Urban Sales Journal
Urban Sales Journal
Discover captivating room ideas that will transform your living spaces into stunning havens of style and comfort. Explore innovative designs, unique color schemes, and inspiring decor accents to create your dream room.
Sofa Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One for Your Space
A sofa is like a good friend. The one that always returns your calls. It’s a haven. A place to feel cosy, safe, and nurtured. A place to tell stories, deliver big news, unwind, reset, cuddle the ones you love, and a place to snooze on a Sunday afternoon. When it comes to how to pick the right sofa, it’s about really tuning in to how you want it to feel, how you’re going to use it and what’s going to suit your space. So, pull up a cushion and get comfy, our sofa buying guide will take you through the A’s to the Z’s of buying your ultimate sofa. How to Choose a Sofa That Fits Your Life? Know Your Non-Negotiables From cosy chats to cocktail-clinking dinner party banter and family movie nights, how to choose a sofa is about working out how you want to use it. In order to zero in on the best sofa for your lifestyle, you first need to decipher the way it fits into your space, your comfort preferences and functional needs. Here are some key questions to ask yourself: Who’s using it daily? Is it just you? Do you have flatmates? Furry friends? Kids? The answers to these will not only help you determine the size of sofa you need to buy, but will also help you decide on the best fabric types for your sofa and durability needs. How will you use it? Think about how you will use your sofa. Do you mostly lounge or watch TV? Do you nap on your sofa? Are there occasional house guests who need somewhere to snooze? Are you hosting? Or all of the above? The answers to these questions will help you decide on your size and configuration needs, and whether or not you need special features, such as reclining functionality or a sofa bed style. How is the space arranged? Consider the size of your space. Is the sofa meant for open-plan living or a closed-off lounge room? Larger spaces can handle big, sprawling sectional or modular set-ups with room to stretch out. Smaller spaces, on the other hand, tend to shine more with clever chaise styles or two-seaters with slim arms and raised legs. Best Sofas for Small Spaces & Apartments Not all of us live in a sprawling home with room for a sectional 12 seater and a grand piano. Some of us (hi!) are working with compact apartments where every centimetre is valuable real estate. In these spatially challenged homes, choosing the best sofa for small spaces can make all the difference. 2-seaters, Loveseats, and Chaise sofas 2-seaters, loveseats, and chaise sofas are ideal for tight spots. These small space superstars offer the ideal middle ground, big enough to stretch out and read a good book and small enough not to dominate the room. Chaise sofas are like a power move for the space-conscious lounger. They are particularly good at making good use of space, with their lovely L-shape, they can hug the wall while giving you the option to put your feet up. Space-saving design features Little tweaks in sofa design can make a big impact on the look and feel of a smaller room. Slim arms - Slimline arms not only look sleek and modern but can save valuable space in your living room, allowing room for bigger sitting space. Raised legs - A sofa that’s slightly raised off the floor keeps the room feeling airy and open. Sofa beds - Multifunctional design at its best, sofa beds provide dual-purpose magic. A good-looking sofa, and also a comfortable bed fit for your overnight guests. Placement Once you’ve selected the best sofa for small spaces, the right placement is key. If possible, float your sofa slightly off the wall to help the room breathe. Consider placing a lightweight coffee table or side table in front of your sofa to complete the space. If things are really tight, consider nested tables or stools that can double as extra seating. MODE Cielo 3.5-Seater Sofa with Chaise, Oatmeal MODE Cielo 4.5-Seater Sofa with Chaise, Blue Grey Modular, Recliner, or Sofa Bed? Find What’s Best for You When it comes to choosing the best sofa for your lifestyle, you can have the cosiness, the striking design and the stretch-out-and-snooze potential without overcrowding your living room. Think clever designs, flexible layouts and features that work hard while still looking good. Modular Sofas Modular sofas are your ticket to living room freedom, made to be pulled apart, flipped, shifted and reconfigured on a whim. Want a corner set up today and an open-ended chaise tomorrow? That’s the magic of modular. These sofas are ideal for small or large spaces because they allow you to work with your layout and change it up anytime to keep your space fresh. Recliner Sofas Perfect for movie marathons, power naps, or just kicking back after a long day, recliner sofas give you full-body bliss with the touch of a button. And for those of you thinking of recliners as giant overstuffed sofa-thrones taking over your floor plan, think again. Today’s recliner sofas are sleek, modern and wonderfully unassuming. Sofa Beds For apartment dwellers and spare-room-less hosts, a sofa bed is nothing short of a miracle. By day, it’s a chic little perch for coffee sipping and contemplating life, by night, a comfy bed for overnight guests. If you’re looking for the best sofa bed for NZ, here’s what to keep in mind: Go for one that’s easy to unfold and put away. Look for designs that blend with your style. Concealed storage is a bonus. Linspire Don 2-Seater Sofa Bed, Off White Hjem Design Maine Sofa Bed with Armrest Linspire Don 2-Seater Sofa Bed, Grey What’s the Best Fabric or Material for a Sofa? Choosing the best fabric for a sofa is all about your lifestyle, tastes and tolerance for cleaning. Take into account your usage habits. Do you have children or pets? Do you have the ability to handle spills without bursting into tears? (If so, we’re jealous.) Leather The ultimate in luxury, leather sofas are sleek, durable and excellent at handling the chaos of family life. You can wipe spills clean, and the best leather sofas tend to age beautifully. The downside? It can feel a bit cool in the winter months and isn’t quite as cosy as a fabric sofa can be for snuggling up on. Fabric Fabric sofas are typically warm, inviting and tactile and span a wide variety of finishes and blends. Fabric sofas can be more high-maintenance than leather, depending on the material, and some fabrics cling to pet hair. The best couch fabric for families or pets is tightly woven fabrics like performance blends or microfibres that are stain resistant, easy to clean and don’t give fur a lot to cling to. Avoid anything too textured, like chunky weaves or velvet finishes. Colours Lighter shades such as creams, greys and soft pastels can make your space feel more open and breezy and are great for smaller spaces, but they can be more high-maintenance unless you opt for a stain-resistant fabric. Darker colours like charcoal, navy and dark green can be moodier, cosier and a little more forgiving of spills. If you’re making a style statement, go for a bold hue like mustard or teal so your sofa can be the star of the room. MODE Marco 3-Seater Sofa Hjem Design Tampa 3-seater Sofa Solidwood Seattle 3-Seater Sofa,201x80CM, Beige/Oak Linspire Moss 3-Seater Sofa Sizing Guide: Will Your Sofa Fit Within Your Space? You’ve chosen your sofa, amazing! Our sofa size guide can help you confirm if your new sofa will work in your space. Measure everything Grab your tape measure and jot down the dimensions of the room, length, width and height. Don’t forget to measure doorways, stairwells, hallways, elevators and any area your sofa will need to pass through on its way to your living room. Visualise it Use masking tape or painters’ tape to outline the sofa’s dimensions on the floor; this helps you see exactly how much space it will use and how much you have left to play with. AR (Augmented Reality) tools can also help by letting you ‘drop’ an image of the sofa into your living room picture using your phone camera. Allow space Even the comfiest of sofas need room to shine. Allow enough room for walkways so people can move comfortably around the space without having to turn themselves sideways. Coffee tables should ideally sit about 45-50 cm from the front of the sofa, and ottomans need enough clearance so you can comfortably stretch your legs out. Build a Living Room You’ll Love Coming Home To Build the ultimate living room space by pairing your sofa with ottomans, bean bags and side tables, the secret sauce for both cosiness and practicality. Finish it off with textured throws, cushions, feature lamps and meaningful art to create a personalised and cohesive look. Add a rocking chair in the corner as a gorgeous reading nook finishing touch, and you’re happy to be home. Your Perfect Sofa Is Waiting: Let’s Help You Find It When you arrive home to your perfect sofa, the world can wait. You can unmask, unwind and exhale the day away. No matter if you’re after a reclining couch to kick back on, the best sofa bed for surprise guests or a cosy settee for Sunday naps and cuppas, Urban Sales has got the perfect setup to transform your living room. Let’s get comfortable.
Find the Right Dining Tables & Chairs Set for Your Home
From slow brekkies to Friday night takeaways and everything in between, the humble dining table sees a lot of life. It’s where conversation flows, laughter lingers, and moments—big and small—are shared. When you’re selecting furniture for your dining room, you’re setting the stage for all this to take place. Whether you’ve got a big open-plan layout or you’re working with a cosy nook, this guide is packed with practical tips and fresh dining table and chair ideas for NZ homeowners like you, so you can figure out what works for your home and your lifestyle. The Heart of the Home: Why Your Dining Space Matters Why does the kitchen always get all the glory? The dining room is where the magic happens. It’s where birthdays are celebrated, weeknight dinners turn into heart-to-hearts, and friends become family over one too many servings of dessert. That’s why having the right dining table and chairs isn’t simply a style choice, it’s a lifestyle one, too. The right setup makes it easier to linger a little longer, squeeze in a few more guests, or clear space for a board game battle after dinner. It’s about creating a space that elevates those everyday moments into something memorable. When your dining room feels good, life around it tends to follow suit. Setting the Stage: Clever Tips for Choosing Your Dining Set Once you’re clear on what matters—how much space you’ve got, how to use it, and what style speaks to you—shopping for your dining table and chairs becomes less stressful and whole lot more rewarding. It’s your chance to combine comfort, function and good design into one hardworking setup. As you narrow things down, keep the practical stuff top of mind. Is the tabletop material tough enough for daily use? Will it survive the occasional red wine spill or sticky pancake session? Durability matters, especially if your dining room doubles as a work zone or a place to host frequent guests. When it comes to figuring out how to decorate a dining room, your furniture choices will lay the foundation. Start strong and everything else will flow naturally. Size & Space: Creating a Dining Room to Move and Mingle Before you go out and fall in love with a dining set let’s talk logistics. No matter how stunning it is, if it turns your dining room into an obstacle course, it’s not the right fit. A little measuring now = way fewer stubbed toes later. Start by mapping out your space. Don’t just measure the room—factor in how much clearance you’ll need to pull chairs out comfortably, walk around the table, and maybe even sneak in a dance move or two. 90cm is usually a good starting point. Not sure what shape suits your setup? Here’s a quick guide: Round tables: Great for smaller rooms or square spaces. They’re cosy, perfect for conversation, and help soften corners. Rectangle tables: A classic pick for longer rooms and big families. They maximise seating and space efficiency and can be positioned near a wall in narrow spaces. Square tables: The small space stars! They’re clean, balanced and easy to style. Extendable table: Hosting extras? These are your secret weapon. Compact most days and generous when it matters most. Gateleg table: Excellent space saving solution. They can be folded down when not in use, making them perfect for those tight spaces. Urban Sales has a stack of dining tables in different shapes and sizes to suit kiwi homes of all kinds. Loft Hansan Extendable Dining Table with 4 Chairs Hjem Design Malika 8-Seater Dining Table, Natural & Black Hjem Design Yuno Round Dining Table Loft Nordic Gateleg Table with 4 Chairs Style That Speaks Volumes: Defining Your Dining Room Vibe Now let’s talk style. If you’re on the hunt for dining table and chair ideas in NZ that actually reflect your taste, you’re in the right place. When you’re stuck on how to decorate a dining room that feels like it belongs in your home, ask yourself this: what kind of atmosphere do I want to create? Here a few dining table ideas to get the wheels rolling: Scandi Scandinavian (or Scandi) style is characterised by light, natural colour palettes, with tables most often made of light-coloured wood. It showcases textures and clean lines to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Scandi style is intentional, fresh and lets the details—like your choice of dining chairs—shine. Great for those who like calm and not clinical. Urban Sales has all the pale, timber tables and sleek chairs to make your dining room have that Nordic glow. Coastal Craving that sun-bleached, toes-in-the-sand feeling, even if your closest beach is two hours away? Coastal style is the next best thing. The coastal interior design style reflects the serene and picturesque beauty of the beach and ocean. This style creates breezy, relaxed living spaces that evoke a seaside ambience. It incorporates natural materials such as wood, stone, and woven textiles and utilises a natural colour palette, including soft blues, sandy tones and warm beiges. Urban Sales makes riding the coastal wave easy with dining sets that look like they just breezed in from a seaside cafe. No actual ocean breeze required. Contemporary Prefer something a bit edgier? A contemporary setup might be more your speed. Contemporary is characterised by sleek and simple lines, often accompanied by intriguing geometries that capture attention. It evokes a sense of clarity and an airy feel to your space. Contemporary style embraces a broad range of materials, from cool metals to glass that can create an illusion of space and openness. Urban Sales has plenty of modern pieces that tick all those boxes. It’s a little bit luxe, a lot functional, and definitely not afraid to steal the spotlight at your next dinner party. Comfort is Key: Choosing Chairs You'll Want to Linger In No one wants to cut dinner short because their chair feels like a medieval torture device. If you’re going to be spending hours sitting in it, you need chairs that quite literally have your back. They don’t necessarily need to match your table, but there are a few golden rules to follow that’ll make everything work together seamlessly. Start with the height. Your seat needs to be between 10 – 15 cm from the underside of the table rail and between 24 – 30cm from the table top. Translation? Plenty of legroom, zero awkward shuffling. Back support is another non-negotiable. Long means (and longer chats) are so much better when your spine’s not crying for help. If your chairs don’t already have built-in cushioning, you can purchase chair cushions separately to sit atop the chair seat. If you’re in the market for dining table and chairs NZ shoppers swear by, Urban Sales has a whole range designed to keep you comfy and your room looking fab. Whether you’re styling a sleek Scandi setup or going for something soft and coastal, you’ll find dining room chair ideas to suit your style and your sitting needs. Solidwood Fuji Dining Chair, Oak, Set of 2 Hjem Design Lizzy Dining Chair, Set of 2 Hjem Design Bonita Dining Chair, Beige, Set of 2 Your Perfect Dining Set is Waiting. Let's Find It Together! Whether you’re setting the table for two or hosting the whole whānau, we’ve got dining sets to suit every taste, budget and size of home. From timeless Scandi to modern statement makers, our collection of dining tables and chairs in NZ is designed to bring joy, connection and good times to your daily routine. Ready to upgrade dinnertime? Dive into our range and see if we can spark something special.
Buying Guide: How to Choose The Perfect Rug
Can you really call a room cosy if it doesn’t have a rug? We’d argue not. Rugs are the unassuming hero of home styling—equal parts warm hug and clever design tool. They soften noise, anchor your furniture and instantly make a space feel more like an inviting haven and less like a furniture showroom. “Okay, I hear you … but how do I kick off my search for the perfect rug?” Great question. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect living room centrepiece, a comfy kitchen runner or something stylish to soften your hallway stomp, we've got the tips to help you nail it. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a rug that suits your space, explore the ins and outs of choosing rug sizes and the many reasons why you’ll never want to live in a rug-less home again. How a Rug Weaves Magic into Your Home Rugs are like magic carpets for your home; they possess a special flair that can transform your space in ways few other items can. If you’re still on the fence about choosing a rug, let us show you just how much one well-placed piece can change the entire feel of your space. Ace Your Base Let’s say you have an open area that doubles as a dining room, lounge, and kitchen all at once. Throw down some rugs and BOOM, you’ve created a visual divide. Now it’s super easy to see which area is which. Such ‘zoning’ works equally well in tight little apartments as it does with large open living spaces. And it brings a sense of cosiness and togetherness that makes everything feel well-coordinated. Warm It Up, Baby! Your choice: a chilly, hard floor that sends shivers up your spine or a lush, plush rug that beckons your feet to sink in. It’s a no-brainer where your toes will want to land. And as you step into the room, your eyes will be diverted towards those inviting, warm corners too. Yep, a rug can transform a space from feeling sterile and unwelcoming to warm and oh so-very-inviting. Add a Bit of Shush Whether your home is spacious or you’re making the best out of minimal square footage, one thing’s for sure: a rug can work wonders in muffling down unwanted sounds or echoes. Got neighbours below? They’ll shower you with thanks for not thudding, thudding, thudding across your hard floors (it may seem quiet for you, but a clamour for them). The fix? A great sound-dampening rug! It’s soaks up those echoes and keeps the neighbourhood vibes friendly. Create a Lotta Zhuzh And let’s not forget how much personality a rug can bring to the table (ahem!) floor. It can inject that real ‘factor x’ that makes your house feel like a home. Mastering the Fit: How to Choose the Right Rug Size Every Time Before you get swept off your feet by a charming rug and whisk it home, let’s hit pause and make sure you nail the size first. The wrong size rug (especially if it's too tiny) can end up looking like a dinky little afterthought in your abode. So, whip out that tape measure and let’s size up the situation. You may want to place some masking tape down so you can see where your rug will go. As a rule of thumb, when choosing floor rug sizing, have at least the first two feet of your furniture on the rug. And if you’re eyeing a runner, go for one that’s long enough to strut its stuff. How to Pick Rug Materials That Suit Your Space Let’s talk fibres. When it comes to how to pick rug materials, it all comes down to your lifestyle. Synthetic materials are fantastic budget-friendly choices that save you money and are often stain-resistant, so they’re a smart pick. If you're in the mood for something more natural, cotton rugs add a gorgeous softness and are easy on the wallet, too. For those busy areas where feet frequently stomp about, jute is an excellent natural material that can handle the traffic. And let's not forget wool rugs, the luxurious option worth considering splurging on, it’s a long-lasting option that feels amazing underfoot. Where Will Your Dream Rug Live? Take a moment to consider the design theme of your room. What does it need to feel just right? If you want your existing furniture pieces to shine, let the rug be a nice neutral or contrasting backdrop that frames them perfectly. Got some neutral furniture? Why not bring in a rug with a statement design to create a wow-factor? No matter what, choosing the right rug will define your space and create that cosy atmosphere we all crave. Choosing a Rug for Your Living Room The living room is where life happens—from lazy Sundays to last-minute movie nights—so getting the rug right here is a biggie. A well-placed rug doesn’t just look good, it feels good, too. When choosing a rug for living room styling, think about how your furniture is arranged and how people move through the space. You don’t want chairs teetering off the edge or rugs blocking the natural flow. The sweet spot? A rug big enough to fit at least the front legs of your sofa and armchairs. It’ll help everything feel connected, not scattered. Choosing a Rug for Your Kitchen A rug for the kitchen can play a few roles: hide a floor you don’t like, create a design statement and keep your feet comfy when you’re cooking (when you’ve thrown off your shoes). When choosing a kitchen rug, ensure it’s durable, easy to clean and of course, full of character. Choosing a Rug for Your Bedroom Transform your bedroom into an oasis of tranquillity with a soft-textured rug with calming colours. Depending on your bedroom’s dimensions, consider laying a rectangular rug either horizontally or vertically, embracing the entire bed and both bedside tables, leaving at least 50 cm of rug jutting out on each side of the bed. For a whimsical twist, add a big round rug under the bed and slightly off to the side. The Key is Matching Your Rug to Your Home's Unique Style Now for the fun part, choosing a rug that vibes with your overall interior style. Whether your design style is contemporary, traditional, scandinavian, coastal, or boho, the right rug can tie everything together in a snap. Love Your Rug for Longer with These Simple Rug Care Tips Keep the love flowing for your rug by showering it with a bit of regular maintenance. Vacuum it regularly to whisk away dirt if you have a pile rug; this also helps to fluff it up and make it look as new as ever. Got a spill? Gently press some paper towels to soak up as much liquid as possible, then use a carpet spot cleaner to do its thing. The quicker you act on those stains, the easier they’ll disappear. Also, consider giving your rug a professional carpet clean (if it's made of the right materials) every couple of years to keep it spick-and-span. Your Perfect Rug Awaits at Urban Sales At Urban Sales, we're always on the hunt for those eye-catching rugs that can dress up any room, helping you create a space that radiates joy, comfort, and connection. Whether you’re looking for a simple rug to keep your feet warm or a statement piece rug to bring your room to life, Urban Sales’ rug collection has everything you need. Our rugs are designed to last, so you can enjoy their warmth and style for years to come. Shop our range today.
Buying Guide: Adjustable Standing Desk
Following Covid-19 a spike in hybrid and work-from-home cultures rose. With working from home becoming the new norm, perfecting your home office is more important than ever. Recent studies have shown that extended sitting is very common among office workers, who spend an average of approximately 5.5 hours each day at their desks. This adds up to daily sitting durations of more than 10 hours! Although it might not seem like a big pain now, studies have linked sitting for long periods to numerous mental and physical health issues that end up surprising you in the long run. An ergonomic office space is needed now more than ever! Standing desks are part of the hype, with many studies linking numerous benefits to switching to a more ergonomic option. But what are standing desks and their so-called benefits? Let's jump right into it! So What Is a Standing Desk? A standing desk is there to make your job that much easier! Their main feature is that they allow you to conveniently change from sitting to standing. There are many versions with different features, but the typical standing desk will allow you to either manually or electronically change its height. Their rise in popularity isn’t for nothing! - with studies linking their use to a vast amount of benefits. Need some more convincing? Let’s dive into our buying guide for standing desks! 4 Benefits of an Adjustable Standing Desk: Better design, more functions With just a push of a button or a pull of a clank, your desk will adjust to your perfect height. Your productivity is not left behind - as many standing desks such as our Loctek All-in-One Desks have great techy features to make your life easier: Expect less noise and better focus with their smooth and quiet height adjustments Different motors enable faster and more stable adjustment. With larger motors being able to perfectly move the most cluttered of desks. Convenient USB ports to charge all your techy gadgets, so no need to stress about how many outlets you have, because it’s all within easy access! Memory setting for when you have different desk users, that allows the whole family to save their preferred height setting Tidying is made easy! With better accessibility, standing desks are easier to clean and keep tidy, leading you to a better-looking workspace. Simply use the levelling glides along the bottom of the desk to stabilise and level your desk to the right height. Better technology comes with better functions! The anti-collision function ensures safety by preventing the desktop from being damaged or crushing other objects and devices while in motion. Helps your health Being sedentary is the norm for most employees, especially those who work in offices. Sitting for long periods of time with limited amounts of activity or movement can lead to multiple health issues later on. Have you ever heard of the 90-90-90 rule? It basically means that when you are seated at your desk, your elbows, knees, and hips are all at a 90-degree angle. With the ability to adjust your standing desk, you’re much more likely to achieve a proper sitting posture. The 90-90-90 rule makes sure that your wrist and monitor position are all in the correct place in order for you to be most comfortable! This will avoid hunching and slouching over, causing all kinds of back pain later on. Just remember that a standing desk may help you improve your back pain, but it’s probably not the cure for everything. Although a standing desk encourages you to stand up straight and relieves pain from your neck and back, it won’t fix the more significant issues like scoliosis. However, that doesn’t mean that when used appropriately, standing desks can help to lessen some of the pain associated with scoliosis and stop it from progressing! Friendly reminder: Standing for long periods of time is also not the best for you! Try to balance the time you are switching between standing and sitting throughout your day. Improves your mood We all know that physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy body, but there is mounting proof that even small amounts of exercise can elevate mood and lessen anxiety. Everyone can benefit from exercising in their own way! Using a standing desk has been shown to enhance mood, and other studies have found that energy levels are also enhanced. Employees are given a more upbeat view of life at work as a result. So as you become more active while standing, you are boosting your energy levels and increasing your mood at the same time! Increased Productivity Standing at your desk does not negatively impact your daily tasks – in fact with less strain, and an increased mood, doing your job can become much easier. A study between non-users and users of standing desks showed that users selected keeping alert and boosting attention as their top immediate benefits when alternating between sitting and standing at their desks. Tip: Get your sit–stand schedule on point – find what the right sit–stand balance is for you. This may take some adjusting but in the long run, you’ll find your comfort increase and work become not as painful.
Introducing Lumo Mattress
Hey! We’re Lumo, and we believe that a good night's sleep has the power to transform your day. That's why we set out on a mission to bring the most comfortable, versatile, and accessible mattresses to Kiwis. We made it customisable, because we know that every-body is different, but we all deserve to wake up refreshed and ready to tackle every moment. Lumo mattresses feature a versatile firmness layer, that you can personalise with a simple flip, to feel your comfiest and most supported. The nights of tossing and turning are over with our breathable and cooling materials, so you can enjoy a deep night's sleep and wake up refreshed. Our removable, washable covers make maintenance a breeze, keeping your mattress clean and feeling like new, year after year. Together we can change how Kiwis sleep for the better. With Lumo, you'll wake up recharged and ready to shine, empowering you to make the most of every day. Explore Our Three Ranges to Suit Every-Body What Makes Lumo Your Mattress of Choice