by Juanita | Mar 21, 2023 | Furniture Care, Georges Difference, Tables, Uncategorized
Make traditions
Picture this. The air is filled with lively conversations. Relatives from far and wide congregate to celebrate the holidays. Ladies work in the kitchen to prepare a meal worthy of kings, while the men argue whether the refs made a fair call. Whatever the tradition in your family household, one thing is crucial. Having a table capable of seating everyone. Not only that, but also having table leaves to ensure each person will have a place to set their plate.
Where to storage table leaves
Now, it is common knowledge to those who own extensions tables that storage for these wooden leaves is a necessity. Many resort to slipping them beneath beds or stuffing them into cramped closets, but for solid hardwood leaves, these conditions are not ideal. What is more uncommon knowledge is that wooden boards need to breath, sort of like living creatures do, but not in the same capacity. People and animals breath air to oxygenate their blood and keep their body functioning. Wooden leaves, on the other hand, breath to regulate their moisture levels and prevent mold from setting into the grain. As an added layer of protection against excess moisture, we always coat both sides of the leave with a catalyzed conversion varnish. Furthermore, leaves should be stored upright to prevent bowing and warping from gravity’s pull. You may be thinking, no-where in my house would meet those parameters. Should you simply give up and compromise with the previously explained methods? Luckily for you, we’ve already come up with the solution so you don’t have to.
Table leaf storage solution
In the early stages of extension table development, the issue of leaf storage quickly rose to the forefront of our minds. We knew the methods people had employed in the past. Some manufacturers even built storage areas within the table itself, but that kind of storage is limited. Instead, we took what we knew about proper leaf care and, after testing different prototypes, landed on a revolutionary piece of furniture so unique that it created a category of its own. The leaf storage. We designed this new piece of furniture to meet every requirement set in front of us. The leaf storage is built with grooves at the top and bottom to hold the boards in a vertical position and space them out an inch apart to allow air to flow freely. Where might you put these storage boxes, you may ask? Well, we have three designs, each one tailored to fit the needs of your household.
Georges leaf storage options
- Our standard design is a Finished Leaf Storage with solid panels on each side. The front and back are left open so you can show your beautiful leaves off to your friends even when not in use
- Perhaps you don’t favor seeing your tables leaves twenty-four seven and would rather have a piece of furniture that fits in perfectly with your buffet, server, or hutch? That’s where our Deluxe Leaf Storage Cabinet comes into play. Aside from its fancier design, it incorporates a wooden raised panel door that hides your leaves for a clean, organized look.
- No room in your dining room for a deluxe leaf storage cabinet or finished leaf storage, we’ve got you covered. At no extra charge, we’ll send an unfinished leaf storage frame along with your table set purchase that functions identically to the previous two, but is meant to be kept hidden from sight.
As you are pondering your next table with leaves purchase, always remember the importance of proper leaf storage to maintain them for generations to come. It’s quite simple. Our solution for leaf storage will relieve your mind as you relax knowing your leaves are receiving the best treatment possible. Whatever design you choose, you’re certain to love your new piece of furniture.
by Juanita | Jun 7, 2019 | George's Furniture, Tables
Incredibly photogenic and often space-saving, benches have, over time, earned their place at the dining room table. But while benches can look cool, are benches well-received by guests? Just how practical is bench seating at a dining table?
We’ve made a short list of pros and cons as a reference for you.
Pros
• Casual look to your living space.
If you are going for a relaxed look in your dining area, benches can contribute to that easy-going feeling.
• Space saving.
Benches are ideal for small spaces and walkways to ensure easy traffic flow. For maximum space saving, a bench placed along a wall, provides just enough space for your guests. They don’t need to move their chair in or out. Each guest simply slides along the bench to their dining place.
• Fit extra people.
A bench is great for children and smaller people. The space needed for two chairs could serve three smaller people on a bench. How about an extending bench that adjusts to the number of guest at your table.
• Extending Bench.
Love the bench idea? Here is a bench that starts at 48 inches and utilizes 4 “boards” to extend the bench 4 more feet, allowing the bench to adjust from 2 to 4 people. Customize the bench to meet your seating needs. See VIDEO of extending bench in action.
• Easy to clean.
Simply wipe the top surface down and you are done! The furniture is protected with a water resistant catalyzed clear finish that prevents those ugly water marks while allowing the natural grain to shine.
• A Safer option.
For children, benches can be a safer option as they are less likely to tip over.
Cons
• Lacks comfort and back support.
Obviously, there is no back support. Benches often have less seating surface and are not contoured which can result in discomfort over longer time periods.
• Heavier and longer to move around.
Although only slightly heavier, benches are longer and cumbersome to maneuver around the room. While children gravitate towards benches, adults naturally choose the comfort of a chair as their first choice of seating.
The Dual-Purpose Extension Table
With the rise of the open floor plan in home building, formal dining rooms are less common. Many homeowners find their kitchen table serving as their dining room table. The need to save space clashes with the need for seating, making a bench or two an appealing option. Aesthetically, benches contribute to the “open space” feeling because they can be tucked under the table, with no backs to visually block the room. Extension table accommodate any size of gathering large and small. Simply decide your desired smallest size and add up to 16 leaves for your room size and maximum seating. See VIDEO of extension table in action or come to the showroom and experience the easy of extension. The table leaves are conveniently stored in a leaf storage cabinet in the same room for easy access for your next gathering.
Is There a Solution?
Ultimately, the answer to the question of whether bench seating is practical depends on you. Ask yourself questions like:
1. Do I have children or grandchildren dining at my table regularly?
Would they benefit from the ease and safety of a bench? Would I appreciate the ease of cleanup that a bench can provide?
2. Do I entertain mostly adults who would prefer the comfort of a chair at my table?
If I walked into my friend or family member’s dining room for the first time and saw a bench on one side of the table, would I avoid sitting on the bench if possible?
3. Do I need more seating than my space allows?
Try the stackable chairs that store in a closet for the next dinner party.
4. What is the look and feel of the living space?
Do I want a formal or informal room? Will it fit with the look of my living space?
Solution:
From these questions, you should be able to determine if benches, chairs, or both are right for you! Visit George’s showroom and explore the seating options as well as other solid hardwood, custom handcrafted furniture designed your way. Explore what makes George’s furniture last for decades. If you have questions, please contact George’s Furniture. We will be happy to discuss what table and seating options will work best for you.
