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May 27th, 2010 |
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More Eco Friendly Options from The Sofa Company |
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So I am super excited about TSC’s two newest additions to our continuing effort to bring you as many green, eco-friendly and renewable options as possible to help you in your never ending struggle to reduce your carbon footprint via your new sofa!
In addition to our many standard and optional eco-friendly options such as FSC Certified Wood frames and legs, water based glues and stains, recyclable steel legs and springs, jute webbing, cotton batting and soy based foam, we have introduced Kapok Fill and Regen Fill for your seat and back cushions!
KAPOK FILL
Kapok is an all natural, unbleached filling derived from the seed pods of the massive, tropical kapok tree that produce a fluffy, down-like vegetable fiber. Kapok has a silky floss like texture, making it a great type of pillow filling. It provides the same type of soft cushion that some synthetic fillings provide, but in an all natural and environmentally friendly manner. The Kapok Tree is native to areas including Mexico, Central America, and Indonesia. While Kapok is an excellent alternative for your seat cushion fill, it has had many interesting other uses throughout history, and was even used in the U.S. Navy's life preservers in World War II. The kapok fiber was sealed in vinyl plastic packets to prevent exposure to the water. The waxy coating which covers the kapok fiber provided the necessary buoyancy and Kapok is naturally water repellent.
Kapok provides similar comfort to Down filling and has a similar lifespan.
REGEN FILL Nowadays we are finding more and more use for post consumer and recycled materials, and plastic has proven to be useful to the upholstery trade by providing us with an Eco-Friendly and Green cushion fill called Regen. The fibers used in our Regen fill are derived from the re-engineered Polyethylene terephthalate,( commonly abbreviated PET, PETE) which is a thermoplastic polymer resin found in plastic beverage bottles. PETE is of the polyester family and is used in synthetic fibers in addition to many other things.  Each pound of the fill created uses the equivalent of nine 1-liter plastic bottles and is made using a minimum of 95% post consumer recycled plastic. The Regen fill is also manufactures in the USA using less electric power than other virgin fibers and is made consuming no water. In addition to being infinitely recyclable it is also hypo-allergenic.
Regen provides similar comfort to Dacron and has a similar lifespan.
Stay Green!
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March 12th, 2010 |
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STAIN/PET/KID PROOFING YOUR FABRIC |
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While in a perfect world we would all choose a stain resistant microfiber fabric for our sofas, the bottom line is some of us just do not like them! I have had quite a few customers come to me looking for a durable fabric to hold up against their pets/kids/spouses /friends (you know who you are!) and when I show them microfibers they cringe. If this is an all too familiar scenario for you – FEAR NOT!! Fortunately at TSC we not only have a HUGE fabric selection that offers a wide variety of fabrics that are durable without being microfibers, but we also have two really cool fabric PROTECTION choices that take a durable fabric (even microfiber) and make it BETTER:
Option #1 – CRYPTON FABRIC PROTECTION
This option is a winner for most of our customers. This water based, eco friendly spray can be applied to any fabric. Crypton does not change the feel or look of the fabric as it is both odorless and colorless as well.
It works by creating a barrier between your fabric and would be mishaps by encapsulating each fiber of the fabric to repel stains while preventing bacteria growth as well! As an added bonus, Crypton helps to keep your fabric safe from UV rays that can cause damage and fading. Still skeptical? Crypton is backed by a 5 year FULL REPLACEMENT warranty that covers a wide variety of commonly occurring stains such as:
-Accidental stains caused by food and beverage (It’s like they know my husband…)
-Grass
-Crayons
- Pets (it’s safe for the new, not quite potty trained puppy to be on the sofa again!)
- Grease
- Cosmetics
-Ballpoint pen ink (I can never find a piece of paper when I need to write something down…)
Everyday maintenance of your Crypton protected fabric is simple. Should a spill or stain occur, simply blot up with a clean dry cloth. If your stain persists, Crypton will send a professional out to your home to clean the stain. If the affected area cannot be cleaned or repaired they will REPLACE your sofa!
Option #2 – NANO-TEX
Nano-Tex is on an entirely different level and is for the seriously stain conscious customer. It is a worthwhile one-time investment that uses NANOTECHNOLOGY to bring you the absolute best in fabric protection. Rather than just sitting on the surface of the fabric, Nano-Tex attaches itself to the individual fibers of the fabric on a MOLECULAR level through the process of Covalent Bonding- which permanently transforms their actual molecular structure (which is probably the coolest thing ever...to me at least). Some of the benefits and features of this process are:
-Stains will be both repelled and released
- The life of the fabric will be extended
- The fabric will now breathe naturally
-While on the fabric, your body temperate will be balanced by wicking away moisture
-It also resists static permanently, and repels dirt, dust, lint, and PET HAIR!!!!!!! (PET HAIR, PET HAIR, PET HAIR!!!)
Everyday stain maintenance is simple. If a liquid spill occurs, gently blot (don’t rub) spill with a dry absorbent cloth, then wipe off with clean water and clean dry cloth if necessary. Nanotex is not a warranty it simply gives you the peace of mind and freedom to choose ANY fabric in ANY color without the fear of stains. Life should be about getting what you want at least some of the time.
So come on into The Sofa Company and check out our stain protection options and chose the one that is best for your dream sofa!
*Note: Actual dream sofa may vary…unless you wanted a lime green Chesterfield, then there you go!
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December 3rd, 2009 |
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Awesome New Mod Loft Products at The Sofa Company!!!! |
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Here at The Sofa Company we have just started carrying some great new products from one of our newest vendors: Mod Loft. They offer a wide selection of modern and contemporary case goods like TV stands, end tables, dressers, nightstands, beds, coffee tables, dining tables, dining chairs, occasional chairs and even bookcases. If your style is more clean lined oriented and design elements like chrome, glass and wood make your heart go pitter patter, then these products are for you! Below are some of my personal favorite styles, but I encourage you to check out their full product line!
AMSTERDAM BUFFET
The Amsterdam buffet is a beautifully designed storage unit featuring an innovative sliding glass panel which runs on dual chrome rails. Single door covers one side of the unit exposing three tempered glass shelves for additional storage and display. The Amsterdam also features a frosted tempered glass top shelf, mounted on four chromed feet, Solid hardwood construction.
ALLEN TV ENTERTAINMENT UNIT
Designed to make the most of its space, the striking Allen TV entertainment unit seems to be suspended from the polished stainless steel legs which run from top to floor. Contains two center drawers for extra storage, and two outer cabinets with drop down doors to allow for easy A/V access with rear ventilation/wire holes. Solid hardwood construction, Available in wenge or walnut wood finishes or white lacquer finish.
ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT UNIT
The Eldridge entertainment unit , with its ultra modern clean lines, spans a little less than 5 ft. long - a perfect fit for any space. With two center sliding drawers and two side cabinets there will be plenty of room for storage. The two side cabinets flip down and are A/V-ready with rear ventilation/wire holes. Solid hardwood construction, Available in wenge, walnut wood OR white lacquer finish.
BOND COFFEE TABLE
The Bond coffee table = geometrically flawless. The Bond's staggered black and aqua glass panes create two tiers of contrasting brilliance. Each square "floats" on a cross-sectional stainless steel frame with rubberized feet for excellent support and no-scratch maneuverability. The Bond's asymmetrical design and unique detailing make the perfect cocktail table.
MOTT COFFEE TABLE
Basic + Simple. Refresh your living room furniture with the Mott modern coffee table. This low profile rectangular table offers spacious table top, flat steel feet, and a clean, sleek design - giving the Mott a minimalist image with a bold flair. Available in wenge or walnut wood finishes, hardwood construction.
BARCLAY BOOKCASE
The Barclay bookcase features glass shelving in a solid hardwood frame with chrome accents. The floating layered design is created by alternating sturdy wooden blocks with frosted tempered glass shelves. The unit is supported by running steel rods for excellent support and seamless continuity. The Barclay's open back creates an airy decor, and acts as a natural partition between adjacent rooms in the home. Solid hardwood construction, available in wenge or walnut wood finishes.
HOWARD DINING CHAIR
Ultra-modern in style, the Howard arm chair's unique shape will inspire great dining conversation. Crisp white-stitched leatherette framed in a rich wenge veneer, the Howard commands instant attention. With legs that taper at the floor, you will find stylistic durability. Solid hardwood construction.
HOWARD DINING TABLE
Two sleek and modern pillars in a wenge finish make up the base of the beautiful Howard dining table. The Howard has a minimalistic look, simultaneously clean and classic and perfectly fit in any dining room. An extra long clear and solid glass top reveals all. Available in wenge wood finish. Solid hardwood construction.
LUDLOW BED
The awe-inspiring Ludlow bed commands instant attention when entering a room. The lavish button-tufted headboard stands five feet tall, and elegantly framed in a rich wenge border to match any decor. The headboard seamlessly blends into its matching frame with a wenge border along the floor. The mattress (not included) sits snuggly atop a solid pine-slat mattress base for stylistic durability and added comfort. Available in king or queen sizes and in white or black faux leather upholstery. Solid hardwood construction.
THOMPSON DINING CHAIR
The Thompson dining chair takes a step closer to ergonomic perfection. A perfectly balanced steel frame with a rich white leatherette upholstered seat and back make this chair visually inspiring. Solid hardwood construction.
MONROE DRESSER
The Monroe three-drawer dresser with stainless groove handles matches any modern bedroom decor. Available in wenge finish. Solid hardwood construction.
VARICK DINING TABLE
The large Varick square table provides a perfect blend of modern style and elegance. The Varick features a thick table top with glass inset flush in the center of the table to become one with the wood and create a beautiful piece of art. The fixed legs rotate position giving a modern impression at first glance. Each leg is accented with a polished chrome edging. Table measures an impressive 55" square, comfortably seating eight people and is the perfect dining table for an intimate dinner party. Available in wenge or walnut wood finishes.
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September 28th, 2009 |
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What's My Style? |
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Here at The Sofa Company, I have had a lot of customers in the store that tell me how much they love the fact that they can design their own sofa, but are at an impasse because they have no idea what style to pick, or would work best in their home. It’s actually much easier than it seems! Even though we have over 75 styles to choose from, they can all pretty much be broken down into three categories: Traditional, Modern or Contemporary and Transitional. Below is my guide for helping you pick your style! As an added benefit all of the pictures are customer photos from some of our hapy TSC customers :)
TRADITIONAL:
Traditional styles are typically going to have a rolled arm and will have more of a dramatic, yet tailored emphasis. TSC styles that I would classify as traditional would be the Alberta, Autumn, Bentley, Cambridge, Chloe, Donna, Elaine, Jenny, Promenade, Summer, Sydney, Victoria and the Zuma.
Depending on how traditional you want the sofa to look, turned decorative legs are great for keeping the style looking very formal, and a skirt is a nice option for making your style a little more casual. Nailheads can also add a little bit of drama and elegance to your favorite traditional style and are a beautiful and classic addition.
   
MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY:
Modern or Contemporary styles are going to be much more linear and clean in aesthetic. These sofas are boxier, and less organic in form, with tight, tailored features and will usually feature a square arm. The TSC styles that I would classify as modern or contemporary would be the Archie, Carson, Charles, Cubix, Daly, Dawson, Dexter, Diva, Envi, Felix, Horizon, Ivan, Joe, Kahuna, Lex, Lucy, Prima, Quincy, Uno, Vincent, and the Yoshi.
Buttons on your style can add a very mid century modern aspect to it, as well as tall or cone legs, possibly inset for another layer of visual interest. Metal legs also add a very chic and contemporary look and combined with double stitching on the seams is sure to be an instant hit!
   
TRANSITIONAL:
A Transitional style will have aspects of both traditional and contemporary stylings. These sofas will typically feature a combination of structure and organic flow. Flared or slightly rolled arms are common in transitional styles because they do not lean firmly to traditional or contemporary and can easily go either way. Straight clean lined arms are usually broken up by large over sized pillows and plush inserts, and rolled arms are dressed down with tailored and clean lined legs and cushions. If you can’t commit to a theme, then Transitional is perfect for you! The TSC styles that I would classify as transitional would be the Chelsea, Colby, Devin, Gia, Hannah, Laura, Maestro, Malibu, Metropolitan, Riley, Roper, Rupert, Sunset, Trevor, Vienna and Valencia.
Fun ways to dress up a transitional style are to traditional and contemporary features like buttons, wood bases, bench seats, scatterback pillows and piping! This way you can blend the features that appeal to you from two very different styles and make one sofa that is sure to be a hit smash!
   
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August 30th, 2009 |
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Living with pets and fabric |
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How many times have you caught yourself screaming "NO!!!" at the top of your lungs like a crazy person while your cat Mr. Tinkles uses the back of your new family room sectional as his own personal scratching post? Or your new puppy Princess refines her biting and chewing skills on the arm of the settee in your formal living room? As pet owners, we have experienced these scenarios far too often.
What is it about upholstered furniture that brings out the worst in our normally well mannered and loveable pets? You may have said to yourself numerous times as you walk past the tattered shell of a cat clawed sofa you once held dear (fighting back tears) "I want to replace it but it will just get ruined again". Well this is actually not true. There can be a harmonious balance when living with pets and fabrics - it's all about the "type" of fabrics you choose. In my experience as the owner of three cats and being in the industry for 7 years, there are some key things to look for and to stay away from in order to get the most out of your furniture. Below are some suggestions that through trial and error, I have found to be useful.
1. MICROFIBER, MICROFIBER,MICROFIBER! Fido is no longer man's best friend - microfiber is. No matter what pet related accident shows up on your sofa as an early morning surprise, it will come off of microfiber! This is because the "fibers" in microfibers measure less than one denier and are woven so tightly together, that stains literally cannot penetrate them. All you need is a mild hand soap and a damp cloth, rub stain in a circular motion and VOILA crisis averted!! Another plus for microfibers are that they are made of 100% polyester, which is a synthetic fiber. Synthetic fibers do not hold odors the way natural fibers such as cotton do.
Microfiber Cross Section View
2. COTTONS AND LINENS AND WOOLS - OH NO! Unless these types of fabrics are your absolute favorite in the world, try to stay away from them. Anything that is made completely of a natural fiber tends to stain, break down, and "smell" much faster than a blend or a synthetic fabric does. While these fabrics can usually be machine washed, with time the machine washing will break down the fibers – so if you find your self needing to wash these once a week, this is going to compromise the strength of your fabric.
Microscopic views of individual fabric strands
3. BACK IT UP Choosing a fabric that has a backing (or can have a backing added to it) is always a good idea. The backing gives the fabric a little extra strength and support, which is an advantage in the war against claws and teeth.
4. CHENILLES? A lot of blended fabrics such as chenilles are usually ok as long as they have a stain resistant application added to them (such as our Teflon Fabric Protection). However, if you have a cat that is proned to scratching and clawing your furniture, then I would not suggest chenille as a fabric that will stay "un ruined" as long as you may like. Some chenilles are woven very loosely, which makes it easy for claws or teeth to pull at it.
Ultimately, you know how your pets react to what you have had in the past so keep that in mind when you are selecting your fabric. The fabric that has held up the best in my three cat (and messy boyfriend...but who's pointing fingers) household is the BELLA faux velvet microfiber. Despite the best efforts of my cats it has not shown any signs of damage.
  
The culprits Snicker, Bunny and Sebastian trying to look innocent - don't let them fool you!
I hope this has helped guide your fabric selection, but please feel free to come and see me with any questions. I hope you enjoy your furniture for many years to come!! (Unless that’s you dog in the picture below) :)
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December 27th, 2008 |
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Guess what else we can do? |
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Did you know that The Sofa Company also specializes in Beautiful Custom Upholstered Headboards and Platform Beds? If you didn’t, your reaction was probably the same as mine - Awesome, right?!!
Upholstered Beds are hot, hot, hot, right now and are a design trend that we’ll be seeing for many years to come. It can be an easy way to add a soft, elegant touch to your master suite or a way to replace that tired "hand me down" bed in your guest bedroom without worrying about trying to match styles and wood colors with your existing casegoods. If you are looking to add a fun splash of color, or a little touch of drama to your bedroom, then upholstered beds are for you! Check out some examples of how beautiful fabrics on your headboard can transform a blah bedroom into dazzling design. In fact, did you know that large upholstered headboards and beds are a trademark style of Fendi Casa (that’s right- Fendi’s furniture line, and who doesn't trust Fendi when it comes to style)?
 
 
You can get in touch with your inner designer by customizing your headboard with the same fantastic options that made you fall in love with The Sofa Company in the first place! Choose your style, size, fabric, and design details like button tufting, nailheads or double stitching!
Now…let me blow your mind again. The Sofa Company also builds upholstered dining chairs!! You can choose your style, fabric, and leg finish for these beauties as well. Adding upholstered dining chairs to your dining room is a fantastic way to add some pizzazz and softness to a room that may feel heavy from dark, dominating woods. Upholstered dining chairs are extremely versatile and can work in any setting from formal to casual, traditional to contemporary. Whatever your style, rest assured that we have the dining chair for you! Check out these spectacular pictures below for some examples and maybe a little inspiration. Happy Decorating!!
 
 
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October 25th, 2008 |
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Let Me Help You Create The Sofa of Your Dreams |
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Hello Everyone!! My name is Victoria and I am one of the Design Consultants at the Sofa Company's beautiful new Pasadena Showroom. I have over six years of experience in the furniture industry, four of which is in custom furniture design consultation. I also attended The Art Institute and majored in Interior Design, so please feel free to come to me with any questions on style, colors, fabrics and space planning. Helping my clients create a beautiful home is my passion in life, so I can't wait to help you create the sofa of your dreams that makes it all come together!! See you soon :)
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