Three ‘Smart’ Furniture Upgrades That Don’t Compromise Style

We have smart phones. Smart doorbells. Virtual assistants.

But, do you have furniture that is meant to work with all the other technology in your life? In the past year, furniture manufacturers have dramatically increased designs with USB ports and outlets, as a nod to customers' changing lifestyles. Would you rather search for an outlet to plug in your phone charger, or simply reach down while you're sitting on your sofa?

We recently talked with our friends at Ross Furniture Company, 38 Third St. in Dover, and they shared with us the three biggest "smart furniture" options they are seeing:

1) Convenient USB Ports. Whether they are tucked in the back of a nightstand or the side of a recliner, USB ports in furniture can reduce the number of cords in your living space and provide that extra convenience when you're relaxing.

2) Power sofas with air massagers, outlets and USB ports. Manufacturers typically add outlets and USB ports to all their powered furniture—and additional options are available, too. Some power seats include massage via an air bladder, power headrest, power lumbar and double-reclining options. Like all other sofas and seating, these pieces are available in dozens of fabric and leather options.

For example, Southern Motion's iRecliner app allows you to control the recliner with your phone, including two memory settings. (Ross Furniture carries Southern Motion.)

3) Adjustable bed frames that chart your sleep quality. Most of the sleep data you track with a Fitbit also can be tracked by the latest adjustable frames. They often include outlets, USB ports and Bluetooth capability so you can save your settings and your sleep stats.

Adjustable frames are great for increasing your overall comfort and helping with issues including snoring and acid reflux, and the latest models integrate well with your technology, too.

In addition, Simmons Beautyrest offers a Sleeptracker system that can be paired with any mattress and Alexa. (Ross Furniture carries Simmons, too.)

Ready to upgrade your furniture to better fit your lifestyle? Check out the latest promotions at Ross Furniture and be sure to ask about their smart furniture options when you stop by. They are open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays.