Are Modular Sofas The Same As Sectional Sofas?

When it comes to hot interior trends, nothing is bigger right now then those contemporary sofa pieces that are built piece by piece and can be readily reassembled into any configuration or composition that you desire. Sometimes you’ll see interior designers label these unique products as sectional sofas but go online to another retailer and you will see a similar product labelled the modular sofa. So just what are the differences between modular and sectional sofas or are they simply two different names for the exact same product?

In a nutshell, they are the exact same thing. The important aspect is that both names are referring to the unique selling point of the design, its characteristic feature, the independent sofa pieces known as ‘modules’ or ‘sections’ that are put together to assemble the final piece of furniture. The basic principle is that sectionals allow the user to rearrange their furniture layout more frequently in line with their specific mood, interior design trends or for specific events and occasions. In effect, it’s fair to say that modular sofas can be either classic loveseats or modern corner units at the push of a button, it merely depends on the style that the user feels works best for them on that day.

With each different module constructed as if it were its own mini-sofa, with an independent frame, upholstery and top cover, there’s a great deal of complexity to the manufacture of a modular/sectional sofa. This is particularly true when it comes to the construction of specialised segments such as chaise longue modules which are atypical in shape and form and thus need to be carefully planned out from a design and mass manufacture perspective. The end result is that this can often lead to a considerable increase in the associated costs of production making sectionals far more expensive to produce conventionally designed sofas, which is then passed onto the end user through the conduit of the recommended retail price.

Perhaps the only other difference between the terms sectional sofa and modular sofas is actually one of emphasis. Arguably, the term sectional refers purely descriptively to a functional aspect of a sofa whereas modular conveys something more intangible about the product related to lifestyle and ergonomics. For this reason, you’ll tend to see higher end manufacturers referring to their product as a modular sofa while value retailers use the term sectional to describe the same product. There is also a noticeable rise in interior designers referring to the expression modular living to convey a sense that many discerning consumers are demanding more flexibility and versatility from their home living spaces.

Finally, you may come across a linguistic division between suppliers from Europe who primarily opt for the description modular while suppliers from North America use the term sectional far more frequently. In part, this relates to our earlier point as most of the world’s leading luxury manufactures are located within the European Union, reflecting the heritage of the traditional sofa as a product initially developed during the renaissance period of European history. However, that’s not to say that you won’t find a great modular sofa from an American manufacturer, far from it, it will simply be referred to by a different name!


Source by Tom W Goodwin

What Is a Retractable Seating System?

The use of a retractable seating system has become commonplace in areas where space is at a premium.

Retractable seating is composed of multi-tiered platforms and it uses limited space for multipurpose usage. The retractable seating demonstrates a maximum seating capacity in a limited area when fully extended. One can also make use of the free space in various usages when it is fully retracted.

There are several different options which are commonly used and they all have their own unique benefits. The key to choosing a retractable seating system that best matches the intended use is by understanding what each option has to offer. When digging deeper into the details, there are a number of differences that can be spotted, however they all rely on the same basic principles.

In general, most of these seating alternatives will rely on either bench or chair seating. Depending on where you search, a retractable seating system will also be referred to as a telescopic seating system. They tend to feature multi-tiered platforms to ensure that anyone sitting in the seats will have a good view of whatever is going on.

Additionally, the seating may be operated manually or automatically depending on the size of seating.

In most cases, retracting the seats can be done on a row by row basis which makes it easy to seat a large crowd or only a few rows. This can be an incredibly important feature if you need additional floor space and don’t require all of the seating.

A seating system that utilizes bleachers is most often best suited in situations where designated seating is not needed. As an added bonus, bleachers will often allow you to seat more people than when individual chairs are used. Bleachers also tend to be easier to clean which is helpful if they will be reused multiple times within a short time period.

On the other hand, a retractable seating system with chairs also has its advantages. Chairs, even plastic ones, tend to be more comfortable than bleachers. Not only the seat itself, but also the additional back support is provided. This is helpful when people will be seated for extended periods of time without doing a lot of moving, such as during speeches and lectures.

If the situation arises where the retractable seating system won’t provide enough seats, then using supplemental seating or mobile seating is normally a good solution. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to use bleachers or individual chairs, the primary benefit of a retractable seating system remains the same. It allows you to provide as much seating as necessary while still allow you to as much free floor space as possible. This is particularly useful in multi-purpose areas such as gymnasiums and arenas.


Source by Jeffrey K Adams

Kitchen Breakfast Nook – A Perfect Way to Utilize Extra Space

Breakfast nook tables are famous for their enchanting look and comfort they provide in the kitchen. They are one of the best kitchen furniture items that will not only enhance your comforts but also acquire that extra corner space in the kitchen which normally stays unused. But there are several factors that you have to keep in mind when you are going to choose a breakfast nook table.

Kitchen Breakfast nook table are one the places in kitchens where families are adapted to spend some time. It’s a place where all family members get together in morning to exchange pleasantries and have some discussion… Nooks are used more in the morning and having attractive nooks refreshes your day. So you have to be very sure that you are selecting the best kitchen nook.

Now-a-days breakfast nook tables are high in demand because of its modern design and contemporary look. They are designed so well that it gives a royal look to your sweet home. They are available in lot of design and patterns, but the final selection depends on you.

Whenever you are opting for breakfast nook tables, select the one that best fits your requirements and can efficiently utilize free kitchen space. Depending upon your free area or seating area of the kitchen, select the table of an appropriate size, then go for matching chairs or bench required for seating purpose. If you are having free space in the corner, than you must go for L shape or rectangle kitchen nook tables. If you are having more than enough space then you go for hexagonal or octagonal round tables.

Another factor to be focused is the material from which they are made. Breakfast nook tables are generally prepared from wood, metal, glass and bamboo. You can choose anyone of them depending upon your personal taste and theme of your kitchen. Suppose, if you prefer for modern furnishings than metal and glass tables are the best choices for your kitchen. And if you are going for traditional theme, than wooden tables are best to enhance your kitchen decorations. Wooden table are also available in lots of varieties like lines, plain, carved and many more.

But one question that you might be asking yourself is where to buy from? You must go for online shopping.. There are plenty of online furniture stores having huge collection of kitchen breakfast nook tables. What you need is just log on to the internet, find an online store place an order and within few days you will get your favorite breakfast nook table at your doorstep. Few of them also provide special offers and discounts on breakfast nooks.


Source by Ginny Sandhu

Importance of Choosing Restaurant Furniture of the Right Style

Restaurant furniture is important to the success of any establishment. Sure, it may sound unfair, but if a restaurant’s furniture is poorly crafted, or if it is ill designed to suit the restaurant’s atmosphere, the overall dining experience will suffer. It happens time and time again. A restaurant with five star quality food could fail simply because it is unable to provide the proper ambience and setting.

Before rushing out and purchasing furniture for your restaurant, carefully consider what kind of restaurant you want to operate. For instance, a small diner might want restaurant furniture tables and restaurant furniture chairs that are fun and funky, with maybe a splash of color. On the other hand, a cafe styled restaurant may want to have glass tabletops and metal chairs. In addition, no pub or tavern is complete without suitable restaurant bar furniture. Think about it; would your favorite watering hole be complete without the requisite high table-tops and long backed chairs.

These restaurant furnishings are available in a wide array of materials. Wood, glass, metal, and plastic are just a few of the available options. Wood restaurant furniture is always a good choice. It is easy to clean, and virtually maintenance free. However, because it is so commonly selected, it often may make a restaurant seem ordinary. This does not mean that it should never be chosen; just that, all available options should be considered before making a decision.

Of course, you never want to forgo comfort just to have the right kind of style. Patrons appreciate comfort just as much as design. Your restaurant seating furniture should be a good mix between the two. Just because a piece may look good, does not mean that it will be comfortable.

When in the market to buy restaurant furniture, consider conducting a web search. Because websites are in direct competition with one another, they have a large restaurant furniture supply and must offer aggressive wholesale pricing. This enables you to buy restaurant furniture without the fear of having been taken advantage. You can be assured that you are purchasing high quality pieces at a bottom line price.

Stop delaying your search any longer. The sooner you purchase quality and stylish furniture for your restaurant, the faster you can begin experiencing the satisfaction of owning a successful business. With a keen eye for both style and comfort, you will be assured of providing a pleasing ambiance and setting for your customers.


Source by Yang Anderson

Quality Office Furniture for a Positive Impact

There are several new job descriptions in the market, adding to the already long list of professions that already exist. Whatever the job – clerical, corporate or other more casual professions, there is always a demand for office space and for that office furniture is required. The blend of tradition and contemporary can especially be seen when it comes to the quality of office furniture in Dubai.

Quality office furniture in Dubai:

Office desks
The most important component of office furniture is the desk whether it is the classic wooden desk for top corporate officials, or the standard computer desk, or compact desks which fit easily in small cubicles. The desk has a commanding impression over the room. Especially in the case of cabins, the desk is the most prominent item of furniture. It sets the whole tone of the room as well as of your business.

A solid wood table shows class and sophistication. A well crafted desk creates a positive impact on the client the moment they enter the room. For more casual offices, a modern sleek metal or glass desk/computer desk are more popular. These kinds of furniture also add a contemporary charm to the offices.

Office chairs
Although today, there are various kinds of chairs available like plastic, metal, wooden, etc. the most popular kind of chairs are the ergonomic office chairs. For people who have to spend long hours seated at their desks or computers, ergonomic chairs are essential. They have lumber support, swivel action and adjustable height setting that reduces strain on the neck and back.

Shelves and cabinets
Most offices need a lot of shelf and cupboard space. Cupboards are excellent for storing box files, office supplies and other items that are required in and around the office on a daily basis. A well stocked office cupboard means employees never having to run around for basic office supplies.

Even though computers have changed the face of data storage, hard copies of data are still being stored. Thus it is no surprise that you will still find file cabinets as a part of quality office furniture in Dubai. All documents and records can easily be stored very methodically in a well built file cabinet.

Others
Besides these basic and essential pieces of furniture there may also be some other items that you may need in your office. Often comfortable office sofas are present in the reception areas so that guests and clients can relax as they wait. Corporate offices have frequent meetings and presentations for which a conference room and conference tables are necessary. There also needs to be casual furniture that goes into the break room or lunch room and other extra furniture to add that personal touch in the office.

Whatever the profession, the above mentioned options may guide you when you are looking for quality office furniture in Dubai.


Source by David K Grun

The Psychology of Entertainment

On the private and public forms of entertainment and the psychological mechanisms in entertainment

Entertainment has many dimensions and could be personal/private or more general and public forms of entertainment. When we play with our mates that is a personal form of entertainment and when we sit and watch a movie on the screen that is a more general form of entertainment as we are sharing the experience with many others. There are some differences in our perception of private and public forms of entertainment as personal entertainment will always be based on personal experiences, our personal worldview and will be determined by personal interactions.

The more general and public forms of entertainment are less interactive and there seems to be this basic contradiction as all personal forms of entertainment are more interactive and public forms of entertainment are more personal and private. This scenario has been changing with television programs increasing audience participation in the program however interaction patterns between entertainers and viewers in any public entertainment scenario remain within strict limits and boundaries.

Entertainment takes us to a different world and feeds our need for fantasy and an escape from real life. This is especially true for entertainment that is more public or provided by the media and entertainment provided by films, theatre, music, and all forms of creative art. Films and theatre transposes us to a world of fantasy and grabs our attention so we remain engrossed as almost a part of this alternative reality. Entertainment could also be in the form of magazine stories and gossip or even celebrity culture and the psychology of entertainment could also explain the extreme craze of celebrity culture that we have in the modern world.

Celebrities seem to open up a world of fantasies and for some people knowing every move of celebrities could bring immense satisfaction as it would almost mean participating in fantasies. Fantasies help in overcoming frustrations and serve as therapeutic as they aid in the escape from realities of life. Real emotions and real life are stressful and entertainment helps us to move beyond real life and moments of stress to participate in fantasies that are soothing as we do not have to be directly involved in these fantasies and yet as spectators we can still participate in a tacit or passive manner.

Participation in any book, film or creative art is almost like sitting on a reclining chair that has the technology to soothe your muscles while you relax. In the case of entertainment we participate almost in a passive manner and although we may be very alert and awake in the process of watching a movie, entertainment gives us the illusion of non participation as we don’t have the opportunity to get voluntarily involved in the scenario. Anything that gives us some form of pleasure could be considered as entertainment although entertainment could also give us pain as when we cry when we get emotionally involved with characters while we watch a movie.

Entertainment could trigger emotional involvement and emotional reactions such as happiness, sorrow, anxiety, fear and despite these strong emotional participation, there is little or no physical activity necessary on the part of the viewer. This active-passive process is the main attraction of entertainment as entertainment enables us to be both active (in terms of emotion) and passive (in terms of physical or voluntary mental involvement). Entertainment means like films are influential yet they influence subtly rather than aggressively and this subtle influence seems to work better on the human mind than any aggressive forms of influence. We see work as duty and entertainment as pleasure although both involve some form of emotional involvement. Work at the same time requires voluntary participation, decision making and physical involvement along with emotional involvement.

Yet why is work perceived as something heavy and entertainment as methods of relaxation? The answer is unpredictability. In case of entertainment, in most cases we may not even know what to expect from a movie or a music video. This unpredictability triggers our interest as we are unable to predict what emotional states would be evoked during this mental adventure. Entertainment is usually a form of mental and emotional adventure. In cases where we do know what a movie is about, it is the feeling of emotional familiarity that drives us to experience what we already know. Suppose a video game gave us a pleasurable feeling or evoked aggression and competitiveness in us, we go back to feel the same emotion as it was pleasurable or exciting. Stretched too far these forms of entertainment could easily become addictive.

Coming back to the distinction of work and entertainment or play, work involves responsibility and despite the emotional involvement in entertainment, apart from being a passive participant, we do not have to be responsible for anything, there is no problem solving or decision making and that is how entertainment in all its form is so pleasurable as the right brain activities of decision making and the cortical regions of the brain are not activated completely yet the pleasure sensations and emotions such as the hypothalamus and left brain activities are usually activated so we tend to associated entertainment with emotions rather than problem solving and decision making.

We humans are rational beings and yet emotions still seem to rule our lives and form the core of our existence as emotions still draw us to do things that may be irrational. Entertainment being primarily emotion provoking rather than reason provoking has a major impact on people’s lives. Appreciating any forms of entertainment could switch from the stages of interest to emotional involvement and finally addiction. The celebrity culture is a direct result of the last stages of appreciation for entertainment.

An interest in celebrities comes from emotional involvement with characters in movies and there may be substantial lack of differentiating fantasy and reality so fans of celebrities are more in love with the characters these celebrities play or the traits they project rather than the personality of celebrities. The celebrity culture seems to take people to a persistent fantasy world and individuals are seen as discussing all aspects of celebrities from their shoes to their hairstyle to the cars they possess. This sort of culture could however be explained with individual need to escape reality and identify with someone in a fantasy world and would be an important element in the study of fantasy.

The study of entertainment brings out many psychological aspects of active-passive participation in emotional or mental adventure and these could be

1. Identification – Viewers often identify with characters in movies or figures in art and this strong identification helps explain the value of entertainment. Young children have seen to imitate film stars as they begin identifying with movie characters.

2. Fantasy – Entertainment feeds on the need for fantasy in people and provides an escape route from the real world. Addiction to entertainment could be the basis of reality anxiety in people.

3. Projection – Individuals tend to project their own emotions or state of mind on to a painting or a song and could derive pleasure from this

4. Regression – Entertainment could often remind individuals of their past or a part of their own life they may have forgotten and in some cases bring out the child in them. For example when older people enjoy video games, it brings back their childhood and they may become addicted to this sort of entertainment.

5. Sublimation – Entertainment is also a form of sublimation of our impulsive desires and this especially true when we participate in entertainment as in the interpretation of art

6. Displacement – In non participative and passive forms of entertainment, individuals tend to escape from reality and displace their emotions from real people to characters in movies. For example a teenager in love with a girl whom he cannot attain may fall in love with a character of a movie who may have similarities with his dream girl.

All of the above processes are ego defense mechanisms delineated by Freud and the interplay of so many defense mechanisms in entertainment suggest that entertainment is more than simply a source of pleasure and could trigger complex psychological processes in the human mind. More research would be required in this field of psychology for a complete understanding of the advantages or disadvantages of entertainment in modern society.

From Reflections in Psychology – Saberi Roy


Source by Saberi Roy