6 Things You Didn’t Know About Leather Furniture

The classic look and feel of leather will never go out of style and is a great choice for any home. But many homeowners shy away from purchasing leather furniture for reasons that are simply not true.

It’s time to break through the myths and give leather furniture a good long look. Here are six things we bet you didn’t know about leather furniture.

1. Leather furniture is a great choice for families with young children or pets.

Quality leather furniture is far from delicate and will wear better and last longer than fabric covered furniture, making it an excellent choice for all types of families. Genuine leather wears like iron, growing richer and more supple over time. Look for genuine leather if you know your furniture will see a lot of hard use. 

Real leather wears so well that in many cases the leather will outlast the padding underneath. To extend the life of your leather furniture, choose pieces with removable cushion covers whenever possible, so the padding can be replaced when needed.

2. Genuine leather furniture is a smart investment.

While genuine leather furniture will cost more initially, it will last 3 to 4 times longer than fabric covered furniture. And since the look of leather never goes out of style, the leather couch or chair you buy today could easily be passed down to the next generation.

3. The price of leather furniture is based on the method used to dye the leather.

The quality and ultimately the price of leather furniture is based on the method used to dye the leather. Pigmented leather is the most economical option. The dye is applied directly to the surface of the leather along with a protective coating. While the end result looks great and is budget friendly, the leather will not have the buttery soft feeling that most people expect from quality leather furniture.

High quality leather furniture uses a process called dyed in the drum. In this process, the color permeates the entire piece of leather for a lasting finish. Sometimes an aniline coating is added as a protective sealant to prevent staining, but this can make the leather stiff. Leather left untreated is the best choice if you want your furniture to have a buttery soft texture.

4. Caring for leather furniture is easier than you think.

It is true that leather furniture requires slightly different care than fabric furniture, but it is not as difficult as you might think – no more complicated than following the care instructions for cleaning your flat screen television.

To keep your leather furniture looking its best, wipe it down regularly with a soft dry cloth to remove dust. You can use a regular vacuum to remove dust and debris from crevices just as you would any other piece of furniture. You should also apply a leather conditioner once every 6 – 12 months. This will keep the leather soft and supple and will prevent it from drying and developing cracks.

If you have a spill, clean it up with a dry cloth. You may use water for sticky spills, but use it sparingly. You should never use household cleaning products on leather furniture.

5. Leather is comfortable and cozy year round.

Leather is not cold in the winter, or hot and sticky in the summer. Genuine leather is a natural material, which means it breathes. Worried leather will not be cozy enough in the winter? Leather can actually absorb your body heat in 12 seconds, so you will be warm and cozy no matter what the temperature is outside.

6. Leather can heal itself.

Sometimes leather can develop minor surface scratches, but unlike wood these scratches can be buffed out using a microfiber cloth and a leather conditioner. Leather is a natural material, so with a little extra care these scratches will heal over time.

All the brands

Hennen Furniture offers all your favorite and high-end leather furniture brands. Whether you are looking for leather recliners or sectional couches or a new desk chair for your home or office, we are sure to have what you want in stock with many styles and colors to choose from. Visit Hennen Furniture today and take a look at leather.

Is it Time For a New Mattress?

If you are experiencing a loss of sleep, waking up with aches or pain, or wake up still tired, it may be time to shop for a new mattress. Consumer Reports recommends a new mattress if your current one is five to seven years old, or if you are over 40.

If it is time for a new mattress, research has shown that people sleep better, suffer less back pain and experience fewer symptoms of stress when sleeping on newer beds. In general, your sleep quality improves if your sleep surface relieves pressure on joints and other areas of the body.

Choosing the Right Mattress For You

The construction of a mattress determines the way it feels. Most stores have a cutaway display of at least some mattresses so that you can better see the various types of construction within the mattress itself. This allows you to discover the difference between traditional inner spring coils, which include cushioning, gel or memory foam.

The best way to find the right mattress for you is to spend time trying out each type. Don’t be embarrassed, our sales team wants each of our customers to try out a variety of mattresses so you can see and feel the difference to determine what best suits you. Between plush, euro top, firm and ultra firm, finding the best fit for you is important. Spend at least five minutes on each side and on your back (your stomach, too, if that's a preferred sleeping position). Twist and flip around. Make sure you won’t disturb your partner sleeping on the other side. Shoppers who spend time testing out the variety of mattresses rarely feel they chose the wrong bed.

At Hennen Furniture, we do have a return policy for the variety of brands we carry. Discuss the options with a sales representative if you’d like extra assurance in your choice of mattress.

Various Types of Mattresses

Innerspring

These are traditional steel coils in various configurations and are often the least expensive. Variations include special layers of cushioning around each spring, some even infused with gel. Traditional innersprings with no additional layers of cushioning or individual pocket systems tend to wear out more quickly and can cause additional pressure points when no top padding is included in the make.

Memory foam

Memory foam, which was developed to protect astronauts against g-forces, is basically polyurethane with additional ingredients. It has been a favorite for those who suffer from pain. A variation is latex foam, claimed to be hypoallergenic. Traditional memory foam softens when you lie on it and soon molds to your body. Once you get up, it springs back to its original shape. Make sure to talk with your sale representative about the pros and cons between the styles of each type of memory foam mattresses.

Firm Mattress

The use of carefully selected foams, in conjunction with tighter sewing patterns in the quilt helps to create this firm feel. Firm mattresses typically have a lower height than their plush, pillow top counterparts. A firm mattress offers optimal support, but they are designed to offer limited give. They do include a layer of cushioning, but are not as soft as other models like euro plush top.

Plush

Plush beds are the middle ground within the spectrum of comfort options available in mattresses today. They typically contain one to four additional inches of foam over firm mattresses and can include a quilted sewn in top layer that can be made from a variety of materials including foam or fiber.

Eurotop mattresses are the newest style in bedding. Their unique design allows manufacturers to increase the amount of padding placed on top of the mattress with a smoother top and squared edges, even compared to pillow top mattresses, thereby reducing pressure points and improving longevity.

The Widest Selection

Hennen Furniture has a large selection of mattresses to choose from. Our mattress stock includes King Size, Queen Size, Full Size, Twin Size, Bunk Bed, Box Springs, and more. We have many mattress styles as well: pillow top, memory foam, firm, innerspring, adjustable beds, Euro Plush Tops and more. If you are looking for a mattress for your master bedroom, a mattress for your kids room, or a mattress for your guest room, Hennen is sure to have one in stock for you.

Is it time to take a closer look at your mattress? If you can see any sagging or lumps, or an increase in sleepless nights, you know it’s time to visit Hennen Furniture to shop for your new mattress.

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.

Preparing Your Home For A Holiday Celebration

The holiday season is a time to be thankful and gather with friends and family. When trying to make time to spend with all of your loved ones, your home can become crowded with decorations and guests. With the season right around the corner, it is important to plan ahead for your celebrations and make sure you make the most of your space.

Add Additional Seating

There are many ways to add seating to your home without spending a ton of money. By adding cushions to the floor, your younger guest will be able to find a seat anywhere in the room, without sitting directly on the ground. Keeping folding chairs in a closet is a great way to add seating when you need it. You can take out one chair at a time, or set all of them out for your guests. Sneaking seating can also be added and pulled out when needed!

Set Up A Buffet Table

Food is an important part of any gathering. It is common to place all of the food on the dining room table and pass each dish around. To create more seating and avoid clutter on the the table, set up your food buffet style and allow guests to create their own plate before taking their seat. By having a buffet table, you avoid having to reach over other people for food and no longer risk spilling food or breaking dishes. For more styles of tables, check out the selection at Hennen!

Always Have Extras

As a host, you will never know when someone is going to invite their significant other or bring a friend from out of town. Always plan ahead when it comes to the amount of food you will provide. It is also nice to have small gifts on hand so there isn’t anyone left without a gift to open. Gift cards or a bottle of wine are always good options. If there are no additional guests, they can always be used later on or for personal use. You can also purchase e-giftcards and print them out from home!

By following these tips, you will be prepared for the holiday chaos and be able to spend more of your time with your family and friends, enjoying your celebration!

Do you have any other rituals you do to prepare for the holidays? If so, share with us with a comment below!

Keys to a Relaxing Widow's Weekend

When your significant other is a hunter, it is common for them to spend a weekend away with their friends during hunting opener. While they are gone, make sure you make the most of your time alone by following our tips to a relaxing weekend!

Curl up on your couch

Your living room is normally a place for watching television and sometimes even your dinner table. With your counterpart gone, take some time to relax on the couch. Pick a show that you never get to watch, read a book, or take a nap. The choice is yours!

Check out our living room set ups that would be great for relaxing!

Surround yourself with calming colors

Warm colors are often associated with stimulation. Step out of your red kitchen and move into a room with cooler colors.

Blue is the color of both the sky and the ocean and has proven to be a calming hue. Green is also said to lessen depression and is both a soothing and refreshing color. It reminds people of a walk through the park or other calm activities. Click here to read more about color associations.

Photo from Flickr.com

By adding an accent pillow or throw blanket in blue or green to your living room, you can increase your relaxation!

Light a scented candle

Along with color, scent also plays a key role in relaxation. Scents like chamomile, lavender, and vanilla, are among those said to play a role in relaxation. There are many other smells that can also help you relax. Scents are now used as a remedy for sleep and stress reduction.

Photo from Flickr.com

Use these tips to make the most of your time as a hunter’s widow.  Frankly, you can’t go wrong combining your couch, relaxing colors, and some delicious scents. Visit a Hennen’s near you to see what we can do to help make your home a comfortable and relaxing one!

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!