Sources add fresh functions to BR
By Jeff Linville -- Furniture Today, December 9, 2007
High Point — Bedroom collections introduced this fall featured a new level of functionality to go with fresh colors and styles.
The case goods category, especially in bedroom, was reinvigorated at the October High Point Market by adding extras like hidden storage, touch lighting, home entertainment functionality and pieces that can be used in more than one way.
AICO has made a habit in recent years of offering bedroom suites with hidden extras such as drawer top aprons that are actually drawer fronts that operate on a pressure latch. On the sides of some of its drawer chests and dressers is a similar pressure latch that reveals a shallow area suitable for hanging necklaces.
Fairmont Designs built a hidden drawer into its new Caprice bedroom group. In addition, the headboard has upholstered panels that drop down out of sight to reveal storage space inside the unit.
Bookcase headboards are a good place for lighting. Some beds have power outlets built into the frame so that lamps can be plugged in without moving the bed every time. Other beds, such as some models that are new this fall from Klaussner, have lighting built into the bed itself, activated by a touch plate.
"Bedrooms aren't just for sleeping anymore," said Heather Eidenmiller, director of brand development for Bernhardt. "They are being used as offices, a sanctuary for parents and sometimes even as a family entertainment center, so the furniture in these rooms must offer different functions to meet these needs."
Accommodating more electronics
As these needs change, so must furniture styling.
"For example, pieces that offer space for recharging and storing cell phones, PDAs and laptops are becoming critical," Eidenmiller said. "In addition, armoires and dressers are being configured to fit the new wide-screen televisions, Playstations and DVD players."
Universal has introduced a multi-functional dressing chest for the Princeton Bay collection. Inspired by American Federal designs, the ladies' nine-drawer chest has double-hinged drawers that reveal an adjustable mirror, two storage baskets, six pull-out storage trays, can lighting and an easy-access interior power outlet.
This market, Kincaid brought out its Double Vision mirror, which hides a flat-panel TV behind the fully framed mirror. When the TV is off, the piece works like a standard mirror, but when the TV comes on, the image comes through the glass with no distortion or degradation of quality.
Kincaid expects to add the feature to other new and existing groups.
Finding new ways to house the latest generation of televisions proved to a popular theme at the High Point Market. Drexel Heritage was one of several manufacturers that showed drawer chests with space for components. The top drawer has a fold-down front to allow remote control usage.
Aspenhome's Weekender entertainment chest features a glass-front drawer on top so that the remote works with the drawer closed. More than just a TV stand, the piece's lower section also has space for clothing. The chest is tall enough for the TV to be viewed over the footboard, yet is more compact than a typical TV armoire.
Also in High Point, Jonathan Charles brought out a kidney-shaped writing desk that could be used in the bedroom or home office. Drawing upon a home entertainment unit idea, the desk uses a lift mechanism to raise a flat-panel monitor to be used with a desktop or laptop computer.
A simple solution
But functionality doesn't have to be high-tech, as a simple but well-received move by Durham Furniture shows.
Retailers suggested Durham offer drawers with deeper depth, said Ron Fuhrman, vice president of marketing and product development. Shallow drawers don't allow consumers to store many sweaters or sweatshirts, and that can be frustrating.
To keep the look of its new drawer chest in line with typical pieces, Durham developed a new, deeper drawer with a faux front that looks like two drawers.
A new mechanical function was a big hit this market for Hooker and its subsidiary Sam Moore. A new headboard bracket allows the headboard panel to be raised in two-inch increments, making it a better fit with larger mattresses and case goods.
On Hooker's two new hand-painted headboards in the Chardonnay and Westcott styles, the bracket allows the beds to go from 67 inches to 76 inches.
"There are many variables to consider as people create a personalized retreat in their bedrooms," said Kim Shaver, Hooker's vice president of marketing communications.
"These adjustable headboards allow you to customize your headboard to the height of your mattress, the arrangement of decorative pillows, the height of surrounding furnishings and even the height of your ceiling."
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