Have you ever had a room that was so cluttered with furniture you felt like Dorothy in Oz when she and her friends reach the enchanted apple orchard? Perhaps you feel the drawers are ready to fly open and bombard you with T-shirts and stray socks just like the tree pelted Dorothy and friends with apples.

Choosing bedroom furniture is important for just that reason and many times dressers are where we go wrong.  Deciding what, if any, dressers to purchase requires evaluation in several areas. The first area is the amount of clothing and accessories to be stored. The second is the available floor space in the room. Once these two factors have been determined, the questioning can move to size and style. When shopping furniture retail Chicago buyers want a variety to choose from and Smithe offers buyers of Chicago furniture modern and tradition beautiful custom pieces.

First, look at the amount of closet space you have. If there is sufficient hanging and shelf space in your closets to accommodate most of your clothing, dressers may not be necessary, or you may be able to get by with one smaller piece. Depending on the size of your closet, you might even want to consider placing a dresser in the closet for easy access and added floor space in the bedroom. Let’s face it, as buyers we want the best furniture Chicago retailers carry and we want it to fit perfectly in our room and our lifestyle.

If closet space is at a premium, you must decide on the style of furniture you prefer and evaluate whether one larger piece or multiple smaller pieces would better fit the size and style of the room. Several tall, dark pieces can be quite overwhelming in a small room (like Dorothy in and the apple trees). On the flip side, a large room with one or two small, low pieces may appear stark and under furnished. Sometimes the best furniture Chicago buyers find is when they seek help from an experienced decorating team at their Chicago furniture modern/traditional retailer.

Estimate the number of drawers needed, choose the furniture style you prefer and begin comparing pieces and sizes. Sketching out a scale model of your room with the pieces you like will give you a good idea of whether your dream pieces will fit in your available space. (Often they won’t except in your imagination!)

Take advantage of the decorating services offered at your furniture retail Chicago dealer.

Wondering how to furnish your bedroom to create a relaxing retreat and still meet all of your storage needs? There are many areas to consider and when you stop by your Chicago furniture dealer the experienced staff will help you find the perfect fit for your space and lifestyle.

One thing to assess is your storage space. How much of your clothing and accessories can be stored in the closet? Will you need a bureau (or two), an armoir, a vanity, nightstands, a lingerie chest or jewelry chest?  A few larger furniture pieces will allow buyers of Chicago contemporary furniture or traditional pieces to have more options in arranging the room and keep the room feeling more open and relaxed.

The scale of the set also must be considered. A more traditional, heavy or dark wood or a bed with posts or a massive headboard may feel oppressive in a small room with a low ceiling. Lighter colored wood, metal or even more contemporary upholstered pieces can work well in a smaller space. When looking for the best furniture Chicago buyers can rely on their favorite Chicago furniture dealer to find or create the perfect piece to meet their needs.

Knowing the size of bed you prefer will be a good starting point. Once you determine how much space the bed will use, other pieces can be worked in to meet your storage needs and compliment the space and style of the room.

Your Chicago furniture dealer has a huge variety of styles and sizes to choose from as well as a friendly staff to help add your personal touch to what should be the most tranquil room of your home.  When buying a bedroom set, shopping with pictures of a style you like and the measurements and layout of your bedroom will be helpful. Also, think through your storage needs so that you have enough furniture to accommodate everything but aren’t investing in unnecessary pieces that will take up extra room.

With a little planning, choosing the perfect bedroom set can be a simple and enjoyable experience for buyers in Chicago of contemporary furniture or those seeking a more traditional look.

When it comes time to furnish a new house, condo or apartment, it’s always a big decision what furniture will be the most aesthetically appealing, practical, balanced and complimentary to the rooms’ size and shape- and it should be.

Choosing a dining room set may be the most difficult since you’re usually not drawn to a specific table and chairs, as you would be to a bedroom set or unique sofa set. To begin the selection process, there are a few odds and ends that need to be figured out. First, how many people are you looking to seat? If you only live with one roommate, a four-person table should suffice with room for guests; but if you’re married with four children, you’re going to want a larger set, with maybe 8 seats, giving room if expanding the family is in the future and for sporadic guests.

Next, you’re going to want to measure the dimensions of the space you’re trying to fill. Knowing the space you have to work with is crucial since you don’t want to overcrowd the area- bringing me to my next point. Leaving space around the dining set is very important. Diners need room to maneuver around the table, and walk behind others who are seated.

The shape of the table needs to compliment the shape and size of the room, giving it presence. For instance, if you have a square-shaped room, a round table would soften the space and compliment it nicely. If you’re looking to give your dining room a more modern look, a square -shaped set should accomplish that. A higher table with more stool-like seats can also give a more contemporary look to a standard dining space. You can find a great selection of Chicago contemporary furniture at Walter E. Smithe.

Lastly, if you choose to dine in your kitchen, you may want to opt for a hardwood kitchen set that can be multi-purpose for things like baking, wrapping Christmas presents, office work, or cutting/ chopping ingredients. If you like  to dine in your living space, choose something that blends nicely with your sofa set and coffee table.

To top off the look, chose the right lighting. Dimmer lights and neutral-colored lamps make for a more sophisticated, relaxing setting while bright lights and colorful lamps create a more fun, upbeat ambiance.

To find your perfect dining room set Chicago, visit Walter E. Smithe, best in Chicago furniture sales.

They say that having a pet can reduce your stress measurably. But that’s only if you don’t have to worry about that cute, furry creature will do to your furniture.  If you saw “Marley and Me” then you know exactly what I mean. I know from my own experience that pets, and little boys, are the enemy of a sofa with pale fabric or a silk-covered wing chair. I’m thrilled that I found a place that makes the best furniture Chicago has to offer, and if I need my furniture tailored to be pet-proof, they can accommodate.

Of course, my current pet has to be taken into consideration. When we had a dog – a 125-pound Rottweiler – he began as a house dog. (Don’t ask! We adopted him from another family who apparently mistook him for a poodle and raised him indoors.) His favorite place to take a nap, when we weren’t home, was my blue and white plaid sofa. Trying to extract black dog hair from the loose weave fabric was not pretty! While shopping Chicago leather couches caught my eye and I realized that was the perfect solution as long as we kept his nails trimmed.

Now we are in the cat phase and since we don’t want to have her declawed due to the fact that she occasionally escapes to the great outdoors, microfiber suede fabrics seem to be the answer. Not only does pet hair vacuum easily away, but any spills or other accidents caused by kitties or kids can be easily washed away with mild soap and warm water. Some of the cushions even have zip-off covers that can be machine washed. The best part is that at Smith, Chicago furniture, modern or classic styles, can be custom made with my choice of fabric, pattern and color.

Seeking the perfect pet-proof furniture in Chicago, leather couches, microfiber sofas and chairs can be the best furniture Chicago custom makers offer for pet owners.

There is the issue of wooden legs as scratching posts or chew toys, but all I can say there is declaw or trim those adorable friends often. Another option is to check out metal pieces like the Chicago furniture modern collection, which offers clean lines and sleek profiles, but can be warmed up with a whimsical or traditional fabric choice.

A small living space has one obvious advantage and one obvious disadvantage. The benefit being there’s less space to clean/furnish while the disadvantage is exactly how it sounds- its small. So how do you furnish this small living space while still having sufficient walking room and avoiding a claustrophobic feel?

To fill this area most efficiently, many interior designers and home decorators would suggest opting for a 3-piece sectional sofa. Although many tend to think they’re the bigger of the bunch, there are smaller versions available. Most sectional sofas are comprised of a regular sofa or love seat and one or two chairs combined.

In searching for the perfect  sectional for that small space of yours, it is recommended to take price and desired  seating occupancy  into consideration.  Now, its up to you whether you prefer a leather, suede, microsuede, or regular cloth set, but that will pretty much determine how much you’re going to shell out. Choosing top-of-the-line materials and upholstery could cost you a pretty penny, but then again, you’re actually buying less pieces with a sectional, so you’re most likely saving money had you gone with a typical 3, 4 or 5-piece sofa set. Also, if you’re willing to do some research, there’s a pretty good guarantee, you’ll find a piece that fits right with your budget.

In terms of desired seating occupancy, its pretty understood you’re not going to be able to fit Extreme Makeover’s volunteer team in your living room, but choosing a sectional sofa could definitely appease available seating issues, comfortably fitting 6 to 7 persons.  Adding a sectional to your space also gives you more room to work with. Just enough couch, with just enough extra space.

Visit Walter E. Smithe, your premier Chicago furniture dealer for all of your furniture needs. No matter the size of your living space, Walter E. Smithe will have plenty of options to suit your situation. If you decide to go with a leather sectional, Smithe will have the Chicago leather couch to complete your home. Dress up your home in Walter E. Smithe, the best furniture Chicago has to offer.

Unless you’re a self-proclaimed hoarder, no one likes feeling cluttered in their home. Open space eliminates the feeling of claustrophobia, promotes cleanliness and is overall more visually appealing.

If you’re looking to make a room or entire home more spacious, you can follow these few simple steps. To begin, start with the basic task of decluttering . Go through the room and remove anything that isn’t being avidly used. Old magazines from 2007- recycle ‘em. A scented candle that no longer has a surviving lightable wick- toss it. A pile of blankets that are rarely used- store them in the closet down the hall.  This already should make the room appear a bit more open.

Next, master the correct lighting. Make use of any recessed can lighting that was built in, or install track lighting, instead of using a lamp that takes up space. Also, brighter bulbs will automatically make a room seem more spacious than dull, gloomy lights. If there are any windows in the room, make sure they’re kept sparkly clean and not shielded by curtains or blinds to maximize natural lighting. Adding mirrors to a room will also create the illusion of more space by reflecting light off other surfaces.

In terms of coloring, opt for more neutral colors in every aspect, especially for floors and wall paint. Painting the ceiling a shade or two darker than the walls can actually increase the perceived height of the room. Another trick, using a monochromatic color scheme between walls, floor and furniture helps creates the illusion of more space, while harsh contrasting colors break up the room more.

If it’s a new home, or you’re willing to renovate, choose consistent flooring that extends room to room. It creates the illusion of greater length. Also, if tiling the floor, lay them on a diagonal- it helps to elongate.

Lastly, arrange your furniture so it outlines the room rather than blocking walking pathways. The openness will be immediately noticeable and the room will feel much more spacious.

If you’re looking to furnish your new spacious room, stop in to Chicago furniture dealer, Walter E. Smithe, for the best furniture Chicago has to offer. View their large inventory where you’re sure to find the perfect bedroom set, Chicago office furniture, dining room set or any other contemporary pieces.

Do you have one of those rooms that are just so dull, drab and boring? And now you want to put some life back in to it, and you don’t know where to start? Well, there’s a few things you can do to turn your living space from dark to dazzling.

First, you should completely empty the room as much as possible – whether that means throwing stuff out, or relocating the furniture down the hall for the meantime. Now it’s time to make the first step in brightening you room: paint. Choose a color for the walls that makes you happy, puts you in a good mood and is welcoming for guests. Colors like a magenta, celery green, cerulean, peach or daisy yellow create a happy aura and give vibrancy to the room. If it’s a more masculine setting, solid white or a deep blue would work.

Another cool paint option would be to chose one wall as the main focus and give it a very rich, bright color. Balance it out by painting the remaining walls a more neutral color with the same undertone.

After painting, you should already be able to notice a huge difference in the feel of the room.

If you decide to purchase new furniture, look for bright colors- like white or beige suede- or a Chicago leather couch that contrasts in color with the walls. Black always works. The severe contrast, or light color of the furniture will give the room a good energy. Also, try to choose coffee and end tables that match the furniture.

Here’s another chance again to brighten the room- wall and furniture decorations. Choose simple artwork that tie in the colors from another part of the room. White or lighter color matting can add significant brightness. Also, opt for uniquely shaped and colored pillows and blankets – more neutral if your walls a vibrant color or more vibrant if your walls are a more neutral color.

To finish turning your drab room into a bright space, add little decorations like picture frames and colorful vases with faux flowers. This will automatically give more color to the room and the flowers will brighten the mood. Find a stylish, modern lamp whose shade doesn’t trap the light. After all, you’re looking to brighten the room, so look for one that provides the most radiating lighting.

For all these furnishings and much more, visit one of the most popular furniture retailers Chicago, Walter E. Smithe, for the best Chicago furniture sales.

Everyone knows leather. Leather jackets, leather car interior, leather handbags, leather boots and of course, leather sofas. It’s frowned upon by groups like P.E.T.A while covers the runways, red carpets and nightlife scene across the world. And it’s occasionally viewed as a sign of wealth.

Microsuede on the other hand, not so much. We know suede- we know its soft and warm but can stain easily and we can’t really get it wet. But what exactly is microsuede and is it better than leather for your living space? Well, it depends.

Both suede and leather are made from the skin of animals like pigs, deer, lambs etc. There’s one difference, suede is made from the underskin of these animals while leather is made from the tough exterior skin. Therefore, suede is leather “with a napped finish”. Of the two, leather is much easier to protect and clean. But when it comes down to it, suede tends to be slightly more expensive due to its finer appearance and extra time spent creating it, versus raw leather.

Now, microsuede steps away from P.E.T.A.’s most-wanted list since it’s totally man-made. The cohesion of thousands of thousands extremely fine micro-fibers creates this very dense, high-quality fabric. Microsuede’s increased cost comes with quality benefits: it has increased stretch, wrinkle resistance, water resistance, a general dirt resistance, and its very easy to clean (but can be less durable than regular suede). This fabric has a very chic, clean finish, appearing like a “furry leather”.

So which to choose for your new living room set- a new Chicago leather couch or the newer microsuede? Like I said, it depends. It depends if you’re more concerned about comfort or appearance. It depends if you have little kids running around that have a tendency to spill. It depends if you’re an animal activist. It depends how often it’s going to be sat on. It lastly depends on how much you’re willing to spend.

While there’s no definite way to go, these facts should at least help make that decision easier. Visit one of the most popular in Chicago furniture sales, Walter E. Smithe, and check out their selection of leather and microsuede sofas among hundreds of other home furnishings. Smithe is renowned as one of the best furniture Chicago dealers and will be ready with a knowledge, personable staff to help you.

I think there’s a true difference between a house and a home. To get from one to the other, it takes a little creativity and a sense of space, design, color, accommodation and possibility. You can get some ideas at any Chicago furniture dealer.

What I like to call “furniture accessories”- such as pillows, tablecloths, blankets and rugs- are what really pull a room together, and usually give it that “home-y” feel. Pillows and blankets give any couch, chair, or love seat that inviting feel, while tablecloths make the presentation more thoughtful and rugs simply synergize the room while drastically increasing the aesthetic appeal.

Living rooms tend to be those untouched spaces that look pretty for show, but they’re never used to their full potential. Maybe Monday you sit and chat for a few minutes with a friend stopping by and Thursday you take a load off mid-pace during an hour-long phone conversation. And that’s all the visits it has for that week. Change that.

The cohesion from adding an area rug to any living space, specifically a living room or TV room (for lack of a universal definitive term), does wonders turning a house into a home and an average living space into a “sophisticated luxury”.  The room matures once a rug enters, and new life’s been given to an otherwise dull, modern set-up.

Famous rug designer James Tufenkian said: “A rug can anchor a room; it can define space, as a focal point or a subtle backdrop. Unlike most furniture, a good rug is one of the only things you can use for

decades and it will still have value.”  Rugs can be that one clutch piece of versatile furniture. They can be swapped room to room, stored in the back of the basement for 10 years, be pulled out and still be classic. It’s pretty safe to say that rugs are one of the most traditional pieces of furniture.

Give your family’s TV room, or that barely visited living room, a new inviting aura. Create a comfortable ambiance with the perfect rug for your home. There are plenty types to choose from: Persian, Oriental, Tibetan, Southwestern, Tribal, shag, Flokati, contemporary, braided, or animal print rug. Or customize your own area rug. Visit Walter E. Smithe, one of the great places for Chicago furniture sales, to view their selection.

Every room will feel complete with an area rug, no matter how big or how small. It will not only warm up the hardwood or tiled floor, it’ll warm up your living space and make you feel right at home, and love it.

So this might come as a no-brainer to some, but to others the possibilities are endless.  How do I arrange my living room?  Homeowners are becoming more style saavy with the growing popularity of home design networks like HGTV and “Complete Home Makeover” shows and are finding more and more ways to fix the feng shui of your family room.  There are an endless number of ways to arrange your living space to meet the needs and comfort of you (and your family).  We thought who better to help you out than one of the top furniture dealers Chicago has to offer.

More detailed than what you need, but this is a good sketch.

So where do I start?  Well as silly as it may seem, the best way to make sure you’re arranging the room the way you’re imagining it is to grab an old-fashioned pad of paper and pencil (it doesn’t actually have to be old-fashioned, we just use that term because no one uses paper and pencil these days…)  Start out with a rough sketch of the room making sure to take into account doorway access (if the door opens in or out) as well as any other obstructions (fireplace, staircases, light switches, etc.)  You can make your sketch as detailed or as bare as you want, it’s basically just meant to give you an idea of the space to visualize the different elements and how they could fit in the room.  However the more detailed the sketch, the better off you will be when you actually start moving the elements around, so its a good idea to take some time with this.

Next, select a focal point to the room.  Whether it’s a fireplace or a 50″ big screen TV (if you’re not the talking type.)  Once this is selected, make sure that all of the elements open up to the focal point.  This may seem easy but it’s important to make sure the room flows well together (and that you don’t have a bookshelf sitting out the middle of the room because you forgot to give it a place.)  Also, it may seem logical to arrange of the elements in a rectangular shape because that’s naturally the way the room wants to form, but keep in mind that it is generally a good idea to move elements around the room in such a way where you aren’t always creating right angles.  Keeping the couch at an angle is a great way to add some depth to the room while still keeping it open and retaining the space.

Test out some different sketches and see what works best.  The main thing to keep in mind is that you should arrange the room however you feel most comfortable.  Something might look great on TV, but might not be something you want to live with on a day-to-day basis.

Of course, the most important part in making the room your own is getting the right furniture.  Make sure you look online at your Chicago Furniture Dealer to get the furniture set that works best for your space.