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Why Bedside Tables Matter for Room Styling & Function
When you’re putting together the ultimate comfy bedroom vibe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero of the setup: the bedside table. This little gem is just like the Swiss Army knife of bedroom furniture. Just think about it: it’s late. You’re on night duty call for work. You can’t be far from that phone in case it buzzes with an urgent notification, right? Or you want to be close to the alarm that insists on waking you up at an ungodly early hour. Feeling thirsty after that extra-salty Thai dinner you had last night? No problem, just reach for a glass of water, without the need to embark on a perilous midnight trek to the kitchen sink. And let’s not forget about your favourite book that’s just asking for some late-night page-turning, or the need to have those reading glasses handy at the sweep of your hand, without risking stepping on them if they’re on the floor. But really, your bedside table isn’t just a glorified catch-all for your nighttime essentials. It’s also a statement piece. You may be into sleek modern designs, charming rustic vibes, or classic elegance, and that table can be your functional sidekick and your bedroom’s style-setter. So, when you're out shopping for your bedroom furniture, give it the attention it deserves. It’ll be a reliable, practical partner in your sleeping sanctuary. In this blog, we’ll explore practical aspects like how high a bedside table should be, some fun parts like how to decorate your bedside table, and importantly, where to buy the bedside tables of your (sweetest) dreams. Why Your Bedside Table Setup Matters More Than You Think Having a bedside unit is like having a personal assistant guarding your nighttime peace. Without it, your bedroom is likely to turn into a hot mess in a matter of minutes. Picture this: you reach for your phone at 2 AM, and instead of finding it on a sleek tabletop, you’re having to do a wild scavenger hunt on the floor. But with a nightstand in your corner, your bedroom transforms into a tranquil oasis, making you feel like a Zen master. You'll be organised, tidy, and ready to tackle the day. Or at least find your glasses without the fumbling. Funny how such a little piece of furniture with a bit of storage can bring so much calmness to your bedroom. Bedside Table Height and Size: Does it Matter How High Your Bedside Table Should Be? In short, yes. Bedside table height really does matter. We're talking about hitting that ideal spot somewhere between 45–65cm. Basically, you want it to be the same (ish) height as your bed mattress. Trust us, a major height mismatch is a classic post-purchase facepalm moment, and you really don’t want to be that person regretting their choice. While you're at it, think about the width and depth too. You wouldn’t want a bedside table that’s more of a clunky addition than a cosy companion next to your bed. So, take a moment to make sure you don’t end up with a bedside unit that’s either too short or tall to easily reach or too wide to fit. Can a Bedside Table Be Lower Than the Bed? When choosing the height of a bedside table, the sweet spot is right at mattress level. It’s that sweet spot where snacks aren’t too far away during late-night Netflix binges. You want to be able to just reach across without having to stretch like you’re trying to grab the last biscuit from a high shelf. Now, if you decide to go with a nightstand that’s a tad lower, that’s cool. A few centimetres won't throw off your game too much. If you go too low, you might feel uncomfortable each time you need to grab your book or phone. Not ideal, right? But hey, if you’re in a storage crunch and need a taller bedside table, go for it. Just remember, while you might be able to fit more stuff, you’ll be pulling off some awkward reaching, and who needs that extra cardio in the middle of the night? So, weigh your options and remember that it's your space and your rules, in the end. Who Made Having Two Nightstands A Rule? Sometimes, just sometimes, having two nightstands feels like an unnecessary extravagance. One nightstand is absolutely fine if your bedroom is on the compact side or if you’re the solo star of your own sleep drama. Plus, if your room has an asymmetric layout, one nightstand can be an intentional design statement, because symmetry isn’t always the be-all and end-all. Let’s talk about mismatched tables for a sec, though. This is a great way to style bedside tables if you're feeling adventurous (or just want to go for a bit of an eclectic vibe). Still, try to keep their height, tone, or material somewhat cohesive so it doesn’t look like a random furniture sale in your room. Alternatives When You Don’t Have Room for Two For those tiny, teensy spaces, think outside the nightstand box. Floating wall shelves can be a cute way to keep your essentials and showcase your trinkets using wall space while keeping your floor free from clutter. Or perhaps a wall-mounted bedside unit is your thing. If you’re trying to decide how to style bedside tables and you want your bedside game to be cute and quirky (and you just need a little stand-in), how about a little stool? It’s like a nightstand that’s ready to multitask as extra seating when guests come to your place. What to Put On and In Your Bedside Table for Optimal Convenience So, what do you store in your bedside table? This comes down to keeping all those convenient things you may need within reach while you’re lying in bed, like glasses, a phone charger, sleeping aids, your journal and even lip balm. But as for what to put on your bedside table, now that’s more a matter of styling. Here, you can channel your inner interior designer and top it off with a lamp, book, small plant, candle, tray or photo. And maybe a glass of water, in case you’re someone who wakes up parched at 1 am. Drawer vs Open Shelf: Which Is Better? This is totally up to you and how you like things to look. Bedside tables with drawers help you hide clutter and keep your room calmer. If that movement of opening and closing the drawers prevents you from actually using them, though, then open shelves, with their easy access, are probably better for you. Solidwood Norway Bedside Table with 2 Drawers Linspire Aspire Bedside Table, Natural Wood Linspire Mosaic Bedside Table, Off-White Solidwood Kano Bedside Table, 38x35x47cm, Dark Wood How to Decorate a Bedside Table Aesthetically Let’s now look at how to decorate a bedside table. But don’t go overboard. About three pieces are more than enough, so choose the ones you really need (and love to look at). Styling Ideas by Aesthetic Lean into that bedroom vibe that expresses you the best. Here’s a quick rundown for a bit of inspo to get those creative juices flowing. Scandinavian style: light wood, clean lines, soft textures Japandi style: minimal with earthy tones and curves Coastal style: white, rattan, or distressed finishes Contemporary style: bold silhouettes, darker finishes, metallics Keep to your style, and everything will sing nicely together. Who doesn’t like a harmonious lullaby to go to sleep to? Scandinavian style with Solidwood Edinburgh Japandi style with Loft Japandi Coastal style with Loft Ensio Contemporary style with Solidwood Dolce Choosing the Right Lamp for Your Nightstand So you’ve got your eye on that fabulous nightstand. It’s practically calling your name. Before you dive headfirst into subsequent lamp shopping, let’s chat about scale. You may find the ‘perfect’ lamp, only to realise it looks a little dinky and lost on your grand nightstand. Not a good look. On the flip side, if you choose a lamp the size of a small skyscraper on your dainty little bedside table, it will drown it out. So, don’t let such awkwardness prevail. Match Your Lamp to Your Bedside Table To Get The Ambience You Want Let’s keep things in perspective and keep those proportions right. If you choose a narrow nightstand, choose a small lamp. Wide nightstands *quietly* ask you for big lamps (please!). Keep that lamp and table combo between 55–70cm in total height. This keeps things feeling sweet and intimate, and not like you’re going to sleep beneath a street lamp. Lighting is also a way of adding visual layering to your space, giving your bedroom setup its own ‘beauty filter’. Lighting Tips for Your Style and Nighttime Routine Lighting can make or break the ambience of your bedroom. So here are three quick and easy ways to ‘make’ that ambience: Use warm-toned bulbs for bedtime The lampshade width shouldn’t exceed the width of your bedside table Consider installing wall lights to free up surface space Best Features for Small Spaces Feeling the squeeze of a small bedroom, but you still want it to look fabulous and organised? Then choose nightstands with these cool features: Drawers for hidden storage Slim legs for an open feel Built-in cable slots or USB ports Multipurpose tables (like stools) BAM! Small space issues solved. Solidwood Fuji Bedside Table, 40x35x48cm, Natural Wood Hjem Design Randolf Bedside Table, Black Solidwood Kano Bedside Table, 38x35x47cm, Natural Wood Solidwood Edinburgh Bedside Table, 47x37x50cm, Dark Wood Here’s Where to Find a Bedside Table That Fits Your Style in New Zealand Why go on an epic treasure hunt through the nooks and crannies of New Zealand to find where to buy bedside tables, when Urban Sales has already mapped out the ultimate bedside table paradise? We've got tables and bedroom goodies that are so good, they practically invite you to hit the snooze button one more time. Our lineup has something for every taste. Scandi vibe? Cosy Japandi look? We’ve got it. And let’s face it, nobody wants to break the bank for some quality furniture. So, why not check out our full collection? We've got everything from sleek bedside tables to dreamy headboards and upholstered beds that'll have you swooning. And remember that we deliver anywhere in NZ. Your bedroom makeover awaits.
Long-Lasting Furniture: Shop Solid Wood
Why is solid wood worth it when it comes to investing in long-lasting furniture Furniture is ‘just furniture’ until it finds its rightful place. Once it’s in your home, it magically transforms into a member of the family. Your furniture provides you with a place to rest after a long day, a setting where you share legendary moments and have those heart-to-heart chats that can go on until the wee hours, complete with laughter, tears, and maybe a few too many dessert crumbs. So when you decide to splurge on that dining table, comfy ‘favourite’ chair, or great-looking shelving unit, go for something that can withstand the test of time, because nobody wants furniture that looks like it’s been through a wild party or two (even if it actually has). Enter solid wood, your trusty sidekick against the perils of everyday life. Sure, it might cost a little more than its flimsy MDF or veneer cousins. But when your friends clink glasses on that robust table, you’ll be glad it can handle the excitement, rather than turning into an embarrassing eyesore after a well-placed elbow bump. At Urban Sales, we totally get it. We believe everyone deserves furniture that can handle life’s chaos while still looking classy. So, as we dive into this blog, get ready for some fave picks from some of the best reasonably-priced solid-wood furniture in NZ, if we do say so ourselves. We’ll help you prioritise the superstars you want to invest in, show you how to spot quality wood (we promise it’s easier than finding a matching sock), and give you tips on caring for your beloved pieces so they can stick around for the long haul, and maybe even make it to the family heirloom category. Best picks for every room Let’s go through our solid wood furniture collection and share the ones that are our secret favourites. We know, we know, we shouldn’t have favourites because they’re all ours, but we can’t help it! HOME OFFICE DESK The office is first up. We know this is where you’ll be spending most of your waking hours, especially for those of you who work from home. A fabulous office desk setup motivates you to do your best work. Choose furniture that is made from solid wood (versus engineered wood), and you’re assured beauty as well as years and years of longevity. The Linspire Edmond Solid Wood Desk is a dream. Made from solid rubber wood and a midtone brown stain with copper handles and metal finishes on the feet, it oozes boss style. Talk about motivation to sit down and get your work done! And with an in-built cable management space, it’ll look as good in your home with your laptop on it as it does in the showroom, what with all the cables neatly tucked away. If you WFH and you’re buying a new desk, chair, filing cabinet, shelves, and you name it for your home office, you may want to look into partially claiming costs come tax time … just a thought. Solidwood Pittsburgh Corner Bookcase, 40x40x180cm, Natural Wood Solidwood Bailey Desk with 2 Drawers, Natural Wood SHELVING Bookshelves can be used in your office or your living area (or both). Want to be (quietly) in on one of our faves? Enter the BohoBoho Costa Solid Wood and Rattan Arched Shelving Unit. Ta Daa! You can’t miss those smooth, real-wood shelves in an arched shape that mixes up the geometries in your room, especially if you have nothing but right angles everywhere else. It has solid wood shelves above to showcase all your gorgeous showpieces, and a lovely woven rattan cabinet below for stashing away those less-than-pretty (but necessary) bits and bobs. Solidwood Norway Bookcase, 85x32CM, Natural Wood Solidwood Norway Chest of 5 drawers, 58x40x100cm TV UNITS & COFFEE TABLES The humble TV entertainment unit almost always has a coffee table buddy somewhere near, so we have categorised these together. The Solidwood Hemura Tall Entertainment Unit with Sintered Stone Top is a classic goodie we just love. This beauty is made from solid oak, with lots of storage to put away your clutter. It has a sintered stone top, but the real showstopper is the oak woodgrain that you just want to brush your fingertips against. We think you’ll love it, too. As for coffee tables? Choices upon great choices. But we have a soft spot for the gorgeous Solidwood Santa Rosa Coffee Table Pair. Again, made of solid oak. These aren’t just showcasing that famous oak grain, but each gives you a duo of surface areas so you can have more things within arm’s reach. Oh, and the smaller and taller one is on wheels, so you can easily move it around exactly where you need it. Solidwood Bailey TV Stand, 150x32x45CM, Natural Wood Solidwood Luxembourg Entertainment, 200cm Solidwood Santa Rosa Coffee Table with Lift-Top, 100x55cm Signs of quality: What is the best wood for long-lasting furniture? There are plenty of beautiful woods from which to create long-lasting furniture. We’ll look more closely at some of these in the next section. As you’ll see, a lot comes down to the colour and look you want in your solid wood furniture. It’s a bit like picking a partner; you want a long-lasting connection. Some of the signs of quality wood include a lovely, consistent grain. It should also have a weightiness to it. With solid timber, you want your furniture to feel substantial, unlike engineered wood, which is lighter in weight and less expensive but also more prone to damage. And let's not forget about stability. A wobbly piece is a red flag because nothing ruins a cosy dinner like a table that wants to dance. Quality joinery is the icing on the cake. So, when you're hunting for furniture, look for those solid signs of quality, and you’ll be set for a beautiful, dependable relationship with your woodwork. Types of Wood and Their Characteristics Ash Wood: the strong, good-looking hardwood that looks like it just walked off a runway. Its tough exterior and those killer grain patterns are the perfect blend of brawn and beauty. White Oak: The timber equivalent of that friend who flexes their muscles at the gym, not shy about showing off their impressive strength (and grain). It’s a great material for when you need something that can take a (slight) beating but still looks good. Paulownia wood: Here, you have the lightweight champion of the lumber world, all pale grey-brownish and ready to strut its stuff. With a texture that could almost double as nature's version of striped pyjamas, it’s a fantastic material for plywood and, of course, plywood for furniture. Rubber wood: It's like the laid-back cousin of the hardwood family. Straight-grained and light-coloured, this medium-density tropical superstar hails from the Pará rubber tree. Solid Red Oak: With its durability and bold, open grain, it’s like the timber equivalent of a personality that doesn’t hold back. Talk about a show-off. Great if you appreciate “look at me” furniture. Hard Maple: The wood that’s as smooth as your best pick-up line and as light as a bright, sunny day. Black walnut: It’s the broody Idris Elba-esque movie star of the timber world. With its rich, dark tones, it’s like the sophisticated gent at the party that everyone wants to talk to. Valued for its looks and strength, black walnut is fantastic for elegant furniture. Cherry: The wood that brings the heat. It's got those warm hues and a smooth grain that makes other woods envious. Who wouldn’t want to cosy up to something this good-looking? Solidwood Elvoraa Cherry Dining Table With Acrylic Legs, Natural Wood, Transparent Solidwood Bailey Coffee Table, 100cm, Dark Wood Solidwood Bailey Shoe Cabinet, 80x35CM, Natural Wood Where Not to Put Your Solid Wood Furniture Yes, wood is tough, but come on, even the toughest need a little TLC. When you're picking a spot for your solid wood furniture, steer clear of heat zones and direct sunlight, unless you want it to audition for a role in “The Warped and the Cracked.” But really, even your cat knows not to hang out by the open window during a rainstorm, so let’s not make your furniture suffer through that. And for the love of furniture, don’t let anything that can spill or leak get too cosy on it. Think vases, plants, or that cup of coffee. Treat your wood right, and you’ll have long-lasting beauty. Choose the strong, solid stuff, and you’ll have a winner. Tips for caring for solid wood furniture to maintain its lifespan Give your wood furniture just a little bit of proper maintenance, and you’ll be rewarded with a long, long lifespan. First up: cleaning. Grab a soft cloth (microfibre is best) and give those wooden surfaces a gentle wipe. Steer clear of any harsh sprays and try to avoid water. If there are any spills, be quick to swoop in and wipe them dry. Also, remember to shield your wood from direct sunlight, or it will fade just like those childhood photos of yours. Solidwood Norway Bedside Table with 2 Drawers Solidwood Fuji Chest of 7 Drawers, 130x38x74cm, Natural Wood Solidwood Fuji Dining Chair, Natural Wood, Set of 2 Where to buy long-lasting furniture in NZ If you’re looking for a combo of style, quality real-wood options and affordable prices that won’t break the bank, Urban Sales has the trifecta. We bring you some of the best onlinesolid wood furniture options in NZ, whatever your style may be. In a hurry to get your hands on some pieces? Check out our topin-stock sellers today.
Office Desks that Steal the Show (and Where to Find Them)
A well-designed desk can change how you work If you’re feeling bogged down with work or study in your usual workspace setup, it might just be the environment itself that's getting you down. As the saying goes, “a change is as good as a holiday”, and maybe upgrading your desk is just the thing to help you get back in the swing of things with renewed focus and motivation. Getting yourself organised with a new office desk in NZ could improve clarity, minimise those habitual distractions and help you get stuff done like a boss. At Urban Sales, we have some of the coolest home office desks NZ has to offer. Let us tell you a bit about them. Sit-stand desks that do more than move Who says you need to sit at your desk? Only sit? If you’re nimble on your feet and like the idea of standing tall even as you work, a sit-stand desk may be the way to go. Because we all like options, and a better posture doesn’t hurt either. With our sit-stand office desks NZ customers love, height adjustment is simple. Just operate with easy-to-use controls and minimal cables. Check out our electric height-adjustable desks like Linspire Ascend and Linspire Lumen for a nifty, minimalist look. Up, down, any which way. Your desk should (literally) rise to meet you, and not the other way around. Linspire Lumen Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk with Riser Stand Linspire Ascend Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk 1.2m, White Compact desks that keep things tidy and calm Even if you’re living in squeezy quarters, there’s no reason not to have a desk. No matter if you’re renting a studio, living in tight student quarters or working in shared spaces, there’s no need to hijack the dining table. Laptops, cables, chargers, pens, papers and staplers don’t clear up that easily off your dining table when you need space for a pizza. A desk marks your personal workspace, a place where you get things done. Choosing a compact desk keeps your things clutter-free and your mind calm, giving you more mental space. Besides, those little desks pack a big punch. They have all those handy features like slim drawers for your pens and pencils, hidden storage to tuck away extra cords and papers, and pegboard panels if you want to use up some vertical space and hang up inspo quotes, pooch photos, scissors and tax receipts. It’s a way of clearing up your desk surface while still having those things on hand. And speaking of inspo, take a look at our Bailey Desk with its clean, Scandinavian vibe and discreet, slimline drawers, handy for keeping things close by, but out of sight. If you’re short on room but want to use vertical space, check out the Linspire Ascend Desk with Shelves, which has it all. Shelves for storage and a pegboard for attaching hooks, cups and you-name-it. “But I truly have no space for a desk”, you may say. One look at our MODE Larkin Minimalist Folding Desk and you may think otherwise. If you’re wondering, “Where can I buy an office desk?”, you’ve just found the answer. Linspire Ascend Desk with Shelves, Natural Wood & White Loft Ensio Desk, 140cm, White Solidwood Bailey Desk with 2 Drawers, Natural Wood Desks with built-in storage that still look sophisticated No matter how big an office desk is, a clever design will do a lot for you. Big or small, the right desk keeps you comfy, organised and far from losing your keys in a paper pile. Take our Linspire Lumen Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk with Riser Stand, for example. It’s your absolute bestie for keeping your posture in check while you pretend to be super productive. No more hunching over like a cave troll, because this baby brings your screen to eye level and maximises desk space for all those coffee cups that mysteriously multiply during work or study hours. Then there's the Linspire Slate Dual Study Desk. This one’s a game-changer. It's like a desk that plays nice with others. It’s great for families or couples who want to work side-by-side (or engage in a friendly competition of ‘who can avoid work the longest’). And let’s not forget the Linspire Noble Desk with Shelves. This beauty has a place for your screen right in front of you, with shelves that look like they’re ready to hold your favourite books, or a collection of impulse buys from online shopping. Plus, there’s an additional cupboard that’s just begging to house all the snacks you're secretly stashing away. Oh, and one more thing. If you’ve got a smidge of space next to your desk (or even a little nook under it), why not think about adding a workspace drawer unit or two? Some of these are taller to match the surface height of a sitting desk. And then there are those nifty little ones on castor wheels that you can slide right under. You can easily wheel them out when you need to stretch your legs, then pop them back underneath to reclaim that precious space, just like a desk Tetris. It’s about getting clever about saving space. Just something to think about. Loft Ensio Desk, 1.4m, White & Light Wood Linspire Noble Desk with Shelves, Natural & White Linspire Slate Dual Study Desk, Grey & White & Yellow Linspire Amie Desk Finish your space with a desk that reflects you So, you’ve figured out your practical needs. Nice job. Now comes the fun part: picking a desk that speaks to your vibe. You want something that showcases your unique style, maybe a warm Nordic look, sleek’n’minimal, or going all out with contemporary flair. After all, it’s not just about sitting, it’s about feeling inspired while you (pretend to) work for hours. Our desks are made from engineered timber with those lovely white-on-wood finishes and calming tones. They’re practically calling out to help you create a serene workspace. And don’t stop there. If you’re wondering how to make your office desk look nice, consider pairing your desk with some handy shelving units, bookshelves, a nice-looking office chair, and lighting to complete that dream workspace you've always wished for. No matter if you're shopping for an office desk in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or hiding under a rock anywhere else in New Zealand, Urban Sales has got your back. We’ll deliver it right to your door. And if you stare at it and think, “nope, this isn’t my vibe”, you have seven days to return it (unopened and unassembled, of course). Just make sure it’s in resaleable condition, so it can find another home. Solidwood Norway Bookcase, 85x32CM, Natural Wood Hjem Design August Shelving Unit, 94x27x114cm Linspire Haze Office Chair, Grey FAQs What is the difference between a sit-stand desk and a regular desk? Instead of being stuck at the same height like a regular desk that has a set height, a variable-height sit-stand desk gives you the option of shimmying up when you’d like to work while standing tall and moving on down when you’re in the mood to work sitting down. Wondering, “How high should an office desk be?” Well, that really depends on you. Are you Team Sit or Team Stand? If you’re like most of us, you probably juggle between the two. It’s the classic office tango. The beauty of adjustable desks is that you can customise the height to fit your body like a glove. It's like having a desk that says, ‘I get you!’ Just remember, either when sitting or standing, don’t forget about that posture. We want you looking sharp, not twisting yourself like a pretzel to ‘fit’ yourself to your desk So adjust away and find your perfect groove. Are these desks good for small spaces? Absolutely. We’re all about turning tiny corners into productivity powerhouses, and our desks are no exception. Just make sure to whip out that measuring tape before diving in, unless you enjoy playing a game of ‘Will it fit?’ Choose one of our compact desks for that perfect snug fit. Plus, some of our desks come with drawers, shelves, and sneaky storage options, so you can stash away your clutter and make the most of your little workspace. This just proves you can be small and mighty. Can I use one of these desks as a makeup table? Fantastic idea. You can turn one of our study or work desks into your very own glam station. It's the perfect backdrop for your morning beauty ritual. Just plop down a freestanding mirror (make sure the light hits your face just right), and stash your makeup, hairbrushes, and any other grooming must-haves in those handy storage drawers. And if you're really feeling the need for a dedicated makeup palace, also check out our dressing tables. They might just become your new best friend for getting ready. Do you offer NZ-wide shipping and returns? We’ll deliver the goodies right to your doorstep, no matter if you’re nestled in the heart of Auckland or chilling in the corners of the countryside. And if you decide the item isn’t the star of your show after all, no worries. Just send it back our way, unused, unassembled, and still in its original packaging, within 7 days of it crashing your party. No hard feelings, just a chance for a fresh start. Can I claim the desks for a home office set up during tax time? Who would have thought that tackling your to-do list could also line your pockets a bit? If your new desk is your income-generating sidekick, you might just be in luck when tax season rolls around. That trusty desk of yours can actually score you some sweet depreciation deductions. And let’s not forget about a new office chair. Maybe an upgrade is in order here as well. After all, a new chair could sway things your way come tax time, too.
Sofa Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One for Your Space
A sofa is like a good friend. The one that always returns your calls. It’s a haven. A place to feel cosy, safe, and nurtured. A place to tell stories, deliver big news, unwind, reset, cuddle the ones you love, and a place to snooze on a Sunday afternoon. When it comes to how to pick the right sofa, it’s about really tuning in to how you want it to feel, how you’re going to use it and what’s going to suit your space. So, pull up a cushion and get comfy, our sofa buying guide will take you through the A’s to the Z’s of buying your ultimate sofa. How to Choose a Sofa That Fits Your Life? Know Your Non-Negotiables From cosy chats to cocktail-clinking dinner party banter and family movie nights, how to choose a sofa is about working out how you want to use it. In order to zero in on the best sofa for your lifestyle, you first need to decipher the way it fits into your space, your comfort preferences and functional needs. Here are some key questions to ask yourself: Who’s using it daily? Is it just you? Do you have flatmates? Furry friends? Kids? The answers to these will not only help you determine the size of sofa you need to buy, but will also help you decide on the best fabric types for your sofa and durability needs. How will you use it? Think about how you will use your sofa. Do you mostly lounge or watch TV? Do you nap on your sofa? Are there occasional house guests who need somewhere to snooze? Are you hosting? Or all of the above? The answers to these questions will help you decide on your size and configuration needs, and whether or not you need special features, such as reclining functionality or a sofa bed style. How is the space arranged? Consider the size of your space. Is the sofa meant for open-plan living or a closed-off lounge room? Larger spaces can handle big, sprawling sectional or modular set-ups with room to stretch out. Smaller spaces, on the other hand, tend to shine more with clever chaise styles or two-seaters with slim arms and raised legs. Best Sofas for Small Spaces & Apartments Not all of us live in a sprawling home with room for a sectional 12 seater and a grand piano. Some of us (hi!) are working with compact apartments where every centimetre is valuable real estate. In these spatially challenged homes, choosing the best sofa for small spaces can make all the difference. 2-seaters, Loveseats, and Chaise sofas 2-seaters, loveseats, and chaise sofas are ideal for tight spots. These small space superstars offer the ideal middle ground, big enough to stretch out and read a good book and small enough not to dominate the room. Chaise sofas are like a power move for the space-conscious lounger. They are particularly good at making good use of space, with their lovely L-shape, they can hug the wall while giving you the option to put your feet up. Space-saving design features Little tweaks in sofa design can make a big impact on the look and feel of a smaller room. Slim arms - Slimline arms not only look sleek and modern but can save valuable space in your living room, allowing room for bigger sitting space. Raised legs - A sofa that’s slightly raised off the floor keeps the room feeling airy and open. Sofa beds - Multifunctional design at its best, sofa beds provide dual-purpose magic. A good-looking sofa, and also a comfortable bed fit for your overnight guests. Placement Once you’ve selected the best sofa for small spaces, the right placement is key. If possible, float your sofa slightly off the wall to help the room breathe. Consider placing a lightweight coffee table or side table in front of your sofa to complete the space. If things are really tight, consider nested tables or stools that can double as extra seating. MODE Cielo 3.5-Seater Sofa with Chaise, Oatmeal MODE Cielo 4.5-Seater Sofa with Chaise, Blue Grey Modular, Recliner, or Sofa Bed? Find What’s Best for You When it comes to choosing the best sofa for your lifestyle, you can have the cosiness, the striking design and the stretch-out-and-snooze potential without overcrowding your living room. Think clever designs, flexible layouts and features that work hard while still looking good. Modular Sofas Modular sofas are your ticket to living room freedom, made to be pulled apart, flipped, shifted and reconfigured on a whim. Want a corner set up today and an open-ended chaise tomorrow? That’s the magic of modular. These sofas are ideal for small or large spaces because they allow you to work with your layout and change it up anytime to keep your space fresh. Recliner Sofas Perfect for movie marathons, power naps, or just kicking back after a long day, recliner sofas give you full-body bliss with the touch of a button. And for those of you thinking of recliners as giant overstuffed sofa-thrones taking over your floor plan, think again. Today’s recliner sofas are sleek, modern and wonderfully unassuming. Sofa Beds For apartment dwellers and spare-room-less hosts, a sofa bed is nothing short of a miracle. By day, it’s a chic little perch for coffee sipping and contemplating life, by night, a comfy bed for overnight guests. If you’re looking for the best sofa bed for NZ, here’s what to keep in mind: Go for one that’s easy to unfold and put away. Look for designs that blend with your style. Concealed storage is a bonus. Linspire Don 2-Seater Sofa Bed, Off-White & Natural Wood Hjem Design Maine Sofa Bed with Armrest Linspire Don 2-Seater Sofa Bed, Grey & Natural Wood What’s the Best Fabric or Material for a Sofa? Choosing the best fabric for a sofa is all about your lifestyle, tastes and tolerance for cleaning. Take into account your usage habits. Do you have children or pets? Do you have the ability to handle spills without bursting into tears? (If so, we’re jealous.) Leather The ultimate in luxury, leather sofas are sleek, durable and excellent at handling the chaos of family life. You can wipe spills clean, and the best leather sofas tend to age beautifully. The downside? It can feel a bit cool in the winter months and isn’t quite as cosy as a fabric sofa can be for snuggling up on. Fabric Fabric sofas are typically warm, inviting and tactile and span a wide variety of finishes and blends. Fabric sofas can be more high-maintenance than leather, depending on the material, and some fabrics cling to pet hair. The best couch fabric for families or pets is tightly woven fabrics like performance blends or microfibres that are stain resistant, easy to clean and don’t give fur a lot to cling to. Avoid anything too textured, like chunky weaves or velvet finishes. Colours Lighter shades such as creams, greys and soft pastels can make your space feel more open and breezy and are great for smaller spaces, but they can be more high-maintenance unless you opt for a stain-resistant fabric. Darker colours like charcoal, navy and dark green can be moodier, cosier and a little more forgiving of spills. If you’re making a style statement, go for a bold hue like mustard or teal so your sofa can be the star of the room. MODE Marco 3-Seater Sofa Hjem Design Tampa 3-seater Sofa Solidwood Seattle 3-Seater Sofa,201x80CM, Beige/Oak Linspire Moss 3-Seater Sofa Sizing Guide: Will Your Sofa Fit Within Your Space? You’ve chosen your sofa, amazing! Our sofa size guide can help you confirm if your new sofa will work in your space. Measure everything Grab your tape measure and jot down the dimensions of the room, length, width and height. Don’t forget to measure doorways, stairwells, hallways, elevators and any area your sofa will need to pass through on its way to your living room. Visualise it Use masking tape or painters’ tape to outline the sofa’s dimensions on the floor; this helps you see exactly how much space it will use and how much you have left to play with. AR (Augmented Reality) tools can also help by letting you ‘drop’ an image of the sofa into your living room picture using your phone camera. Allow space Even the comfiest of sofas need room to shine. Allow enough room for walkways so people can move comfortably around the space without having to turn themselves sideways. Coffee tables should ideally sit about 45-50 cm from the front of the sofa, and ottomans need enough clearance so you can comfortably stretch your legs out. Build a Living Room You’ll Love Coming Home To Build the ultimate living room space by pairing your sofa with ottomans, bean bags and side tables, the secret sauce for both cosiness and practicality. Finish it off with textured throws, cushions, feature lamps and meaningful art to create a personalised and cohesive look. Add a rocking chair in the corner as a gorgeous reading nook finishing touch, and you’re happy to be home. Your Perfect Sofa Is Waiting: Let’s Help You Find It When you arrive home to your perfect sofa, the world can wait. You can unmask, unwind and exhale the day away. No matter if you’re after a reclining couch to kick back on, the best sofa bed for surprise guests or a cosy settee for Sunday naps and cuppas, Urban Sales has got the perfect setup to transform your living room. Let’s get comfortable.
