With the recent boom in smart home technology, one not-so-surprising yet less talked about area of home innovation is smart furniture. While home furnishings that integrate smart technology may be just as stylish as other types of furniture (and even recommended by many interior designers), the benefits in productivity and convenience are what truly excite consumers. Here are some ways that modern technology has been, and is likely to be further integrated, into smart furniture.
Built-in Phone Chargers
It's now possible to buy furniture with a built-in cell phone charger, and it is already available at Ikea. However, these are no ordinary cell phone chargers. One simply places a phone over a disc on the furniture, and the phone will begin charging as if it were plugged in. This technology is found in many types of furniture, such as dressers, lamps, couches and shelving.
There is, however, a limitation to these cell phone chargers. The phone has to be compatible with wireless charging methods, and many phones aren't. Despite this liability, it's likely that all cell phones of the future will be compatible with wireless charging.
Smart Furniture That Generates Electricity
The next feature sounds like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is becoming more commonplace in home furnishings showrooms. Furniture can now generate electricity to charge cell phones with solar panels being the popular power source. See Studio Natural's Lucio Table.
Hidden Cables In Furniture
While there are few furniture items on the market that generate their own electricity, many other items come with hidden cable functionality. Electric cables are often hidden in drawers, but there are now sofas that route them through the legs of a stand. This technology makes it possible to conveniently charge a computer or cell phone while relaxing on the couch.
Smart Pianos
Pianos are now able to access music software via the internet, greatly improving the music that one can create. In addition, there are pianos with built-in speakers enabling sound to travel throughout the house. This technology also allows other instruments such as electric guitars to connect with a piano.
Built In TVs
Couches and other furniture items now come with built-in TVs. While these products have been on the market for a few years, they are becoming more common, and will likely become even more popular in the future. Some of the built-in televisions are equipped with Blu-ray Disc players.
In addition, smart televisions are being built into countertops, making it possible to watch favorite programs while prepping dinner. Since the smart TV can be connected to the internet, this technology makes it possible to use the countertop for sourcing online recipes or instructional videos.
Interface With Other Parts Of The House
Looking ahead, smart furniture will increasingly interface with other household technologies for a much more upgraded home automation system. For instance, it's becoming commonplace for thermostats to be controlled remotely. Similar technology is also available for the remote control of blinds and will soon be incorporated into furniture.
Rocking Chairs With A Built-In iPad Dock
Some furniture designers have considered developing a rocking chair that comes with built-in iPads. The project has been scrapped, but it or something similar will be retried in the future where there is a good chance of it catching on.
A Few Final Thoughts
These are just a few examples of how technology has been integrated into smart furniture where the process will continue to enhance consumer lifestyles. Home furnishings dealers looking for a competitive edge would be well served by increasing their tech product knowledge to provide greater customer service, especially to Millennials.
Understanding and offering convenient payment terms is also part of the process. CrossCheck’s Multiple Check program is a “smart payment solution” providing consumers with a little extra time to fund their furniture purchases. The program is simple to use.
Consumers write two-to-four checks bearing the same purchase date and select the dates for each deposit. Dealers receive guaranteed funding with each check deposit while consumers take their items home on the day of purchase, so it is better than layaway. There is no need for consumers to apply for credit because Multiple Check is not financing. Download our free guide to learn more.
Jamison Hutton is a business and real estate enthusiast. He's a freelance journalist and loves writing about trends in the tech industry. He lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and son.