on the corners, but will reduce the ability to put chairs at the corner when you have guests. A pedestal table will feel like it has give at the edges, but you will be able to seat more people around it. Of course you do lose a little leg room with a pedestal, but it also provides a foot rest for the kids.

Kitchen Tables and Dinettes

2008-12-05T11:37:00.004-05:00

Have the use of dinettes and kitchen tables shifted in recent years? Traditionally, dinettes were used for eating meals and homework. In my home we use the kitchen table to sort the mail, use the laptop, read the newspaper, pay the bills and of course have dinner. Today's dinettes get a lot of use, and thus the importance of picking out kitchen table sets that will hold up under the daily grind in your kitchen. Here is an example of an inexpensive sold wood dinette.

Keep Those Legs Tight... Not Too Tight

2008-10-27T12:52:00.006-04:00

I still remember putting together my first dinette as a kid. Growing up in a family business which sold dinettes, pretty much required me to learn this skill early on. Well I think it was a Ligo dinette, but my mistake was getting excited with the wrench. I overtightened the screw on one of the dinettes legs, when POP!, I split the wood. I learned the hard way that day, that you should only make it snug not super tight. Also, when you notice tables with legs that start to wobble, that means it needs a little tightening. This usually occurs during autumn when the wood begins to dry out.

The White Ring of Death

2008-10-10T10:45:00.005-04:00

So you sit back after balancing your checkbook at the kitchen table, then you set your hot cup of coffee down for a few moments. The next day you notice a strange white ring on your table that can't be wiped off. Hello heat mark. It can occur from a hot drink, pizza box, or a pot. Mr. Know-it-all will tell you, "Shoulda used a coaster, I always do." No kidding? Well now how do you get rid of it? There are quite a few products out there that help. One that I've used with great success is Jasco White Ring Remover. It is usually sold at your local hardware store, and last I checked, they don't have a company website. It supposedly works on water marks too, although most new dinettes have a catalyzed or other finish that helps prevent that. Good luck!

Super Comfy Chairs

2008-08-14T14:01:00.005-04:00

When you think of a tilt and swivel chair with casters, you may think of this. There are, however, a few other options if you're looking for a dinette with wheels. Here are a few things to consider when making this purchase. First, a chair that swivels will hit the edge of the table. That is why it is very rare to find a glass table with a swivel chair. Second, a chair with wheels should not be located next to stair. (This shouldn't need more explanation) Third, these chairs are usually very comfortable, so be ready to spend more time with your family in the kitchen.

Knots Landing... On My Table

2008-07-17T16:40:00.003-04:00

I'm sure that you've noticed a time or two that the face of a cabinet shows few knots, and some table tops show the same. I remember from my days on the sales floor (2000 - 2004) that some customers wondered why their table had more knots (or less knots) than those on the showroom floor. The same question arose from customers interested in high-end granite table sets. The answer is simple. God made it that way. That's not sarcasm, that's reality. When stone is cut from a mountain in India that piece of stone is going to have different character than the one cut from the next mountain over. The same goes with a wood table. Each tree is a little different and the character is to be enjoyed as a part of creation. So if you are ready buy a real wood table or a granite dinette, be prepared to enjoy years of nature right there in your home.

What are dinettes anyway?

2008-06-24T15:22:00.003-04:00

One thing I've found in recent years is that the word "dinette" is not used as often. Many young people think it's a room next to the kitchen or a 50's style restaurant table. The word "dinette" can be used to describe those things, but it is traditionally used to describe the table and chairs you would have in your kitchen area. Basically (dinette = kitchen table + chairs). Make sense? Many people over the age of 30 will find this a little redundant, but it's interesting how certain words change or are lost from generation to generation. Anyway, I'm rambling on, hop on over to Kitchen Tables and More and shop/learn how many "dinettes" are available.

My furniture... It's alive!

2008-05-08T14:06:00.006-04:00

Your wood furniture may be a dead tree, but that doesn't mean that it can't still breath. Have you ever noticed that every once and a while your dinette doesn't always perfectly meet in the middle where the leaf goes? It will absorb the moisture in the air as well as let the moisture out when the air is dry. Nothing is wrong when it does this, it's supposed to. There are wood surfaces with baked on varnishes that protect against moisture damage but usually you will see that the underside is not baked on so that your furniture will stay ~~healthily~~ healthy and breathing.

It's Retro Time.

2008-04-29T14:29:00.004-04:00

The other day I went to the Annual Spring Student Art Sale at Columbus College of Art and Design. I saw many works that impressed me, as a matter of fact most of what I saw was amazing. One piece that I took a particular interest in was of a retro dinette (seen above) by O'Reilly Ink. Many can remember when this style was the norm, when every restaurant had the formica retro dinette and barstools. Of course these days you can even buy a retro dinette with Coca-cola logos. So if you want your kitchen to take a stroll down memory lane maybe this art piece will inspire you too.

Update: Cleaning My Wood Furniture

2008-04-18T10:46:00.013-04:00

If you've been duped by Orange-Glo to clean wood products, you're not alone. Our friends Justin and Alecia found out the hard way when using this product to clean their coffee tables, hutch, and even their wood floor. As you can see in the pictures, it left a nice film all over the wood. Scrub away the filth... it magically comes back like Steve Carell's beard in Evan Almighty. To review if you missed my blog "Cleaning My Wood Furniture", here are the steps:
1. Damp cloth. (with mild dish soap if necessary)
2. Dry cloth.
Bada-bing. That's it.

Making Room For Round

2008-04-04T10:06:00.004-04:00

Need help fitting a round kitchen table in a tight space? Well the solution is actually simple. Rotate the kitchen table so the chairs fit into the corner of the room. Enjoy my lovely layout of the dinette above!

Cleaning My Wood Furniture

2008-03-26T11:03:00.006-04:00

Time and time again I have seen a HUGE no-no when I watch friends clean their coffee tables, wood dinettes and formal dining sets. They grab a can of furniture spray and go to town. OUCH! Many furniture polish products can leave a film that, over time, actually collect dust. Not to mention the reaction of the chemicals in that polish with the chemicals that were on the table's surface when you bought it. It doesn't matter if it's a name brand, or if it's made of oranges, lemons, limes, or pine trees... it's unnecessary. The best way to clean your wood furniture actually requires nothing more than mild soap and water. Yep, you read me right. Use a wet cloth followed by a dry one. That simple.

Going Greenest?

2008-03-11T14:10:00.002-04:00

So you're wanting to save the planet and you're wanting new furniture. You can overhaul your kitchen and pay through the nose to go green(unintended pun) or you can buy what you originally wanted for the budget that you already set and make it last longer. If you want to make your table and chairs to hold up like a durable good, you need to keep fresh glides on the bottom. If you have carpet use plastic(nylon) glides and if you have a hardwood floor you need the felt glides. Make sure they are as big or bigger than the bottom of the leg. Change them out as needed, and you will not need a new dinette set for years. That is unless you get tired of looking at once it's old. Seriously though, the buzz for saving the environment is everywhere. You can make your next kitchen table sets last a lifetime with the right care.

Storing Your Leaf

2008-02-27T11:41:00.005-05:00

My wife and I were discussing a few days ago about redoing our bedroom. I kind of like a modern look like Design Happens shows in a recent blog while my wife is looking for more of a classic rich look with dark wood. So you may be wondering what all this has to do with the title "Storing Your Leaf." Time and again I have discussed with customers the frustration of pulling out a leaf for their table and it doesn't fit like it did when it was new. I was reminded of this the other day when I saw our leaf lying under our bed. Wood is a living (kind of) breathing material, it expands and contracts. If a leaf is stored in a basement or garage it will have more or less moisture than your table. Likewise, it can and will bow if it is stored on its end in a closet. The best way to store a leaf is FLAT under a bed. Some tables have self-storing leaves, this eliminates the issue altogether.
So no matter what bedroom suit we choose, one thing that will be constant, the leaf for our dining room table will be beneath the bed, like it should.

Chase away those winter blues.

2008-01-25T09:08:00.000-05:00

Winter brings the perfect time to freshen up your home
decor. A few simple tips can help to make the winter
warmer, and brighten your spirits as you anticipate
the days when the light lingers in the sky just a
little bit longer each evening. Sometimes a fresh coat
of paint can do the trick. Warmer tones can add to
the comforting atmosphere that your family brings to
the kitchen table. Rather than settling for neutral tones,
choosing a warmer tone that is still muted can enhance
the mood expressed by your family gatherings and
brighten up the walls. Making sure that the tones you
choose are muted will provide for a clear splash of
color without being a distraction. Consider
re-painting the living room or family room as well
with colors that complement. You will find that as
you move from the kitchen to the living room or family
room the warmth and vibrancy will follow you,
enhancing your home each evening. When the seasons
continue to change the fresh colors will keep your
home full comfort and joy all year 'round. What's
hanging on your walls? It may be time to consider
adding new decor to the walls of your room. Pictures
that follow a theme are a great addition to the
kitchen or dining room. Perhaps you enjoy sidewalk
cafe's, or maybe you have a flair for nostalgic signs
or advertisements. If you have old magazines stored
away in an attic perhaps you could peruse them for
unique food advertisements. Inexpensive frames that
can hold the standard magazine-sized pages can be
purchased at discount department stores. Antique
stores and re-sale shops hold a great wealth of
nostalgic product packaging. The colorful and
retro-styled packages make for great art and double as
wonderful conversation pieces when framed and hung on
the wall in support of a theme. It could also be time
to update the furniture around your home. A stylish
and trendy kitchen table may be just the thing you need to brighten
the winter blues. Perhaps your family has grown
recently, and you find yourself in need of an heirloom
piece that your family will enjoy for generations
to come. If you received a new television for
Christmas a new entertainment center may be in order to spice up your living
room or basement in time for the big game. If that is
the case then the Kitchen Tables and More has the selection
and the quality you'd expect from the Midwest's most
dedicated home furniture retailer. Our everyday low
prices are right for any budget, and right now we are
offering our Winter Sales Event where you can find the
right piece for your home and save even more. The
Dinette Gallery is the place with the selection,
pricing, and expertise to help you chase away those
winter blues.