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What to Look for when Buying New Furniture
What to Look for when Buying New Furniture:
Buying new furniture can be an overwhelming process, as there is a lot to keep in mind. You probably never even really think about furniture until you need it. How do you know know what to look for? What kind of options are available? Hopefully, this article will help you sort some things out and help you keep in mind what you should be looking for the next time you go shopping for new furniture.
Wood Types
Dining room tables, bedroom furniture, TV Consoles, and even sofas are all made from wood. The first thing to consider when purchasing furniture made from wood is wood type. Essentially, there are three types of wood available – solid wood, veneers, and particle board. Solid wood is typically more sturdy and elegant than other types; but because of that, the price usually runs a bit higher. However, solid wood furniture also lasts longer, so you won’t have to buy furniture again because it broke. Veneers contain a low-quality wood, covered by many thin layers of high-quality wood. Because of the cheaper center, veneers tend to be less expensive than solid wood. Although wood veneer may look good, you’re losing quality and it may not hold up to daily use. Thirdly, particle board is made up of a mixture of scrap wood, resins, and plastics. Particle board can have the appearance of great quality, while the price is relatively low. This option can look great, but because of the low quality wood, don’t expect it to be around forever.Fabric
When purchasing a new sofa, sectional or recliner, fabric is usually a deciding factor for most furniture buyers. When it comes down to buying a sofa or chair, the biggest element should be “how does it feel when you sit on it?” There are many fabric options available, including: leather, suede, tweed, linen, and vinyl. This is typically a question of “what feels most comfortable to you?” While comfort is important, it is also extremely important to keep your lifestyle in mind. If you have pets or small children, chances are, at some point you will have to clean up a mess. The fact is, some fabrics just clean better than others; for example, suede looks very elegant, but can be a major hassle to clean, compared to heavier duty fabric such as Sunbrella fabrics, which hold up better with heavier use.Color/Pattern
Another element where lifestyle must come into play is color choice. A white sofa might look great in your living room, but if you have pets, chances are, it won’t be long before the sofa becomes stained. Whereas, someone with no children or pets would probably be able to keep a white sofa in their living room, and never have any problems. Another thing to consider is “how long will you have this piece of furniture in your house?” For example, a purple recliner might perfectly match your living room; but, most likely, it is only a matter of time before you get sick of looking at purple everyday. Plus, if you ever decide to repaint your living room, your purple chair probably won’t match anymore. Because of these reasons, it might be best to stick with a darker, neutral color.Rainbow Furniture in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Needless to say, there are many things to keep in mind when buying new furniture. Luckily, the friendly professionals at Rainbow Furniture in Fort Wayne, Indiana are great at helping people who may have some questions about choosing the right furniture. They have six showrooms filled with beautiful, high-quality furniture with thousands of fabrics and design options to choose from, so chances are, you will find the perfect piece of furniture you are looking for! If you have any questions, give them a call today at (260) 432-3549.Why Go Anywhere Else?
Why Go Anywhere Else?
Fort Wayne’s Rainbow Furniture is a rare find in this world of impersonal “box” stores and internet shopping. Here are 6 reasons why (and we’re sure you’ll add more after you visit our showrooms and meet our friendly staff!):
1. Local and Family-owned Furniture Store
Rainbow Furniture is a family owned, local business. For over 80 years, three generations of the Osborne family have been committed to providing high-quality products and excellent service to homeowners in greater Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio.
2. American-made Products
Rainbow Furniture is committed to providing American-manufactured, high-quality furniture lines. Lines like: Norwalk Furniture from Ohio, Braxton Culler from North Carolina, and Berne Furniture of Indiana. As Tim Osborn says “you are only as good as the companies behind you”
3. Unlimited Furniture Options
The Rainbow Furniture showrooms are full of beautiful pieces that you can purchase right then and there. But, of course, we are happy to help you custom order your pieces. All of our product lines offer huge selections of fabrics, wood finishes, and specific design details so you can find the perfect match for your style.
4. Design Help
Our onsite designers offer free consultations to make your shopping experience as successful as possible. They can help you decide on a color scheme, plan your room layout, and find the perfect furniture to compliment your lifestyle and taste.
5. Everything in One Place
Our onsite showrooms offer furniture for every room of your house; from dining rooms to sun porches, formal living rooms to media room, home offices to bedrooms (including mattresses).
6. Convenient Fort Wayne Location
Rainbow Furniture is conveniently located in southwest Fort Wayne on Covington Road, just 2 miles east of the Fort Wayne Country Club:
3206 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN
We offer free delivery within a wide radius of the store — encompassing all of Fort Wayne, most of Northeast Indiana and a large portion of Northwest Ohio
We know a visit to our store will leave you beyond pleased with the products, professionals, and services we offer. Everyone at Rainbow Furniture looks forward to helping you meet all of your furnishing and design needs. Stop in today!
Bring the Beauty of Fall Indoors
Some Ways to Welcome Fall in your Home
Bring the Beauty of Fall Indoors
As we say goodbye to Summer, the drop in temperature tends to drive our activities indoors. Fun filled picnics and barbecues turn into gathering friends and family around the fireplace and dining room table. Visions of bonfires and cookouts gradually phase to Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinners. As our activities move indoors, here are a few simple decorating tips you can use to turn your home into a warming environment that welcomes Fall with open arms!
Utilize Nature
Fall comes with a great range of beautiful items found in nature that can be perfect for creating a warming environment in your home. For example, placing an arrangement of decorative gourds and pumpkins on a mantle or along a dining room table runner is an inexpensive, yet elegant way to prepare your home for Autumn. You could also create a centerpiece themed around fresh or dried Autumn plants. Another stylish idea is to hang a Fall-themed wreath on your door. You could even create your own wreath, with touches of acorns, dried leaves, pinecones and more elements you can find in your backyard! Check out some of these DIY Fall Wreaths.
Cozy up Your Living Room
Fall means it’s time to break out the thick, cozy blankets. Rather than stuff them in a closet, why not display some your Fall-colored blankets? Rolling up blankets and displaying them in a wicker basket, or stacking a few on a bench can help to create a warm, relaxing environment this Fall. Add a few throw pillows to your sofa. Utilize the warming, natural deep Autumn hues of orange, red, and brown to accentuate your living room furniture.
Find Inspiration at Rainbow Furniture
Of course, updating your rooms with quality furniture enhances your home for these seasons of indoor living and entertaining — and serves you well for years to come. The design consultants at Rainbow Furniture in Fort Wayne can help you choose pieces inspired by the natural hues of Fall. Pieces that will bring beauty into your home, in colors and styles that will compliment your lifestyle year-round. Some of our Autumn-inspired decorating ideas include:
Upholstered pieces in gorgeous color combinations, wood and bronze accent pieces to bring an earthy element to upholstered furniture, and richly-stained, beautiful wood dining room sets around which to gather friends and family
Stop in and speak to the helpful, knowledgeable staff at Rainbow Furniture and tell us what inspires you. We’ll help make your decorating dreams a reality — for this Fall season and beyond.
6 Reasons to Shop Rainbow Furniture
Why Go Anywhere Else for Quality Furniture?
Fort Wayne’s Rainbow Furniture is a rare find in this world of impersonal “box” stores and internet shopping. Here are 6 reasons why (and we’re sure you’ll add more after you visit our showrooms and meet our friendly staff!):
1. Locally and Family-owned Furniture Store
Rainbow Furniture is a family owned, local business. For over 80 years, three generations of the Osborne family have been committed to providing high-quality products and excellent service to homeowners in greater Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio.
2. American-made Furniture
Rainbow Furniture is committed to providing American-manufactured, high-quality furniture lines. Lines like: Norwalk Furniture from Ohio, Braxton Culler from North Carolina, and Berne Furniture of Indiana. As Tim Osborn says “you are only as good as the companies behind you” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75fry1f1d4U#t=11
3. Unlimited Options
Rainbow Furniture’s six showrooms are full of beautiful pieces that you can purchase right then and there. But, of course, we are happy to help you custom order your pieces. We offer a wide range of products from sofas, sectionals, dining room tables, chairs, bedroom furniture and more! And most of our product lines offer huge selections of fabrics, wood finishes, and specific design details, including sizes, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
4. Interior Design Help
Our onsite designer offers free consultations to make sure your shopping experience is as successful as possible. They can help you decide on a color scheme, plan your room layout, and find the perfect furniture to compliment your lifestyle and taste.
5. Everything in One Place
Our onsite showrooms offer furnishings for every room of your house; from dining rooms to sun porches, formal living rooms to media room, home offices to bedrooms (including mattresses).
6. Location
Rainbow Furniture is conveniently located in the long white building in southwest Fort Wayne on Covington Road, just 2 miles east of the Fort Wayne Country Club.
We offer free delivery within a wide radius of the store — encompassing all of Fort Wayne, most of Northeast Indiana and a large portion of Northwest Ohio.
We know a visit to our Fort Wayne furniture store will leave you beyond pleased with the products, professionals, and services we offer. Everyone at Rainbow Furniture looks forward to helping you meet all of your furniture and design needs. Stop in today!
What type of mattress should I buy – coil spring or memory foam?
Which Should I Get: A Coil Spring or Memory Foam Mattress?
Customers often ask me if they should get a memory foam mattress or a standard coil mattress. I just tell them “yes they should.”
The mattresses we sell here at Rainbow Furniture in Fort Wayne are from a company called Gold Bond Mattress, and of course they are an American made product. Gold Bond offers a coil spring mattress with two to three inches of memory foam gel on top. So now you get the comfort and long wear of coil springs, combined with the cool comfort of memory foam. So, yes, you can get both in one mattress here at Rainbow Furniture.
Where to Buy a Gold Bond Mattresses in Fort Wayne
These Gold Bond Mattresses are called Hybrids, and they combine the benefits of the latest in mattress construction to deliver a very exciting product for our customers. You can see and try it for yourself in our furniture showroom Covington Road. We offer our Gold Bond Mattresses at our everyday low prices, and include free delivery as well as pick up and disposal of your old mattress.
Open Labor Day
Fort Wayne Furniture Store Open Labor Day
Rainbow Furniture in Fort Wayne will be open on Labor Day, Monday, September 1 from 10am-6pm. Stop by our furniture showroom in the long white building on Covington Road to view or 6 showrooms filled with furniture for every room in your home!
You’ll find great deals on top quality, custom furniture made right here, in America!
The Rainbow Furniture family wishes everyone a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
How to Care For Your Furniture
How to care for your furniture – care & cleaning tips
Quality furniture is an investment and, if treated properly, it will serve you well for many years to come. First, here are some general care tips (and below we’ll look at some tips for those occasional emergency situations!)
General Care & Cleaning Tips:
Upholstered Furniture such as sofas, chairs, and ottomans
- All fabrics have a cleaning code; ask your furniture salesperson what it is and what it means in terms of regular care
- frequent vacuuming is essential for cleaning and maintaining upholstery — it prevents dust, dirt, and stains from embedding in the fibers and keeps the fabric looking new longer
- before applying any cleaning product read the manufacturers instructions (and test a small inconspicuous place first)
- to remove pet hair use a bristle head clothes brush, a clothes lint remover, or a refillable sticky tape roller
- in a pinch, wrap masking tape around your hand, sticky side out, to pick up loose hair and fuzz
Wood furniture such as dining room tables, coffee tables, and bedroom furniture
- know the finish type of the piece; ask your salesperson — finishes may be soft (e.g. oil, wax), hard (lacquer, polyurethane) or painted
- vacuum (with the soft brush attachment) or dust with a slightly damp soft cloth regularly to prevent buildup and scratches
- scratches from normal daily use can be touched up with a scratch remover or special touch-up pens available at your furniture dealer or at many paint stores
- if polishing is recommended, don’t do it more than 3-4 times a year and use a polish recommended for its type of finish; too much polish may build up a waxy film
And some tips for the unexpected mishaps!
Upholstered Furniture
- Gently blot spills — don’t rub — as quickly as possible with a white towel or paper towels
- don’t use colored towels or printed paper towels because the dye or ink may transfer to the upholstery
- blot the fabric from the outside edges of the stain in, to prevent it from spreading
- act fast — the sooner you attack the stain, the better your chances of success (a dried stain is more difficult to remove)
- for red wine, immediately absorb as much of the wine as possible with non-colored towels or paper towels; treat the stain repeatedly with plain water or club soda
- if you can’t deal with a red wine stain immediately, some professional cleaners recommend shaking a thick layer of salt over the red wine while it’s still wet to prevent it from spreading and setting; when you are ready to treat the stain, vacuum off the salt then treat it with water or club soda
Wood furniture
- to treat deeper scratches or gouges into the wood, use wood filler or a colored filler wax stick
- white water rings on furniture can be remedied at home with a few simple steps:
- rub a gentle abrasive cleaner (a baking soda and water paste for example) using a soft clean cloth
- lightly rub the affected finish in the direction of the wood grain
- repeat for 5 to 10 minutes, until you free the moisture that has seeped into the surface
- dry and clean the area with a soft cloth and seal the finish with furniture or paste wax
More Questions? Just Ask Rainbow Furniture in Fort Wayne
Of course, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Rainbow Furniture for their advice about regular care (or emergency treatments) for any of the fine furniture you have purchased from us. We not only have years of experience caring for fine furniture but also can easily access furniture care information from the quality manufacturers with whom we work.
Particle Board vs Solid Wood Furniture
Solid Wood Furniture vs Particle Board
Solid wood furniture — dining room tables, bookcases, dressers, and the like — can be an impressive, yet functional, part of any room’s decor. These types of furnishings are generally made from either solid wood or particle board that has been covered with a laminate to give the appearance of real wood. Particle board is a product made when small wood particles, sawdust, and splinters are mixed with a resin and compressed into sheets. Both solid wood and particle board are commonly used in furniture manufacturing, but there is a big difference between the two.
Solid Wood = Higher Quality Furniture
Not only is real wood beautiful, it is strong enough to withstand the tests of time. The laminate on particle board will eventually chip and break off through daily use. Once this occurs, the particle board beneath is likely to chip off or crumble away. Cracks or chips in the laminate also allow moisture to enter. Even with a small exposure to moisture, particle board can swell and lose its grip on screws and nails. The ends of the particle board sheets, generally not covered by laminate in pieces like bookcases or media centers, are particularly susceptible to absorbing moisture. Once moisture penetrates, the shelves will warp and weaken. Wood can be damaged by long-term exposure to water, but it can recover from exposure to humidity and small amounts of water.
Real wood pieces can stand up to modifications such as repositioning hardware, refinishing, sanding, or sawing. Particle board may fall apart if it is drilled or sawed; and the laminate can not be sanded or refinished.
The differences are also evident in construction details. Sturdy construction like dovetailed joints can be seen in quality wood furniture. Particle board furniture is generally assembled with glue, staples or screws. Drawer bottoms and backs of bookcases are usually made of flimsy materials in particle board furniture.
Where to Buy Solid Wood Furniture in Fort Wayne
Rainbow Furniture carries only those furniture lines that we know give our customers the best quality product for their money. Furniture that is not only beautiful, but is built to last. Visit our furniture showroom and we will gladly show you the features that make each piece of furniture that we carry an example of true craftsmanship.
Furniture for Fictional Characters
What Furniture Would Beloved Fictional Characters Have?
We went to the movies the other day to see Maleficent, the latest retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. As we all know, Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) is cursed by the evil witch to prick her finger on a spinning wheel spindle and fall into a deep sleep until she can be awakened by “true love’s kiss”. We couldn’t help but think (we can’t help ourselves, furniture is our life!) that she’d be so very much more comfortable spending all that time sleeping on one of our stunning Yutzy beds.
We’ll… this got us thinking about other beloved fictional characters and what furniture would be ideal for them…
After cleaning house and waiting hand-and-foot on her evil step-sisters all day, Cinderella certainly would have enjoyed relaxing deeply into one of our beautifully custom-upholstered or leather Norwalk chairs with a matching ottoman on which to rest her weary feet.
As Belle prepares for a big date with the Beast, she would definitely have appreciated the quality of one of Saloom’s American-made dining room buffets in which to store all of that dancing china.
Where is the Mad Hatter going to seat all of his guests for his tea party for Alice and all of his friends? At one of our beautifully crafted dining room sets by Palettes of Winesburg, of course.
Rapunzel, stuck for so long in that tower-top room, would be appreciative of one of our lovely Yutzy, hardwood dressers, in which to store her hairbrush, with a matching mirror, in which to brush out her long tresses.
Snow White loves nature and interacting with adorable woodland creatures. Wouldn’t she and the 7 dwarves be excited to add new outdoor patio furniture by Braxton Culler to their home in the forest?
With Shrek’s large frame, he has a hard time finding furniture to support him. Look no further Shrek, Best Chair Company offers one of the largest recliners in the Industry. Rightfully named, The Beast offers support, durability, & comfort and is the right size for bigger frames. (Belle may want to look into this too!)
Rainbow Furniture Fort Wayne for All Your Furniture Needs
Have your furnishings become Frozen in time? It may be time to join Elsa the Snow Queen in singing “Let it Go” to some of your old furniture.
Imagine a fairy tale ending to your own decorating dilemmas as you work with the friendly professionals at Rainbow Furniture in Fort Wayne. We can help you find the perfect new furnishings for your home. Ones that would make any of our cinematic heroes & heroines proud.
The World’s Greatest Sofa
The World’s Greatest Sofa, Right Here in Fort Wayne
There are many options when it comes to buying a new sofa…. leather sofas, upholstered, pillowback, pleated arms, reclining, sectional sofa…. there are so many possibilities. But, maybe you like the fabric on one sofa, the back on another, and the length of yet another sofa. And, how do you know which sofa is the best when it comes to quality?
Take a look at Temple Furniture. Named “World’s Greatest” by World’s Greatest TV, Temple Furniture offers custom, Tailor Made furniture including sofas, loveseats, sectionals, ottomans, chaises, and more.
Your Sofa Your Way
The Tailor Made collection offers choices. You don’t have to settle for the sofa you see in a furniture store, you can custom design your sofa to fit your space and your style. Chose from 3 different seat depths, 8 arm options, choose your back, the length, and choose from hundreds of fabric styles and colors!
But, what about quality? Temple Furniture was named “World’s Best” for a reason – one of those reasons is the quality craftsmanship that goes into every sofa that Temple Furniture makes. Made in the USA, each sofa features:
- 8-way hand tied base for superior comfort and lasting durability
- hard wood to stand up to use and protect against warping
- Double wrapped arms for extra softness & style
- Premium wrapped cushions to eliminate fabric from shifting and extra comfort
- Double doweled joints for maximum stability
- and more!
Rainbow Furniture Fort Wayne Carries “World’s Greatest” Sofa
View the video to find out more about Temple Furniture and why they are the “World’s Greatest” sofa company! Then visit Rainbow Furniture in Fort Wayne, our knowledgeable staff and designers can help you design the greatest sofa to fit the style for any room in your house!
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