Editor's note: The following sponsored content was provided by Steinhafels.
When you go furniture shopping, you probably focus on the high priced, high profile item: the sofa, the bed or the dining room table. But complimentary accent pieces are what make those fabulous, big ticket items pop! Accent furniture is a hot item right now at Steinhafels, so we decided to take a deeper dive into this furniture category.
(PHOTO: Stephanie Graham)
Steinhafels Accent Furniture Buyer Jenny Kordus has been with the company for five years, and in her current role for about three. Her primary duties are to source product that is right for the Steinhafels customer, to create and maintain vendor relationships, and to achieve the financial goals set for her area. Like all of our buyers, Jenny is a rockstar in her category. She took the time to answer some basic questions about accent furniture, especially focusing on accent tables.
Overall, what do you love about the accent/occasional category?
One of my favorite things about my categories is that my product coordinates with many other furniture products, which means I get to partner with all the other buyers. For example, when planning the assortment for a new store, I get to work closely with the upholstery and accessories buyers so that the entire vignette – sofa, tables, rugs and lamps – coordinate together. Many of the trends in bedroom and dining translate to tables and accents – and vice versa – so I discuss trends with the casegoods buyer regularly. I am happiest in a team environment so the social aspect makes it very fun for me.
(PHOTO: Stephanie Graham)
A recent Furniture Today article mentioned a 2017 study which found that "Occasional Tables" are steadily growing in popularity. Would you agree with this from what you’ve seen?
I would have to say that occasional tables have always been an important piece at Steinhafels. Maybe it’s a Wisconsin thing, but even growing up, everyone had a "coffee table." Many people look for comfort in their living rooms, a place where they can relax with friends or watch TV, and an occasional table offers function in that area.
Why are accent tables a relatively easy purchase for consumers, but still a valuable investment?
The accent/occasional category is a fast changing category. Categories like bedroom, upholstery and mattresses are more expensive and therefore people change out that furniture less often. They use accents, occasional, rugs, lamps, etc., to update their room more often and at a lower cost. These categories tend to be more trendy because of that. One year the trend might be farmhouse, and the next it might be modern. There is less risk and cost to changing out these categories if the customer wants to update them.
(PHOTO: Stephanie Graham)
Are we seeing an increase in online sales in this category as well?
Yes, this category is actually ideal for online purchases because the cost to ship is relatively low compared to larger furniture pieces. Also, they tend to be easier to assemble if the customer has to do it themselves!
As an accent buyer, what do you primarily look for when buying tables: style, function, a mix of both?
Style and function are the main drivers, but I also look at scale and cost. We have more than 110 table groups for a customer to choose from, so we try to have something for everyone: low to high price, small to large scale, basic to lots of function, clean styles to trendy. With the largest assortment in our area, we are able to try new things to see what the customer reacts to.
When people hear "table," they might just think your standard brown or black coffee table – nothing fancy or creative. How are vendors adding more variety?
When I started in this category, I expected to learn that our best-selling items were basic brown rectangles. I was surprised to learn that our bestseller at the time was a low profile table in a mix of metal and wood, with large caster wheels – very trendy. This does show that the customer looks to have more style in this category. The vendors are always trying to come out with something new. I always see new treatments, finishes and ideas at each market.
Are mixed materials still popular in this category? Why?
Yes, metal and wood combinations are still one of the biggest trends. Dark wood with black metal has been popular for some time, but I am now seeing lighter woods paired with chrome.
(PHOTO: Stephanie Graham)
What are the trendiest looks you’re seeing these days? Do we have some examples?
We usually see the trendy stuff hit at the designer level first, so I am starting to see some of these treatments from our more aspirational vendors. Universal Furniture has tables with faux Shagreen treatment (think small bumps like caviar on the tops), and Hooker Furniture has a console table with German Silver. We have a couple stone tables that are top performers for us, and I am seeing this trend more and more often now using thick stone tops. I saw bubble glass tables at our last market! Some of these treatments might be overwhelming if they are on bigger pieces, so having them on an accent or occasional piece is a touch of trend that is not too much for your room. We monitor these trends and bring in product that we think would appeal to our customer in both trend and price point – some of these trends can get very expensive to make!
Some vendor examples, including (clockwise from top left) a stone top Hooker Miramar table, an example of German Foil from Hooker Furniture, Universal Furniture bubble glass tables, a Faux Shagreen example from Universal Bennett Cocktail and a stone top Universal Modern table
Reclaimed and natural treatments have been all the rage for awhile now. Is that still the case?
This trend has been downtrending. People seem to want something that is just a little more refined or polished versus the very raw reclaimed pieces.
Functionality is a capital "F" these days! Customers aren’t just looking for a standard table with a top that lifts or offers storage. We’re talking mobile and consumer electronics technology. Why do people like these features, and can you show a few examples?
Yes, we offer many chairside tables that have power charging stations and charging/USB ports. People like these because the chairsides make the function easier to access (versus trying to wiggle behind the sofa to the nearest outlet). You can also conveniently hide the cords and such when they are not in use! Other categories are offering these functions as well – charging stations in the bedroom headboards, in sofa armrests, etc.
The newest functionality trend that I am most excited about is what we are calling "Sofa Console Bars." These are sofa tables that are placed at the back of a sofa (think in a rec room or open concept living room/kitchen layout) that fit stools underneath and, in some cases, expand for more surface space. These are great because of the extra function they add to an otherwise "simple" sofa table. You can use them for a buffet at a party, extra seating when watching the big game or when you are working on your laptop or tablet. Look for this trend to arrive on our floors in spring 2018!
More vendor examples, from Liberty Heatherbrook Sofa Console Bar (clockwise from top left) to Universal Modern Sofa Console Bar and Amisco Sofa Console Bars
We don’t always think "Special Order" when we think accent furniture, but are vendors offering more options for customized items – like size, finish, wood, metal, etc? Is this an affordable option?
We offer a couple different price points for special orders in the occasional category. Our newest and most popular Special Order program is from Canadel. This vendor is already known for both quality and special order capabilities in the dining department, and they have branched out to the living room now. We have four table groups to select from on our floor, all in different styles to show just a sampling of what the vendor can do. After getting an idea, you can use any of the kiosks in our store to access their UDesign website that lets you customize your table. Select your style (modern, rustic, traditional), select your shape (rectangle or square) and then choose from a large variety of finishes. The possibilities are endless.
Finally, if someone reading this is interested in an accent piece for a certain space in the home, what should they do before they come to the store to check out our selection?
The best thing to do is to measure your space first! You can "pre-shop" on Steinhafels.com to get an idea of what we offer and what styles you like. This will help you to not get overwhelmed when coming into the store. Also know that everything in your room doesn’t have to be "matchy-matchy" – eclectic looks are in!
Select products featured in this article are available through Special Order only at this time, but be sure to stop in your local Steinhafels as spring approaches – we always have new and exciting pieces coming in! Accent pieces are a great way to spice up your space while you are spring cleaning, without making any drastic changes.
