Luxurious modern living room featuring custom furniture, personalized finishes, and warm neutral tones

How to Create a Unique Home with Personalized Furniture

By ByronFurniture, Interior Design Tips

What makes a home truly yours?

It’s not just about the layout or even the location—it’s the story your space tells. From the textures you choose to the silhouettes you love, every detail should reflect your lifestyle, taste, and personality. That’s where personalized furniture steps in—not as a finishing touch, but as the foundation of a truly unique home.

At San Francisco Design, we believe furniture should never be one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining a well-loved space, our curated collections and customization options help you design a home that feels unmistakably yours.

Why Personalized Furniture Matters

Personalized furniture is more than a luxury—it’s a design philosophy. It allows you to move beyond showroom-floor sameness and create something that complements both your aesthetic and your daily life. Here’s how custom pieces elevate your home:

Fit for Your Space – Choose the right scale, shape, and configuration to suit your floor plan—whether it’s a cozy bungalow or a spacious mountain retreat.
Crafted for Your Lifestyle – Select performance fabrics, durable materials, and designs that work beautifully with the way you live.
Tailored to Your Taste – From buttery leathers to rich velvets, brushed metals to walnut woods—your furniture can reflect your design style, whether it’s modern, traditional, or somewhere in between.

Every detail, from the finish to the stitch pattern, becomes an intentional expression of who you are.

Explore the Customization Options at San Francisco Design

We offer a level of customization that transforms furnishing into an experience—one where your voice is part of the process. Whether you’re working on a single statement piece or furnishing an entire home, we make it easy to personalize:

Fabric & Leather Selection: Choose from a wide array of premium textiles and leathers sourced globally from design leaders in Italy, Norway, Germany, and beyond.
Finish Options: Select wood stains, metal tones, and surface textures to match your vision.
Configurations: Need a right-facing sectional? Extra-deep cushions? Modular solutions? We’ll help configure your piece to fit seamlessly into your space.
One-on-One Design Guidance: Our interior designers walk you through every step—from mood boards to final placement—so you’re never left guessing.

It’s all part of our full-service offering, whether you visit us in Salt Lake City or Park City—or work with us through virtual interior design services.

Where Design and Legacy Meet

For over 40 years, San Francisco Design has helped homeowners and interior designers create timeless, elevated spaces through custom furniture and tailored interior design. We don’t just sell pieces—we help you tell a story through thoughtful curation and expert craftsmanship.

Our showrooms aren’t just stores—they’re immersive design destinations where you can touch, feel, and explore exclusive collections that aren’t available anywhere else. That’s the beauty of shopping high-end furniture in Park City—you’re not just browsing, you’re being inspired.

Looking to take your space a step further? Our home design consultations help you bring the entire vision together—drapery, artwork, lighting, and beyond.

Start Designing a Home That’s Truly Yours

A one-of-a-kind home starts with meaningful choices—and the right furniture partner makes all the difference. From your first fabric swatch to the final room reveal, San Francisco Design brings expertise, quality, and a personal touch to every detail.

Ready to design a home that’s uniquely yours?

Let’s create something timeless together.

April 28, 2025

Modern bedroom with floating platform bed, soft gray bedding, decorative pillows, pendant lights, and abstract wall art.

Platform Style Beds: The Perfect Blend of Style & Function

By ByronFurniture, Interior Design Tips

Platform beds are becoming increasingly popular and for good reasons. They’re gorgeous, and they’re incredibly versatile. With their understated design, they can become statement pieces in bedrooms, drawing attention to the bed and making the room appear larger. But what defines a platform bed, how does it differ from a traditional bed, and how can you find one that is best for your bedroom?

Modern Platform Style Bed in Salt Lake City Penthouse - e-design

What is a Platform Bed?

A platform bed frame is a sleek, modern bed frame that supports a mattress without a box spring. This simple bed style often consists of a raised frame and is typically lower to the ground than other bed frames. Slats, latticed structures, or metal surfaces support the mattress. The frames are constructed from various materials, but wood, metal, or plastic are the most common. They are very comfortable while looking aesthetically pleasing in a room, especially if your style is modern or contemporary.

What is the Difference Between a Platform vs. a Traditional Bed?

With so many different bed frames on the market, which is best for you and your style? When selecting bed styles, you’ll probably notice two main types to choose from: platform beds and traditional beds. But what are the differences between the two styles, and which one would be best for you?

What to Look for in a Platform Bed

Picking a bed is an important decision because it is one of the most used pieces of furniture in a house. You’ll want a frame that not only looks great but is also durable. Purchasing a platform bed made from high-quality materials will ensure that your bed frame will stand the test of time.

When searching for platform bed frames, look for those made of solid hardwood or metal. If it is upholstered, pick a high-quality leather or fabric. Inspect the construction of the bed for the quality of the craftsmanship. Purchasing a platform bed from a high-quality furniture store like San Francisco Design ensures that you’re receiving a bed frame that will last years.

Simple, Modern Platform Beds from San Francisco Design

At San Francisco Design, it’s no secret that we love platform bed styles. We love their design and functional versatility while providing plenty of comfort. If you’re looking for the perfect simple, modern platform bed, may we suggest a few of our favorites:

Sloane Modern Floating Platform Bed Dark Wood Color

The Sloan Floating Platform Bed

The Sloan Floating Platform Bed is a contemporary bedroom staple. The upholstered headboard adds the perfect amount of coziness, while the under-bed LED lighting adds the perfect amount of luxury. The legs are adjustable to give owners full control of how high or low they would like their bed.

Platform Style Beds | Modern Contemporary Bedroom Furniture | San Fran Design

The Nelson Platform Bed

As a stunning statement in contemporary rooms, the Nelson Platform Bed features hidden feet that make this bed appear to float above the ground. This simple platform bed is offered in either canaletto walnut or burned oak frame. The headboard is available in various fabrics and colors, from synthetic nubuck, micro nubuck, synthetic leather, or soft leather.

Brown Modern Bedroom Set With Upholstered Headboard & Bed Frame

The Winston Upholstered Bed

The Winston Upholstered Bed is a simple, modern platform bed with a contemporary style that works in many different types of aesthetics. You can customize this bed frame to make it ideal for any room. Choose from an array of leather or fabric options for the bed frame and headboard.

Find Your Perfect Platform Bed at San Francisco Design

With plenty of styles of platform beds and materials to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect bed for your room at San Francisco Design. Visit your nearest location to see our selection. Our team of interior designers can show you all of our material choices to help narrow down your options. The experts at our Salt Lake City and Park City locations are eager to help you find the perfect platform bed for your needs. Stop by today!

Platform Beds FAQs

What is a platform bed?

Generally speaking, a platform bed is a low-profile bed frame that supports the mattress without needing a box spring. These beds are made from leveled, raised rectangular bed frames made of solid materials on which you can directly place a mattress. The base for the mattress can be constructed from different materials depending on the bed style you buy. For example, a solid platform base, slatted base, metal base, or bunkie board base are all common platform bed features. All of these bases function to provide support for your mattress without the need for an additional box spring.

Can I put a box spring on a platform bed?

Yes, there is always the option of using a box spring on a platform bed base. However, it’s not required. Adding a box spring can provide additional height, support, durability, and air circulation for the mattress. Those who struggle to get in and out of low beds, such as people with knee or back pain, may benefit from an added box spring. If you’re interested in adding a box spring to your platform bed, we recommend checking to ensure the box spring is compatible with your frame and, most importantly, your mattress.

Do you need a box spring with a platform bed?

No, you do not need a box spring with a platform bed, in most cases. Platform beds are designed to give a mattress proper support without the additional need for a box spring. However, some people prefer to add a box spring for additional height, support, or aesthetic reasons. Before considering adding a box spring to your bed, we suggest reading the recommendations from your mattress manufacturer.

What is a platform bed frame?

Choosing a new bed frame can be challenging, and there are plenty of options on the market. Many people commonly narrow it down to two types: platform bed frames and box spring bed frames. As one of the most popular types, platform bed frames are low-profile frames that have mattress support built into the frame, such as wooden slats or a solid surface. Mattresses can be placed directly on the frame to create the bed.

Can you use a regular mattress on a platform bed?

The answer to this question isn’t always black and white. What is commonly called a regular mattress is known as an innerspring mattress. Inside these mattresses is a metal wire system combined with springs and covered in cushioning material and fabric. While regular mattresses can be placed on a platform bed, they typically perform best when they’re used on a box spring. We suggest reading the recommendations and warranty information from both mattress and bed frame manufacturers before making your decision.

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April 8, 2025

5 Things to Look for When Shopping for Furniture in Salt Lake City

By Mike WallmanFurniture, Salt Lake City

Salt Lake Contemporary and Modern furnishings showroom

Shopping for furniture in person offers a number of advantages, not the least of which is being able to see, feel, and assess the quality of the pieces you are looking for. However, there are a number of things to keep in mind while furniture shopping, particularly in Salt Lake City. The experts at San Fran Design have developed a guide to shopping for furniture in SLC stores. Here are our top tips that will make your search a success.

1. Check Online

Before you visit an SLC furniture store in person, we recommend taking a look through their website. While a store’s online appearance shouldn’t determine whether you purchase furniture from them, it can sure help you make the decision. More often than not, stores with current, professional sites care about the overall user experience. A positive online atmosphere is usually reflected in their brick and mortar store, too.

Checking online also allows you to get a better feel for the furniture they specialize in, the store hours, customer reviews, and may allow you to see the faces of the people you’ll meet in the store.

2. The Store Interior

First impressions carry incredible weight when we form relationships, but they can also be crucial when purchasing furniture. When you enter into any Salt Lake City furniture store, consider the storefront interior. Take note of the décor, accessories, light fixtures, and artwork to help form your first impression. The care and detail that a company puts into their storefront highlights much more than their home furnishings.

For instance, a dilapidated, poorly lit store doesn’t just suggest that a company cares more about its bottom line than the furniture, it suggests that they care less about their customers.

On the other hand, a furniture store that has groundbreaking styles, stylish décor and accessories on display demonstrates that they are up to date on the latest styles and trends, have a knack for the intricacies of interior design, and have attention to detail that’s second to none. A furniture store with attention to detail provides a better overall experience, likely leaving you more satisfied with your purchase in the end.

3. Style

With each furniture store you visit, make sure to get acquainted with its unique design style. Specialized furniture stores will have salespeople with a depth of knowledge surrounding every piece of furniture in their space, options for customization, and much more. Salt Lake City contemporary & modern furniture stores in particular contain a selection of furniture that is both unique and cohesive with the modern style.

On the other hand, some furniture stores don’t have a determined style, which is often due to the fact that their furniture selection is too broad, of poor quality, or out-of-date. Salespeople in this environment may not have a comprehensive knowledge of pieces in their showroom and may not recommend the best furniture for your home. For the best results in your search for the perfect furniture, choose a store with a specific style.

4. Quality

Shopping in person is always a good idea, but it’s an even better idea when considering quality. Being able to see and feel furniture in person can make all the difference in your purchase. While assessing the quality of a contemporary sofa online is often time-consuming and inaccurate, it may only take a matter of seconds to determine in person.

5. Comfort

Along with quality, comfort is also best determined when you shop for furniture in person. As you move through a showroom, make sure to assess the furniture, materials, and fabrics for comfort.

Ask Questions

No matter your style or budget, it’s important to ask questions during your search for furniture. Our experts recommend asking the following at any Salt Lake City showroom:

· How long can I expect this piece of furniture to last?

· What is the best way to clean or maintain this piece?

· Is your furniture guaranteed?

· Do you have customization options available?

· How do you deliver and what is the delivery timeframe for this item?

· Why should I buy from you?

Shop Modern Furniture at San Fran Design in Salt Lake

Shopping for furniture in SLC doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming, particularly when you find the right store. San Francisco Design is Utah’s choice for modern & contemporary furniture. With a breathtaking showroom, the latest styles, and unparalleled quality, we provide a customer experience that is unlike any other. Visit our website to see our modern furniture selection or stop by our Salt Lake City showroom today!

December 16, 2020

Shopping for Modern Luxury Sofas? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

By Mike WallmanFurniture

When you’re shopping for high-end sofas, you likely have a myriad of questions. Which brands are genuinely high-quality? Should I visit a furniture store in person or order online? How can I make sure my sofa will match my home? Which styles are the most popular?

Fortunately for you, the experts at San Francisco Design have the answers to make your search for an upscale sofa a breeze! Shop with confidence by following these steps:

#1: Do Your Research

The simplest way to get acquainted with a high-end modern furniture brand is by visiting their website and getting familiar with what they offer. Doing your research beforehand allows you to make an informed purchase, avoiding the woes of buyer’s remorse down the road. We recommend discovering where their furniture is produced, the individual product’s materials and dimensions, and browsing through product images. Additionally, looking through the store’s Google reviews and reading customer assessments is a good idea.

#2: Find a Store that Specializes

As you browse a store’s website or showroom, look for a specific style. If there’s no clear area of specialization, the store is likely not high-end. Upscale furniture stores offer a variety of products that can be defined as one design style. The employees will know the ins and outs of every piece in their showroom and which sofas will best complement a home’s interior. Even better, certain stores have in-house interior designers to help you find the perfect sofa for your living room.

#3: Plan Ahead

You know better than anyone that upscale sofas aren’t (and shouldn’t be) the cheapest option around. Luckily, your living room furniture is something you should feel free to splurge on, and price often correlates directly with quality. After all, a high-quality sofa can last for years longer than a cheap one, standing the test of time and looking undoubtedly chic.

#4: Ask About Customization

If you’re paying a lot for your sofa, it should be something you love. Luckily, some furniture stores today are experiencing an evolution. While few and far between, select high-end stores offer personalization, allowing you to bring your unique vision to life. That’s right, you can be the designer!

Custom furniture is crafted with care, is high-quality, and entirely unique for you. While mass-produced sofas are a dime a dozen, original pieces can be found nowhere else. If you can put your flare in a contemporary sofa, take it.

#5: Contact the Seller Directly

Feeling unsure about a particular sofa? You’re not alone. Purchasing upscale furniture based on an online listing alone can be challenging. Luckily, many of your questions can be answered with a quick call to the store! Ask about the sofa materials, customization options, price range, and shipping timelines to determine whether the piece is right for you. Since some stores offer custom, built-to-order furnishings, their website may not display the full range of products, so requesting additional photos of your item from the seller is a good idea.

#6: Visit the Brick-and-Mortar Location

In some cases, buying a modern sofa online might be your best option, particularly when proximity is an issue. However, we strongly recommend visiting a high-end furniture store in person (if possible) to help you decide. Strolling through a store’s showroom gives you an inside look at sofa styling ideas straight from the experts, and you may even find a few pieces that look stunning in person.

Visiting a store in person also allows you to “try before you buy”. Many furniture stores accurately depict their offerings online, but it’s always a good idea to test out your luxury sofa before purchasing. Feel the fabric, inspect the craftsmanship, and ensure it’s comfortable enough to become your living room’s centerpiece.

High-End Furniture at San Francisco Design

When you purchase an upscale sofa, it’s no longer just a piece of furniture. Instead, it becomes an investment in your home’s aesthetic. The perfect contemporary sofa for you will turn an ordinary interior into absolute luxury, ideal for entertaining, lounging, or working from home.

Modern luxury sofas at San Francisco are second to none. Made from the finest materials and crafted to the smallest detail, San Fran sofas stand alone in the world of upscale furniture. To outfit your home with one of our contemporary masterpieces, browse our website, contact our store directly, or visit one of our showrooms today!

December 1, 2020

Sofa vs couch - Side by side comparison shows the difference between sofa and couch

Couch vs. Sofa: What is the Difference?

By Mike WallmanFurniture, Interior Design Tips, Interior Design Trends

Sofa vs. Couch

The journey to finding the perfect sofa can include a lot of questions. One that comes up repeatedly is whether you should use the term couch or sofa. You might hear a mother tell her kids to get off a couch. Another time, that woman could call that same piece a sofa. It is a tricky distinction that not everyone understands.

Many associate sofas with formal spaces and couches with more casual living rooms or family rooms. In the end, few people truly know the correct terminology for the couch and sofa. Should you say that you are sitting on a couch? Does a sofa look different than a couch? Will interior designers sneer at you if you say couch instead of sofa? Even if you say the right one, do you know why you say couch or sofa? Answering these questions will help you feel comfortable looking for a new couch or sofa. The interior design experts at San Francisco Design outlined each item’s origins and the subtle differences between the two in the breakdown below.

Let’s look at what you should know about couches vs. sofas and the difference between them.

Sofa

What Is The Origin Of The Word ‘Sofa’?

The term ‘sofa‘ dates back to 2000 BC in Egypt and derives from the Arabic term ‘suffah,’ meaning wooden bench covered in cushions and blankets. Looking back at the original renderings of sofas will further clarify the definition. In those days, sofas were an exclusive luxury for the upper class. Then, the Romans started enjoying sofas in the form of chaise loungers. As time passed and the Industrial Revolution brought forth updated styles, designers started thinking of ways to appeal to the masses. Affordability and comfort took center stage, with ornate designs thrown to the wayside.

Modern-day sofas now incorporate comfortable fabrics and cheaper textiles for an updated design. A few designers who popularized the production of modern sofas include Le Corbusier and Charles Eames. Their sofas looked beautiful without sacrificing function. Today, sofa manufacturers are finding new ways of improving upon past designs. Some changes that have hit the industry lately include additional fabrics, improved leather tanning techniques, and advanced foam engineering.

Couch

History Of The Couch

The term ‘couch‘ stems from the French word ‘coucher,’ meaning to lie down. The history of this furniture item is the same as the sofa. The terms are interchangeable. However, most in the interior design industry rarely use the term couch but opt for a sofa.

So, are you wrong if you use the word ‘couch’? – No. A couch is something you lounge on, let your kids play on, and let your dog use it from time to time. It is a big, fluffy furniture item found in man caves and laid-back television rooms.

What Is The Difference Between a Couch and a Sofa?

The difference between a couch and a sofa is style and function. You can associate sofas with formal living spaces and hosting opportunities. Sofas sit a few people rather than an entire family or group, and you probably wouldn’t use them daily. Couches are the opposite. You use your couch often for sleeping, watching television, and spending time with your loved ones. They can come in various sizes and styles but probably seat more than four people.

It doesn’t matter if you use the word couch or sofa. Our designers advise that you try not to stress about it. If someone corrects you, take it with a grain of salt. The minuscule differences between the two might make a difference, but be confident in whatever word you choose.

BROWSE SOFAS

Practical Tips for Choosing Between a Couch and a Sofa

Choosing between a couch and a sofa is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that fits your lifestyle and reflects your personal style. Here are some practical pointers to guide you:

Evaluate Your Space: If you’re furnishing a large, open living area, a structured sofa with clean lines can provide a polished focal point. For smaller rooms or cozy nooks, a couch with plush cushions might create the inviting atmosphere you’re going after. Our experts could even help you visualize how different pieces will look in your home.
Consider Functionality: Do you need seating for casual lounging or formal entertaining? Sofas are often ideal for hosting, while couches are great for family movie nights or weekend relaxation.
Match Your Style: For a modern or minimalist interior, a tailored sofa works beautifully. If you prefer a relaxed, eclectic vibe, choose a deep-seated couch with textured fabrics or bold patterns. Not sure what fits your home? Our designers can help you get to the perfect balance of comfort and style.
Think About Your Household: Families with young children or pets might prefer stain-resistant materials and durable construction. A sectional couch with removable cushions can be a practical choice, while a sofa in high-quality leather offers elegance that ages gracefully.
Explore Customization: Need something specific? Many sofas and couches can be customized in size, material, or even modular configurations to fit your unique needs. We can help you create a piece that’s truly yours.

Browse Our Couch and Sofa Collections

San Francisco Design offers a selection of modern and contemporary sofas and couches for your living, dining, and bedroom areas. Our contemporary sofas and couches look great without sacrificing any comfort. Our online store and Utah showrooms are stocked with living room furnishings in various materials, including cloth and leather.

You can even receive advice from our interior design specialists to help you find the perfect living room furniture that brings your space to life. Browse our online store to see our hand-selected items in stock and ready to ship. You can also visit our Salt Lake City and Park City furniture stores to see what else we have. Come in today and outfit your living room with the latest modern couches and contemporary sofas.

June 3, 2020

Modern Furniture Store