Wood furnishings are sustainable and environmentally friendly when they’re made from ethically-sourced wood. Ethically and sustainably harvested lumber is fair to the environment and those living nearby: this is why we take care to offer products made with it. All style, no harm.

You may be wondering how to best use wooden pieces in your home. Great places to employ wood furnishings include the den and dining room, and other areas where a little elegance can go a long way.

Color-wise, darker woods create a richness and polish that’s second to none, creating a striking elegance. Lighter woods can be used to create contrast without being too stark, and also play nicely off light.

Wood’s versatility is evident even in a small sample of our offerings:

Wonderful Wood Furnishings

Table 883 Wood demonstrates how a time-honored material like wood needs not be old-fashioned in execution. With a round base and round tabletop in understated yet sumptuous ash, it can easily reinvigorate any dining room.

The Segno Sofa is another example of how wood can be used in strikingly modern designs. Placing the sofa seats on top of a curved wooden platform creates an unexpected dynamic that’s a little classic and a little casual.

Wood elevates the Hans Recliner, pairing perfectly with rich leather upholstery for a timeless look. As comfortable as it is beautiful, this chair embodies the mid 20th century Modern style with an easy elegance.

The Dumbo Stool presents an elegant, well-crafted, and stylish wood frame. Whether the wood is stained dark or light, this stool is perfectly balanced and enduringly stylish.

Wood isn’t only ideal for furniture and frames—it has a long history in window shutters. The NewStyle Hybrid Shutters take the character of a classic wood design and combine it with modern materials for extra durability.

Sustainably Stylish

Wood is a marvellous material that can elevate a simple design or add character to a complex design. When it’s harvested and used in a sustainable way, wood is one of the most ethical materials.

Keeping wood surfaces brilliant isn’t difficult. Regular dusting and wiping with a damp soft cloth will keep wood surfaces looking their best. You may need to wax and re-oil when the lustre begins to dim, but that shouldn’t be too often.

At Sklar we do our utmost to ensure all the wood furnishings we have are sustainably sourced. It’s a point of pride and one of the ways in which we do our part for the earth. Also, for each wood piece we sell, we donate one tree to the National Forest Foundation.

Feel free to browse our full selection of wood furnishings online, take a virtual tour of our showroom, or come visit us in person!

Earth Day 2020 is particularly interesting—the weather has been wilder, and we are facing a viral pandemic, our showroom is closed, and we can’t celebrate like we’re used to. Nevertheless, we take pride in our commitment to the environment, and doing the right thing for the planet. After all, we all have to do our part.

Way back in 2002, we decided to pursue a sustainable future. We’ve taken many steps to eliminate waste, reduce our consumption of resources, lower our carbon footprint, recycle whenever possible, and support important initiatives. The future belongs to everyone, so it’s everyone’s job to ensure a clean and healthy future—even purveyors of gorgeous design!

Sklar’s Initiatives

We’ve taken many steps to make sure we’re doing everything we can to reuse, reduce, recycle, and repurpose. We started with our showroom lighting—by using only LED bulbs we have significantly reduced electricity usage. At the end of each day, all interior lighting and tech is shut down.

We also replaced all trash receptacles in the showroom and offices with recycling bins so we could recycle as much paper and plastic as possible. We can’t get curbside recycling pickup, so we pay extra for collection of corrugated cardboard for recycling.

We have a responsible wood sourcing policy that ensures we don’t offer products containing wood harvested illegally or in contradiction to human, civil, or traditional rights. We prioritize Forest Stewardship Council certified products. Plus, we check with all our vendors to stay informed on their policies and how they manufacture their pieces.

Our Green Committee is constantly seeking new ways for us to be more efficient and sustainable. They also educate staff about where to donate their unwanted items and how they can contribute to a brighter, greener future.

Key Partnerships

We are partnered with the National Forest Foundation, and for each piece of wood furniture we sell, we donate a tree to one of Florida’s four natural forests. So far, that’s over 5000 trees—and we look forward to the next 5000! We’re also partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to support their work protecting wild spaces and animals.

We are part of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, which emphasizes stewardship of resources and responsible manufacturing, and finally we are also partnered with Habitat to ensure no unsold furniture goes unused!

Good Design, Great Purpose

We take doing our part seriously whether it’s the work we deliver in a design project, the quality of products we offer, or the ecological initiatives we support and act on. Good design doesn’t have to spoil, pollute, or damage the planet or vulnerable populations who rely on it for their sustenance. After all, ultimately we all rely on Earth for our sustenance.

Sustainability is not always easy. Sometimes it means going through more trouble, changing familiar habits, investigating things that may make us uncomfortable, or ultimately paying a higher price. In the end, we believe all these things are worth it.

Happy New Year! With the year just getting started, it’s a good time to look at the refreshing new colors for 2020 and how best to express them in your space! Pantone, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams have released their colors of the year, and we love what we see!

Pantone: Classic Blue

Pantone selected Classic Blue. It is a color that anticipates what’s going to happen next. Classic Blue is reminiscent of the shade of blue of the sky at dusk.

We feature Classic Blue throughout our showroom in many different ways.  LondonArt wallpaper offers a wide variety of blues that can either harmonize or play off Classic Blue for some stunning and gorgeous effects.

The Segno Sofa is a perfect and graceful match as well, establishing a comfortable focus in a living room while offering color options that blend harmoniously or allow for playful offsets.

We can’t resist adding the Cloud Comfort Air chair, a true modern classic with clean and functional design. In the blue color option, it is a perfect expression of peaceful reflection.

Benjamin Moore: First Light

Benjamin Moore decided on First Light, which is a reflection of the rosy emergence of dawn, a hopeful and serene shade of pink that makes an excellent alternative to beige or white—just as subtle but with a blossomy energy. This exquisite color is exemplified through elegant and unique art pieces such as the Monu Rose Rug from Linie Designs and Badash Crystal’s Murano Style Glass Pink Flamingo, that would stand out in any contemporary setting.

As First Light is a restful and invigorating color, the Kenobi King Bed is a perfect match in many ways. First, who doesn’t want to wake up to a relaxing and pleasant shade of pink? Second: in its earth tone option, this stunning bed blends perfectly with the rosy hue of First Light.

Sherwin Williams: Naval

Sherwin Williams picked the color Naval—a solid and deep shade of blue with a pensive effect on its surroundings. Strength is key with Naval, as it is a timeless and dependable blue that offers plenty of flexibility in how you use it.

We think the Oscar Chair is a perfect match in any of the three colors highlighted on the page. With a solid, streamlined form that perfectly complements the formidable shade of Naval blue, this chair epitomizes timelessness and dependability.

Color Your 2020

It’s good to see a return to more subtle and impassive colors, because they offer plenty of opportunity to build a serene and calm space; or to add bold furniture, accessories, and touches that really pop and change the mood. We also like that the colors of the year are very restrained and classic—there’s nothing like a peaceful space that helps you set out on a new decade with a sense of calmness and focus.

Like what you see? Come by our showroom in Boca Raton to see it in person, or visit our website to drink in all the delightful design we have on offer!

Sustainability is an integral part of Sklar Furnishings. This is evident in our showroom and also with the vendors from which we source our products. If we impart the importance of the environment in positive ways both internally and with those we work with; we’ll have a better chance at affecting change. Transparency in our actions is key to this change and below; you will see our goal for the next 6 months and the actions we will take to make this possible.

Sklar Sustainability Goal: To decrease our GHG (Greenhouse Gas) by 10% over the next 6 months.

Actions to Achieve Goal

1. The Green Team All staff on our showroom floor is encouraged to recycle when possible. Moving forward, we would like to construct a ‘Green Team’ to ensure we are making strides for a recyclable friendly workplace. The ‘Green Team’ would also be educated on best practices and help others become more environmentally savvy. Car pooling will also be encouraged along with all appliances being switched off at the end of the day.
2. LED Lighting / Air Conditioning A number of years ago we replaced all incandescent light bulbs in our showroom with new energy efficient LED bulbs. Moving forward, we plan to monitor the number of KW we use each month compared to last year. This will be made possible as Florida Power and Light highlights the usage on each bill. The goal here is to reduce our usage year-on-year. With our tinted showroom windows, we also plan to reduce our air conditioning usage.
3. Reuse Products Old fabric, drapery and wallpaper samples are often given to schools, churches and Design institutes so they can be reused. Again, we have so many materials left over in our showroom, the goal is to give more back to our community and let less materials go to waste.
4. Increase use of old paper All staff are encouraged to reuse old paper as scrap and in some cases, as office printing paper. With the help of our ‘Green Team’, the objective is to make this compulsory for all employees.
5. Tree Program In previous sustainable blog posts, we mention our tree initiative (donate a tree for every wood-based product we sell). This is something we are truly passionate about and continue to monitor. At present, we donate an average of 250 trees per month. Our goal is to increase this number to 300 in the near future.
6. Sustainable Vendors During our Saturday sales meetings, we reach out to our vendors about their sustainable practices. It is great to hear what our partners are doing to create a sustainable future and often, we will take their ideas and put them into practice in our showroom. It also shows our vendors that we care about the environment and prefer to source partners who care too. One trend that has started to surface is the use of water based varnishes and dying for leather. The general public are asking for this and it is now something we always enquire about with our vendors.
7. Donate Unused Products At Sklar, we currently donate unused products to Habitat. For example, mattresses used in our bedroom sets on the showroom floor would get donated and products that have cosmetic damages but still function. We believe we can do more and moving forward, we would like to increase our donations.
8. Sustainable Furnishings Council Through our affiliation with the Sustainable Furnishings Council, our services are continually being analysed and graded. It is our goal to constantly surpass the targets set by the SFC and become an industry leader in sustainability.

Since inception in 2002, sustainability has been at the core of Sklar Furnishing’s principles. In a time where consumers are becoming savvy and more socially aware about the consequences of their purchasing habits, the responsibility lies with businesses like ours to provide ethical products.  This mega-trend is here to stay and crucial to the future of Sklar Furnishings both economically and environmentally.

At Sklar, we have ensured that the strategy of the company and our sustainability efforts are proactive and aligned. At various touch points throughout our business operations; we have showcased our commitment to a sustainable future. 

• Sklar continually seek ways to reduce energy consumption on our showroom floor. We have replaced all light bulbs with LED lighting, while also ensuring all lights and technical equipment are turned off at the end of each day. Recycling bins have been added to our showroom and offices, putting a further emphasis on customers and staff to recycle paper and plastic.
• Our business manages primary materials and services in a more sustainable direction. Efforts are now in place to affiliate with furniture vendors and companies who manufacture furniture in a sustainable way. When acquiring new vendors, we always investigate on how the furniture is made and what materials it contains, while also abiding by SFC’s (Sustainable Furnishings Council) guidelines on the “What’s it made of?” initiative. 
• Most recently, we have started to educate and promote the promise of sustainability with our new ‘Green Committee’. This group was assembled to generate new ideas and ways to conserve energy and resources. 
• Sklar provide all kinds of info for staff regarding places to donate personal items. As well as being partners with Habitat, we also donate products we can’t sell in the showroom and people reuse them. Nothing goes to waste!

At Sklar Furnishings, we are also committed to the responsible use of forest resources, including the wood used in our furniture. Therefore, we work with our suppliers on an ongoing basis to eliminate wood from improper sources and to increase the amount of responsible wood (wood from certified and recycled/reclaimed sources) procured over time. Made from reclaimed wood, the Sorrento Buffet embodies today’s mixed modern eclectic look while also being ultra eco-friendly.

Another of our super-stylish and environmentally friendly vendors is Huppe. With pieces such as The Connection Dining table and The Linea Bedroom Collection, this Canadian made furniture has a carbon footprint close to zero.

In essence, we believe the sustainable practices channelled throughout our business operations will result in a greater chance of long-term success. Sklar will be less dependent on natural resources and have more ways to deal with rising costs due to climate change. Becoming an industry leader in sustainability may also encourage similar businesses and vendors to follow suit, all leading to a prosperous future for generations to come.  

Once a year in the crisp month of April over 400,000 architects, designers, retailers and furniture enthusiasts arrive in the magical city of Milan to see what’s new and trending in the world of furniture and design. The Milan Furniture Fair has now become the number one fair in Milan surpassing the world-famous Milan Fashion Week.

Once again, we have had the honor of attending the 7-day event this year. In addition to searching for new products to put on our retail showroom floor in Boca Raton, we also took the opportunity to view new trends that will infiltrate furniture stores worldwide in 2019.

Upon arrival it was clear to see we had a fantastic week of exploring ahead of us, with new trends on show around every corner. The show was full of wonderful and exciting designs that captured the imagination. It was fantastic to be part of such a great week and among an audience so optimistic about the furniture industry and the future of design.

Trend #1: Channeling in Upholstery
Some pieces had subtle touches; others were overcome with this elegant design. One thing that was consistent, anything channeled is incredibly comfortable!!

Trend #2: Canary Yellow and Pink
This color took us by surprise. We had been told to expect green everywhere and although there was some, the two main colors on show throughout the event were canary yellow and pink. These colors were not just accent colors, but encompassed entirely on main pieces of furniture. More evidence of the positive vibe present at the show. Blue was an ever present but hey, who doesn’t love blue?

Trend #3: Banded Tables
Accent and dining tables were banded with various materials. It might be wood, brass, metal or leather. The band was mostly flush with the table but there were some instances of the band being raised which portrayed the look of a tray.

Trend #4: New Marble
Every year there seems to be a new marble and this year did not disappoint. In my opinion, it is the most beautiful marble that I have ever seen. White with a cream and black focus, the design is quite architectural looking. It has so many of today’s prime decorating colors and will work with almost anything.  

Trend #5: Benches
Large and fully upholstered, benches were on display as seating arrangements in living rooms. Gone is the single use bench tucked at the foot of the bed, these benches are very much part of the living area. Settings were frequently matching sofas, a pair of chairs and then the luxury bench to fill in the fourth side. How perfect for us in sunny South Florida with our golf courses and water views, we do not want to hide.

Trend #6: Use of Leather and Fabric
Single use of leather or fabric on a piece of upholstery or dining chair is declining. Leather in general seemed to be decreasing and the luxury brands tend to use spectacular fabrics instead of leather. This is definitely not a cost saver as many of the fabrics price out as a leather.

Many of the sectionals on show had a fabric frame and the seating in leather or a single detail somewhere of the alternative fabric. This gave a softer yet rich feel to the product and we saw this trend throughout the furniture fair.

Trend #7: Bunching Tables
The bunching tables and ottomans of the past were still prevalent but over the course of the week two further trends emerged. Often, tables were joined together to become one but looked like several. The variety also seemed to reach new heights with ottomans of all shapes and sizes, in fabric or leather, mixed in with banded tables of wood, metal or glass. There seemed to be no end to creativity and choice when it came to bunching items in the living or theater rooms.

Trend #8: Lazy Susan
Tables were shown with inlaid lazy Susans. They were infused so tastefully that it enhanced the design of the table rather than take away from its look. On some occasions the lazy Susan was raised and could be removed, but those tended to look dated after viewing the new inlaid versions.

Trend #9: Rounded Shapes
This is the third year that we have seen the softness of the rounded back on sofas, sectionals and occasional chairs. It gives a feeling of warmth and coziness to a contemporary look. The rounded portion tends to hug your back, contributing to fantastic comfort for you and your guests.

Trend #10: Technologies
This one should come as no surprise but the use of growing technologies was very visible in a lot of booths and with many manufacturers. From the gimmicky use of Alexa in operating your reclining chair to manufacturers utilizing glass to apply various fabrics and make it look like a high gloss lacquer finish. We were blown away!  

Trend #11: Lighting Art
This last trend features as it is the 30th edition of biennial Euroluce, the International Lighting Exhibition. This exhibition can take a full day to explore but since we pride ourselves on our unique stunning lighting, we were very interested in covering it all. The lighting that attracted us most were the ones that looked like pieces of art, being LED, URL compliant and functional all goes without saying. The attraction for us was all about the artistic design. Watch out for it at our Boca Raton showroom, we ordered a lot of lighting!

There are many wonderful reasons to go to Milan in the spring for this fair. For us at Sklar Furnishings it keeps us up to date with what is happening in the Design capital of the world and allows us to bring these new and exciting designs to you, our valued customers.

Please plan to visit us soon and “Come See What’s New”!