Coffee Tables And Stool Sets That Guests Are Always Grateful For

Why would you need stools around the coffee table when you have a big sofa and comfortable armchairs in your living room? Well, actually it’s not that simple. People want to be face to face when they talk to each other and guests find it convenient to just pull out a stool and place it wherever they want in the room, not to mention that you might actually need those extra coffee table stools when large groups are visiting. Just think of them as practical extra seats, great for guests and practical for playing board games around the coffee table. For all these reasons, we find coffee tables with stools to be the perfect combination of versatility, functionality and space-efficiency.

There aren’t that many coffee table and stool sets to choose from compared to individual pieces but there are definitely some nice ones to consider. One is the Eastin 5 piece set which includes a coffee table and four upholstered stools. Like all the other sets what we’re about to show you, this one stores the stools under the table when not needed, saving space and maintaining a clutter-free decor. The design is simple, elegant and with a hint of traditional. The beveled glass top is removable.

The Jane set is very similar to the one we just showed you. The main difference is in the design of the coffee table which has a solid wood top and no glass inserts. The stools, four in total, are upholstered in dark brown leather and have solid wood bases that can double as shelves, forming storage compartments for each of the guests. A set like this is perfect if you’re the type that likes to have dinner in the living room or to entertain large groups of guests.

Let’s change the tone a bit with a coffee table that has a rectangular top. It has its own set of practical little stools that fit neatly underneath. The stools have triangle-shaped seats upholstered in leather and the table has an X-shaped base and a wooden frame complemented by a glass top. The 3219 series table only comes with two stools but you can definitely add more if needed.

Right now you’re probably wondering if there are any rectangular coffee table and stool sets that offer four seats instead of the two we just saw. Obviously there are and we’re prepared to show you a few examples, such as the Calla set. This one is ideal for casual entertaining or for large families. It’s comprised of a rectangular-top coffee table and four cube-shaped ottomans that can be neatly tucked underneath the four corners of the table. They’re made of wood and have contemporary designs. In addition, the ottomans have removable tops which reveal secret storage inside each one of them.

We’ve seen a few simple designs, both modern and traditional, so how about something a bit more ornate? We have the perfect set to show you. It’s the Mother of Pearl cocktail table and the four stools that accompany it. The table has a round top, detailed with hand-painted Chinese maiden figures. The four stools have matching frames and seats  decorated with hand-painted scenery motifs.

Let’s get back to more modern designs, since that’s what most of us are interested in. The Hayes coffee table and stool set is just what a modern living room needs. The table features this sculptural, black base with an unusual form that makes perfect sense when the four little ottomans take their place under the clear glass top. There are two shelves, one on each side of the table,  which are perfect for displaying and storing things like books, small planters, remote controls, etc.

All the coffee table and stool sets we showed you offer more or less the same advantages and only one question remains: how will any of them look like in your living room? That’s obviously up to you to decide. All we can do is offer suggestions and show you how others have integrated similar sets into their own living rooms, like this one for example. What we love about it is the contrast between the thin frame of the coffee table and the full and bulky nature of the stools.

Most of the time there’s no need for the extra stools and they can be neatly stored under the table, as shown here. The L-shaped sofa and stylish Eames lounge chair and ottoman are more than enough.

It’s important to take into consideration the space that the stools can potentially occupy when they’re actually used. Make sure there’s enough room for them in the living room or otherwise there’s no point in even having them. As you can see, there’s plenty of room for the stools in this living room and the two white sofas keep the decor from becoming too cluttered visually.

A bunch of stools or mini ottomans clustered under the coffee table can make a small living room feel even smaller. In that case, look for ways to avoid such an effect. One idea is to opt for a table that has a clear glass top or to somehow match the stools to other elements in the room. In this particular decor, the ottomans have the same color as the fireplace setting.

The whole point in having extra stools under the coffee table is to make your guests feel comfortable so you might as well opt for upholstered stools or ottomans, much like these ones. They’re in sync with the cozy theme of the living room and they complement not only the coffee table but also the sofa and even the headboard-like panel behind it.

Most of the sets we showed you come with four stools but that’s obviously not your only option. It’s possible to opt for fewer stools or even for more if needed. Check out this simple coffee table which can fit no less than eight comfortable ottomans under its top. You can have your custom made according to your specific needs.

You're reading Coffee Tables And Stool Sets That Guests Are Always Grateful For , originally posted on Homedit. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Homedit on TwitterFacebook and Pinterest.

A Shipping Container Office Building Captures The Essence Of Its Community

In 2016 a competition was held in Lagos, Nigeria. The goal was to find a suitable design for an office building. The clients were a group of software developers and system architects from the African Fintech Foundry. The winner was the WOE + Art Architecture studio who came up with a design that used shipping containers. That design was materialized in 2017 and this is the building that was created.

The design of the building was chosen as a result of a competition held in 2016
The design of the building was chosen as a result of a competition held in 2016
The exterior design of the building is similar to that of the interior in many ways
The exterior design of the building is similar to that of the interior in many ways

The design of the building was guided by a series of requests from the clients. They wanted this to be a co-working space, an office building with a contemporary and stimulating design and structure. Another requirement was for the building to be easily deployable and to offer a feeling of non-permanence. The architects offered the perfect solution: a structure made of containers. The containers are stacked and connected and they form a series of overhangs and small platforms and terraces, giving the building a dynamic look.

There are numerous small terraces on various levels. They give the building a dynamic look
There are numerous small terraces on various levels. They give the building a dynamic look
The interior is organized into several areas using glass walls that let the light travel through them
The interior is organized into several areas using glass walls that let the light travel through them

The entire project was executed in only three months. That was possible by using locally-sourced shipping containers which were repurposed and transformed into modules for a compact and space-efficient building with a total usable area of 550 square meters. The interior is organized into a series of workspaces and meeting rooms arranged around a central triple-height atrium that acts as a circulation area.

At the center of the structure there's a triple-height atrium with a skylight
At the center of the structure there’s a triple-height atrium with a skylight
The skylight brings natural light into the building and the staircase lets it brighten all the floors
The skylight brings natural light into the building and the staircase lets it brighten all the floors

A yellow staircase is placed at the core of the whole structure. The yellow is symbolic, being the same nuance featured on the Lagos buses and public taxis. This distinctive color tone cheers up the office and gives it a unique identity and lots of character. In addition, yellow looks great as an accent color when paired with gray which happens to be the primary tone in this case.

The staircase is yellow, a color that's symbolic for the city the structure is located in
The staircase is yellow, a color that’s symbolic for the city the structure is located in
The glass walls let the light from the skylight enter the individual offices and meeting rooms
The glass walls let the light from the skylight enter the individual offices and meeting rooms

The interior is a collection is light and dark gray spaces with glass walls and partitions and minimalist designs. They’re meant to facilitate the interaction between co-workers, teamwork and innovation through collaboration. It’s a design direction chosen by many modern office spaces and the individual strategies used each time are adapted to reflect the company and the individuals that work there. In this case, the building is also an inspiring project for the community so its role goes beyond the company.

The yellow of the staircase brightens up the whole building and gives it a cheerful vibe
The yellow of the staircase brightens up the whole building and gives it a cheerful vibe

You're reading A Shipping Container Office Building Captures The Essence Of Its Community , originally posted on Homedit. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Homedit on TwitterFacebook and Pinterest.

Modern Rocking Chairs – Where Innovation Meets Tradition

For a long time the rocking chair has been associated with that image of a cute grandma slowly swinging back and forth on the porch, with a knitting basket next to her and a sleepy cat in her lap. We’re gradually making the transition from a familiar design to that of a modern rocking chair that reinvents a classic. A bunch of gorgeous reinterpretations of the rustic rocking chair are already on the market and more will follow. This is no longer a piece of furniture destined for cozy yet old homes but instead meant to be successfully added to modern and contemporary decors.

Did you ever think that a rocking chair could be folded for easy storage and transport? It’s not an idea associated with this furniture piece, at least not until recently. A young designer by the name of Anker Bak attempted to change our perception of what a rocking chair should be by creating a minimalist and, most importably, foldable version of the piece in collaboration with Carl Hansen & Son.

The Yvetta rocking chair is also a minimalist interpretation of a traditional concept. This is a modern rocking chair that has a frame made of locally-sourced solid beech and a one-piece seat that’s attached to the legs with the help of two wooden screw pegs.

If you ever wished a rocking chair was bigger so two persons could fit on it, this is the design that makes it all come true. The simple design of the Gillespie rocking chair is definitely elegant but it’s something else that makes this piece special: the fact that it comes in two sizes, one of which is big enough for two.

The Rocking Knit takes rocking and knitting to a whole new level by combining them in a unique and unusual way. This is rocking chair with a built-in mechanism that actually knits a beanie for the user, as it swings back and forth. It’s a pretty cool idea and one that definitely has what it takes to make this a very quirky and interesting piece. It was a project by two Ecal students for the ”low-tech factory” exhibition.

The Great Egret chair was shaped by studio sayar & garibeh, the goal being to give it a refined and graceful appearance inspired by the bird with the same name. Its base is made of metal and its thin construction contrasts with the seat’s elongated form that mimics two wings.

A rocking chair without legs…that’s quite unusual and definitely very interesting. But how would such a design work? The Fedro woven outdoor rocking chair shows us. This is a chair designed by Lorenza Bozzoli for Dedon. It’s basically a chair seat without legs which lets the user balance and move using the arms and legs. The shape of the seat has been adapted to be more similar to a lounge chair for increased comfort.

It weighs around 30 kg and has a base and frame made of carbon-fiber reinforced concrete. That’s makes the Swing rocking chair unusual to say the least. Obviously, it would be practical to pick a permanent spot for the chair given how heavy it is. Don’t worry about the floor though because the base is covered with a sheet of leather. This was a limited edition design of only 100 pieces.

 

The Unam rocker is also a modern reinterpretation of the classical rocking chair but with more familiar details. It has arched legs and armrests and a very cozy and friendly-lookking frame made of wood. All the rounded edges and the lack of sharp lines and angles make this a very comfortable-looking piece. What we also like about it is the combination of simple wooden elements and a woven back and upholstered seat.

The inspiration for the Cala rocking chair comes from an interesting source: suspended bridges. The chair’s frame is a system of stainless steel rods that ensure maximum comfort and stability as the tension in them changes. Visually, the chair has a very sculptural and graphical look with a bit of industrial character.

Some classic designs are so beautiful and their timeless elegance is so powerful that they never really go out of style. The chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames usually fit into this category. A particularly interesting example is the chair known as RAR or Rocking Armchair Rod Base. It’s a classic plastic chair set on wooden runners.

This is the Cleat Knockdown Chair, a modern rocking chair designed by Tom Chung who found inspiration for its form and general design in the harbors of Vancouver and Stockholm. The chair’s frame is made of solid birch and the components are connected using rope.

This is a piece that was presented at the 2017 Salone del Mobile edition. Designed by Christophe Pillet, the Summerset Rocking Armchair is simple-looking, refined and elegant, featuring a very slick steel grid frame and a wooden base. It was designed specifically for outdoor use, with a special protective treatment that allows it to be used near pools and water in general.

Meet Nana, a rocking chair with a design inspired by the timeless Eames Lounge Chair. It’s a very special piece created by Alegre Design Studio and its design is simple, refined, modern and very elegant. It’s a perfect nursery rocking chair thanks to its specially shaped seat and shell and the base which ensures a gentle rocking motion that soothes and relaxes its users.

Kids like rocking chairs too. In fact, they find them very fun, even those that are too big to be comfortable for them. The AMM Rocker is a chair designed specifically with kids in mind. It’s small, lightweight and comfortable and its design is casual without being too childish, combining a wooden frame and a seat and backrest made of woven strips of organic felt.

This rocking chair has a design inspired by the fashion industry. It’s the creation of Brendan Gallagher and combines a solid walnut frame and an upholstered seat. The interesting part is how these elements are connected. The seat is attached to two wire mech panels that fill the two halves of the wooden frame.

The design of the Double Position chair is simply mesmerizing. This exquisite piece designed by Alex Petunin is made of wood and has a very fluid and organic form, with three cut out holes in their frame that reveal a colorful painted interior. The cool thing about this piece is that it comes with two small and colorful legs, one of which can be removed in order to transform the piece into a rocking chair, allowing free movement.

A lot of people enjoy and value their privacy, especially in open or shared environments. It’s for this type of people and spaces that Kyle Fleet designed the Private Rocker. This is a modern rocking chair with a high backrest and side panels that wrap around the seat forming a shell. Only the front is open. You can pair the rocking chair with an ottoman for an even more comfortable experience.

“What is this beautiful and abstract sculpture?” you might wonder…and the answer to that question is an unexpected one: a rocking chair. Unlike other similar products which frame a sled base or curved legs and a separate seat, this one has a continuous and fluid form, as if it was carved from a piece block of wood. it’s called the Ocean Rocker III and it’s meant to be simple, exquisite and an homage to the pure and rich beauty of the material from which it’s made.

The First Rocking Chair designed by Fien Muller and Hannes Van Severen is a hybrid that combines the pure and straightforward simplicity of industrial design with the breezy and casual nature of a beach cottage. It features a slender metal frame with a curved base and a fabric seat available in bright and cheerful colors.

Speaking of hybrid designs, the Camila rocking chair is also an interesting case. Its design is a combination of old and new, a mixture of traditional elements adapted to suit a modern environment. It’s been stripped of all unnecessary elements in order to ensure a simple and pure design that emphasizes the materials, forms and textures used.

The GT rocker is a combination between a lounge chair and a rocking chair. Its design includes a powder-coated solid steel frame with felt stripes on the bottom for protection when used on hardwood floors. The frame holds three cushions panels that make up the seat and backrest. The fabric upholstery is available in four colors.

Some designers take things on a whole new level and reinvent a piece of furniture up to the point where it becomes something else. The Racer Rocking Chair could be one such example. This is a modern rocking chair that’s made of 100% recycled plastic and its design is meant to mimic the look of vintage racing cars, hence the color options and the stripes but most importantly the open storage trunk in the back.

Other times designers choose to keep alive the character of the classic piece that inspired their new and unique creations. For instance, the Rex Rocking Chair is a piece that transitions from traditional to modern without extensive modifications to the design and character of the original concept. Its design is elegant and stylish as well as very versatile.

The classic Adironback Chair that we know and love also comes in a rocking version. The transition from lounge chair to rocking chair was simple given the already laid back and relaxing nature of the design. The main difference between the two versions is the base which, in this case, curves gently and complements the rest of the frame seamlessly.

Believe it or not, the Lookout Mountain Rocker was continuously produced for more than 30 years. This shows the timeless nature of its design and its ability to adapt and to enver go out of style, no matter how many trends have come and passed over the years. This rocking chair has a wooden frameand fully suspended seat and back covered in hand stretched saddle leather.

 

Sometimes a designer finds a way to completely refresh a furniture piece by changing a single basic thing about it, like Tomáš Vacek who offered us a new way of looking at the rustic rocking chair. Taken separately, both the ash wood frame and the numerous willow branches that fill its seat and backrest are not impressive or interesting but put them together and suddenly they make a mind-blowing duo. The result is the Haluz Rocking Chair.

Could a chair made of concrete be comfortable, practical and good-looking? The Hauteville Rocking Chair can answer all those questions. Its design draws inspiration from mid-century pieces, being updated for a modern environment. The chair is built with rebar legs, plywood runners and a concrete shell and the result is an industrial piece with an unpolished look that somehow manages to be stylish and refined.

There’s so much we like about the Mamulengo Rocking Chair that we don’t even know where to start from. The sculptural form of the chair is exquisite and the attention to detail but, most importantly, the idea at the base of the whole piece is so clever and so simple that it makes one wonder why it hasn’t been explored before. Designed by Eduardo Baroni, this chair is made of ivory plywood slices which seem to perfectly capture the rocking motion in freeze frame.

There are numerous ways of blending together the old and the new and the beauty of a design often lies in the way in which the styles interact with each other. Let’s analyze this rocking chair for example. La Norestense is a piece that puts together a thin and slender metal frame and a shell that’s available in two versions: perforated steel mesh and weaved palm fabric, the latter being created by skilled craftsmen using natural fibers. The beauty of the design lies in the contrast between these elements.

Two contrasting and very different materials, stainless steel and plywood, are harmoniously paired in a design that’s as elegant as it is simple. This is the Buttercup Rocker, a modern rocking chair that’s small in size and big in style. Its base is available in brushed stainless steel or powder-coated steel and the seat and back form a beautiful shell made of bent plywood.

This is the Comeback Rocking Chair designed by Patricia Urquiola. It may not look that different from the old-school rocking chair grandmas used to love but if you look closer you’ll notice a bunch of details that make this piece stand out. It’s not just the architecture of the chair but also the combination of materials used, more exactly the pairing of plastic and wood.

Cornelia is the type of modern rocking chair that was built on the framework of the rustic piece we’re all familiar with without making any drastic changes regarding the form and structure all while visibly updating the entire design. It became available in 2014 and it’s designed by Giorgio Cattelan.

This is Piña, a rocking chair designed by Jaime Hayón. It’s a chic and stylish piece of furniture with a frame made of steel and two rockers made of solid ash wood which can either feature a natural or painted finish. The seat and back cushions are available with removable covers in fabric or leather.

The rocking chair in the Square series, like all the other pieces in the collection, has a simple frame in teak wood and comfortable seat and back cushions in polyurethane and polyester fibre. The standard cushions are not waterproof so even this is an excellent chair for outdoor use, it needs to sit in protected areas.

Nature is an infinite source of inspiration and the Elephant chair is one of the creations that showcase its beauty. The rocking chair was designed by Neuland studio and puts together a metal frame with a wooden base with a raw, natural finish and a seat shell in hard polyurethane. The design has a bit of Nordic charm without entirely falling into this category.

The Apelle rocking chair impresses with its sinuous and simple lines and the way it embraces its users, enveloping them in a delicate and comfortable way. The design is both classic and modern, the chair being built with a steel frame and a leather seat shell. It’s part of a collection that also includes armchairs, lounge chairs, stools and matching tables.

A lot of classic and consecrated armchairs and lounge chairs have been adapted and rocking versions of them have been created. The 500-series shell chairs designed by Geoffrey D. Harcourt are a good example. This is one of them with a rocker base. It’s incredibly comfortable and ideal for relaxing and lounging. 

This is Tesa, a slender-looking rocking chair designed by Salih Teskeredžić. It’s infused with Nordic beauty and simplicity and puts an emphasis on the natural qualities and characteristics of the wood. There’s no back cushion, only a woven seat and the frame has a continuous and fluid form.

Technically, this is not a rocking chair per se since you can’t really rock back and forth. There are, however, a few similarities between this chair and the rest of the pieces from the Stresemann collection. Their designs are inspired by the forms of aircraft wings. The frame has a very airy appearance while the seat and backrest provide maximum comfort and the armrests add a touch of style.

NAP is a rocking chair with a casual and laid back look that also manages to be elegant at the same time. The rocking base combined with the soft and comfortable upholstery make this a perfect piece for reading corners but also for balconies, terraces, living spaces and pretty much any area with a nice view or a relaxing ambiance.

Called Mbrace, this modern rocking chair features a beautiful wingback design and a very comfortable seat that embraces the user and ensures a cozy and friendly experience. The frame of the chair is made of aluminum and the base which is the only visible part is made of wood.

Unlike other rocking chairs, the Vis à vis has a very subtly curved base which makes this look rather like a club chair or just a regular outdoor armchair. The rocking motion is a very pleasant surprise. The wooden frame is almost entirely visible thanks to the woven seat and backrest design.

It’s often the little things that make a design special. Take the Nub chair for example. It looks interesting and stylish and this is an impression given by the harmony between all the elements including the rocker base, the slender metal legs and of course the curved backrest which features these thin, sculpted wooden rods that complement each other perfectly.

The design of the J.J. rocking chair is lightweight and airy and it’s all thanks to the choice of materials. The frame is a combination of steel rods and wooden rockers. Although the design has a visible traditional influence, the overall look is a modern one.

Linearity and simplicity are two important characteristics of the Landscape rocking chair. But the chair is not designed this way simply for aesthetic reasons. This is also a practical design meant to offer natural ventilation and to protect against rain and wind, all while being comfortable and good-looking.

If this looks a lot like a rustic rocking chair, the type grandmas used to love, that’s because it was designed in 1944. This is Wegner’s rocker and its design was visibly influences by Windsor and Shaker furniture. We like its simplicity, high back and nostalgic appearance.

No matter how you look at it and what color you choose, this chair looks like a Stingray. That’s only natural since that’s actually its name. It was shaped after the poetic and elegant form of the marine animal and its shell is created using a 3D veneer press. It’s then upholstered in leather in the same color as the slender metal base.

The unusual and intriguing design of the Cowrie Rocker was inspired by seashells. This is actually a combination between a rocker and a lounge chair. Its design is minimalist, eye-catching and sophisticated and can easily fit in just about any contemporary interior decor. The entire piece is made from a single sheet of plywood.

This is not a rocking chair but a rocking chaise longue. It’s the 837 Canapo by Franco Albini. Its frame is made of solid ash wood and walnut with polyurethane cushioning and fabric or leather upholstery. the elements are connected with cords.

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How to Clean a Flat Screen TV or any LCD-Touchscreen Display

Most flat screen monitors and televisions today are LCD displays and touchscreens. Cleaning these surfaces requires more than a spritz of your favorite glass cleaner, like what was acceptable for the old “tube” television screens. Those were made of glass and could be treated accordingly. But flat screens and touchscreen displays are much more sensitive than those old TV screens – cleaning them the wrong way will actually do much more harm than good, as these displays are much more sensitive and easily scratched. This article will show you how to clean a flat screen TV (and other sensitive display devices, such as your laptop or desktop monitor, tablet, etc.) simply, quickly, effectively, and safely.

Make sure the flat screen TV or monitor is turned off. This creates a black surface that enables you to better see the dirty, smudged, and/or oily areas. Also, if the screen or device is turned off, you won’t accidentally push buttons or activate things while you’re cleaning, which is a very real possibility when cleaning touchscreen devices.

Grab a soft, dry cloth. Microfiber cloths work well for this, as do chamois cloths. Whatever you would use to clean your sunglasses or regular glasses, that kind of soft cloth would work well. (Unless you’re the type who uses his/her t-shirt to clean your glasses. Don’t do that.) You could also try a dry eraser here, although that doesn’t get the perimeter of a monitor or flat screen TV screen as well as a cloth.

Wipe the screen with your soft, dry cloth very gently. Do not press down harder onto the screen if you find that your wiping doesn’t remove the smudges or dirty spots. If you try to rub the flat screen as you would rub, say, the window in your living room to get it clean, you will damage the pixels in your screen. This is especially true for flat screen TVs, laptop displays, and desktop monitors. And, although touchscreens are designed to be touched with a little more pressure, it’s still not a good idea to scrub them.

As you can see, the first pass with a soft, dry cloth might not clean the screen completely, depending on how dirty it is and what has caused the smudging. This is where you will move onto the next step for cleaning the flat screen.

Mix a solution of 1:1 water and white vinegar. A little of this solution goes a long way, so even a few tablespoons of each might be sufficient, depending on the size of your flat screen.

Dampen a microfiber cloth (you can use the same one if you’d like) in the 1:1 water:vinegar solution, and gently wipe the screen again. Take care to avoid scrubbing the screen, still. Let the vinegar do the heavy lifting for your cleaning, rather than any rubbing you might be tempted to do.

Use another dry, soft cloth (or a corner of your same cloth that is still dry) and dry the vinegar solution from the flat screen. Avoid pressing too hard; all wiping motions should be light-handed and gentle to avoid damaging your screen.

In just a few minutes, your flat screen will look clear and clean. Nicely done. Some things to remember when cleaning a flat screen TV or computer monitor or other flat screen: (1) Avoid using paper towels or toilet paper to clean your screen, as these may scratch or damage the screen, plus they leave lint. (2) Avoid any cleaning products that contain ammonia (e.g., many commercial glass cleaners), ethyl alcohol, toluene (paint solvents), acetone, or ethyl chloride (nail polish remover), as these will yellow or otherwise discolor or damage your screen. (3) Avoid spraying liquid directly onto your screen, as the liquid can find its way inside your device and damage it. (4) Use multipurpose cleaner on the plastic surround of your screen, but take care to avoid letting the cleaner touch the screen itself. You can also use the vinegar solution on the plastic surround.

You're reading How to Clean a Flat Screen TV or any LCD-Touchscreen Display , originally posted on Homedit. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Homedit on TwitterFacebook and Pinterest.