Welcome to the R+C Blog, where you'll find design advice, furniture tips, musings on the industry at large, and random topics.
Every once in a while, we let the puppies write an article. (Their grammar isn't great, just FYI.)
Newsletter: The World is Becoming Less Colorful. Why?
If you've been following along for a while, you know that we're big champions of color. Yes, there is a place for neutrals; yes, they are an essential part of good design; yes, you should absolutely build a white sofa for yourself if you love it! But...you shouldn't be forced to.
Newsletter: On The Color Of Light
Oh bother. The process of designing a piece of customer furniture for your home comes with a long list of decisions to make, not the least of which is color. But one of the biggest factors that determines how you perceive a color is often forgotten: how a room is lit.
What's better, a bench or multiple cushions?
A long cushion can look sleeker, but multiple cushions can be more practical. Some suggestions on which might be right for your sofa.
How do I measure for a sectional?
When measuring for a custom sectional for your home, you have to consider both the overall dimensions and configuration, and the amount of seating you want to offer.
What's the best type of fabric for my sofa if I have a cat?
Cats, as we all know, are slightly evil. Just evil enough to tear into your brand new sofa if you choose the wrong fabric. Here are some tips on which type of fabric might be most practical when sharing a house with your feline frenemies.
What are modular sofas?
Chris explains the difference between modular sofas and sectional sofas, and why a modular might be the right style for your home.
What's the best fabric for kids?
They jump on them, drip on them, and are often a sofa's worst nightmare. Here are some great durable, cleanable fabric options if you have children in your home.
The Logic Behind Area Rug Pricing
Chris explains the main factors that determine the price point of an area rug.
Area Rug Materials: Durability and Maintenance
Area rugs are constructed from a few different types of materials. What's the difference? Does it matter? Is one option more durable than another? Oh, you know we've got the answers.
Using Area Rugs to Define Spaces in Open Concept Floor Plans
With the ever-growing popularity of open concept homes, new homeowners frequently discover one significant challenge with this type of floor plan: How can you create distinct functional areas when walls are few and far between?
The Different Construction Methods for Area Rugs
We all know the aesthetic benefits of adding an area rug to your home. But which type of rug is most appropriate for you? And why can there be so much difference in price between two rugs of the same size?
Sizing Your Area Rug: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
As designers, we often get asked by folks: "How can I figure out the right rug size for my space?" The answer is somewhere between "It's a scientific process," and "You'll know it when you see it."
Does My Room Need a Sectional?
Which is the best option for your home: a sectional or a pair of sofas? Like the intractable conflict in the Middle East or getting everyone in your family to agree on where to go for dinner, there's no simple answer.
Unraveling the Risks of PFAS in Stain Protection Treatments for Upholstery Fabric
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been a popular choice for stain protection treatments in upholstery fabric. While effective, research has brought attention to the potential risks associated with their use. Let's go over the risks of PFAS in stain protection treatments and explore the alternative methods for adding stain-resistance to upholstery fabrics.
How can I get a big sofa into a small home?
Looking for a long sofa for a basement, apartment, or otherwise complicated destination? We have a trick that just might work for you.
What depth of Chesterfield do I want?
Our Higgins Chesterfield is available in a number of depths. Which one is right for your home? Let's explore the options!
What do I do with all these leather swatches?
Evaluating leather swatches goes beyond picking a favorite color. Here are some tips on making smart selections for your home.
What's a pocket coil suspension system?
Why are we so in love with them? Why should you care? And why are they a better choice than the other options on the market?
All about velvet
Chris gives you an overview of our velvet options, including the best choices for stain-resistance, feel, and practicality.
How to Disconnect and Reconnect a Sectional Sofa
Sectional fasteners keep the furniture from separating during regular use, but if you want to rearrange your sectional or move the pieces for cleaning, you'll need to disconnect them.
What's the best type of fabric for my sofa if I have a dog?
Dogs. Puppies. Doggos. Puppers. Woofers. Slobberpusses. Whatever you call 'em, we've got a durable fabric that will stand up to them.
Newsletter: A Call To Action
This newsletter isn't about sofas. Or interior design. Or finding the very best stain-resistant fabric to hold up to your Labrador. Sorry. We'll talk about that another day.
What's the best sofa if you have high ceilings?
I'm here today to talk about an important subject. Actually, it's not that important of a subject, but it is a question that comes up a lot, and it's a weird one, and I feel like I have to address it just because I get it so often.
What is an English roll arm sofa?
I'm here today to talk about one of our favorite types of sofas, the English Roll Arm Sofa.
What's a sinuous spring suspension?
It's the most common type of couch suspension system, and you may have a sofa built with it in your living room now.
How much space do I need per person?
Make sure you've got plenty of room for everyone in your family. (The dog counts, too...)
What's the best type of leather for my sofa if I have a dog?
Leather may be durable, but it can certainly show its wear when exposed to drool, claws marks, and soil from dirty paws. Finding a leather that will be dog-compatible isn't hard, though. Here are some tips.
Should all my upholstery match?
When putting together a room with a sofa and other pieces of upholstery, should they match in style and color or should they be different?
Can you guys just build anything?
The short answer is no, but the longer answer is...we can build a lot. Challenge us!
Should I feel bad about myself for buying a neutral colored sofa?
Maybe. But there are plenty of good reasons for choosing neutral furniture. Here are a few of them.
How do we make our seat cushions?
When done well, a good seat cushion can last you for years, providing support, softness, and shape. When done less well, ehhh...not so much. Learn how we build our cushions to perform over the long haul.
What's an 8-way hand-tied suspension?
What's an 8-way hand-tied suspension system and why should I care? First of all, a suspension system on your sofa is the set of springs that sit beneath the cushions beneath that black fabric that's underneath the cushions.
Should I put casters on my sofa?
They look great. They're supposedly functional. But do they belong on your sofa? It depends!
What do I do with all these fabric swatches?
We have hundreds and hundreds of fabric swatches available on our site, you've probably ordered a few of them by now.
How is fabric durability measured?
Let's talk about fabric durability, specifically the abrasion resistance of fabric and how that is measured.
What's the difference between full and semi-aniline leather?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of leather out there in the world, full-aniline, and semi-aniline. The difference is really in how these leather hides are selected, prepared, and then colored.
What do I do if I'm allergic to down?
Whether you're allergic or just want to eliminate animal products from your home, we have great down alternatives.
What's the best kind of sofa for little kids?
Are you concerned that a new sofa is just going to be destroyed by your kids? Making smart choices will ensure your couch stands up to your family.
How often should you turn over seat cushions?
Flipping cushions, vacuuming fabric, and other tips for keeping your sofa looking great.
How do I select the best sectional sofa?
Let's talk about sectional sofas. There are three ways a sectional sofa can be built.
What are the different sofa backrests?
There are basically three different types of backrests that you can get on a piece of furniture. Here they are.
How to Clean Velvet Furniture
Velvet fabric can be a bit trickier to clean than other fabrics because, in addition to removing the stain, you must take care to avoid "crushing" the nap of the fiber. Here are some tips to help you successfully remove stains without damaging your beautiful furniture.
10 Reasons Why Chesterfield Sofas Never Go Out of Style
Chesterfield sofas remain one of the most recognized and sought-after furniture pieces. Their deep button tufting, rolled arms, and sophisticated craftsmanship have kept them in homes, offices, and upscale spaces for centuries.
Chesterfield Sofas Through the Decades and How They Became Iconic
Chesterfield sofas have remained a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship for centuries. Recognized by their deep buttoned upholstery, rolled arms, and stately presence, they have evolved across generations while maintaining their distinguished character.
Health Benefits of Furniture Free from Harmful Chemicals
Choosing furniture free from harmful chemicals is an intelligent decision prioritizing your health and environmental sustainability. Many conventional furniture pieces are treated with chemicals that can negatively impact indoor air quality and overall health.
How to Maintain Your Custom Chesterfield or English Roll-Arm Sofa
Investing in a custom Chesterfield or English roll-arm sofa is a significant decision, and we are here to help you keep your furniture looking its best for years to come
How Comfortable Is a Handmade Chesterfield Sofa?
When it comes to furnishing your home, comfort is paramount. The sofa, the centerpiece of any living space, must offer both style and unparalleled comfort.
Have You Considered Custom Sofas for Your Residence?
When it comes to furnishing your home, nothing quite matches the comfort and style of a custom sofa. Unlike mass-produced furniture, custom sofas offer a unique blend of personalization, quality, and attention to detail. If you've been thinking about upgrading your living space, it's time to consider the benefits of custom sofas, especially those from Roger + Chris.
