Modern Outdoor Furniture

We can all sense the changes in the air: Spring is upon us and we’re all ready to get outside and enjoy our patios and swimming pools again.  As we’re spring cleaning and gearing up for the warmer months, many of us realize it’s time to reinvent the atmosphere and overall look of our patios and other outdoor living areas.  Modern Furniture Warehouse has the latest looks in contemporary outdoor and patio furniture.

Our lifestyles determine our buying habits; if we have young children, we generally think safety and playtime.  If there are no little ones, we might prefer a more sophisticated look that includes soft lighting and seating areas closer to the pool or bar b ques.  Whatever your style, you can be sure the right look is out there.  Here are some of our staff favorites and most browsed items:

Wood is an exceptional choice in outdoor furniture options.  The Renaissance Sitting Area is elegant, yet comfortable and inviting.  Made with quality hardwood from sustainable forests, this complete set includes a coffee table, 2 end tables, 2 armchairs and a double bench – each with a natural wood finish.  Add seating cushions for more texture or leave bare for a unique look for any outdoor lounging area.

Another lovely outdoor seating set is the Miami Group. Made for comfort and ideal for spending the afternoon relaxing, this deep seating group is complete with a loveseat, two chairs, a table, ottoman  and side table.  Use the reclining features of the side chairs for maximum comfort and choose from several fabrics for the cushions.  The styling options are all yours.

Finally, be sure to browse our entire outdoor furniture and accessories, too.  With many new styles and fabric designs in our umbrellas, great new looks in patio chairs, plant accessories and even outdoor lighting, changing the entire feel of your outdoor living area is easier than before.

Decorative Pillows

Now that you know Modern Furniture Warehouse now carries the world’s leading mattresses, including Serta Mattresses and Simmons Mattresses, it’s time to give some thought to your creative elements.  Super soft comforter sets look best when there are decorative pillows that incorporate the latest in contemporary styles.  The best place to find these stylish bed pillows is Modern Furniture Warehouse.

Mixing and matching color schemes, textures and designs allows you to take your décor efforts in many directions.  Show your musical inclinations with Offi Pillows that boast silk screened graphics of some of the most influential musicians of our time, including Willie Nelson and Michael Roman.  They’re washable and easy to maintain.  Each measures 18” by 18” and makes use of vibrant colors that frame your bedspreads or comforters.

Bolsters are another way to dress your bed.  These tubular pillows come in many sizes and fabrics.  Combine them with throw pillows of varying sizes for dimension.   Embroidered pillows are a great way to add textures while also introducing yet another way of combining color and patterns to the overall look.

Don’t forget these pretty petit pillows can be used on sofas, loveseats and chairs in your living room.  Wherever there’s a need for that extra bolt of color, throw pillows are likely the cure all.  They’re also the perfect way of marrying two different elements.  For instance, a collection of pottery that shows off the power of red glazes can work well on a living room mantle, despite the room’s primary color of green.  Simply select pillows that incorporate both color families for a seamless look.

Remember to not try too hard to create a “too perfect” finished look.  Part of the attraction of modern pillows is that they’re so inviting and are meant to invite comfort.  Don’t be afraid to combine solid color pillows with those that present bold patterns, buttons or even animal prints.  Take advantage of the many sizes, too.

Selecting the Right Bar Stools

Thinking about adding new bar stools to your bar area, but not sure where to start, what to consider or even what the latest trends are in contemporary home furnishings?  Keep reading for tips and suggestions in our latest buying guide for bar stools.

Did you know there’s a difference between counter stools and bar stools?  That difference is the height of the table top and the stool.  Counter height stools measure between 24 and 26 inches and are designed to fit under those counters of around 36 inches.  Bar stools, on the other hand, usually measure around 30 inches in height and are ideal for bars measuring between 40 and 42 inches.

Once you’ve determined your heights, you’ll want to be sure you allow enough space between each stool once it’s placed at the counter or bar.  There are few things more uncomfortable than feeling crowded.  Generally, allow around 28 inches between each stool.  This allows for ample leg and elbow room.  Also, another consideration is whether or not you want bar stools with arms.  This can prove to be a bit more comfortable, but again, be sure to take into consideration any space limitations you may need to overcome.  Another question you’ll need to answer is whether you want backs on your stools.  Many prefer the contemporary feel of bar stools designed with backs, but then again, there are those who appreciate the simplicity of design in backless barstools.  It comes down to your personal preferences.

Leather barstools are a great choice because they’re easy to keep clean, are durable and present a modern barstool.   Upholstered barstools, while lovely and provide texture to your counter or bar area, might present a bit of challenge in your efforts of keeping them clean.  Still, most manufacturers are incorporating the latest technology into fabrics to ensure durability and easy cleaning.

These are just a few tips to keep in mind as you set on to select home barstools.  Keep in mind – it’s all about great style and the great designer who pulled it all together.

Modern Bookshelves

Bookcases can add an elegant and refined look to any home.  Today, bookcases come in a wide selection of materials, sizes and shapes.  They add dimension to a wall, can serve as a perfect room divider and they’re not only for books.  With varying shelf heights and widths, you can include photo frames, pottery, collectibles and baskets.  Wood bookshelves remain the big favorites and with the trends leaning towards a darker wood finish, they’re exceptional against contemporary furnishings.

While having all these beautiful options to choose from is great, it’s important to ensure you’ve covered the logistics, especially when considering those wall bookcases that tend to fill the area from floor to ceiling.  Naturally, you’ll want to measure your walls so that you’re aware of any size constrictions.   If you’re unsure, you may be better choosing those bookshelves with lower heights.

Corner bookshelves are always a sure thing.  They’re the perfect design element for those rooms that need a little something else to tie it together.  Also, you’ll want to consider whether you want the back open or if you want a panel.  If you’re looking for bookshelf designs that will double as a room divider, those with open backs allow a sense of privacy without completely separating the two areas.

Thinking a traditional bookshelf is your best option?  The Wayborn bookcase shown here is stately, complete with design elements along the front facings. The deep shelves are perfectly suited for oversized books and anything else you’d like to display.  The dark finish makes it a perfect fit in even the most proper home libraries.

For a more sleek and contemporary look, consider the Etagere Half Moon bookshelf.  It can be used as a stand alone or combined with the matching other half to design a truly unique way of displaying and storing nearly anything.  It’s also a great way to define those rooms that share openings, such as what many dining rooms and living rooms have or even those areas between the kitchen and living or dining room. The most important thing to remember is that it should be a reflection of your personal tastes and styles.

Living Room Armchairs

Updating the look of your living room might include new color schemes, modern rugs or the latest in contemporary sofas, arm chairs and tables.  If it’s a new look in armchairs you’re searching for, we’ve put together a few tips and ideas as you navigate the many new looks and styles in modern living room furnishings.

If you’re keeping your sofa, loveseat or sectional sofa, your first task is to find the right living room chairs that coordinate with those pieces you already possess.  While you’re not likely to search for an identical match, you can take advantage of mixing solid colors with patterns or other contrasting colors to define your own unique look.  Ideally, you’ll likely want to remain true to the style; for instance, if you have a more traditional look with wood accents and oversized sofas, an Italian leather lounger with chrome hardware that’s sleek in its appearance may not be your best option with your other furniture.  Still, there are many design trends that allow you to combine with style and beauty those varying elements like never before.

You’ll also discover many contemporary living room chairs come with ottomans.  While an ottoman can add a new dimension to your living room seating, these furniture pieces are also quite versatile.  Many are being used as the ideal accent table, perfect for anywhere  you need an additional table top or need to fill a space in the room.  Keep in mind, however, while an ottoman works well as an accent table, it may not be reliable for sitting glass or other breakables.

Be sure to browse the entire Modern Furniture Warehouse online catalog of beautiful living room armchairs.  Whether it’s leather chairs or a comfortable upholstered arm chair, we have over 300 styles available.  While you’re there, browse our other living room furnishings, including wall accents, coffee tables and leather sectional sofas.  It’s a great time to change the entire look of your living room or den.