Celebrating 47 Years with Your Family and Ours

Forty-seven years ago, Bob Hennen opened a small furniture store near Crossroads Shopping Mall. He admits that at the time he didn’t know much about running a business, but he did know a lot about hard work, honesty, family, fairness, and keeping his word. Much has changed through the years, but we still believe in the values that made Bob’s little furniture store a success.

Today, Hennen’s Furniture has grown from that one small store into a thriving, second generation family business. We now have three stores located in St. Cloud, Willmar, and Alexandria with more than 170 employees. We are proud to offer the largest selection of furniture in Central Minnesota with the best prices on all your favorite brand name furniture, including Flexsteel, Lane, Sealy, and Tempur-Pedic.

At Hennen’s Furniture, we always want to make sure we carry on Bob’s tradition of great customer service. For example, no one likes to be hounded by a sales rep while shopping, so at Hennen’s you will only find non-commission sales reps. Look. Shop. Have fun! And when you have questions, one of our sales reps will be happy to help you. Our goal is to make furnishing your home easy and affordable. To help better serve our customers, we also offer complementary in-home design consulting.

To thank all of our customers who have made the last 47 years possible, we are offering special anniversary sale prices. Now through Easter you’ll find huge savings throughout every department – up to 60% off – including*:

•        10% off your purchase
•        12-months special interest financing.
•        Free delivery on purchases $799 or more.
•        Our patio store is now open with 15% off all patio sets

You’ll also have a chance to win a leather recliner from Flexsteel. Stop in at any one of our three locations to register*.

We have enjoyed serving your family and helping you furnish your home. Thank you for your patronage! We look forward to serving you in the years to come.

From your friends at Hennen’s Furniture.

*See store for details, some exclusions apply.

Tips on Cleaning Your Furniture

The holidays are coming to a close, and your guests are finally on their way back home. It is time to get rid of all of the dirt, food, and germs that have been left around your house and get it back to normal! When we think of cleaning, most of us forget about the furniture. Furniture is a great place for dirt and bacteria to hide. Follow these tips to keep your furniture clean and looking nice after the holiday season.

How to Start

If the cushions on your couch are removable, take them off. Using the hose of your vacuum to remove any leftover debris is a great way to start cleaning your furniture. It is also important that you read the label on your furniture or the booklet that came with it. These will give you specifics on how your furniture can be cleaned.

Spot Clean or Steam Clean your Furniture

The correct way to clean your furniture depends on the fabric. Always test a small discrete area before jumping in with any cleaning regimen. If your furniture can be cleaned with water, a small amount of soap and water and the brush on your vacuum can do the trick. Leather can be cleaned with soap and water, and buffed with a dry cloth. For stubborn stains, check out these tips for stain removal on leather. If you do not feel comfortable cleaning your own furniture, you can always call a professional. Many of them will offer suggestions and make sure your furniture is not harmed in the cleaning process.

Let it Dry

After cleaning your furniture, it is important to give it enough time to dry before replacing cushions and going back to regular use. If you do not let your furniture dry completely, leftover wetness can get trapped and create mold. Sitting on your furniture before it is dry can also leave you feeling damp, which is not comfortable!

If this holiday season left giant cranberry stains or wine spills on your furniture, Hennen’s is here for you! Stop by any of our locations (or check out our website) and see the area’s largest furniture and flooring selection.

Three Things that will Enhance your Football Experience

As the summer months come to an end, the short, Minnesota fall season makes it’s way into our homes. When we think of fall, most of us think of leaves changing colors, everything pumpkin, and FOOTBALL. Football allows viewers to share pride, be competitive, and bond through tradition. No matter what your tradition is, we have come up with three things that will enhance your viewing experience.

1. Your Seat

Whether you prefer watching your football relaxing at home or celebrating with friends in a bar, your seat can make or break your experience. 

Having friends over for game day can require a lot of seating. Adding a sectional or accent chairs to your home can help house your guests comfortably and prevent the crowding of temporary seating.

If you are going to a bar or restaurant, or viewing at a friend’s make sure your chair has a back support. Sitting for a long period of time without any support can cause back pain and soreness that will not make for a happy Monday!

2. Your Snacks

What you use to fuel your game day excitement can differ from week to week. If it is your turn to host the party, or you just want a snack to feed your family, here is one we love with four simple ingredients that is guaranteed to please!

You will need: your favorite crackers, cheddar cheese, summer sausage, and ranch dressing.

Using a rinsed aluminum can or a circular cookie cutter cut the edges of your cheese and meat to create a football shape. Place your football cutouts on top of a cracker, and draw laces with ranch dressing.

For full instructions and step-by-step photos click here: http://bit.ly/1sJrwD5

    

3. Your Company

The key ingredient to your ultimate football experience is the people your surround yourself with. Football is a time to share your traditions, to create new memories, and to enjoy the time you get to spend with friends and family. It is a perfect excuse to host a party or plan a place to meet your friends.

If watching football is in your plans in the coming weeks, try out these three things to help create your ultimate viewing experience and let us know how it goes! Visit Hennen's Furniture to find a seat that is a perfect fit to enhance your tradition.

The Dangers of Humidity in Your Home

Humidity is constant during Minnesota summers - 83% on average! Besides making the outdoors a little unpleasant, humidity actually has dangerous implications for your home. In fact, the Smithsonian Institute cites changes in relative humidity as the number one cause of furniture damage! So what does humidity actually do that is so bad?

Wood Furniture: Unfortunately, your beautiful wood furniture likes to absorb and desorb water from the air when humidity fluctuates. This absorption causes problems because the wood expands and contracts with the fluctuations. Depending on the direction of the wood grain, the furniture will expand and contract differently, leaving things like drawers and doors warped.

Walls: Humidity is not a wall’s friend. Moisture in the air can be dangerous for walls because it can condense on the wall’s surface and cause stains, paint bubbling and mold - Yuck! Mold can be very dangerous causing problems from itching eyes, allergic reactions, coughing, sneezing and even be as serious as causing permanent lung damage.

Wallpapered walls are especially at risk for this kind of damage. Many wallpapers are made of vinyl which creates what is called a vapor layer that makes it basically impermeable to water. Because of this, water gets trapped between the wallpaper and the wall allowing mold to grow and the paper to bubble and peel.

Floors: Like all wood, wood floors can warp with changes in humidity, but carpet is also affected by excess moisture. Have you ever walked into a house and been hit with that damp musty smell? As with walls, the moisture in the air gets into your carpet and other fabrics and allows a great environment for mold to grow. Damp carpet is also perfect for humidity-loving dust mites.

While you can’t avoid humidity, you can protect your home from damage. One of the best ways to avoid this issue is simply limiting the fluctuation in relative humidity inside. When the temperature is lower, humidity is generally lower so using an air conditioner is the first defense against humidity damage.

If you have an air conditioner and the air in your home still feels damp, you can use a simple dehumidifier during the most humid months. A more high-tech option is using a humidistat which actually adjusts temperature to maintain a consistent relative humidity. After dehumidifying, if there is still that damp musty smell, consider sprinkling baking soda over the carpets and vacuuming it up. Baking soda is a deodorizer and can help eliminate the musty funk.

Good luck battling the humidity this summer and if you have an idea about protecting your home from humidity, leave us a comment!

Dad’s Chair, A Family Tradition from Generation to Generation

Childhood Memories: Picture this, you run into the living room, on a mission. You know exactly where you are going, it’s Father’s Day and there is someone special sitting there - the same spot as always. He’s reading the newspaper in that old recliner, worn down from use over the years. It is dad’s chair.

Many of our fathers, grandfathers, uncles and mentors have their special spot. As children we can remember climbing up to the seat of that old chair to spend time with him. Whether it’s reading, talking or just watching TV, that chair was the site of many memories. We can remember him coming home from a long day at work and sliding into that seat to wind down for the first time that day.

Continued Traditions: Perhaps our fathers remember their own dad’s chair. The tradition of that special sanctuary has been handed down for generations. Was it a beat up old armchair or a cozy recliner? One thing is for sure, the chair itself may change, but the concept of his special spot has always remained the same.

So now it is time to continue the tradition of dad’s chair with our Father’s Day Recliner Giveaway! It’s time to give that special man who mentored us, stood by us and cared for us a place that he can come home to. The Giveaway contest runs from Thursday, June 5th, through Thursday, June 12th. Enter the contest on Facebook and you will have a chance to win a FREE Flexsteel Recliner worth up to $699 from Hennen’s Furniture! The contest will end June 12th at 4pm. The winner will be contacted via email and announced shortly after. 

Now is the chance to continue this wonderful tradition and give that great guy the special recliner of his own.

Five Major Signs it's Time to Replace Your Furniture

Years go by, and we use the same furniture every day for an amount of time that we can’t even recall because it’s just a routine. Even though it can be a hassle, there comes a time when we have to say goodbye to our beloved furniture and replace it.

Here are the five major signs that show when it’s time to replace your furniture:

1. If it’s showing major signs of wear and tear 

2. If it doesn’t sit level and it’s not because of a broken leg

3. If there are holes that just aren’t fixable




4. If you do remember how long you’ve had it, and it’s been over ten years (depending on the type of furniture)

5. If the cushions are flattening



This goes for all kinds of furniture, not just sofas and chairs. Before you decide to replace it, first, double-check to make sure it absolutely can’t be fixed. Replacing furniture can seem like an expensive solution, but in the long-run, it will save you physical comfort and money; and, let’s face it: it has to happen eventually.

Changing the Feel of Your Home With the Seasons

In Minnesota, the seasons are always changing. When the seasons do change, it’s the perfect excuse to change your home décor and the general feel of your home, as well. Rather than looking at the same colors, themes, and decorations all year-round, use these ideas on how you can bring the change in seasons inside your home.


Spring

•  Keep spring colors and accessories light, both in feel and color.
• Use flowers to add color, scent, and liveliness to the room. Flowers go hand-in-hand with spring, so displaying them inside will allow you to enjoy the season indoors, as well as outdoors. (Don’t be afraid to put them everywhere!)
• De-clutter. Rooms can fill up with extra blankets and things used when stuck indoors throughout the winter. You’ll want to bring airiness and freshness to each room for spring.
• Brighten up the room with lighter wall colors, brighter curtains, colorful throw pillows, and bright area rugs. Use both bright colors and pastels. 
• Play with patterns of all kinds, but especially floral.

Summer

• Hang string lights both indoors and outdoors to always be able to enjoy summer nights.
• Get creative with sand for fun centerpieces.
• Play with stripes and use them throughout the room, for example, for fabrics or on walls.
• Fruit baskets can make beautiful decorating pieces.
• Lighten dark furniture with lightly colored slipcovers.
• Use nautical décor and themes throughout a room.
• Don’t be afraid of bright, bold colors.
• Use light curtains, rather than drapery, and pair them with sheers.

Fall

• Mix neutral colors with warm tones, both on walls and throughout your décor.
• Get creative with pumpkins: put floral arrangements inside, layout different shapes and sizes, place candles inside, etc.
• Use mason jars for, well, just about anything.
• Start adding layers to your furniture as the crisp weather rolls in; for example: adding wool, cotton, chenille or cashmere throws over furniture.
• Accessorize with autumn’s hues and fall foliage. You can do this by creating arrangements using small trees, branches and colored leaves, or sprinkling autumn leaves over your mantel or any flat surfaces.
• And don’t forget the traditional cornucopia filled with fruit, vegetables, gourds or flowers!

Winter

• Create winter arrangements using pine greenery, pinecones, birch, bare branches, and bright-colored berries. This will also add a wonderful fragrance to your home.
• Vintage ice skates and old sleds make for the perfect vintage, winter décor piece.
• Use cool colors throughout your home, but don’t overdo it and increase your winter blues, so add pops of cheery color.
• Adding a fluffy area rug to your wood floors will add a cozy feel to the room.
• Add some sparkle to act as a beautiful snow dusting on flat surfaces, or as part of your centerpieces.
• Play up your fireplace mantel and make it the focal point of the room, since that is more than likely where a lot of your attention will be throughout the winter cold winter months.
• Candles and string lights will add a cozy feel and keep light in your home during those short winter days. 

Of course there are numerous different ways you can bring the seasons into your home, but these general ideas will be a good place to start.

Visit www.hennenfurniture.com to get the things you need to make these changes happen.

Furniture as an Investment, Rather Than an Expense

Saving money is always a plus, however, some things shouldn’t be purchased based on the lowest price tag. For example: furniture.

Think of it this way: would you rather buy a few cheap pieces that will quickly wear out? Or would you rather invest in high quality that will work and look great for years to come? In the end, it will probably have been cheaper to invest.

Sure, some pieces of furniture can be great finds at thrift shops, garage sales, and even on the side of the road with a “FREE” sign taped on, but there are three key pieces of furniture/furniture sets that should be treated as investments:

       1.  A sofa

A sofa is not only one of the first things people see when they walk into your home, but it is also a piece that gets used all the time by everyone, so quality should be priority. Generally, with the proper care, sofas should last about 10 to 15 years. Of course that timeframe depends on the amount of usage and how it’s used. 10-15 years is a very long time to own something that gets used every day, so it’s important to take that into consideration when making the decision to buy based on price tag, or quality and longevity.

       2.  Dining table and chairs

A dining set is another set of furniture that gets used every day by everyone. Often time they are also the first thing people see when they walk in, therefore, purchasing the set should be carefully thought out based on quality. Another important thing to keep in mind is that it needs to be durable and easy to clean, as there will be spills, scratches, and other inevitable accidents.

        3.    A mattress

Paying more for a quality mattress should be a no-brainer because a quality mattress can improve both your physical and mental health. Though your mattress may not be seen or used by everyone, unlike the dining set and sofa, it’s used by you every day/night and should meet all of your physical needs. On average, your mattress should last anywhere between 8 to 10 years, again, depending on many elements that can increase or decrease the longevity of it, so treating it as an investment will pay off in the long run and benefit you in many ways.

So start saving up your money so you can get the quality furniture from Hennen Furniture that you deserve!

How To Arrange Your Furniture For A Holiday Gathering

The Holiday season is only weeks away and a lot of time will be spent with friends and family! Making everyone feel comfortable is more than just good food and good company, it can also depend on the layout of your furniture. Here are three different ways to arrange your furniture for the type of Holiday gathering you’re planning to have:

Lots of Friends and Family

If you’re having a large gathering, it would be best to arrange your furniture in an open and spacious way. Try not to have furniture or large coffee tables in the middle of the room and keep your sofas and chairs close to the wall. Also, try to make sure you have plenty of seating so everyone can feel comfortable! This layout will make everyone feel involved and welcomed!

A Mix of Adults and Children 

If there will be an almost equal amount of children and adults at your gathering, it would be best to create spaces with your furniture. Place your sofas and chairs in the middle of the room and create mini living rooms. Maybe have a coffee table and a comfy area rug for the children to color or play games on. You could place this play area on a different end of the living room. This will give the adults and children more privacy without being completely separated. 

A Small Gathering

If you are planning on having just a few friends and family members, it will be best to create a small and intimate space. To do this, you can place your furniture close together and across from one another. Try mixing the sizes of your furniture and have a large sofa and a few small chairs or vice versa. This layout allows for conversation and intimacy and having different sizes of furniture will still give people space if they need it. 

Whether you are having a large or small gathering, you can create a comfortable impression and feeling with the layout of your furniture. Your Holiday gathering will be a success! To find the perfect furniture for your gathering and layout, visit our website or stop by one of our three locations!


photo credit

It's Time For a New Mattress

Did you know that the average person spends half of their life sleeping? We’re talking about a large chunk of time spent snoozing on a piece of furniture. To us, this isn’t just any piece of furniture; which is why at Hennen Furniture, we have a selection of over 70 different types of mattresses. We understand the importance of having a good mattress as well as the fact that every person has different wants and needs when it comes to the perfect mattress. The first step is deciding when exactly is the right time to start considering investing in a new mattress – here are some indicators to look for:

• One of the most obvious signs that it’s time to update your mattress is if you’re waking up with stiffness, aches and pains, or are having certain limbs go numb while sleeping. These issues are annoying to endure at the time and can even alter the rest of your waking hours. Don’t let a bad mattress keep you from productivity of any kind! 

• Some people just are restless sleepers, but the majority of us will find a sleeping position that works and stick to it throughout the night. If catch yourself spending an excess amount of time tossing and turning, it is usually your body’s way of telling you it isn’t comfortable which stems from having an inadequate mattress. 

• Stop and take a look at your mattress, literally. Rip off all of the covers and sheets to check out the actual condition of your mattress. Some red flags to look for are major rips, protruding springs, and most importantly, any drooping issues. Most mattresses will start sagging in the middle over time which means it will stop giving your body the support it needs for a good night’s rest. 

• Lastly, if you’ve owned your mattress for 10 years or more, it’s highly recommended to start mattress shopping for a new one even if you think you’re satisfied with your current one. Over this long period of time, your mattress becomes an attraction area for dust mites or allergens. These might not be affecting your sleep schedule now, but they have the potential to negatively affect your physical health. 

Unlike other products, sometimes it isn’t completely obvious when it’s the right time to upgrade. The tricky part is that even after a mattress has lost its ability to support, it can still feel comfortable. This is why it’s important to follow the general rules of thumb listed above when weighing the idea of a new mattress. After all, life is hard enough as it is. The best thing you can do for your body is to give it the proper down time it deserves and in return, it’ll give you the energy it takes to function efficiently and effectively each and every day!

Furniture Arrangement Tips

The process of arranging your living room is not always the easiest task. Depending on the size of your space and the furniture itself, sometimes it takes a few tries to get it right. Well, we want to save you some time (and possible back pain) by sharing some of the best furniture arrangement ideas we’ve stumbled upon.

Area Rugs
Don’t be shy about the size of your area rug. For the most part, the bigger the better. These make such a great addition in any living room because of their ability to bring warmth to a space and create a much cozier environment for everyone.

Find a Focal Point

No, we’re not talking about the 60-inch flat screen television. Try to find a natural focal point such as a fireplace or big beautiful window to have the furniture directed towards. As a bonus, this doesn’t put so much attention on conversing and allows it to happen more naturally.

Create Zones

When working with a larger room, feel free to divide up the space. A small table and chairs in one half of the room along with a loveseat and coffee table on the other allows for two different activities to take place in one location.

Photo Credit

Find a Balance

An easy way to make a room look well put together is by symmetrically balancing the furniture. This is just a fancy way of saying that if you were to divide the room in half, each side would match up perfectly.

Make it Personal

Arranging the furniture face to face makes it easy for all guests to participate in conversation no matter where they happen to be sitting. 

Think Big

Another piece you really can’t go wrong with buying oversized is a coffee table. Be sure to find the right shape to compliment the space you are arranging but use it as a connection for all of the surrounding furniture. 

No matter which way you choose to design your space, what’s important is that the end result is a welcoming area you can share with family and friends. Life’s greatest joys come from these special moments with loved ones. Our team at Hennen Furniture is always ready to help you with your furniture needs. 

Our Top Three Favorite Spring 2013 Home Design Trends

Brass 

Brass is a popular metal finish for 2013 home décor. The reflection of gold brings
ingenious elegance and warmth to a room. You can incorporate brass in your home with the following home décor items: clocks, lamps, tables, and wall art. Another way to include brass into your home is by adding brass handles on kitchen cabinets, kitchen faucets, and other home hardware items.

View our brass furniture and home décor HERE.

Emerald

Emerald is Pantone’s 2013 color of the year and it is everywhere. This bold color brings an elegance and sophistication to a home. Having emerald pillows, vases, and clocks, picture frames, and other small home décor items is an inexpensive way to add a pop of emerald to your home. Another approach is to buy a statement emerald piece such as emerald green couch, table, or dresser. Pairing your statement emerald piece or pieces with neutrals creates a fanatic balance of bold and soft colors. 

View our green colored furniture and home décor HERE.

Geometric

Geometric prints and patterns are a great home design trend if you want to make a statement. This trend allows you to give your home some personality. Geometric prints are often hexagons and other repeated patterns. These patterns are often a neutral color paired with a bright bold color. These geometric prints and patterns are commonly seen in pillows, wall art and the architecture of a piece of furniture. Although this trend is a bit daring, it is a great way to set the mood of a room. What makes this trend great is that there is a geometric pattern that matches anyone’s style.

View our Geometric furniture and home décor HERE.