Author: Furniture Plus

What if you could get better sleep every night? Would you be healthier, more energized, more relaxed, and more productive? Sleep experts say yes! Problem: you’re not getting quality sleep and the bed is just not comfortable. Answer: you need a good mattress, and one that caters to you.

77,000 years ago, our ancestors slept on grass and leaves; but now we’re faced with a multitude of options: firm, plush, twin, king, memory foam, innerspring…and then there’s the question of mattress accessories — to box spring or not to box spring?

Before you head out into the great wide world of mattress shopping, read this post about how to choose the right mattress for your health and comfort — and how to make sure you get the best quality mattress for the best price available.

Know your mattress options

There are many different types of mattresses on the market, but the most common types are innerspring, memory foam, and hybrid. Each offers its own pros and cons, but remember that the right mattress for you isn’t necessarily the latest and greatest model that all the experts are hailing. It really all comes down to your personal preferences, priorities, and sleep comfort needs.

Innerspring

The classic mattress! Innerspring mattresses have been around since the 19th century. They have metal support coils inside that help balance body weight and provide that “springy” bounce that most of us are familiar with.

Typically the inside of the mattress uses coils with more flex and the perimeter of the mattress will use heavier gauge coils for more rigidity, thus providing a better edge support. Innersprings are surrounded and cushioned by other softer materials, such as foam; for added comfort and support. Keep in mind while shopping, higher coil counts gives you better support and longevity of your mattress.

There are 2 types of innerspring mattresses:

• Coil Spring Sets (traditionally known as a bonnell coil). These coils are tied in together in sets or rows. So when weight is applied, that whole row will compress and flex.
• Individual Coil or Individual Pocketed Coils. These are individual coils that are encased in a strong material which binds the other coil groupings together. Simply put, when weight is applied only those individual coils are compressing or flexing. Which is more ideal for helping with pressure point issues, motion separation, and  settling of hips and shoulders. 

Memory Foam

Memory foam is designed to help distribute your body weight, provide ergonomic support, and promote good sleep posture. Memory foam is great for sore joints or muscles, but some people find the material too hot to sleep on in warm weather. If that sounds like you, consider cooling gel memory foam! Memory foam mattresses are usually made by layering 3-5 layers of foam.

These layers are stacked and adhered vertically from the bottom up; starting with the: high density foam (foundation layer), plush or firm foam (spring/support layer), and the top contour layer which gives you comfortability. 

Hybrid

Just like it sounds, a hybrid mattress is a combination of two support systems. These support systems are an individual pocketed coil innerspring with multiple layers of foam and memory foam overlay. It gives you the best of both worlds!

Test your mattress before you buy it

Online shopping has revolutionized the way we buy things, but mattresses are one item that is best purchased in person. That’s because it’s not possible to know if a mattress is really comfortable for you until you lay on it. For starters, firmness labels aren’t consistent across manufacturers. One brand’s “extra firm” may be another brand’s “medium firm.”

When you go shopping, give any mattress you’re considering a thorough test by lying on it for 10-15 minutes in your normal sleeping position. Take your time and don’t rush your decision. There’s nothing wrong with going home to think things over and coming back later.

Choose the right size

If you already have a bed frame, it might seem easiest to simply find a mattress to fit. But if you’re mattress shopping now, this is a great opportunity to reassess your needs and consider if you’d be happier with a different size. 

For example, many couples opt for a full-size bed (a.k.a. “double bed”) without really thinking about it, but a full-size bed only gives each person about as much width as a crib! Most couples are more comfortable in a queen than a full. On the other hand, people with small bedrooms might appreciate the extra floor space that a smaller bed frees up.

Think about your current setup and consider what could be improved before you invest in a new mattress. In the meantime, here’s a quick list of standard mattress sizes:

• Crib: 27″ x 52″
• Twin: 38″ x 74″
• Twin XL: 38″ x 80″
• Full: 53″ x 74″
• Queen: 60″ x 80″
• King: 76″ x 80″
• California King: 72″ x 84″

Where will your new mattress go? Do you need a box spring?

Many people choose to skip the box spring, and it’s definitely possible to set up a bed without one as long as you have the right type of bed frame. But a box spring can be a great way to maximize support and comfort while also adding some height (which can make getting out of bed easier if you have a low bed frame). Plus, a box spring helps get rid of those annoying creaks that disturb your sleep when you turn over at night. 

Some people don’t want to invest in a box spring because of the extra cost, but when you buy your mattress and box spring from a discount furniture store, you get both for a very low price. The most comfortable bed of your life suddenly becomes affordable!

The same goes for an adjustable mattress base (sometimes called an adjustable bed), which is an even more luxurious alternative to a regular box spring. It lets you raise your feet, head, or both whenever you like to create the most comfortable position for you when you sleep, read, watch TV, or eat breakfast in bed!

Most people spend too much on a mattress

Most people end up paying retail or over-inflated prices simply because they aren’t aware that better deals are available. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great mattress! At discount furniture stores, everything is always on sale.

If you live in the Portland area, we know you’ll love our amazing collection. The mattresses at our furniture & mattress discount store are high quality and brand new. We have the most popular mattress brands and styles for way lower prices than you’ll find at a regular furniture store.

About Furniture Plus

Thinking of stopping by to see our mattress selection? Here’s a little bit about what you can expect:

• We’re open every day of the week.
• Our team does not run on commission. Our store is a no-pressure environment, where your needs come first.
• We are a locally-owned and operated business focused on offering a wide variety of long-lasting, quality brands made in the USA.
• Our mattresses come with the manufacturer’s warranty.
• If you’re looking for a particular mattress style or size that we don’t have in store, we can custom order it for you!

You can find us in Portland’s Gateway District at 10246 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97220.

 

 

Your living room is just that — a space where you sit, lounge, entertain, relax, and hang out. It’s the center of where you live! Given its importance in your home and daily life, your living room is also one of the most important (and fun) to decorate. But where do you start?

If you’ve ever struggled with choosing colors and fabrics, coming up with a design theme, arranging furniture, or just picking out furniture in the first place, this short living room decoration guide will help. 

1. Identify your needs

Start by answering this question: What sort of activities will this room host? What sorts of things do you use your living room space for? Your list might include:

• Movie nights
• Watching sports
• Games
• Yoga or other workouts
• Dinner or cocktail parties
• Fireside chats
• Reading and listening to music
• Relaxing, taking naps, or just lounging

Your living room should serve your needs. By considering the activities the space will support, you’ll be in a better mindset to start furnishing and decorating to meet your style of living.

2. Find your style 

Chances are you already have some personal preferences on how you want your space to look. The trick is to figure out how these preferences translate to an interior design style.

Here are a few tips for identifying your decoration style:

• Look at magazines, interior design websites, or social media sites like Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration. Bookmark the photos of styles that catch your eye.
• Pay attention to your friend’s homes, noticing the things you like and, more importantly, what you don’t like.
• Take an interior design style quiz — there are dozens of them online! Like this one from HGTV, or this one from Decorist.com
• Go look at different styles of furnishings and decor, noting your favorite pieces and their style.

You may find that you have a traditional or classic style, or maybe your preferences are more contemporary and modern. Whatever your style is, once you’ve decided the direction your living room style will go, everything else will follow.

3. Choose a color scheme

Use some of the same strategies from finding your style, to help choose your living room color scheme. Looking for inspiration and taking note of what others are doing is the best way to define your own look and the mood or vibe you want to evoke. Here are a few tips:

• Does your room have nice natural light? If not, choose lighter colors to brighten the space
• Relax the living room space with cool tones
• Consider darker tones in large rooms
• Follow the color scheme in other parts of your home to create cohesion
• Avoid peppering the space with too many colors 
• Use the color wheel to figure out which colors and tones look good together,

When in doubt, we recommend choosing a neutral tone for your walls and using throw pillows and other accent details to add colorful pops in the room. Still can’t decide for color? When all else fails, 3 white walls and 1 accent color wall can be simple, yet amazing! 

4. Buy a couch

In nearly every living room, the couch is the centerpiece. It’s the foundation for the style and color scheme of your living room and perhaps the most-used furniture item in the room. That’s why we always recommend making your couch the very first purchase for your living room.

If you’re still not sure what your decor style or color scheme is, choose a couch you like and base the rest of your living room decor around that piece.

Here’s how to find the right couch for your space:

• Measure your space so you have the dimensions in mind when looking at sofas
• Go look at couches in person to get a better feel for the color, texture, and comfort
• Choose a couch that can stand the test of time and is a quality piece
• Don’t forget your functional needs — things like how many people can sit on the couch, or whether or not you have kids that might require a darker color (or taupe), and how durable is the upholstered material? 

We recommend talking to a furniture expert to help you choose the best couch for your space and needs.

5. Build on your foundation

Now that you have a couch, the rest of your living room is a blank canvas from which to build on. We recommend building on your foundation with accent furniture, lights, and rugs. But remember: add items strategically to meet the needs of your family and the size of your space.

• Functional accent furniture — A well-decorated space is purposeful and beautiful. For example, a coffee table can serve as a focal centerpiece and also a place to set a coffee cup or drink, set up a board game, or rest your feet. A few cozy chairs or floor pillows provide extra seating when you have guests.
• Lighting — Layered lighting in the room allows you to adjust the amount of light for reading, watching a movie, or just setting the mood. Aim for 1 floor lamp and, if there’s room, 1 side table lamp.
• Rugs — An area rug is an excellent way to bring a space together while adding a cozy, homey feeling. This is especially true if you have wood or another flooring material besides carpet.

Don’t forget to leave room to breathe! The last thing you want to do is add so many furniture pieces and accents that it makes the space feel small and closed off. 

6. Add embellishments to bring it all together

Now that you have all the staples, it’s time to zhoosh it up and make it your own. This includes adding accessories, artwork, and cozy accents. 

• Decorate through art — You don’t need to fill every inch of your walls with photos and artwork, but hanging some special pieces will help make your living room feel complete and add a personalized element.
• Layering — Use different textures to help create an inviting and comfortable space. Items like throw blankets, pillows, and tapestries are great accent pieces that add personality and warmth. And don’t forget curtains and blinds that fit with the aesthetic and style of your room and home.
• Accessorize strategically — Don’t forget to add items and decorations that add joy to your life. That may be plants, trinkets from loved ones or past travels, candles, or other cozy pieces. Just remember to be strategic about the items you choose to embellish your space with. There’s a fine line between tasteful decor and clutter.

Ready to start shopping for your living room?

When searching for living room furniture and decor, you have a lot of options. At Furniture Plus, our goal is to earn your business through high-quality pieces, excellent prices, and amazing customer service.

We’re open 7 days a week and have hundreds of top-of-the-line living room furniture options for you to choose from. Visit us in the trendy Gateway District — whether you’re just looking for inspiration, have some questions, or are ready to make a purchase, we’re here to help.

Furnishing your home on a budget in Portland is possible!

Did you just buy a house or sign a lease on a new apartment? Living in Portland is expensive, but furnishing your home doesn’t have to be. 

If you’ve ever stepped into a name-brand furniture store and been shocked and disappointed by the price tag, we’re here to help. There are options for getting the furniture styles you’ve always wanted without stressing your wallet. 

Follow our advice and your new space will feel like home before you know it.

Evaluate what you have

Starting completely from scratch and furnishing your entire space with brand new items is probably not realistic. Most people reuse at least a few pieces from their last home or apartment.

Take some time to take inventory of what you have, noting what you need to get rid of and what you can keep. If you’re combining households with a significant other, this will be especially necessary.

Evaluate each item based on its usefulness, condition, and whether it fits with the design vision for your new space. If something truly won’t work with your new space or meet the look and style of your new decor, consider letting it go.

On the other hand, if you really want to get rid of all your current furniture and start with a clean slate, all the power to you! When you’re smart about your purchases and know where to shop, you can buy all new furniture for much cheaper than you may have thought possible.

Prioritize your needs

Social media sets unrealistic expectations for your home. Design influencers want you to believe that the moment you move in, your entire home must be in perfect, Instagrammable condition. Here’s what the professionals know — it’s totally okay to furnish a home piece by piece. 

Start by identifying your essentials and ranking them in order of importance. If your budget doesn’t allow you to get everything at once, work your way down the list as you’re able to.

Here’s a schedule we suggest:

Phase 1:

• A bed
• Dresser
• Couch
• Kitchen table & chairs

Phase 2:

• Coffee table
• Entertainment console/TV stand
• Bedside tables
• Bookshelf

Phase 3:

• Living room and bedside lighting
• Entryway tables
• Area rugs

Phase 4:

• Accent pillows
• Additional lighting
• Wall decor
• Miscellaneous furnishings

Browse Portland thrift and consignment stores

Portland is famous for its amazing thrift, antique, and consignment stores. Take advantage of these treasure troves! You’ll have to be extra selective about what you buy from second-hand stores. Here are our tips for getting the best pieces:

• Go more than once — it takes patience and perseverance to succeed in a secondhand furniture hunt.
• Know your measurements ahead of time and bring a tape measure or use an app on your phone! 
• Inspect the piece for good bones, avoiding furniture with wobbly legs, large gouges in the surface, or disintegrating pieces.
• Be cautious with fabric — stains, spills, smells, or debris on the fabric is a red flag.

Just keep in mind that furniture purchased at these stores won’t come with a warranty or any guarantee that they’ll last or be in good condition. Be very careful about what you purchase from these types of stores.

Splurge strategically

Secondhand stores are great, but there are a few key furniture pieces that are always worth buying brand new. At the very least, always buy mattresses and couches brand new. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t find these at a good price (see our next point below), but it does mean you should expect to spend a bit more. It may help ease your mind knowing that the cost of skimping on mattresses and couches can come back to bite you in the back.

When buying used pieces, many people don’t account for the cost of…

• Professional cleaning 
• Repairing or refurbishing the item
• A short lifespan (having to buy a new one in just a few years when it doesn’t last as long as you would like)
• Bed bugs can infest your entire home which could result in throwing away anything and everything that’s fabric! 

Shop at a local discount furniture store

A local discount furniture store is your sweet spot for furnishing your home on a budget. You have a lot of options, but here in Portland, we hope you’ll choose Furniture Plus! A reputable discount furniture store like ours will feature high-quality pieces in trendy and classic styles, but at a price you can afford.

No matter what discount furniture store you choose, here are a few tips for getting an even better deal:

• Take advantage of big sales (Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and 4th of July are all popular times for furniture sales)
• Opt for quality, look, style, and design over brand
• Make sure your purchase comes with a warranty
• Work with a salesperson to find the right fit. If a salesperson ever makes you feel pressured into buying something, leave and find a different store. Ask if they work on commission — if yes, be careful!
• Don’t buy online! Always visit the showroom so you can see the colors in person and test out the furniture
• Ask for swatches — if the store doesn’t have a certain fabric or material color in stock, they should have a swatch to share so you can be sure you’re ordering the right color
• Talk to the store about financing and payment options — they may have some great options to help you walk out of the store today with the piece and pay it off over time

Enlist your friend with a truck

No matter where you buy your furniture, you can save a lot of money by picking up your item rather than having it delivered. If you can’t borrow a truck from a friend or family member, you may have to rent one. But depending on the cost of delivery, it will probably be worth it!

Plan to pick up all your furniture at the same time, that way you don’t have to bother your friend or rent a truck every time.

See what’s in store at Furniture Plus

Located in Portland’s Gateway District, Furniture Plus is ready to help you furnish your home on a budget. We offer the best selection of affordable furniture in town and can even order a custom piece, just for you.

Stop by our showroom (we’re open 7 days a week!), say hi to our team (we don’t work on commission), and tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll help you find the right fit.

We hope to see you soon!