Occasional mfrs. strive for stand-out product
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, April 14, 2002
HIGH POINT — Manufacturers are bringing lots of new occasional furniture to market this time, including many unique looks or items they hope draw new interest from buyers.
The occasional field is dominated by imports now, and more affordable labor has led to more hands-on effects like intricate carvings and hand-rubbed finishes. Unfortunately, with so many companies importing from the same countries, the products start to look a lot alike, said Matt Johnson, vice president of wood merchandising for Bassett.
Wanting to stand out from the crowd, Bassett has introduced some eye-catching designs including a cocktail table with a baked copper top. At an extreme temperature, the copper begins to bubble and soften, according to Johnson. The result is a surface with differing colors and textures so that no two pieces look the same. The table will retail for about $499.
Ferguson Copeland has several distinctive pieces in its Ad Lib group, 30 eclectic pieces, most less than $1,000 and five at $399. The high-end products haven't been selling as well as the more affordably priced items since the last market, said Darrell Ferguson, president and chief executive officer.
The company is introducing Palm Court, a group incorporating a palm tree design, seen as a base for a glass top table, on the backs of dining chairs and on a bed. The company researched the tree and found that the trunk is similar to bamboo, said Ferguson. That look went into the shaping of the chair legs.
Bernhardt has tables to match one of its leather sofa; the tables feature hand-forged iron, tumblestone mosaic and a marble or cherry veneer top.
Hooker is entering a new product category with designer sink cabinets — a cabinet built to hold a sink and be attractive, while offering full functionality. Rather than convert a drawer chest or bombé chest to hold the plumbing, the case is designed from the start to house the sink and pipes.
Magnussen/Presidential is covering many styles and functions with numerous new occasional pieces this market. The company showed 16 table collections at premarket and has 12 more ready now. The looks range from traditional to contemporary to an island feel.
A display cocktail table was popular at premarket as was a group with leather, coconut shell and bamboo as well as another with heavy carvings, basket-weave table sides and faux Old World-styled leather.
| The wedge-shaped motif accentuates the walnut ringed-veneer of this round end table from Magnussen/Presidential. |
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