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News, Sofas

How to Choose the Right Type of Recliner

Recliners have been immensely popular ever since their introduction. With a new found level of comfort offered to consumers. With recliners now coming in such a variety of shapes and styles, you might be unsure of how to choose the right type – thankfully, we’re here to help.

The reason for the popularity of recliners is simple. They are relaxing, they are easy to operate and they provide great support. To get the most comfort out of your recliner, it’s important to make sure that you get the right type for you.

Types of Recliner

When choosing a recliner, consider what you’ll need and want it for the most. If you struggle with back pain, then all types of recliner will provide the same basic function of reclining back. This relieves pressure and tension in the upper and lower back. Using a recliner also helps with good posture and positioning. Especially when compared to sitting on a normal chair or sofa.

Rocker recliners do exactly what the name suggests. They rock back and forth as well as reclining, which can help you doze off if you have trouble sleeping. A surprising amount of people use their recliners to sleep!

If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation chair, then a massage recliner is just what you need. As well as reclining, these chairs will massage your back and legs, and some come with a heating function.

If the traditional recliner look isn’t for you, they’re also available in wing-back chair designs and contemporary styles. Whatever the style of your home, there’s bound to be recliners designed to suit your taste.

If you have weak knees or limited use of your legs, then a lift chair recliner is a great option for you. They are motorised so that the seat is lifted up from the base of the chair. Lift chairs make it much easier to get back up once you’re done relaxing.

Custom Recliners

Recliners can often be made to your exact specifications. Especially useful if your reason for getting a recliner is related to back or neck problems rather than just purely for relaxation. But a custom made recliner can also mean you’re getting the ultimate chair. For relaxation with a recliner tailored specifically to your requirements.

PH Gammons

So, when it comes to choosing the right type of recliner, consider what your needs are – is it purely a luxury for the finest relaxation furniture, or is it a bit of a necessity due to complications with posture and back pain? Whatever you’d like a recliner for, our range at PH Gammons will have you covered. The best place to start is to get in touch with any enquires, or to take a visit to our Huntingdon based showroom where our friendly and professional team will be happy to take you through our full range.

furniture for sale suffolk
Furniture, News

Tips For Choosing The Perfect Dining Table For Your Home

To get the perfect dining table, you need one that suits your personal style and budget. It also needs to be solidly made and fit properly in your dining space. A dining table is a substantial investment and an important feature of the home. Follow these tips to make sure that the table you choose is perfect for you.

Dining Table Size

Firstly, the golden rule – your dining table has to fit in your dining room. Tables are often deceptively large. So, make sure that you’ve measured up the space before going to look for a new table. As well as space for the table, a rule of thumb is to give yourself three feet of space around the table to move around. But the more space you have, the better.

Dining Table Style

Since dining tables usually last between five to ten years,  a table that suits a current trend may lead to regret. For this reason, a traditional design is almost always the best way to go. There’s bound to be traditionally designed tables that still suit the style of your home. So you won’t be short of options that won’t leave you cringing in a few years’ time.

Dining Table Function

Next, consider everything that you’ll be using the table for. If it’s going to be for dining with family, but not much more, then a square or rectangle is a good way to go. This is the most common shape for a dining table, so you won’t be short of options. However, you might be using it for more than just dining – if you entertain guests quite frequently, then round tables are a great shape for socialising; no head of the table creates a nice, inclusive atmosphere and lets conversation between friends flow with ease. A round table also gives you more room around it without sacrificing a lot of surface area, so they’re also great for smaller rooms.

PH Gammons

Whatever your style and preferences for a dining table, our wide range at PH Gammons is bound to include something that is perfect for you. To have a look at our range of tables, visit our showroom and if you have any enquiries then please get in touch with our friendly team today.

bedroom furniture suffolk
Beds, News

4 Ways To Buy Wooden Bedroom Furniture at Bargain Prices

There is something rather special about high quality wooden furniture. Whether it is oak, cherry, pine or maple. It is strong, proud, and sophisticated. Which is why we use it to fill our bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and home offices. In fact, the bedroom is a place where pine furniture, in particular, has always been very popular.

With reliable home furnishing in Suffolk, it is possible to source, buy, and decorate with the finest quality pieces around. You can invest in sturdy and stylish wardrobes, bed frames, armoires, dressers, and more. Look in the right places and you’ll be able to do it at knockdown prices as well. As most vendors and suppliers also handle delivery, your furniture can go from the checkout to your home in a matter of hours.

These handy hints and tips will help you find affordable wooden bedroom furniture at prices that will make you smile.

Avoid Overcrowding The Space

It can be really tempting to over buy and start picking up furniture because you like it too much to leave behind… rather than because you know it’ll suit the space. In small bedrooms, overly large wardrobes and really long bed frames will end up making things feel cramped. So keep your mind on the dimensions of the bedroom and your specific, practical needs.

Choose The Right Sized Bed

This is especially important for the bed. While we’d all love to be luxuriating in a queen sized bed every night, the reality is that you can only fit so much into a room. If you opt for an absurdly long bed frame and you don’t have the space, you’ll be clambering over it for years to come. This is not only dangerous, it creates a very disjointed and busy look. Which is exactly what you don’t want. High quality wood furniture should be given plenty of room to breathe and look majestic.

Mix and Match Your Storage

Wooden wardrobes can look extremely beautiful in a carefully designed bedroom. Choose the right wood grain and the space will feel warm, rich, and inviting. Plus, you’ll never run out of storage space if you invest in fitted wardrobes, with sliding doors. If you don’t have the space for fitted wardrobes, however, you can make up extra storage with attractive dressers, vanity tables, and drawer sets. Stick to the same style of furnishing, though, so that the arrangement is seamless and coordinated.

Finding Affordable Furnishings

It is surprisingly easy to source high quality home furnishing in Suffolk. The best place to start is with local showrooms. It is always a good idea to head out to these places and get up close and personal with the wooden pieces. That way, you can scrutinise the grain, get a feel for the quality, and pick the right tones and shades. While shopping on the internet is another great way to find a bargain, it doesn’t compare to running your hands across the surface of that beautiful oak desk or that elegant pine dressing table.

For more advice and tips on how to shop for high quality wood furniture, visit Peter H Gammons today. Or, call 01487 812275 to get directions to your nearest Suffolk showroom or store.

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Carpets, News

Carpet Cleaning 101: Understanding When, How, and Why

The humble carpet has been a part of domestic life for so long. It is easy to underestimate its value and function. When it comes to flooring care and maintenance, we’re used to thinking about materials like wood and tiling. And, for the most part, it is true. Carpets are one of the cheapest and easiest flooring options to keep.

However, all high traffic floors require care, even if it’s just a deep clean once every twelve months. For carpets, especially, regular cleaning is important. This is because the fibres can collect dust, mites, crumbs, and pet hairs. If you have beautiful carpets in Peterborough, make sure that they stay that. Give them a little love and care every now and again.

This guide to carpet cleaning will explain why it is important, when it needs to be done, and how often it is required.

The Importance of Clean Carpets

There are lots of reasons why homeowners favour carpets over other flooring options. For one thing, they are cheap. They offer excellent value for money, because they are inexpensive and will last up to a decade if cared for properly. However, they do collect dirt and stains a little more quickly than tiling, laminate, and wood floors.

This is why they need to be hoovered regularly, throughout the week, and deep cleaned once or twice a year. The hoovering will pick up surface dirt and debris, so that the carpet always looks stylish and pristine. The deep cleaning will work below the surface to dislodge and remove allergens, dust, and grime from within the fibres.

This small amount of maintenance will prevent carpets from becoming troublesome from allergy sufferers. It will also make sure that they always smell clean and feel soft on the feet. With the cost of deep carpet cleaning now more affordable than ever before, it’s never been simpler to take care of the flooring in your home.

The Ins and Outs of Deep Cleaning

If you’re currently considering upgrading your flooring, for high quality carpets in Peterborough, set up a deep cleaning schedule as soon as possible. Pick a company that is reliable, experienced, and respected within your local area. It is up to you how often you want your carpets deep cleaned (twice a year is more than enough).

Once you know who you’re working with, you can pick dates on the calendar that suit you best. Depending on the size of the room, deep (or steam) cleaning will take a couple of hours, so you’ll need to steer clear of the treated carpet until it has completely dried. You’ll be amazed at how quickly deep cleaning can reinvigorate even the most tired and worn out carpets.

One thing to keep in mind is the relationship between cleaning and quality. The higher the quality of your carpets in Peterborough, the more effective all types of cleaning will be. For very low quality carpets, intensive cleaning can actually damage the fibres, so pick products that are strong, durable, and long lasting. High quality carpets should always be able to stand up to the pressures of a deep clean.

For more information and advice on picking the perfect carpet, visit Peter H Gammons today. Or, call 01487 812275 to get directions to your nearest Peterborough store or showroom.

sofas for sale suffolk
News, Sofas

3 Big Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Sofa

There are certain household necessities that aren’t always much fun to buy. Take washing machines, for example; shopping for an appliance of this size can be stressful, because there are so many different factors to take into consideration. The same can be said for things like fridges, curtains, and faucets. You can’t really start enjoying them until they arrive at home and take their proper place.

Sofas are a little different, as it’s possible to test a range of options before you even have to think about making a final decision. Shopping for a new sofa can be lots of fun, because it’s an investment that most of us can easily get excited about. In fact, just imagining the perfect armchair is enough to elicit a big grin from those who love their creature comforts. The downside, however, is that this can cause some homeowners to rush into a decision and pick the wrong sofa for their lifestyle.

This guide to the most common sofa shopping faux pas will help you avoid the pitfalls and take home your dream couch.

Choosing the Wrong Size

You’d be surprised at how many people head out shopping for sofas in Cambridgeshire, without measuring the size of the room first. This is a mistake that you don’t want to make, because it could leave you with a brand new couch that doesn’t even fit into the space. It is a good idea to fully measure the length and width of the room or, alternatively, take a roll of masking tape and ‘map’ out the size of your ideal sofa on the ground.

Also, think carefully about how your preferred design will fit into the space. Even if you’re sure that you’ve chosen a sofa that physically fits, consider what kind of impact the style will have. For instance, chunky sofas with big, broad arms are likely to dominate smaller rooms and make them feel poky and restricted. On the other hand, a sleeker, thinner sofa might make a very big room look curiously mismatched.

Prioritising Style over Comfort

If you’re shopping for high quality sofas in Cambridgeshire, you’re going to want a product that is stylish and attractive. It should fit well with the existing décor, but also hold its own as a statement piece. However, it is important not to let the pursuit of style stop you from picking a sofa that is comfy enough to ease your tension at the end of a long day. Comfort should be the number one priority when picking a new sofa, because that is its main job.

So, as well as considering colour palettes and patterns, think about what you want from your sofa. Does it need to be wide enough to cater for the whole family or should it be perfect for curling up as a twosome in front of the telly? Do you want to be able to lie down on it without your feet sticking over the ends? Would a sofa bed be useful? If the cushions are very deep, will you have trouble getting up and out of the chair? Keep an eye out for style, but don’t forget to prioritise comfort.

Forgetting to Check for Signs of Quality

If you’re pretty sure that you’ll only be using your new sofa for a couple of years, you can probably get away with a few compromises on quality. However, if you plan to get as much wear out of your couch as possible, do take the time to pick out a reliable product that is made out of robust, dependable materials. There are lots of sofas in Cambridgeshire that come with quality guarantees; pick one that has a warranty and make sure that the materials are genuine.

It is common to find, in cheaper products, that shortcuts have been taken with the materials. For instance, low quality leather sofas often have genuine seat covers, but fake leather on the back panels and sides. This is not always the case, but it is worth enquiring just to make sure. If in doubt, trust your instincts and keep looking for a better quality product. If you shop carefully, you can expect your new sofa to last a number of years.

For more advice on shopping for the perfect sofa, visit Peter H Gammons. Or, you can call 01487 812275 to get directions to your nearest Cambridgeshire store or showroom.

Furniture, News

Why Oak Dining Tables are a ‘Must Have’ Investment

There is something about wooden furniture that just says security. Think about it. How much more grounded and cosy does sitting down for dinner on a wooden table feel, when you compare it to the same scenario on a plastic table? Wood is synonymous with permanence and strength; this is why so many of us gather around it at mealtimes.

The good news is that oak furniture in Cambridgeshire is more affordable now than ever before. You can get your hands on a beautiful oak dining table for a fraction of what it would have cost twenty years ago. So, what are you waiting for? Give your home the warmth and security that it needs with a signature oak table.

This guide to the benefits of investing in oak, particularly for dining tables, will explain why this wonder material is such a sound choice.

Extremely Wear Resistant

Oak furniture is not bought on a whim. It is a solid investment, a valuable long term choice. This is because it lasts for such a long time. Things like oak dining tables are routinely passed on, through the generations, for hundreds of years. This is something that your grandchildren could be moving into their new home one day.

And, as mealtimes are an occasion when all of the family comes together, this degree of permanence and durability is very suitable. The tannin content in oak actually helps it to stand up to regular wear and tear and the intrusion of insects. If you buy high quality oak furniture in Cambridgeshire, it will be strong, long lasting, and a pleasure to look at.

Able to Adapt to Any Décor

Top quality oak furniture in Cambridgeshire is guaranteed to add sophistication and elegance to any home. One of the best things about oak, especially for dining rooms, is that it can be incorporated into a wide variety of décor choices. For example, an oak dining table would enhance a nautical themed space just as much as it would a sleek, minimalistic one.

Do try to remember that, generally speaking, the lighter the colour of the wood, the more modern and bright the most complementary décor will be. On the other hand, if you are keen to create something a little more old fashioned (or even a bit gothic), opt for a darker tones and shades of oak.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

The typical oak dining table is easy to keep clean and maintain. However, it does require an oiling, with a natural product, a couple of times per year. This should only take twenty minutes or so and it will help to protect the smooth, beautiful finish on its surface. Otherwise, your oak furniture in Cambridgeshire should be wipe clean and stain resistant.

If you have carpet in your dining table, you might want to pick up some plastic or rubber protectors. These little things fit neatly on the bottom of table legs, so that the weight of the furniture doesn’t make a permanent indentation in the carpet. You can get these from lots of furniture shops or you can buy them online at a low cost.

If you are in Cambridgeshire and looking for oak furniture why not contact us via email or pop in to your local Peter H Gammons store today. Alternatively you can call 01487 812275 and speak to one of our friendly members of staff who are always happy to help.

 

Blinds, News

What is the Difference between Venetian and Vertical Blinds?

If you are currently thinking about installing window blinds in your home, you need to be aware of the different options that are available. These days, the choice extends far beyond fabric or wood. You can invest in Venetian, vertical, pleated, roller, Roman blinds, and more. For beautiful blinds, the fit, design, and colour should match the style of the interior décor.
Venetian and Vertical blinds are two of the most popular choices, because they offer a great balance between practicality and aesthetic appeal. While they share some similarities, they are distinct options, with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand this when shopping for beautiful blinds, because the most suitable style for you will depend on your needs.

This handy guide to the main differences between Venetian and vertical blinds will help you get to grips with the basics.

The Structure

Venetian blinds (sometimes called horizontal blinds) are made up of a series of horizontal slats. These slats are linked together with a string ladder and a set of pull cords. This forms an easy to use ‘lifting’ mechanism that allows a homeowner to make adjustments as and when needed. So, for example, if you wanted to let more light in, all that you would have to do is pull or twist the cord in the right way.
The important difference between Venetian and vertical blinds is that the latter moves from left to right, rather than up and down. You can adjust the individual slats just as easily, but the pull cord either draws the lats across the length of the window or pulls them back. Both Venetian and vertical blinds have slats that can be tilted in such a way as to control the amount of light entering the room.

The Appearance

While most beautiful blinds are made with wood, high quality alternatives can be bought in plastic, metal, and fabric. However, wood remains the most popular choice among homeowners. This is because it gives the room a warm, refined look. It is timeless, classic, and speaks of elegance and sophistication.
Ultimately, there is no huge difference in the appearance of Venetian and vertical blinds, other than the fact that one draws upwards (to let more light in) and the other draws to one side (for the same purpose). This can still be a personal preference though, so if you do favour one over the other, make sure that you pick the right window blinds. You can buy both options in a huge variety of different colours.

The Strength

Generally speaking, Venetian window blinds are stronger than vertical ones, but this does depend on the quality of the product. There are plenty of vertical blinds that are tougher than the alternative; it depends on how much you spend and how you install them. Venetian blinds can be drawn up and out of the way, so it is much harder for children to reach them.
This is an advantage over vertical blinds, because small hands can pull at these and break them. If you do have children, wooden blinds are the better choice because they are harder to snap and tear than fabric or plastic ones. For beautiful blinds, think about both practicality and appearance.
For more advice on shopping for beautiful blinds, click here to visit Peter H Gammons today. Or, call 01487 812275 for directions to your nearest window blind showroom.

Beds, News

5 Top Tips for Buying a High Quality Sofa Bed

In many ways, the humble sofa bed is a woefully underappreciated piece of furniture. It has the ability to turn any space into an extra bedroom, yet most homeowners rarely clean or properly care for their own. There are certainly advantages to be had from carefully maintaining a sleeper, sleeper sofa, or pull out.

For a start, high quality sofa beds will last a very long time if given the chance. As they are designed for temporary use, they do not undergo the same amount of wear as regular beds and can be kept for a long time without needing to be replaced. Plus, modern sofa beds are extremely comfortable things; long gone are the days when ‘pull out bed’ meant a sore back and a poor sleep.
These handy tips and tricks for buying a great sofa bed will help you know what to look for when browsing in your local furniture shop in Cambridge.

Invest in a Hardwood Frame

The toughest and most durable frame type for any kind of sofa is hardwood. This includes sofa beds, so it is a good idea to invest in a sturdy, long lasting product. It can be made out of kiln dried hardwood or a combination of hardwood and plywood. However, pine frames may be a little soft for a bed which needs to be moved around a lot.

Look for Top Notch Mechanisms

The mechanism in a top quality sofa bed will lift up and outwards with one smooth movement. It will not stick or make any kind of squeaking sounds. When you are shopping at your nearest furniture store in Cambridge, ask the sales representative if their sofa beds come with lock down bars. Essentially, this is just a metal bar at the front of the opening mechanism, which slots inside the sofa bed and locks the rest into place.

Search for a Comfy Mattress

Ultimately, the mattress on a sofa bed cannot really be of the same quality as a standard mattress, because it needs to fold and bend in a completely different way. However, there are mattresses which come close. Either way, it makes sense to look for one which is comfortable, provides plenty of back support, and will keep guests happy. If you get your sofa bed home and still find the mattress too comfy, you could pick up a specially designed sleeping mat, pad, or roll for added softness.

Give it a Test Drive

If you are heading out to a furniture shop in Cambridge, you should have no problem testing out a few of the best sofa beds. It is generally better to shop for this kind of furniture in person, just because it is easier to judge quality. However, all reliable retailers operate fair and practical returns policies. It is worth asking about the details, no matter whether you are buying online or in store. If possible, test the opening mechanism; make sure that it works smoothly.

Take the Measurements

This is something which many people forget when shopping for a sofa bed, but it is essential. What happens if you get the furniture home and find that it is too wide or too long for the room? To avoid this, make sure that you know for certain whether the sofa bed will fit comfortably in the space before you buy it. You can do this by measuring the size of the room, jotting it down on paper, and taking it with you to the furniture shop in Cambridge. Once there, the sales reps will be able to give you the measurements for different products.

To find out more about shopping for the perfect sofa bed or to locate your nearest furniture shop in Cambridge.

Carpets, News

Important Things to Ask When Choosing a Carpet Retailer

If you want to invest in a top quality carpet, you need to remember that your choice of retailer is just as important as your choice of design, colour, and material. In fact, the support of a friendly and reliable sales and installation team can make a huge difference to how happy you end up with your purchase. The question is, what should you look out for when it comes to picking a carpet retailer?
For homeowners on the hunt for new carpets in Peterborough, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The benefit of being able to speak to a retailer directly (in store, online, or on the telephone) is that you can ask anything which might be on your mind. So, do not be afraid to find out the difference between an Axminster and a Wilton or ask for expert advice on colour palettes and pile choices.
For the lowdown on all of the important questions which you need to ask when shopping for new carpets in Peterborough, read this in depth guide.

How are your carpets priced?

When shopping, it is useful to keep in mind the fact that not all retailers price their carpets in the same way. The first thing that you need to find out is whether the price advertised (or displayed) is the cost per square foot, yard, or metre. This is important, because you will use the figures to estimate the overall cost. Next, ask your retailer exactly what is included in the advertised price. So, you are trying to find out whether the cost includes extras like underlay and installation. Whilst it can feel a little fussy to haggle over these little details, it is much better to know exactly what you are getting before you hand over any cash.

Who carries out your carpet installations?

It is not a problem if the retailer outsources its carpet installations, as long as it is willing to oversee and take responsibility for the job. Even if a third party is brought in, a good retailer accepts liability for any problems, mistakes, or risks which might be involved. If your retailer seems far too keen to charge you for carpet installation, but offer you little support, you might want to think twice about your choice.

Are the installation experts fully insured?

You should only let installers (third party or otherwise) who are fully-insured in your home to carry out the work. This insurance is protection against any kind of damage which might occur as a result of the carpet installation – without this, you may not be compensated.

Can I see some testimonials/reviews?

Once you have found a reliable retailer selling high quality carpets in Peterborough, feel free to ask if you can see some testimonials or reviews. It is fairly common for carpet companies to keep portfolios, so it is certainly worth asking if you can see some pictures of previous installations. Plus, most carpet retailers list testimonials on their websites anyway, so you can always take some time and have a browse through customer reviews. This is one of those situations where personal contacts can mean a lot – if you know friends or family members with superb recommendations for carpets in Peterborough, go ahead and give them a look.
For more information and advice on shopping for the perfect carpet or to arrange for a consultation why contact us here at Peter H Gammons today or call us on 01487 812275. And to keep your new carpet in tip-top condition, read our guide to carpet cleaning.

Mattresses, News

Is a Memory Foam Mattress the Comfiest Way To Sleep?

It is an irrefutable fact that the amount and quality of sleep that we get plays a big part in how healthy and productive we feel. In many ways, sleep is the most important part of the day – for our bodies anyway. It is a much needed opportunity to set aside the physical and mental stresses of the day, rest up the muscles and the bones, and get ready for the day to come.
If you are not quite sure how much we need our sleep, you only need to try spending a single day without it. You will quickly grow more irritable, find it hard to focus on simple tasks, and your brain will crave substitute energy in the form of sugar and caffeine. In other words, you will be counting the seconds until you climb back into a warm and comfy bed.
The question is, what can you do to maximise the quality of your sleep? Does the secret to great rest always lie with early bedtimes and a strict schedule or can you cheat your way to peaceful nights with the help of a memory foam mattress? This guide to some of the best reasons why you should invest in memory foam has all of the answers.

Constant Support

If you are on the hunt for top quality mattresses in the Peterborough area, it is a good idea to consider buying a memory foam product. One of the most important reasons for this is the fact that memory foam provides flawless support. It can be invaluable for anybody who suffers from neck or spinal issues, because it is perfectly weighted and balanced – memory foam is not too hard or too soft.

No More Pressure Points

According to recent studies, memory foam mattresses have the ability to reduce fidgeting and the need to toss and turn by as much as 80%. This is because the material eradicates pressure points; these are points on the mattress at which parts of the body are held lower than the rest. Over time, standard mattresses develop lots of little pressure points where the heaviest body parts naturally lie. With memory foam, however, this does not happen, because the mattress moulds to the unique shape of the sleeper.

Always Kind to the Spine

For affordable memory foam mattresses in the Peterborough area, come and browse the broad selection of products on offer at Peter H Gammons. You can pick from top brands, like Sweet Dreams, Dorlux, and Shakespeare Beds, so that your journey to the land of nod is always a satisfying one. If you are committed to investing in a mattress which will offer you long term support and spinal protection, memory foam is the way to go. It holds the spine in its natural alignment, rather than forcing it to lie linear. This means that the user can enjoy full lumbar support.

A Guarantee of Quality

The typical memory foam mattress will last significantly longer than a standard product. In fact, if you pick your mattress carefully and look after it properly, it should easily reach fifteen years or more without fuss or problems. There are very few household items which can offer this type of longevity, especially ones which are used as intensively as a mattress. You are advised to opt for a product which comes with a warranty of at least 5-7 years.
For more information and advice on the benefits of investing in a memory foam mattress get in touch today, or browse a wide selection of memory foam mattresses in-store.