Consumers in love With console loveseats
Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, May 19, 2011
HIGH POINT — When a home theater seating group is too big to fit the available space or would put too big of a dent in their checkbooks, consumers increasingly are turning to console loveseats.
Such items originally were designed to be sold with a sofa and/or recliner as part of a seating group, but suppliers say they're seeing a large number of orders for the loveseat alone.
They say consumers see console loveseats as an alternative to large home theater groups because they have many of the same features - cup holders, storage units, adjustable headrests, leather covers and the like. Plus, most are available with power reclining mechanisms, which practically have become standard equipment for today's home theater seating buyer.
Although most suppliers admit they didn't see this trend coming, no one is complaining about it. If anything, it's simply another sales driver for motion furniture - a category that has performed better than the furniture industry as a whole the past three years.
"It all centers around the flat-screen TV," said Stephen Barr, president of Man Wah USA. "As long as people keep buying them, they will keep buying motion furniture."
WHAT'S HOT: The 589 Canton sectional from Franklin
KEY FEATURES: Two reclining seats and a reclining chaise make this sectional suitable for family rooms and media rooms. Heat and massage units also are available, and a unique wedge table offers additional space for cup holders and decorative accessories.
WHY IT'S SELLING: The table provides a useful alternative to the traditional wedge seat, which is seldom used for sitting, anyway. Buyers at the April High Point Market also liked the fact that it can be sold as two separate console loveseats.
WHAT'S HOT: The Capitol loveseat from Flexsteel
KEY FEATURES: The two power reclining mechanisms are controlled by buttons built into the sides of the lighted cup holders. The console also has hidden storage units behind and below the cup holders.
WHY IT'S SELLING: The easy-to-operate power mechanisms have helped make this unit a clear winner, even though they add $100 to $200 to the retail price point. Plus, the automotive-style seating design delivers long-term comfort for watching sports events and movies.
WHAT'S HOT: The Palmer loveseat from Lane
KEY FEATURES: The automotive-style "scoop" seating design, combined with a pad-over chaise, provides a cozy, relaxing setting. The console has a pair of cup holders and storage space for magazines, remote control units and gaming paraphernalia. It is available with power reclining mechanisms.
WHY IT'S SELLING: A big winner at the April High Point Market, the product wowed buyers with its styling and its smaller scale, which makes it suitable for nearly any room setting.
WHAT'S HOT: The Sierra Madre loveseat from Klaussner
KEY FEATURES: This transitional model features power reclining mechanisms, generous seat widths and a hidden storage compartment in the console arm. Plus, the fully padded ottoman provides extra foot and calf support.
WHY IT'S SELLING: The styling and comfort stand out, but the easy-to-operate mechanisms are especially popular with women and aging baby boomers. Plus, the large storage space is convenient for hiding remote control units and small electronic devices such as cell phones and pagers.
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