How to Choose the Perfect Occasional Furniture

What is occasional furniture?

This is often smaller, lighter, more portable furniture, which also may be multi-purpose.

It can include side tables, lamp tables, coffee tables, sideboards, ottomans and console tables. A nest of tables can be used for display but also can be pulled out when you have guests for a drink, a console table in the living room which can be dressed and styled, or used as a desk from time to time.

Chairs

It can also include chairs, for example smaller armchairs, or bedroom chairs which can double up as additional seating.

An accent chair can add a real element of personality to any room. Be it a big statement piece that stands proud in a room or a cosy corner for your own personal space. Not only does it bring extra space for guests it could also bring a bold pop of colour or dress up a boring corner. The possibilities are endless and can really show off your own style.

Occasional furniture can pack a big punch, both in terms of practicality and aesthetically.

So practicality, first. Think about your living room, and consider how many people use the room regularly, and how many for a larger gathering, say at a family celebration?

Is it easy to pop a drink or phone down on a handy nearby surface, or do you need to get up and move to do so?

Make life more convenient for yourself and guests with a side table at the end of the sofa, or a nest of tables.

So how about console tables?

These are generally slim-line tables, perfect for a hallway as a place to add a lamp or vase of flowers, as well as the obvious place to pop down your keys when you come home. Would a drawer also help here, to tidy out of sight some of life's clutter? Think about hanging an oversized piece of art or large mirror above, to create a wow-factor focal point.

Storage?

Would you like to be able to hide away children’s toys, which have strayed into the living room?

Look for a coffee table with deep drawers to be able to control the clutter and remote controls.

Maybe you have lovely coffee table books or aspirational glossy magazines you’re happy to have on display?

In that case, a coffee table with a glass top with a shelf below could really add interest to the space.

If you love a more minimalist feel, then a coffee or side table with just a top surface would be preferable. You know it won’t attract clutter and you can display a plant or ornament instead.

Side Tables

Side and lamp tables can really enhance an otherwise bland or dark space in your home. They don’t need to be restricted to the living room, though. How about a tall lamp table in the dining room, to lift a dark corner and allow you to create an ambiance without using overhead lights?

A side table in a hallway or landing can be a spot to combine with an occasional chair and create a reading nook. Be careful of course, not to block access, this works better if you have a large hallway or landing with a corner of otherwise empty space.

Ottomans, pouffes and footstools

These small upholstered items can be both decorative and practical. If you have family visiting with small children, they can perch on these items for a drink. They can, of course, be used to put your feet up on, or in a large bedroom a footstool can act as a practical bench in a bay window or at the foot of the bed. Many will also open up for useful storage.

Once you have chosen your perfect occasional furniture, it is important to make sure you have years of enjoyment from it. We recommend the 5 Year Unique Protection Plan which is applicable to all cabinet, leather and fabrics, which will offer you peace of mind if someone takes a chunk out of your beautiful glossy ceramic table top or your child scratches the oak veneer with their new toy. Unfortunately, anything can mark but most things can be repaired, so give yourself some peace of mind and allow yourself the opportunity to truly enjoy your new purchase.

More information on our Furniture Protection.

We hope our Occasional Furniture Buying Guide has given you lots of information but we do understand, you might still want to discuss this further with one of our Sales Specialists.

Please visit one of our showrooms or alternatively, please get in touch using our Contact Us form, by emailing info@cookesfurniture.co.uk or calling 0121 250 5050