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How to Buy A Statement Piece of Furniture
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What is a statement piece? As in fashion, I think of a statement piece as an adornment or something that exudes a “Wow!” factor. It’s an example of design that sets the room apart by giving it a singular style. It’s the type of piece that if someone who knew you well and was visiting, they would say, “This room definitely speaks of you.” A look that defines your taste as nothing else can. .jpg)
Sometimes a statement piece can follow your passion. For example, if you are an aficionado (read this as someone who is knowledgeable) about wine, then your statement piece might be a particularly impressive wine rack. If you pride yourself in your understanding of all things from the Egyptian era, perhaps you would want a stylistic trunk, table or chair from Toscano—a company that presents over-the-top stylistic furniture and accouterments.
There are certain considerations to factor in before you go out to buy that statement piece, as I think an “impulse purchase” can be a regrettable mistake upon reflection. To begin:
Size
Think about the size of the piece. Many statement pieces have a large footprint. That’s fine, and I have a huge red mahogany highboy that is over 81-inches tall in a circular hallway in my home that no other piece could fill quite as successfully. But moving it to another locale would present a multitude of problems. So make sure that the square footage, ceiling height, and traffic pattern will support your choice.
Draw It Out
That brings us to another suggestion that I feel is well offered. Before you begin to look for your singular furniture, as with any other investment, plan it out by doing a room scale drawing or placement room plan. You also want to make sure that a window will not be blocked or present sunlight damage to an especially delicate upholstery. If you are not adept at sketching, there are software programs for room plan placements that will make things easier.
Consider Fabric and Finish
I’ve seen a glorious goatskin vanity table, but of what upkeep? If you have a new puppy that chews things, his unfortunate habit would be tantamount to heartsick disaster, as this piece will not accept repair should something happen.
If you are going for a cowhair chair, make sure that the texture is not offensive to sensitive skin. Likewise, think about embellishments such as brass tacks or studs—will they interfere with comfort? Perhaps a pillow accent in cowhide or a floor rug would be preferable.
Mirrored tables are trés chic, but they do not do well around small children’s hands and the subsequent fingerprints. Just like keeping stainless, your mirrored piece will be highly reflective and that always spell out additional care (maybe antiqued mirror would be better).
Leather furniture always makes a big statement, looks wonderful and dominant, but can be downright uncomfortable in hot weather unless you have adequate ventilation and air.
Make It Fit
Burled wood, painted furniture and gilded statement pieces too, have their own individuality. A burled wood chest is quite manly and a room that has “Hunt” esthetics would be a perfect haunt, but that same chest might fail in a more feminine setting. Painted furniture is actually more casual and reminiscent of a Scandinavian region or of the decorated furnishings period such as what would appear with the ornate French style period. They can be juxtaposed against other traditional pieces, but may look out of place in a modern setting, where more Art Deco styling would thrive. (It’s easy today to take a cell phone photograph of your present room and carry it around with you as you shop, for professional input.)
Construction Inspection
Love does not hide poor construction. You need to get physical with your perfect piece before you buy it. For structured furniture such as couches and beds, of course you must sit on them, lie on them, move around on them and make sure that it fits your body well. Learn about spring construction and check all buttons and design elements for security. You can (with store assistance or help) turn over smaller pieces, find out about dowels, gluing, and other structural practices. In addition, an “all-down” cushion might collapse quickly, but a combination foam-core wrapped-down situation will remedy that. For the amount of money you may spend on a signature piece, you are owed an explanation of its construction—don’t be afraid to ask.
There you have it. I hope your signature item adds panache and a pleasant aesthetic to your rooms that lives on through your life.
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National Home Furnishing Association
http://www.nhfa.org/ConsumerPage/tabid/248/Default.aspx
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http://www.statementfurniture.com/
MarronFossil sink
Napoleon’s door
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http://www.thomasville.com/
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http://uantique.com/chests.htm Nicole Madison’s Fine Furniture
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