Resources

Furniture Maintenance

Buying ready-to-assemble (RTA) business furniture is a great way to save some money, provided you don’t mind putting in a little elbow grease to assemble the furniture yourself. If you like the cost-effective price tag of RTA but aren’t exactly eager for the assembly process, consider these tips before you start putting your new furniture together.

Keep Your Tools Handy 

Most RTA furniture includes any special tools needed for assembly, but it’s good to keep certain tools handy if you plan to put together multiple pieces at once. Every office should have these tools:

  • Allen wrenches/hex wrenches in various sizes

  • Screwdrivers in various sizes

  • Hammer

If your RTA furniture came with an Allen wrench, save it. RTA furniture tends to settle over time, so you may need to retighten those bolts every so often—especially if the item is used daily. We recommend tightening chair screws every 6 months. Tape the wrench underneath a chair or desk or keep it in a nearby drawer so it doesn’t get lost. 

 

Do not use power tools of any sort when assembling RTA furniture. Using too much force is likely to damage the material.

Read the Instructions Carefully 

Before you assemble anything, read all the instructions all the way through to ensure you have all the parts and tools you’ll need. 

Once you’ve taken inventory, follow the instructions in the exact order they are given. Do not complete step 2 before step 1, whether you think you can get away with it or not. RTA furniture is very difficult to take apart once assembled, so it is essential to get assembly right the first time to avoid damaging the product.

Tighten Bolts at the Same Time 

Tightening each bolt as you go can pull the piece in different directions and make it difficult to insert the remaining bolts. Instead, put all the bolts in loosely first, then tighten once they’re all in place.

Call NBF for Replacement Parts 

If a part of your furniture is missing or needs to be replaced, call NBF. Though you may be tempted to call the manufacturer, you will only receive the NBF Lifetime Guarantee if you call us for your replacement pieces.

More From NBF

Statement Desks: Our Top Picks

Looking to make a favorable impression on clients and other individuals who visit your office? An easy way to do so is to have an absolutely stand-out desk. Whether you are looking for a modern, glass top or a traditional option with a handcrafted look, finding the right statement desk for your office can be a bit tricky. Here are some of our favorite pieces for a truly memorable office.

What is Transitional Design?

What is transitional design? In short, it’s a blend of traditional and modern interior design aesthetics; however, this style can be tricky to pinpoint. When it comes to design styles, modern and traditional are fairly well-known and easy to define, but the lines are blurred when it comes to transitional pieces. 

Transitional may be the way to go if you’re looking for a happy medium. So how do we define this signature style? Here are a few key differences that set transitional apart from traditional and modern.

Color 

When it comes to color, traditional and modern designs could not be more different. Traditional furniture typically uses rich, warm tones such as mahogany wood and earth tone upholstery palettes. Modern pieces, in contrast, are known for utilizing bold, bright colors that are often incorporated with a lot of white and black. 

Transitional furniture marries these extremes by incorporating a broader spectrum of color but in softer shades than what’s typically considered modern. Soft neutrals and subdued warm and cool colors are very common.

Shape 

Traditional furniture typically features elegant curves and sweeping feminine details. Modern furniture, on the other hand, is often rigid and straight. Transitional furniture provides an ideal marriage between these styles—it’s most commonly straight, but you may find occasional curved lines here and there.

Details

Traditional style interiors feature elegant details, including picture frame drawer fronts, crown molding, and bun feet. Modern furniture typically doesn’t offer fancy flourishes—the more simple, the more modern. Transitional furniture provides a good blend, often focusing on classic yet comfortable elements.

Transition may be your signature style if you aren’t completely sold on the traditional look or the modern aesthetic. Transitional style’s mix of timeless elegance and contemporary clean is just the trick to achieving the best of both worlds.

 

0 Comments

Leave a Comment

Your comment has been sent.

National Business Furniture’s team of experts is dedicated to helping you create a better space to work. We’ll help you find the best information. From office planning and furniture guides to sustainability and workplace trends, we’re here to help.