Bassett Mirror Company Adds Switched On! to Style Portfolios

Furniture World News Desk on 10/13/2017

Clockwise from upper right: Windig tall bar, Leedy entertainment console, Ronson hall chest, Hadreas hall cabinet, Schell cocktail table, Kaskade writing desk

Bassett Mirror Company reports that it is adding a new flavor to its style portfolio mix at this month's High Point Market.

Called Switched On!, the new style portfolio is an eclectic assortment of colorful accent pieces with unexpected design treatments and twists influenced by popular culture and art. They include a silkscreen-embellished desk with an inspirational message hidden on the interior of a drawer and a "live edge"-type table treatment that showcases the subtle tonal contrasts found in the layers of plywood.

"Switched On! is totally design-driven," said Jon Witteveen, senior vice president for furniture for Bassett Mirror Company. "It's fun, colorful and highly creative. Each piece has at least one element of surprise or whimsy that gives a familiar form or shape an entirely new twist."

While Switched On! aims squarely at Millennials and other younger customers moving into their first houses and apartments, this new style portfolio also will appeal to young-at-heart Baby Boomers downsizing into smaller townhomes and condominiums. "These pieces are packed with personality," said Witteveen. "But they also are highly functional. They provide a very attractive, fashion-forward solution for anyone looking to inject a new level of vitality and utility into their space."

Highlight pieces in this market's Switched On! presentation include:

The Leedy entertainment console in walnut veneers in a Stereo Walnut finish. Inspired by the shape of classic stereo consoles from the 1950s, Leedy features two colorful sliding doors on the right side of the unit. The sliding doors, which conceal open shelf storage, are reversible, with one side finished in pink and red and the other side in all-white. The left side of the console boasts three drawers in white with oversized walnut pulls. The unit sits on four post feet with brass caps.

The two-tier Schell cocktail table features an organically shaped top with a woodcut image silkscreened over a bright white surface. The white top provides a dynamic contrast to the surface edges, which are fine layers of lacquered plywood. The table rests on three metal uprights, with open shelf storage provided by a round base surface under the unit's top.

The Kaskade writing desk in pine solids and a dry pine finish with a gently "worn-looking" silkscreened floral pattern on the top surface. The drawer interior also features a silkscreened inspirational quote on its bottom surface, providing an element of surprise and thoughtful reflection. Wood-on-wood drawer guides add an element of "found" authenticity.

"This initial introduction is the first stage of what will be a steady expansion of this new style portfolio," said Witteveen. "We'll continue to add many more creative pieces to the Switched On! portfolio as we move forward."

During the October market, Bassett Mirror Company also will be amping up the excitement in several of its core style portfolios, including Hollywood Glam, Belgian Luxe and Thoroughly Modern.

In the Hollywood Glam portfolio, introductions include a cocktail table shaped and finished to look like a giant diamond and the high-drama Hadreas hall cabinet. A two-door unit with an abstract bas-relief design on the front in gold surrounded by a glossy black finish on the top and sides, the Hadreas cabinet features stemware storage and one adjustable shelf, along with a serving tray.

In Belgian Luxe category, introductions include the Windig tall bar, a "new traditions" model sporting a tattoo-inspired sparrow with ribbon overlay motif that extends from the front across both sides. The bar features a Chalky Midnight Blue finish on the exterior and a contrasting Sailcloth finish inside. The bar unit rests on an ornate stretcher base with decorative casters beneath each leg. Functional elements include stemware storage, an adjustable glass shelf, a pullout tray with laminate surface and two drawers, one of which has a removable felt liner.

In the Thoroughly Modern portfolio, Bassett Mirror Company is introducing a high-styled contemporary group, including an upholstered cocktail table with tailored, buttonless-tufted leather top, and other innovative pieces that combine chrome, marble and leather; and an oak veneer table group with a wire-brushed finish, black nickel metal accents and honed, blue stone tops.

In addition to these furniture introductions, Bassett Mirror Company also is debuting a variety of fresh designs in other key product categories this market, including wall mirrors, wall art and lamps. In mirrors, the company is expanding its range of chrome, golf-leaf and other metal designs. One highlight piece is a new 60-inch-round wall mirror in brushed silver.

In wall art, Bassett Mirror is expanding its assortment of abstract designs as well as its offering of fully framed pieces. Nearly half of the company's new art will be framed this market, with a number of pieces featuring on-trend silver leaf or black finishes.

"Most Millennials want their art in a frame," said Melissa Whitaker, senior vice president of merchandising for home décor at Bassett Mirror Company. "It's a more complete look than a simple, gallery wrapped canvas."

A variety of new lamps also are being introduced by Bassett Mirror this market. They include new value-priced marble and alabaster models. "We've had great success among designers with our organic materials and shapes," said Whitaker. "These introductions build on that program but at even more affordable price points."

Bassett Mirror Company's entire line of best-selling furniture and accent products will be available for viewing by retailers and designers during the Oct. 14 to 18 High Point Market in its showroom in the Green wing of the International Home Furnishings Center, space G-170.

More about Bassett Mirror Company: Bassett Mirror Company, America's first name in home fashion since 1922, creates home accents and furniture that have reached thousands of style-conscious consumers, thereby becoming a highly recognized brand. Four generations later, Bassett Mirror Company can be found via many of America's most exciting retailers, offering the best in decorative mirrors, framed art, lighting, living room tables, large accents, casual dining and mirrored furniture collections.