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Beyond the Surface: 8 Subtle Features That Make Furniture Smarter for You
Some furnishings catch your eye right away – whether it’s through a fun pattern, a unique shape, or a fancy feature like color-changing LEDs. While there’s plenty to love about bold statement pieces, don’t underestimate the power of subtler design elements to elevate your experience of the sofa you relax on, the desk where you sit down to be productive, or the case goods where you store essential belongings.
At Copenhagen, we strive to bring you the best in contemporary furniture, curating pieces that are built to function seamlessly from top to bottom. Here, we shine a spotlight on features of modern furniture that may not be immediately visible, but that nonetheless exemplify thoughtful design. Bringing you practicality and convenience, these 8 elements work quietly in the background to make your life easier.
Technology has become an essential part of our homes, from the computers we work at to the TVs where we gather to watch our favorite shows. Unfortunately, multiple wires and cables in a setup can lead to clutter and stress or even pose a trip hazard.
This is why many contemporary desks and media furnishings have cable management built in. For example, BDI’s Profile Media Cabinet not only comes with channels and wraps for keeping wires organized and out of the way, but it also has removable rear panels for added user-friendliness. Another great example is the Linq Executive Desk, which combines wire slots with a cable concealment panel and an integrated power station to keep your office maximally streamlined.
Built into all manner of case goods from storage consoles to end tables, these mechanisms ensure that drawers and/or doors will always close slowly and gently. This helps prevent damage and minimizes noise. At Copenhagen, nearly all our case goods come with soft-close mechanisms – whether you’re shopping for luxury pieces like the stunning Vivaldi Sideboard or browsing minimalist staples like the Everett TV Stand.
An increasingly common feature on dressers and chests, drawer interlock systems ensure that only one drawer per column of drawers can be pulled out at a time. This prevents the dresser from becoming too front-heavy and discourages young children from climbing the dresser, adding an extra layer of safety and stability.
If you’re interested in purchasing case goods with interlocking drawers, ALF Italia is one brand among many whose entire inventory comes with this feature. Try the Bella Borgata Dresser with its walnut veneer and matte bronze lacquer, the Bella Farfalla Chest in high-gloss white, or the Bella Grigio Dresser with its bold, geometric silhouette.
Uneven or wobbly legs on furniture can be one of those minor annoyances that detract from our enjoyment of a space – but built-in levelers can let your furnishings stand stably, even on floors that aren’t perfectly even. Consistently at the forefront of functional design, BDI has dressers, consoles, and beds with discreet, integrated levelers. The Kava Chest is one great example that also boasts an elegant, pleated front, while the matching Kava Bed has both wall and floor levelers, in addition to a plethora of other features to maximize your comfort.
Whether you have young children and pets at home, live in an earthquake-prone area, or simply want extra stability in your media setup, it’s a good idea to anchor your TV to your TV stand or to the wall behind it. Some manufacturers, like BDI, will go above and beyond and include anchor straps with the purchase of TV stands and media furniture. For instance, the BDI Elements Console, with its striking constellation pattern, and the BDI Corridor TV Stand, with its sleek louvered front, are two great examples of pieces that are both stylish and safety-conscious.
While soft, rounded lines amplify the comfort of sofas and chairs, they can be beneficial on hard pieces like tables and case goods too. Rounded edges are less painful when accidentally bumped into, which may be an important consideration if you have energetic pets, young kids learning to walk, or live with individuals who have limited mobility or vision. Soft edges also have a clean, timeless look – check out the mid-century modern inspired Essex Dining Table or the sleek elegance of the Colombo Coffee Table, with two expanding tabletops.
Caster bases aren’t just for office chairs – the addition of discreet, integrated wheels to pieces ranging from occasional tables to media units can make them easier to move around and prevent strain from lifting heavy objects. This comes in handy whether you need to adapt a space to different needs over time or simply want to rearrange the layout for a fresh look.
If you’re seeking extra ease and mobility in your living room furniture, we recommend the wheeled Nimbus Cocktail Table, with an airy, layered design, or the Elements Media Cabinet, with a rolling plinth base and beautiful carved front. For the office, consider a mobile file pedestal like the Rilega, made of 100% recycled wood.
Imagine this – you’re lounging in your power motion recliner and want to browse your phone, but the battery is almost out, and the nearest free outlet is across the room. Luckily, your chair comes with a USB charging port by its control panel, so you can easily plug in your cord and recharge both your body and your device.
The Rome is a stellar example of such a recliner, featuring a USB port alongside a sophisticated three-motor system and swivel base. For the ultimate tech-friendly bedroom, the Up-Linq Bed has a headboard that conceals three outlets and USB-A/C charging ports on each side.
Sometimes, it’s the small and not immediately obvious touches that separate good furniture from great furniture. At Copenhagen, we have a meticulous eye for innovative modern furnishings that go the extra mile to enhance your daily life. Come visit us or shop online and discover the Copenhagen difference.