We've got two very interesting new additions to show you. First up is the Trump bedding line from Serta. You just knew the legendary Boss of reality TV would jump into product placement sooner or later. Well here it is, exclusively at Banner and not to be found at any other N.W. Ohio retailer! Whatever you may think of Donald T., we're here to show you that he made no compromises when he signed on with Serta to use his name on a super-premium line of bedding. These mattresses are every bit as well structured and have as much pillowy loft as Mr. Trumps amazing hair. Ok, all joking aside, this mattress series really does set a new standard for bedding. There's so much attention to detail and such a long list of the highest quality components, we'd be writing a book instead of a blurb if we were to list them all out for you. We hope you'll stop by a Banner store near you and give it a try for just a moment. You'll be as amazed as we were with how incredibly over-the-top good this mattress line really is.

We also want to introduce the Berkline Concert Series Recliner. It is, of course, the high-quality comfortable and reliable recliner that you'd expect from Berkline. The difference with this recliner is that it includes a built-in audio system, with stereo speakers and a subwoofer. That's pretty cool, right? A well-built, very comfortable recliner with its own built in sound system! Oh, we're just getting started on this one though... it also has 6 vibrating motors! What can you do with 6 vibrating motors you ask? Well, for starters you can have yourself one spectacular massage. "But what if I'm watching a movie, and I'm afraid all the massaging will put me to sleep?" you ask. Those motors do more than just massage! Press the "SYNC" button on the built-in control panel and the motors work in concert with the sound system, changing the frequency and intensity of their vibration to match the soundtrack of a movie, a video game, your stereo or even your MP3 player. We did mention that it has MP3 and iPod integration didn't we? No? Well it does. You can plug in your MP3 player right into the control panel and unwind with your favorite play list and a synchronized deep massage. Until future science can deliver a fully robotic masseuse, this chair represents the pinnacle of modern relaxation and entertainment technology. It's simply the ultimate way to enjoy a movie, music, video games or just to relax after a busy day.

We are excited about these new products and we hope you'll pay us a visit to check them out for yourself. It's certain that you'll be as impressed with these items as we are.

• “Don’t paint a small room a dark color.”
  A deep, rich color in a small room can be a great way to enhance and embrace a feeling of coziness.
• “Don’t mix your woods.”
  According to the old school of thought, every wood tone in a room should match with the same finish. A more casual and eclectic approach is to mix things up, even with two finishes, like black and antique oak, on the same piece.
• “Don’t leave your windows bare.”
  It’s okay to have naked windows, just so long as you don’t stand naked in front of them. You can keep an open airy feeling in your room and highlight the view by keeping your window dressings to a minimum, or by forgetting them altogether.
• “Match your nightstands.”
  Nightstands are not socks, and they don’t necessarily have to match each other. You can personalize your bedroom to match the personalities of you and your partner by using different nightstands on each side of the bed.
• “Don’t put a big piece of furniture in a small room.”
  Putting a large cabinet in a small room can create the illusion that it is a built-in part of the architecture.

It started when we donated our venerable Monroe St. building to the Cherry Street Mission to be used as a furniture bank for those in need. Well, the Cherry Street Mission is all moved in and set up; trouble is that they could really use a lot more donated furniture in there. It turns out that there's a lot of folks in need and Banner Mattress & Furniture Co. has decided to kick the donation process in the pants. So here's the deal: You can stop by any Banner Mattress showroom to pick out your new furniture or mattress. If you have some old furniture that you're replacing, the Cherry Street Mission will pick it up and take it to the Furniture Bank where it will be passed on to people who would otherwise have no furniture. Even if you don't decide to buy new furniture during this sale, we hope that you'll consider giving the Cherry Street Mission a call to donate your old or unused furniture. Theres few things you can do that are this simple yet have so big an impact for those in need.

Please visit the Cherry Street Mission donation page for full details

Sales positions available multiple part-time and full time sales positions available with Banner Mattress and Furniture co.
Retail sales background preferred but not necessary. Please email resume to: bstrand@bannermattress.com,

or mail resume to:

c/o B. Strand
Banner Mattress & Furniture Co.
3250 Bishop St.
Toledo Ohio 43606

 

by Toni Farrell-Higgins, Rooms ReNew Stylist at Discovery Furniture in Topeka, KS

There's no mystery to caring for leather furniture. If leather furniture is well cared for it can last for 15-20 years instead of the 4-5 years many other furniture coverings average. That's a great incentive for both purchasing and learning how to care for this beautiful furniture, isn't it?

To know how to care for leather depends upon how the leather was prepared. The qualities of leather vary depending upon production methods. Leather is often classified as corrected and uncorrected. If the original animal hide contained imperfections then it may have been corrected by sanding or buffing. This leather is often dyed or pigmented, then embossed to produce a uniform grain. A urethane finish is then applied to protect it.  While these leathers aren't considered premium, they are the most stain resistant and therefore are more family friendly.

Uncorrected leather is in good enough condition that it is not buffed or sanded. Because hide is a natural product, each piece of leather will have its own unique patina. A single hide may in fact have color variations or minor markings which add to its unique character.

Leather products are actually quite simple to care for. First, leather should not be placed in direct sunlight. Like wood, leather can fade and could possibly stiffen from heat exposure. Secondly, because of leather's tendency to absorb other dyes, avoid placing printed materials on leather as the ink can transfer and leave a stain. Third, simple care will keep your leather looking wonderful. Use a clean white cloth to dust every week or two to prevent buildup of regular household soil. If any soil does accumulate, use a damp, soft white cloth to wipe the leather surface clean. But before you apply any moisture to the leather, be sure to place a few drops of water in an inconspicuous spot to make sure the leather doesn't absorb it. If the leather does absorb water use only dry cloths. The final step in caring for your leather furniture is to clean every 5-6 months with a mild leather cleaner. After cleaning apply a protective leather cream to keep it soft and supple.

To insure your leather furniture's long life, consider purchasing a protection plan. Protection 1st, an excellent furniture care program, picks up where the manufacturer's warranty stops. Often manufacturers' warranties cover construction defects, but Protection 1st covers accidental stains and damage caused by food, pets, cosmetics or ink. Puncture damage, tears or burns can also be repaired under this plan. Some exclusions may apply, but a protection plan will help ensure the value of your new beautiful leather furniture for years to come.