Our Classic Shaker Living Room Collection and Windsor Rocking Chair
It may be time for a yard sale if your living room furniture hasn’t been updated since 1995.
Over the years it’s easy to amass furniture from many different places. Yard sales, inherited heirlooms, estate sales and children have all been the cause of mismatched furniture pieces in homes across America. Even if you have matching living room furniture, chances are it’s been in your home for a decade or two.
Our Modern Shaker Wall Mirror in Cherry and Walnut
Why let the table and chairs have all the attention? We think what you put around them is just as important!
You’ve just invested a lot of time and money into your new dining table and chairs. The furniture has arrived and is set up in your dining room. Now what? You have the main attraction, so what you choose to decorate the rest of the room with should be selected with care. You wouldn’t buy a nice suit or dress and pair it with low-quality accessories, would you?
I chose four pieces that should be next on your list.
Dining Bench-It’s nice alternative seating and can be multi-functional if you decide down the road you’d like more chairs. What I like the most about benches is that they give the illusion of fitting more people. And I love the idea of having a lot of people around the table enjoying a meal together.
Sideboard or Hunt Board-More than just a storage space, these pieces can complement or accent your dining table and chairs. A sideboard, traditionally has more cabinet space and a hunt board you’ll notice is more table like with longer legs and usually offers less storage space. They’re great for hiding less commonly used china, silverware and other glassware. And, they act as extra surface space for large meals and decorations.
Mirror-I’m not sure where this idea came from, but I love when dining rooms have a large mirror in them. It gives the illusion of more space, it can take up a lot of wall space if needed to complement the size of your furniture and can be used for practical purposes as well.
Statement Chandelier-There’s nothing I like less than a missed opportunity and I think lighting (which is important for the ambiance of a room) is often one of them. A chandelier is like the icing on the cake. It completes the room. You can have one that’s simple or ornate in design but most importantly it should match the style/theme of your room. You don’t want to go overboard and end up with an eye sore.
Our Classic Shaker Hunt Board and our Modern Shaker Long Sideboard both shown in Cherry.
If you’re unsure of where to start, I’d choose a piece that you know you need. Do you need more storage and surface space, is your dining room small, does it need better lighting, etc. and go from there.
Let us know what you’d get next for your dining space in the comments section below! And remember, now through February 11th you can save up to 20% off your dining furniture purchase during our Winter Dining Furniture Sale.
Questions? Our sales team is always available and eager to answer any questions you may have about our furniture and can be reached at (888) 390-5571 or you can stop in our Vernon, VT Showroom open seven days a week.
Our Modern Shaker Wall Mirror in Walnut and Hubbardton Forge Flora #2 Chandelier
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American Mission Coffee Table and End Table both in Cherry
Liven Up Your Living Room
With the long New England Winter in full force, I’ve been spending more and more time in my family’s living room. Easily the warmest in the house, we all cuddle around in it reading, watching a movie or coloring in our favorite new adult coloring books.
I’ve noticed recently though that while the couch and love-seat match, the rest of the furniture doesn’t. The end table is all that’s left of a living room set my parents got when my sister and I were children, the coffee table is a (very) small wooden chest and the TV console is a hand-me-down from my grandmother (so probably bought at a big-box store) that now has a couple corners nibbled out from our always hungry black lab.
Needless to say, our living room is in desperate need of an upgrade. If you’re living room is well loved like my family’s and has seen better days or if you’re looking to update to it, then why not think about the occasional tables? (Assuming your couch isn’t in need of replacing)
The most used and most visible table is the coffee table, and I’d start there. Sometimes you can get away with a unique coffee table that you found antiquing or re-purpose an old trunk but you want to be careful and make sure it blends with the theme of your room.
Knowing my mom has a penchant for Old New England style furniture, I would choose the Classic Shaker Flare Oval Coffee Table. The flared legs elevate the tables look and give it an air of sophistication, while the sleek lines and simple design will never go out of trend. The round design also gives off a feeling a openness and inclusion.
Classic Shaker Flare Oval Coffee Table in Cherry
Once settled on a coffee table, I would move next to the end tables. To match the coffee table, I would choose our Classic Shaker Flare Leg Round End Table. I would get two, one for each side of the couch. What I like about this table in particular is its size. The table top is just big enough for a table lamp and maybe your remotes…it doesn’t allow for clutter to accumulate.
Classic Shaker Flare Leg Round End Table shown in Cherry
Lastly, I would get the Classic Shaker Flare Leg Sofa Table to complete the set. The great thing about sofa tables is their versatility. I wouldn’t use it in the traditional way you’d think to use a sofa table. I would use it as a side table to complement a large black and white picture of the Chrysler Tower hanging on one wall in our living room.
Classic Shaker Flare Leg Sofa Table in Cherry
Just as a piece of jewelry or an accessory can make or break an outfit, your accent tables can do the same for your room. Right now my family’s living room is a hodge podge of pieces that don’t really work cohesively. We need to scrap the mismatched furniture and start over.
If you’re feeling the same way about your living room, then maybe it is time to get new accent tables. All of our occasional tables are available in Cherry, Maple, Oak or Walnut woods and are handmade by local craftspeople. Dress your room in the finest wood furniture Vermont has to offer.
Our knowledgeable and friendly sales team is always here to answer any questions you may have about our furniture. You can contact us toll free at (888) 390-5571 or by visiting our historic Showroom in Vernon, Vermont.
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Our Cherry Moon Bed, 9-Drawer Dresser and Nightstand all in Cherry Wood
Our Handpicked Bedroom Sets Are Now 25% Off-ALWAYS!
The other day as I was driving home, I decided to listen to the regular old FM radio instead of my usual selection of Pandora, Spotify and NPR Podcasts. Something I noticed after a little while was how often I was hearing furniture store commercials. And it wasn’t just the usual big box stores I was hearing the ads from–they were coming from locally owned stores, too. I heard everything from win tickets to see the Red Sox to visit our new IMAX screen. I wondered to myself, what are they actually selling?
Don’t let a mess ruin your sleep! Stay organized with one of our handmade nightstands!
The other day I was reorganizing my bedroom when I noticed something about myself. I love to collect books, especially it appeared, on the floor around my bed. I had about half a dozen books on the floor near my nightstand, and probably another half dozen or so split between the small shelf and tabletop of my nightstand. So much space was covered in books and other small trinkets that I had barely enough space for a glass of water, my phone and glasses.
As I cleaned, finding books I forgot I had started reading in the first place, it got me thinking how much I’d love a nightstand with a drawer to hide my knick-knacks and a real shelf to house my book collection…or at least the few I’m determined to finish this year!
If you’re a hoarder of books like me, you may be looking for a versatile nightstand that offers both functionality and some storage. If you’re in search of more space for your accessories, maybe you’re looking for a nightstand that acts as an extension of your dresser or maybe you’re looking for a nightstand simply to house a lamp, book and alarm clock.
We have many nightstands to choose from, but I’ve dug through our inventory and found some that I think highlight the unique styles we offer and compliment our handmade beds.
1. Vermont Shaker Bedside Table:This nightstand offers one drawer and is styled with 4-sided tapered legs in a simple, yet modern Shaker design. It’s great for the minimalist at heart. while still providing storage space. It’s available in Cherry, Maple and Walnut woods and is 19” wide x 26” high x 19” deep.
Vermont Shaker Bedside Table shown in Cherry
2. Sarah 1 Drawer Nightstand with Shelf: With an open design, this nightstand features a single drawer and a handy bottom shelf. It’s available in 2 heights in natural Cherry or Maple and 12 stain colors. The shelf can double as either a place to display a collection and/or artifact or can offer additional storage–add a basket for flair to collect socks and scarves! This nightstand is 22” wide x 24” or 28” high x 22” deep.
Sarah 1 Drawer Nightstand with Shelf shown in Cherry
3. American Shaker Nightstand: Featuring both a single drawer and shelf, this nightstand offers a less open design, helpful for storage. You could put a small basket in the cubby space or line up some of your favorite nighttime reads. This nightstand is available in Cherry, Maple or Walnut woods and can be designed to fit your needs with options for it’s design. It measures 22” wide x 28” high x 17” deep.
American Shaker Nightstand in Cherry
4. Cherry Moon 1-Drawer Night Stand With Door: This nightstand features the signature Cherry Moon reverse tapered legs and gentle arching curve on the bottom. This design offers both a single drawer and shelf with a door to keep your belongings hidden. This is great for someone in need of extra storage space. It’s available in Cherry, Maple and Walnut woods with Walnut knobs and measures 23” wide x 26” high x 17” deep.
Cherry Moon 1-Drawer Nightstand with Door
5. Green Mountain 3-Drawer Nightstand:The contemporary style of the Green Mountain Nightstand showcases flared legs and a slightly concave design. Featuring three drawers, this nightstand is perfect for someone who needs a little extra storage space for accessories…think socks, belts, scarves. It’s available in Cherry, Maple, Oak and Walnut with Brushed Nickel or Black knobs and measures 22” wide x 25” high x 18.5” deep.
Green Mountain 3-Drawer Nightstand shown in Cherry
So, whether you’re like me and need more storage space to keep your bedside organized or you’re just looking for a nightstand to keep a lamp and alarm clock on, we’ve got you covered.
Our friendly team is always available for any questions you may have about our furniture, contact us toll free at 888-390-5571. Shop for your nightstand and bedroom furniture securely and conveniently from our online store, order by phone or stop into our Stonehurst Showroom today!
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Make your room feel new again, by adding one or all of these great accessories!
To make your bedroom feel new again, you don’t need to hire a designer and do a total makeover. There are several fun and simplistic things you can do to give your bedroom that freshness you’ve been craving!
1. Decorative pillows: Prices can range from super high end to nice and affordable. My favorite place to shop for new decorative pillows is the local thrift store. Mix & match for an eclectic look, sure to bring new life into your space.
2: Plants: Literally bring life into your bedroom! When things are feeling a little dull and uninspiring, introduce your favorite houseplant to your bedroom. They’re nice to look at, and many are super good for your health!
3. Accessorize with wood furniture: There’s a lot of wood furniture than can be used in a variety of different ways. This beautiful Copeland dining chair is very versatile, and would nicely complement your bedroom furniture! Put a pillow on top of it or leave it on its own, the beauty of this chair speaks for itself and makes a truly stylish accent piece.
4. Change your hardware: Are you currently using regular, cheap hardware for your windows & etc? Switch over to something a little more stylish! There are many options for high quality curtain rods & accessories.
5. Temporary Wallpaper. From bold and daring to modest and traditional, there is a temporary wallpaper for you. Add a statement wall or use it all across the entire bedroom to give you a totally new look without much cost or effort!
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I’ve been looking for a definition of “solid wood furniture“. I’m finding the same thing I found when I looked for a definition of “American made furniture”. Anything goes. Here’s an example of what I found on a popular reference website (About.com),
Solid walnut wood furniture means that all exposed parts of the piece are wood. But the frame and inner parts may be of other, less-costly wood. Thin layers of fine, decorative wood can be bonded to the face of low cost wood pieces. This is called veneering.
Now does that sound like solid wood furniture to you? I don’t think so. If you’re shopping for high quality furniture and solid wood construction is important to you, try asking your salesperson these 5 questions to help clarify things:
Is This Real Solid Wood Furniture or Veneered?
When you take a look at the edge of a solid wood tabletop you can see if the graining on the top carries through on the edge – the way marbling does in a piece of steak. If this is not the case, you are looking at the “banding” on a veneered piece. Another way to tell solid wood is to look at the underside of the piece. Does the grain look like the same as the wood on the table top? If not, then it’s probably veneered.
Is this Furniture Made Of Hardwood of Softwood?
In North America, typically the best quality solid wood furniture is made of native hardwoods, such as cherry, walnut, maple, oak, ash and birch. Although hardwood is more expensive than softwood, it has a higher density and is therefore usually harder and heavier. Hardwood grain is closed, tight and non-resinous as opposed to softwood grain that’s loose and resinous, thus it splits easy.
Is the Craftsmanship Top Quality?
You can buy plenty of solid wood furniture that’s of poor quality. For example, I just searched for “solid hardwood furniture high quality” and Google shopper’s first result was a solid wood bed for $68.98. What good does it do to have solid wood construction when poor workmanship is going to limit the life of a piece to a couple years? Check for solid craftsmanship, top quality joinery and meticulous finishes in your furniture. A salesperson should be able to show and tell you about construction details such as mortise and tenon joints, dovetails, miter joints, finger joints, splines, biscuits, dowels, butts, dados, rabbets, tongue and groove and more. Durable, robust joinery is critical to the life and usefulness of a piece.
Finish is important too. Most imported furniture is finished with cheap coatings that contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and benzene) which can cause asthma and allergies especially in young children. Ask your salesperson to explain what’s in the finish and how many coats have been applied to protect the furniture over time.
Is This American Made or Imported Furniture?
Are you wondering why imported furniture is so much cheaper than American made furniture? It’s not just that Chinese wages are about 1/10 of American wages. It’s about where the raw materials come from. In the USA, wood furniture is made from sustainably harvested wood that comes from well managed American forests. With imported furniture, the wood is typically clear cut from the world’s rapidly disappearing rainforests. Although imported furniture often carries labels that it’s made of American cherry, walnut, oak or maple woods, that is rarely the case. These labels are trade names used to describe woods of suspicious origin that are stained to look like familiar American woods such as cherry and walnut.
Am I Getting The Best Value & Price?
Top quality solid wood furniture is inherently expensive, so you’ll want to be sure you’re getting the best value and price. Find a local craftsman or retailer you can trust. Try to purchase your furniture as a set, rather than piece by piece. Purchasing furniture sets not only creates efficiency in the craftsman’s workshop, it also saves money in shipping and delivery.
For more tips on purchasing top quality solid wood furniture with the best value and price, visit our Facebook and join the conversation.
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We received this beautiful picture of our Cherry Blossom Single Pedestal Table from Mary M in Palm Desert, CA. I love how she blended a relatively modern cherry dining set with what looks like a 16th century Baroque painting, a Colonial American corner cabinet and a collection of vibrant patchwork quilts. But it was her combination of different woods that reminded me to talk about wood movement today.
Mary’s M’s cherry dining furniture (shown above) was made in Vermont (a relatively humid place, especially in the summer) and shipped to the desert of Arizona. Since we ship a lot of Vermont made wood furniture to desert locales in California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and elsewhere, I thought I’d post a few tips on humidity and climate control.
Wood Furniture Moves in Response to Changes in Humidity
When wood is part of a living tree, water moves up the trunk, from the ground and through the pores and fibers of the wood, as it travels out to the leaves. After a tree is cut and sawn into lumber, water continues to move back and forth through the wood fibers until the wood’s moisture level reaches equilibrium with its environment.
The job of woodworkers is to design and build furniture with a thorough understanding of the characteristics of wood movement. But in spite of their advanced knowledge and skills, no woodworker is able to create wood furniture that is completely unresponsive to temperature and humidity in your home. So here are a few climate control tips from our Furniture Care section to ensure that your wood furniture will remain beautiful and structurally sound for generations of enjoyment.
Climate Control Tips
Keep your home around 70°F-72°F with a relative humidity of about 50-55%
This often requires a humidifier in winter and an air conditioner in summer
Place your furniture away from heat sources such as radiators, heat runs or fireplaces
Store table leaves as close as possible to the table so they adjust to the same humidity conditions
Use a dehumidifier during wet, rainy times and in damp rooms to remove excess moisture from the air
For wood furniture with an oil finish, re-oil it frequently to create and maintain a patina. A rule of thumb is to oil your furniture:
Immediately upon receipt
Once/week during the first month
Once/month during the first year
Once or twice/year after that
Normally if you’re comfortable with the temperature and humidity in your home, your wood furniture will be comfortable as well. It’s designed to be durable and to accommodate normal changes in climate so most homeowners need not worry. Relax and enjoy it. Given reasonably good care your wood furniture will last for generations.
Tips from Furniture Restoration Experts
Check out this furniture renovation article from our friends over at Porch.com. You’ll learn even more tricks and techniques to make you an expert in wood furniture care.
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Organized crime is currently responsible for an unprecedented rate of rainforest destruction. Unchecked illegal logging is rampant in tropical countries too poor to effectively monitor and enforce conservation regulations. You can help save the rainforest by avoiding the purchase of imported forest products like wood furniture and flooring.
Forest conservation is at the heart of our mission at Vermont Woods Studios and we’re always trying to raise awareness about where your wood furniture comes from. If you’re committed to buying American made furniture— no worries. Chances are it’s made from legal wood, sustainably harvested from well-managed forests right here in North America.
But if you’re buying imported wood furniture (70% of furniture sold in America is imported) then: Houston, we have a problem.
A recent Washington Post article by Brad Plumer entitled Organized Crime is Getting Rich Cutting Down the Rainforest describes how the illegal logging trade has become just as lucrative (and far more destructive) than the drug-trafficking industry. 50 to 90 percent of forestry in tropical areas is now controlled by criminal groups! “A great deal of logging simply takes place illegally — much of it in tropical areas such as the Amazon Basin, Central Africa, and Southeast Asia.” (ref: United Nations and Interpol)
The U.N. estimates that illicit logging is now worth between $30 billion to $100 billion, or up to 30 percent of the global wood trade. That illegal wood is often shipped from pristine rainforests to China, Vietnam and other third world countries where it’s fabricated into low quality furniture which is sold to US consumers. We’ve written quite a bit about the links between rainforest destruction, global warming and the furniture and flooring you choose for your home:
If you’re considering buying furniture at IKEA, Home Depot or any big box store… ask where the lumber originates and let us know what you find on our Facebook or in the comments section below. Then re-discover sustainable, American made wood furniture and join us in feeling good about your furniture and your green home.
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With it’s creative combination of wood and metal, the Contemporary Cable Bedroom Furniture set is a best seller among interior designers looking to furnish renovated industrial spaces that are now upscale apartments and condos.
Metal and Wood Furniture Design
We introduced our eco-friendly Contemporary Cable Collection just a couple weeks ago but this high end, modern metal and wood furniture is already becoming a best seller. Customers shopping for a unique blend of Vermont style craftsmanship and sophisticated urban design are studying this furniture set. They like the clean look, the inlaid aluminum accent bars and the braided stainless steel drawer pulls.
This handcrafted Contemporary Cable Bedroom Furniture Collection features real solid cherry wood construction, aluminum accent bars inlaid into drawer fronts and braided stainless steel drawer pulls. The combination of wood and metal is a creative solution for interior designers looking to add warmth to renovated industrial spaces and loft apartments.
One of our designer friends found this solid wood furniture to be the perfect answer for clients who are moving into a renovated factory space in Montreal. Their luxury apartment has concrete floors and exposed metal duct work suspended from an 18 foot tall ceiling. The owners wanted high end, natural wood furniture to warm up their space but they also wanted to incorporate some of the post-industrial character of the room. The combination of solid wood, aluminum inlays and stainless steel cable drawer pulls in the furniture set brings the whole design concept together.
The combination of solid cherry wood, a natural hand-rubbed oil finish and braided stainless steel lines across the headboard and foot board of the Contemporary Cable Bed pulls together typical wood and metal design elements of renovated industrial factory spaces.
Green Design Considerations
The fact that the Contemporary Cable Collection is built with sustainably harvested wood and finished with a natural hand-rubbed oil was also important to these home owners. They had made conscious decisions to go green in their selection of a renovated dwelling that was part of a neighborhood revitalization project. So handmade, natural furniture fits into the green lifestyle they are embracing.
What do you think about this metal and wood furniture? Would it fit into your bedroom design?
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