RMS Furniture Education Guide_

FURNITURE
EDUCATION

GUIDE

Version #5
July 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

POLICIES & PROCEDURES
WHAT’S YOUR STYLE?
BUILDING A LIVING ROOM
BUILDING A BEDROOM
BUILDING A DINING ROOM
FURNITURE SELLING

Copyright and Confidentiality

All rights reserved. No part of this material or program may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or use in
information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission from Regency Man-
agement Services, LLC.
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MISSION

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tatur asperum ipsunt, qui optatem aut plabo.

VISION

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tatur asperum ipsunt, qui optatem aut plabo.

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FURNITURE COMPENSATION

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RETURN/RE-SELECTION POLICY

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GUEST PICK-UP & DELIVERY

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WHAT’S YOUR
STYLE?

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BASIC STYLES

GLAM

Ashley – New Traditions
Regency – Designer Direct
Marlo – Designer Spotlight
Luxurious fabrics, sleek finishes, indulgent touches
showcase the Glam look. Tufted upholstery, the glint of
faceted glass, jewel and metallic tones give these pieces
polish and pizzazz.

RUSTIC

Ashley – Mane + Mason
Regency – Modern Farmhouse
Marlo – Farmhouse Chic
A Design emphasis on rugged, natural beauty. It em-
braces nature- inspired textures, simple and earthy col-
ors, and ultimately an unpretentious, organic warmth

MODERN

Ashley - Modern Refinery
Regency – New Directions
Marlo – Modern Living
The clean designs and simple silhouettes of Modern
Style bring the feeling of Zen to your home for the
ultimate escape from the busy world. Calm
and collected, the “less is more” attitude is perfect for
Urban and Mid-Century settings, too.

URBAN

Ashley – Urbanology
Regency – Urban Loft
Marlo – Urban Redefined
A design emphasis on antique looks combining wood,
stone and metal with turn of the century technology like
cranks wheels and pipe frames.

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CASUAL

Ashley – Vintage Casual
Regency – New Directions
Marlo – New Classics
Laidback furnishings that invite you to get comfortable.
Casual Style features over-sized seating with fami-
ly-friendly fabrics and simple details that complement
your active lifestyle.

MID-CENTRY MODERN

Ashley – Modern Refinery
Regency – New Directions
Marlo – Modern Living
This style is based on many factors. It gave us clean lines,
gentle organic curves, a love for different materials and
designers that are idolized even today. While there is some
disagreement about when the period started, it roughly
lasted from the mid- 1930s to mid-1960s.

TRADITIONAL

Ashley – New Traditions
Regency – Classic Home
Marlo – New Classics
The style calls for ornate furnishings with elaborate
carving and emphasis on motifs.and signature looks.

FARMHOUSE

Ashley – Vintage Casual
Regency – Modern Farmhouse
Marlo – Farmhouse Chic
This style combines modern country appealwith French
provincial elegance for the feel-good look of the times.

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TIPS FOR A PERFECTLY PLANNED

PURPOSE ASK: What are the MAIN USES of the space?

The room must fulfill its
purpose.

DINING ROOM FAMILY ROOM HOME OFFICE

• Family dinner • Games or Movies • Workspace for laptop, printer, etc.
• Entertain guests • Lounging with phone/tablet • Storage and charging
• Homework, office, crafts • Seating, lighting, table needs • Lighting and charging
• Ergonomics

STYLE ASK: How do you describe your preferred style?

Lighting, accessories,
textures, colors work
together to enhance
the guest’s style.
• Casual
• Traditional
• Traditional
• Modern
• Glam

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ROOM

FEELING Purchases are made with emotions, so be bold

and discuss feelings.

“ ASK:
How do you want to feel when you walk into this space?
What do you want your friends and guests to feel?
What word comes to mind when you dream of this room?

“Will the space envelop them in comfort and plushness?
Durable fabrics and
straight lines can Rugs, lamps, and
convey easy and tabletop accessories

casual. can add a jolt of
adventure to the
Neutral colors and
florals whisper soft space.

and feminine.

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TIPS FOR A PERFECTLY PLANNED

FOCAL POINT SCALE

ASK: What is the size of
the space?

Scale, the size and shape of furniture and
accessories, must work together with the
physical dimensions of the space.

ASK: What draws your pcfiuoacattntrcishumbruodTeerufsfheneiibitridalthsetwtareo-epeissiinsnntialjcraotrassduioctf.sosgyceokutdwsoemau,cootsnrhcw,adyhln Taller pieces work well
eye in the space today? in rooms with higher
ceiling,drawing the eye
A well-designed room has a focal point upward.
that attracts attention and establishes
the inspiration for all the other design Expansive walls are
elements. perfect for larger
artwork, screens,
Enables the or space-defining
room to make floor lights.

sense Scale is crucial
when using
Use size, color, FoCIcenantle=terPerosoitnft Essential multiple
pattern and scale to good design patterns,
to create a focal especially
keeping the
point scale of the
pattern in
proportion
to the size
of the
furniture.

Can pull the eye
away from less
desirable areas in

the space

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ROOM

TRAFFIC

A well-designed
room must work with
current traffic flow or
create new and more
functional traffic
patterns.

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“ ASK:
How do you see the traffic flow in this space?
Is this a destination room, or does it connect other spaces?
Where are the doorways and closets? “
What spaces within the room interact with each other?
(sofa/TV or recliner/accent table or desk/bookcase, etc.)

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TIPS FOR A PERFECTLY PLANNED

BALANCE

ASK: What essential items
will be in the space?

Balance harmonizes the focal point and essential ele-
ments in the space, creating a proportionate design.
• Balance makes sure that items don’t fight for

attention.
• Too few furnishings make a room cold and unwel-

coming, too many look cluttered and chaotic.
• Echoes of color around the room, appealing acces-

sories, purposeful negative space: all create bal-
ance and draw the eye throughout the room.

COLOR

ASK: How do you like the colors
that are in the space today?

The color palette supports the desired feeling of the room.
• Color choices apply to all aspects of the room:

furniture, window treatments, flooring, walls and
accessories.
• Neutrals and natural colors typically give a calm and
peaceful feeling to the space.
• Reds and oranges in the dining areas stimulate
conversation and appetite.
• Greens and blues are restful and evoke feelings of
serenity and stability.

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ROOM

PERSONALITY

ASK: What color/fabric/finish
would make this your
favorite?

One-of-a-kind pieces show the guest’s personality.
Listen for clues that small tweaks would make an item
perfect.
• Many of our accessories are one-of-a-kind items.

Reclaimed wood, vintage pieces and original
finishes make the items unique.
• Custom Orders personalize the look. Blending in-
stock with a custom accent piece allows the guest
to explor their creativity.

LIGHTING

ASK: How have you been
lighting the space?

The natural light in a space changes throughout the day.
Carefully chosen lighting can supplement and enhance
the natural light to reinforce the feeling of the room.
• Lighting can make a small room feel more open,

and a larger room cozy and inviting.serenity and
stability.
• Include supplemental lighting for office work,
reading, tasks, and to highlight artwork.
• Statement lighting, such as floor and uplighting
adds drama to an entryway, hall, or dining area.

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TIPS FOR A PERFECTLY PLANNED

SELECTION

SAY: Please try out the way this It all comes down to making the selection. Help the guest see
feels to you! the items in their own home.
Invite the guest to experience the furniture:
• Sit on the sofa the way they would at home, plump the

pillows and cushions, drape their legs over the arms
rests.
• Adjust the recliner for maximum comfort. (Power has an
array of adjustments to make the fit perfect for them!)
• Touch the finish of the table, experience padded and
wooden seats, and try out dining and gathering heights.
• Feel the indulgent luxury of top-grain leather, the sump-
tuous comfort of down- filled cushions, and the supple
hand of quality fabrics.

Sketching a room
is an easy way for
the guest to see
how thing might
fit into their home.
It also allows the
Home Specialist to
make appropriate
suggestions for
décor, function and
add certainty to the
guests decisions.
Here is an example:

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ROOM

ROOM SKETCHING

Sketching the room while you work with the guest brings the room to life and helps the guest ‘see’ their room transform
with the items you discuss. Don’t worry about being an artist- a simple sketch will let the guest know you are listening to
them, give you a place to jot down information, and provide the details you need to help your guest find solutions.
Sketching can happen on an app, tablet, grid or tablet paper. Practice now by sketching your own living room.

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QUICK QUIZ

After studying this module, let’s test your knowledge. Answer the following questions on a blank sheet of paper and be
prepared to show your facilitator your work:

1. Describe your favorite style of furniture and why you like it.
2. Name 2 things that you must consider when accounting for traffic in a room design.
3. What colors are appropriate for a dining room and what do they invoke?
4. What are some ways that your guest can experience their selection?

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BUILDING A Building is expanding on the request for
just a sofa...and offering the option to dis-
LIVING cover pieces that can create an entire new
ROOM environment.
Using your experience to provide guidance
TYPES OF FURNITURE can make a barely-there dream a reality.
SECTIONALS In this example, we’ve added 9 additional
UPHOLSTERY STYLING ELEMENTS items to the sofa that was the initial request.
MOTION FURNITURE
OCCASTIONAL FURNITURE 1 Loveseat
COMMON ACCESSORIES 2 Lamp #1
UPHOLSTERY CONSTRUCTION 3 End Table #1
4 Area Rug
2 5 Wall Art
1 6 Cocktail Table
7 Table Top Accessories
3 8 Lamp #2
9 End Table #2
4
5 8
67 9

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BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

TYPES OF FURNITURE

SOFA

A piece of furniture that typically
seats 3 people.

LOVESEAT

A piece of furniture that typically seats 2 people.
Ideal main seating for small rooms.

SOFA SLEEPER

A sofa, loveseat or chair that offers the ability to convert
into a sleeper-sofa.
Comes in three sizes – Queen Size (sofas), Full Size
(loveseats), and twins (chairs).
Two types of mattresses are available – an innerspring
mattress, or an air mattress (for an upcharge).

CHAIR OR CHAIR 1/2

A chair or chair ½ is a piece of furniture that typically
seats 1 to 2 people.

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OTTOMAN

Ottomans are pieces of furniture that people place
their feet on.

May also be used for occasional seating or combine
with a tray to serve as a table.

ACCENT CHAIR

Smaller in scale than a regular chair and usually can only
hold 1 person comfortably.

Typically done in a patterned fabric that compliments (or
contrasts) the main body fabric of the sofa, loveseat or sec-
tional

ACCENT OTTOMAN KIDNEY PILLOW

Similar to a regular ottoman; however it is Accent chairs and ottomans don’t always come with
smaller in scale. toss pillows, though an accent chair may come with
Typically has the same fabric as the accent chair and a smaller oval-shape or rectangular pillow known as
toss pillows. a “kidney pillow.”

TOSS PILLOW Furniture Education Guide | 23

Sometimes called a throw pillow, a
contrast pillow,or an accent pillow.
On sofas and loveseats made of fabric, 2
or 4 are usually provided with the collection.
Furniture pieces made of leather usually do
not come with toss pillow. Pillows can be
filled with fiber fill or down-blend.

BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

SECTIONALS • Non-modular-the pieces are meant to be displayed togeth-
er and are not finished 360 degrees around with the fabric
• Unique sets of multiple pieces that form one unit and/or leather.
from 2 or more pieces.
• Some sectionals come with connectors at the bottom of the
• Modular-that the pieces can be separated and that pieces to hook them together to prevent separation.
they are finished 360 degrees and ca be used as
separate pieces in the room.

CUDDLER CHAISE

A perfect spot for two people to A chaise is a deep piece of furniture with
cuddle up next to each other, or an elongated area to put your feet up.
for one person to read a book or A perfect seat for lounging or falling
browse on their tablet. asleep.

ONE-ARMED SOFA WEDGE CORNER

Sofas and Loveseats will usually A wedge or corner piece is the piece that
come with only one arm on the makes the “corner” of a sectional. It brings
left or right in order to give the two pieces together to create one large
appearance of one continuous piece.
piece.

ARMLESS CHAIR

To increase seating area, arm-
less chairs and loveseats are
added to sectionals.

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Right Arm Facing (RAF):
Furniture with only one arm on
the right when facing it.
Left Arm Facing (LAF):
Furniture with only one arm on
the left when facing it.

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Left Arm Sitting (LAS):
Furniture with only one arm on
the left when sitting on it.
Right Arm Sitting (RAS):
Furniture with only one arm on
the right when sitting on it.

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BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

UPHOLSTERY SKIRTING
STYLING
ELEMENTS Some sofas and
loveseats come with
skirting that goes to
the floor. This is a sign
of a traditional style
type of furniture.

CHANNEL BACKING & BUTTON TUFTING
CONTRAST STITCHING
Tufting is taking a string or thread
In order to keep the stuffing full, and pulling it through to the
channeling is used to keep it in other side. Many times buttons
separate chambers. This will allow it are used to keep it in place,
to last longer. In addition, look at the though they aren’t always used.
contrast stitching. Sometimes this is This makes a cushion firmer and
called “baseball stitching”. can add hand and visual appeal.

NAIL HEAD TRIM PILLOW TOP

When a manufacturer wants to An arm that has a plush
add visual and textural interest, pillow cushion on top
they can outline the silhouette of adding comfort.
the piece with nails or nail heads
finished in a variety of finishes
and styles.

FLARED ARM ROLLED ARM

Arms that flare out in Found primarily
either direction to add on traditional and
style. farmhouse styles.
It adds a touch of
sophistication.

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TRACK ARM SCATTER
BACK
An arm that is flat and
easy to place your arm Cushions
on. Found in modern are scattered
furniture. along the
back and can
LOOSE be arranged
REVERSIBLE however the
guest wants.
Cushions are
more tailored, BOX SEAT
but still come CUSHION
loose so
they can be The seat cushion fits
fluffed and squarely between the
refreshed. arms of the chair or
the sofa.
T-SEAT
CUSHION CONTRAST
WELTING
The seat cushion
wraps around the When the welting (i.e.
front of the arms, piping) is different
forming a “T” shape. color than the base
color of the piece to
WOOD add style and texture.
TRIM
CAMEL
Used to create BACK
depth and
texture. Wood Upward curve
is interspersed in the center
between the back, sweeping
upholstered downward on each
elements. side.

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BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

MOTION The market for motion furniture (types that recline, incline, swivel, and move)
FURNITURE continues to explode in the marketplace. Not just for “man caves,” in dens, living
rooms, or family rooms; motion furniture provides comfort in any room. Motion
furniture is not just about chairs and recliners anymore – a whole world of motion
furniture exists for guests to take advantage of.

ROCKER RECLINER

A reclining chair that rocks in the closed or non-reclining
position. Needs 12-15 inches of clearance from the wall to
function correctly.

GLIDER RECLINER

A reclining chair that glides (a movement similar to the old
porch glider) in the closed, or non- reclining, position.

WALL SAVER

A reclining chair that is stationary until it moves into the
reclining position. Sliding forward rather than back allows the
chair to remain 2 to 4 inches to the wall for more room space.

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HIGH LEG RECLINER

A reclining chair whose mechanism has been lifted off the floor
with decorative legs. A great compromise for style and comfort.

POWER RECLINING

Reclining furniture that operates by pressing a button that moves
the user effortlessly to any position of comfort desired. Power
furniture can be found as chairs, loveseats, and even sofas.

RECLINING CONSOLE SOFA

A reclining sofa divided by a console option such as: an armrest,
cup holder, hidden storage compartment, charging station,
light, serving table or cup holders.

DUAL & TRIPLE RECLINING

A reclining chair, loveseat, or sofa that offers a number of
reclining options including the feet, back, and even the head
offering your guest the ultimate in comfort.

LIFT CHAIR

A chair made for people who have trouble getting in and out
of traditional chairs. The chair not only reclines, but also lifts
forward helping to lift the person out of the chair effortlessly.

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BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

OCCASIONAL FURNITURE Case goods should be purchased along with the
upholstery pieces. These elements are important to
include as you build a living room.

COCKTAIL TABLE

A cocktail table or coffee table is a table that sits in the
middle of the room and gives people a place to put
food, drinks, and other knick- knacks. Tables can be
square or round, wood or glass, or other material. An
alternative is a cocktail ottoman where a tray can be
placed on top.

END TABLE

A cocktail table or coffee table is a table that sits in the
middle of the room and gives people a place to put
food, drinks, and other knick- knacks. Tables can be
square or round, wood or glass, or other material. An
alternative is a cocktail ottoman where a tray can be
placed on top.

SOFA TABLE

A table that is placed behind a sofa or a loveseat that is
“floating” in the room. This is used for knick-knacks and
used to hide the back of the sofa. It can also be used in
a hallway, in front of a window, or a bar/dining area..

CONSOLES

Pieces of furniture that will hold a television and all
media components like cable boxes, gaming systems,
etc. Many have drawers or doors, with ventilation for all
of the warmth generated by the media components.

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ENTERTAINMENT
CENTERS

Pieces of furniture that will hold a television and all
media components like cable boxes, gaming systems,
etc. Many have drawers or doors, with ventilation for all
of the warmth generated by the media components.

FIREPLACES

Electric fireplaces serve many purposes including add-
ing a focal point to any room, helping to generate heat
in an area of the home that is commonly cold, and can
add a sophisticated place to set a television or
accessories.

COMMON LIVING ROOM ACCESSORIES

LIGHTING/ AREA VASES/ WALL ART/
LAMPS RUGS ACCESSORIES MIRRORS

You can use lighting for both Add “art” to the floor with an Adding color is easy with table- Add a little bling and let gold and
functional use and to add an area rug. Perfect for wooden, top accessories like vases and silver hangout together. Think
ambient flare to any room. ceramic, or plastic laminate other items. Add a touch of color about mixing elements, rather than
Lamps and lighting add style, floors, or to simply add a with florals or plants and mix and matching. Warm your room up with
mood, and can be used on touch of color to any room. match different textures with mirrors. The choice is yours! This will
tables or as floor lamps. others. It’s all up to you! help enhance those neutral colors
with colors to create the perfect “pop.”

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BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

UPHOLSTERY CONSTRUCTION - THE FRAME

The frame is what gives an upholstered piece of furniture its shape. Most frames are made of wood. The type of wood is
important to the durability and longevity of a piece of furniture. Look at the various aspects of what a frame can be made of:

PARTICLE BOARD & MDF

Particle Board is ground up sawdust and small pieces of wood compacted so tightly
that it creates a solid. This is typically found in ready to assemble furniture. It is not
highly durable and may be one of the reasons items at the competition LOOK similar
but cost less and have a shorter life!
MDF (medium density fiberboard) is a commercially constructed type of particle board
that is usually stronger than regular particle board.

SOFT WOOD

Wood made from evergreen trees. This is a wood that is light in color and weight and
typically weak. Trees like pine, larch, and spruce are common. It is unusual for frames to
be made of softwood because it lacks quality and durability.

ENGINEERED LUMBER

Thin pieces of hardwood layered on top of each other. The grains are crossed to create
strength in the individual pieces of the wood. The laymen term is “plywood,” not to be
confused with particle board. Plywood is not particle board and is considered one of the
strongest types of wood you can make upholstered furniture from.

HARDWOOD

Hardwood can be crafted into durable furniture. Each type of hardwood offers unique
markings with variations on grain patterns, texture, and color. Trees such as oak, ash,
cherry, maple, and poplar are commonly used. This is typically used in better and best
quality furniture and may be mixed with engineered lumber.

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In addition to the type of wood being used, how the 4 CORNER BACKING
wood is dried, the thickness of the frame, and how OR BRACKETS
the frame comes together make a difference in the
durability of the piece. Take a look: Right angles made of wood or metal, corner blocking,
brackets, or braces are placed at all major intersecting
1 THE WOOD’S THICKNESS joints to prevent racking of the frame and to provide
& HOW IT’S DRIED stability and durability.

The industry average for the thickness of the frame is ¾ to 5 D-BLOCK STRETCHER
1 Inch Thick. Better and Best furniture uses more than 1
inch so it will last longer. Most manufacturers use a special seat stretcher that is a
You can dry a piece of wood two ways – air drying or kiln concave D-shape. It braces the front and back rails of the
drying. Air drying dries the wood to the moisture content seat box. The seat stretcher ensures that when Guests are
of the atmosphere. When moved to a drier atmosphere, it sitting on the sofa, they won’t feel like they’re sitting on
is prone to warping and seasonal splitting. Kiln drying is wood or like they’re “bottoming out” onto the frame.
drying the wood in a controlled environment to a specific
moisture level to avoid seasonal splitting. 6 A-FRAME

2 WOODEN DOWELS/SCREWS An A-frame back brace design that strengthens the
integrity of the entire frame. The back of sofas hold up well
When two intersecting pieces come together, on good and to daily use and are sturdy, because the top of the upright
better-quality furniture, holes may be drilled into both rail meets the top of the back rest rail and is reinforced
pieces, with a third piece (called a dowel) inserted to hold with a horizontal brace in the center forming the A-frame.
the pieces together.
From there, they are glued in place and screws are used 123
to help hold the pieces together.

3 MORTISE & TENON 456

When a groove is mitered into a piece of wood and
the intersecting tab is carved to fit into that groove.
The groove is called the “mortise.” The tab is called the
“tenon.” This is sometimes called “tongue and groove”
construction and is one of the oldest techniques of
construction.

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BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

UPHOLSTERY CONSTRUCTION - THE SUPPORT SYSTEM

The support system is what allows you to sit “on” your furniture instead of “in your furniture. There are five types of support
systems to be aware of:

SINUOUS WIRE SYSTEM

Found on most furniture, this type of system gives “consistent seating support.” This
means that no matter where your guest puts their weight, they’ll receive the same
support. This type of support system is made from “S” shaped wires, known as no-sag
springs. The number of springs AND the gauge of the wire influence the quality of the
system. A better and best quality will have 4-5 springs per seat box.

NYLON WEBBING

This is typically found on leather furniture and in some dining room chairs – typically
furniture where the cushion cannot be rotated or changed. Nylon Webbing is strong and
flexible. It has elasticity that provides comfort and prevents you from sinking into the
furniture.

MAT PLATFORM DECK

Heavy weight nylon decking attached in the back with Pirreli webbing
secured to the back rail the entire length of the decking. Eliminates
spring impressions and reduces cushion “smiling”.

DROP-IN COIL

A machine-tied coil unit is used to give excellent support in seating. The coil springs flex
up and down to provide a more supportive ride than flat springs. This type of support
system is better than sinuous wires that could break off over time making it last longer
and hold up better for family use. This is a differentiator that should always be men-
tioned when present in seating.
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EIGHT-WAY HAND-TIED

Similar to drop-in coil, except there are cords of hand-tied twine radiating out from each
coil, hand-tied to other coils and the seat box. This is found on truly guests that appreci-
ate handcrafted and deluxe touches will appreciate this detail.

BLUE STEEL SPRING

Evenly spaced, dual steel ribbons run the length of the frame from the front to the back
of the seating area, where each ribbon ends in a graceful, c-shaped arch, providing extra
support.

FURNITURE PADDING

MINIMAL PADDING ADDITIONAL 360 DEGREE
PADDING PADDING
Only the most highly trafficked
areas are padded with a polyester As more padding is used on other When padding is wrapped around
wrap, leaving the fabric in other areas of the frame, costs will go up. all elements of the frame eliminat-
areas exposed to friction. This will This, however, does create higher ing any exposure of the frame to the
cause the fabric to breakdown faster. quality furniture as fabric will have fabric of the piece. This eliminates
all friction and can produce “best”
less interaction with the frame quality furniture that can last ten or
creating less friction. In general, on
better quality furniture, you should more years in many cases.
not feel any exposed wood through

the fabric.

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BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

UPHOLSTERY CONSTRUCTION - THE CUSHION

The cushion is meant to be both supportive and comfortable. Guests have a number of cushion options to consider:

THE CUSHION CORE

All cushions start out with a cushion core. The cushion core quality is measured by densi-
ty. Density is measured by taking a cubic foot of the foam and measuring its weight. The
industry average is between 1.2 and 1.5 pounds. In Better and Best 1.8 to 2.5 pounds.
Higher density lasts longer and is less likely to show compression.

COIL-ENHANCED CORE & MEMORY FOAM CAPS

Similar in construction to a polyurethane cushion. The difference is the foam core has
been replaced with coil springs. Coils are wrapped in fabric, surrounded by foam. This
enhances the lifespan of the cushions beyond high density foam.
When a manufacturer wants to add additional comfort, they can add a layer of memory
foam to the top of a cushion core which conforms, eliminates pressure and also returns
to its original shape.

DACRON WRAPPING

Dacron wrapping is used to prevent friction of the fabric from rubbing against the
cushion core. It also creates the crowning appearance of the cushion, fills in the corners
where the cushion core cannot reach, and provides comfort. It is a polyester fiber fill.

DOWN BLEND WRAPPING

Alternatively, a down-blend of goose and duck feathers is wrapped in cotton-ticking to
prevent the escaping of quills and is considered superior quality and support.

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THE COVERING - THE LEATHER STORY

The fabric or leather that covers a piece of furniture is one of the things that attracts the guest. Both the hand and eye
appeal are important. The covering can either be made of leather, bonded leather, or fabric (natural or synthetic)
Like stone, wood, and wool, leather is a natural product. Leather is made from animal hides that are converted through a
many-step process which preserves, softens, beautifies, and protects the finished product. Leather comes in a variety of
colors, fits into any style category, can be the focal point of any room, and is a practical material for any lifestyle. There are
four levels of leather or leather-like material to be aware of:

FULL GRAIN LEATHER

Full grain leather is a type of top grain leather that has not been corrected. This is the most
expensive and highest quality leather available. It is the most durable and more natural. Full
Grain Leather is 4 times more durable than fabric.

TOP GRAIN LEATHER

Top grain leather is the second highest grade as it is sanded and refinished. It is strong and
durable and will always be used on the inside seats and inside backs. Top Grain Leather is 4
times more durable than fabric.

SPLIT GRAIN/HIDE

Split grain leather is the second layer of leather and typically is 3 times more durable than
fabric. It is generally used on the sides and outside backs of pieces as it is not as strong as top
grain but stronger than bonded or vinyl.

BONDED LEATHER

Bonded leather is not actual leather. While it does contain leather fibers, it is made up of
other substances including polyurethane and adhesive. Bonded leather is made so that it has
the look of real leather without the cost of genuine leather.

BREATHABLE LEATHER-LIKE MATERIAL

Manufacturers may use a “leather-like” material that is breathable and cool to the touch. It
looks, feels, and wipes like real leather, maintains its temperature so it does not get cold or
hot and sticky like bonded leather, and it has the leather look without the leather cost.
This is typically a polyester-blend, along with other synthetic fibers and could be classified as
more of a fabric than leather.

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BUILDING A LIVING ROOM

THE COVERING - THE FABRIC STORY

Fibers are broken down into two separate groups: synthetic and natural. Synthetic fabrics have been “engineered” to be more
durable and last longer. Each type of fabric has different characteristics.

NYLON

Nylon has good luster and drapes and dyes well. It is highly durable because of its remarkable
resistance to abrasion. It also resists mold, mildew, stretching, and wrinkling. Nylon is a
synthetic fiber and is oftentimes found mixed with other synthetic fibers like polyester.

ACRYLIC

Acrylic has a soft, woolly, natural feel and is often used to create a plush velvet look. It is
lightweight and dyes well. Acrylic fabrics can be shape retentive, resilient, quick drying, and
are resistant to sunlight, oil, and fading and mildew. Acrylic is a synthetic fiber.

RAYON

Rayon can be made to resemble silk and is often used to make velvets. It is smooth and
lustrous. This fiber is often used in upholstery blends. Rayon is a natural fiber usually from
wood or bamboo.

OLEFIN

Olefin is resistant to moisture, mildew, and fading. This light and highly durable fiber almost
equals nylon for strength and has remarkable resistance to abrasion. Olefin is a synthetic
fiber.

COTTON

Cotton dyes well, prints, and takes special finishes well. Cotton is strong, versatile, and
durable. It has excellent resistance to static electricity. It has only a fair resistance to abrasion,
stretching, wrinkling, and sunlight. Cotton is a natural fiber.

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POLYESTER

Polyester or microfiber can be produced with a semi-bright to dull sheen and crisp feel.
Fabrics drape well and are remarkably resistant to wrinkling. This fiber is very strong, durable,
and has a good resistance to abrasive wear. It resists deterioration when exposed to mildew
and sunlight. It is the preferred fabric for many upholstery manufacturers.

CHENILLE

A woven yarn usually made of cotton, wool, silk, or rayon, which has a fuzzy pile that is said to
resemble a furry caterpillar

MICROFIBER

An extremely fine synthetic fiber that can be woven or knit into textiles with the texture and
drape of natural fiber cloth but with enhanced washability, breathability, and water repellency.

TAPESTRY

A heavy handwoven reversible textile used for hangings, curtains, upholstery and
characterized by complicated pictorial designs.

TWEED

Upholstery fabrics similar to clothing tweed in that they show colored slubs of yarn on a
somewhat hairy surface, but different that they are heavier in texture and weight.

JACQUARD

Jacquard, pronounced ja-kard, is often found on many of accent pillows and accent chairs.
The term jacquard describes all fabrics which are intricately woven on a jacquard loom. This
includes damasks, tapestries, brocades, and matelassé. The detail and texture of jacquard is
very different than the repetitive woven structure of chenille.

VELVET

Velvet is a soft, luxurious fabric that is characterized by a dense pile of evenly cut fibers that
have a smooth nap. Velvet has a beautiful drape and a unique soft and shiny appearance due
to the characteristics of the short pile fibers.

Furniture Education Guide | 39

QUICK QUIZ

After studying this module, let’s test your knowledge. Answer the following questions on a blank sheet of paper and be
prepared to show your facilitator your work:

1. What are the different elements of a living room?
2. What’s the difference between “left arm facing” and “left arm sitting?”
3. List some additional styling elements you’ll find on living room furniture.
4. What is the difference between a basic rocker recliner and a wall-saver recliner?
5. What are four types of occasional tables you can purchase? How are they used?
6. List four types of accessories that can be purchased for the living room.
7. What are the four construction elements of living room furniture?
8. What makes a support system “better” or “best” quality?
9. Between bonded leather and split hide leather, which is stronger?

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ROOM SKETCHING

Sketching a room can be done on a tablet or scrap piece of paper. Use this to practice sketching a co-worker’s room.

Furniture Education Guide | 41

BUILDING A Building a bedroom is about taking a guest
who is looking for just a bed... And showing
BEDROOM them the possibilities of what could be. Use
you experiences to share options that will
Bedroom Elements make their dream a reality. In this example,
Common Bedroom Accessories we’ve added 9 items in addition to the bed
Basic Case Good Construction they came in looking for:
Drawer Construction
Finishing 1 Wall Art
Special Styling Elements 2 Bedding
3 Lamps/Lighting
4 Nightstand
5 Gentleman’s Chest
6 Area Rug
7 Beveled Mirror
8 Table Top Accessories
9 Dresser

7

1

35 8

2 9
4

6

BEDROOM ELEMENTS

BED DRESSER

Consists of a headboard, A case good piece with sets
footboard, and rails. Made of of drawers vertically and
wood or metal and comes in horizontally. It sits low to
five sizes – twin, full, queen, the ground at about 30 to
King, or California King. 36 inches. Mirrors can be
attached to it.
MIRROR
CHEST
A decorative piece of
reflective glass that when A piece of furniture that
beveled adds a clean, features drawers and is
sophisticated look to the usually tall and narrow.
collection. Always sold
separately.

LINGERIE NIGHSTAND/
CHEST BACHELOR’S
CHEST
A tall and narrow piece
with multiple drawers A small chest usually
to accommodate storage consisting of one to three
needs. drawers placed near the
bed.
MEDIA CHEST
GENTLEMAN’S
A chest with built in vents CHEST
meant specifically to hold
your TV and cable or gaming A tall and narrow piece
systems which has multiple drawers
and possibly even a door.

VERTICAL BENCH
DOOR CABINET
A bench is an ideal solution
A tall and narrow chest for additional seating and
with a full- length mirror, storage. Will come in a
adjustable shelves, and variety of designs
hidden drawers.
Furniture Education Guide | 43

BUILDING A BEDROOM

COMMON BEDROOM ACCESSORIES

TABLE LAMPS/ MIRRORS
FLOOR LAMPS
The bedroom is the guest’s sanctuary and
While most bedrooms have light- often it’s where they dress in the morning.
ing that comes from above, many Mirrors allow them to see what they’re
guests may prefer the comfort of bringing out into the world. Most bedroom
having a table lamp next to them collections sell beveled mirrors, but you
to turn off at night, or a floor can also consider mirrors that hang up or
lamp in the corner. Don’t miss prop against the wall as
this optional add-on! well.

AREA RUGS MATTRESSES

When waking up from a deep Did you know the average lifespan of a
sleep, many guests will love the mattress is 7 to 10 years? And even if your
plushness of an area rug under guest’s mattress is in like- new condition,
their feet. This is especially true if our bodies change every 7 years and
they have a wooden floor. it may not be the right mattress for you
Area rugs can also add a guest’s perfect night sleep. Introduce your
pop of color. guest to the idea of a new sleep environ-
ment to make the most out of their new
BEDDING bedroom

Add color to your guest’s bed-
room with comforter sets, duvet
covers, and throw pillows.
Any of the sets we have
displayed on our floor are avail-
able for purchase.

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BASIC CASE GOOD CONSTRUCTION

Case Good construction is the construction of wood elements for rooms throughout the home. In the bedroom, these
elements include items like beds, dressers, mirrors, chests, and nightstands. Wood can be crafted with basic construction
through one or more of seven different techniques commonly used:

SOLID WOOD

Composed entirely of solid wood with no particle board or veneering. Typically, will have a
deep rich finish that can be carved or refinished. Solid wood will last for generations with
proper care.

WOOD VENEERING

Veneers are used to match and create wood patterns without the high cost associated with
solid wood pattern designs. Most showroom furniture is made with veneering laid over high
quality solid woods making it a style feature with durability.

PLASTIC LAMINATE

Laminates are synthetic materials that are durable and easy to clean and simulate wood
and marble/stone finishes. These can be referred to as a “Faux Finishes” This represents a
significant portion of entry level prices.

STONE OR MARBLE VENERRING

Stone or marble veneers can be applied to solid or engineered wood pieces. These stone
veneers or tiles are designed in decorative patterns to create the look of a solid piece of stone,
but is beneficial as it is not as costly, heavy, and cannot break as easily.

RESIN

Resins are used to reproduce detailed carvings that would other be cost prohibitive. This
process requires using a classic mold created from a 3D model from either an antique
reproduction or newly carved prototype.

2D/3D LAMINATE

Laminates are constructed by using heat and pressure to apply a pre-printed or solid color
decorative paper to an engineered wood like medium density fiberboard also known as
MDF. MDF is used in our laminate process because it provides strong, stable construction
with a smooth finished surface. To achieve the look of wood or stone, photographs of natural
materials are used.

NATURAL STONE

Natural marble and slate are cool to the touch, and although we usually think of stone as
“hard,” it’s a very porous material that will absorb liquids. During the manufacturing process,
the manufacturer seals both the slate and marble to protect the natural beauty and enhance
the functionality and durability.

Furniture Education Guide | 45

BUILDING A BEDROOM

DRAWER CONSTRUCTION

No feature of a case good piece of furniture receives more abuse than the drawer. The quality of a case good piece of furniture
is oftentimes determined by simply looking at the details of the drawer itself. Here are some common drawer construction
techniques to be aware of:

DOVETAIL JOINTS

Dovetail joints (English or French) are an interlocking technique for joining two pieces
of wood through flared puzzle like connections. English dovetails (pictured) are often
found on the back of the drawers and French dovetails will often be found on the fronts
as they are resistant to being pulled apart..

CORNER BLOCKING

Corner blocking is placed at all of the intersecting right angles ensuring that the drawer
box will stay square and eliminate binding.

WOODEN SLIDES

Traditionally, drawers have slid on wooden runners: strips of wood tenoned into horizon-
tal rails at the face of a cabinet. ... They let your drawer sides and joinery shine without
intrusion by metal hardware.

FULL EXTENSION BALL BEARING GLIDES

Dual ball-bearing glides allow the drawer to fully extend out of the case piece and
provide maximum stability, functionality, and ease of operation. This system has up to
100 pounds of weight capacity. Full extension drawers are a feature to highlight when
guests compare pricing among competition.

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INTERIOR

SANDED & SEALED

The interior of a drawer should be made of hardwoods and finely sanded and sealed.
This will eliminate the possibility of splintering and snagging of clothing.

FELT LINED

Many top drawers will be felt-lined for fragile items or intimate apparel. Some may
come with a jewelry tray to hold the guest’s jewelry.

CEDAR BUILT

The bottom drawers are often made of cedar to help keep moths away and to keep the
clothing moisture-free, eliminating mildew and odors.

HIDDEN STORAGE TRAY

Convenient storage used for jewelry and valuables.

Furniture Education Guide | 47

BUILDING A BEDROOM

FINISHING

Furniture finishes are used to enhance the beauty and durability of wood furniture. Modern finishing methods normally
use multi-step processes whereby raw woods are stained, filled, sealed, and top-coated. This helps to do the following:
• Highlights and enhances the natural color and grain of the wood.
• Protect the surface of the wood from deterioration due to sunlight,

chemicals, heat, and scratching.
• Seals the wood to prevent changes in moisture content which can

cause swelling, shrinking, warping, and checking.
• Produces a desired surface sheen.

It is important to remember the following points about finishing a piece of furniture:

• Pieces that may look very similar may differ wildly in price due to the type
of finish and steps taken.

• Finishing is not just about creating a “shiny” look, nor is the quality of
finish simply determined by how shiny it is with a finish.

• Finishing steps can be up to 21 or more, depending on what type of
technique is being used. Steps include sanding the wood, filling in goug-
es, sanding the wood again, staining a piece of wood multiple times, and
treating the wood with a surface coat – sometimes multiple times.

• Finishes should be from drips, bubbles, and evenly applied across the
entire piece.

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SPECIAL STYLING ELEMENTS

Unique wood finishes bring an eclectic blend of style to your guest’s home. In order to create an “antiqued” and aged
furniture look, there are specific styling elements and techniques commonly used. They include:

LIVE EDGE

A “live edge” is accomplished by shaving the edge of the wood. The edge is filed down and
then sanded to create an uneven edge that looks as if it is the natural plank shape. This is
usually done with solid wood planks glued together, sanded, sealed, and then edged..

FLY SPECKLING

This is the practice of taking a paint brush and dipping it into the finish and then splattering
it over a piece of wood.

DISTRESSED FINISH

To create that “antiqued” look, manufacturers will use a rubber mallet and beat a chain into
a raw piece of wood to “damage” the surface. To create the look of worn paint, a white primer
is used on a piece of wood and allowed to dry. Then the base coat is applied of regular
paint, but prior to allowing it to dry, a dry brush is then scraped over it, revealing the white
underneath.

It’s important to
point out the special
distressing features
to guests since they
were purposefully
added to each
casegood piece.
Unique wood finishes
bring an eclectic
blend of style to
your guest’s home.
In order to create
an “antiqued” and
aged furniture look,
there are specific
styling elements
and techniques
commonly used. They
include:

Furniture Education Guide | 49

BUILDING A BEDROOM

QUICK QUIZ

After studying this module, let’s test your knowledge. Answer the following questions on a blank sheet of paper and be
prepared to show your facilitator your work:

1. What are five different elements of a bedroom?
2. What types of accessories could be added to a bedroom?
3. What are some ways that you can overcome the objection that “veneering” is poor

quality?
4. What are some elements of a “best” quality drawer construction and why are they

important to know?
5. Why do furniture manufacturers “finish” a piece of wood? List reasons why it is

important.
6. What are varying styling elements that create unique furniture finishes?
7. What is the advantage of using dove tail joints?

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