Purchasing your next
family heirloom
This article sponsored by Bayside Furnishings.
Bayside Furnishings by Whalen is a leading
manufacturer of fine furniture. Founded in
1991, Whalen Furniture provides home furniture solutions for today’s families. Superior
construction techniques, quality materials
and innovative designs distinguish each
piece. Costco features a collection of Bayside
Furnishings by Whalen Furniture. For more
information, visit www.baysidefurnishings.com.
THE HISTORY OF FURNITURE making goes back centuries, but many of
the techniques that distinguished the best furniture then are still found in
high-quality furniture today. If chosen carefully, new furniture will provide
years of service and be in your family for years to come.
The right materials and techniques
Hardwoods such as cherry, maple, ash and mahogany are strong and
dent resistant. High-quality furniture is generally constructed of hardwoods,
sometimes solid, sometimes mixed with veneers. Avoid paper laminates. Furniture made with paper laminates and softwood is inexpensive but generally
will quickly show signs of wear.
A sure sign of superior construction is evident
in the joinery. Dovetailing, a technique that uses a
series of interlocking pins and tails cut from the
wood, keeps drawer joints from pulling apart.
A well-applied finish can add years of service
to wood furniture and enhance its natural beauty. A
proper finish will also provide resistance to temperature changes and moisture. Look for uniform color Dovetailing
and shine across the finish, and consider choosing
a distressed or rough-hewn finish for furniture in
high-traffic areas to hide nicks and scratches.
Smart and functional touches
High-quality furniture should withstand the
rigors of daily use. European hinges are durable
and easy to adjust, and add value to any armoire
or desk. Full-extension metal ball-bearing drawer European hinges
slides will endure the strenuous test of everyday
use. Felt or rubber stops add a nice cushion to closing doors and seated
shelves, and prevent wear or rattle from shock or vibration.
Consider ergonomics as well. A properly designed desk or chair should
allow you to sit in a relaxed, natural position, looking straight ahead at your
work, with all of your peripherals within easy reach.
Also, assess your technical needs for built-in options such as keyboard
trays, power centers and plug-ins or routers for electronic devices. And don’t
forget about the time-tested benefits of organized storage, adequate task
space, ease of use and comfort.
Consider the present and the future
When making a furniture purchase, you will most likely be trying to solve
an immediate need, but keep future considerations in mind. Sketch a simple
floor plan or use an online room planner. Consider dimensions, color, other
pieces in the room and the short- and long-term use of the room or space. Buy
furniture for the way you want the room to be, not the way it is.
If you do your homework and look for these lasting furniture features,
your next furniture purchase could become your next family heirloom. A
