Buying a new mattress is a daunting task that few relish. The range of prices, features, and stores can make your head spin. It doesn't have to be this difficult. Bearing a few things in mind while you try and find that perfect place to sleep can ease that big purchase tension.
1. Don't limit your mattress search to innerspring mattresses.
Innersprings mattresses have long been the standard and for that reason many people are inclined to shop accordingly. Recently that trend has been changing as more and more people are realizing the benefits of getting-edge sleep systems. Latex and memory foam beds are superior to innersprings in comfort, support, and price.
2. Explore what will best suit your needs.
It is easy to be swept up in advertising and form opinions about products without ever having tried them or done any further research. This is one of the biggest mistakes to be made when shopping for a mattress. Being dead set on having a memory foam bed can blind you to the possibility that latex, with its antimicrobial properties and breathability may be a better mattress for you. You may find that memory foam is what you needed, but it is important to keep your mind open.
3. Don't be sidetracked by trends or gimmicks.
Though it may seem like fun to change the firmness of your bed every night through products like air beds, it is not worth losing the support your body needs. Find a mattress that is customizable but continues to offer support. For example, it is easy to customize latex mattresses to any firmness level without losing support, even for couples.
4. Know the difference between firmness and support.
It is a common misconception that firmer is better. This theory has been debunked. As it turns out the human body does in fact have curves. The best mattress for you will relieve pressure points while supporting your body.
5. Don't buy more than you need.
Many mattress sellers will try and sell you a whole new mattress set even if you already have a perfectly good box spring. If your box spring isn't broken don't replace it. In the case of a platform bed, which provides more under bed storage, a box spring is unnecessary.
6. Know what the exchange policy is.
Being stuck on an uncomfortable mattress that cost you a fortune is a miserable experience. Many retailers have exchange policies extending up to a month to ensure that you know the mattress you buy is the mattress you want. Know what the store's policy is before thinking about buying.
7. Take into account the importance of a good night's sleep.
A lot of people undervalue the time they spend in bed. A cheap innerspring mattress will not relieve pressure points near as well as memory foam or latex, which means more tossing and turning, and less deep restful sleep.
8. Don't be too attached to brand names.
Name brand products are often very high quality. However, many smaller scale manufacturers and retailers generate comparable and often superior products at a fraction of the price.
9. Take into consideration the longevity of the mattress.
Mattress lifespan is important to consider because it affects the cost of the mattress relative to time. A good latex mattress will remain a premium sleeping surface for twice as long as any innerspring mattress. Be sure to ask about warranties on any mattress you are considering.
10. Be sure to know the features and benefits.
Knowing the features and benefits is the only way to decide which mattress is going to work best for you. To the uninformed eye a cover is a cover. To someone in the know, a cover is an amazing feature. Some covers are antimicrobial to reduce the number of allergens in the sleeping area. Some breathe better than others allowing excess moisture to be rapidly dissipated. Still others stretch to form to your body. Remember that there are important considerations when choosing a mattress cover.
With these tips in hand, it's easier to focus on the ultimate goal of achieving a comfortable, restful sleep. Inquire into new technologies and investigate as many different options as possible using the internet before you walk into a store. Use these points to form your own list of preferences and questions and take your business to someone who listens to your questions and answers them honestly. The most powerful ally for any consumer, after all, is preparation!
Ben Hermsen, a latex mattress and foam cushion engineer, is a manager for FoamSource.com where he champions the benefits of latex mattresses, toppers and pillows for both individual health and also the preservation of our natural environment. For more information on ordering latex mattresses, click here.
Interior Design For Couples
Interior design for couples is one of the hottest, most popular types of design these days. In the past, men have not taken the initiative to actually be involved in the interior design of their homes, often resulting in very female orientated, elegant designs that are beautiful although not exactly appealing to the Saturday afternoon football crew. This type of design is often beautiful and can be ideal in certain situations. Although, more and more men today are interested in helping to decide what their home looks like on the inside!
Beware! Interior design for couples can put you (the designer) into a bit of a hot seat in the battle of the sexes. Here are a few tips on how to avoid disaster. First of all, always communicate with and listen to what both parties involved envision as being their dream space. Many times one party or the other will be much more dominate in the planning and conversations then the other. Take note of this and pay special attention to the quiet party by asking the questions and making sure to offer them the opportunity to express themselves. In this aspect of interior design for couples, you are the mediator. Take both sides into careful consideration before doing any planning.
During planning stages, again, be sure to include both parties in the process and if one person is noticeably quiet during the conversation, don't be shy to point things out that might be important to them. This way, you tend to buffer any arguments or resentment that may arise from your interjection of a neutral opinion or thoughts. If there are any problems, remind them both that your vision is to create a space that is pleasant and acceptable to both of them and that interior design for couples can be unpleasant but it is very easy to work within both person's boundaries in order to ensure that everyone is happy with the outcome.
If you see certain situations that you, as a designer can find ways to compromise in order to fit things into both peoples' expectations this is key. Also, stress to both parties involved that a little give and a little take is vital when discussing and planning interior design for couples and that while they won't always reach the same conclusion, if they both make some trade offs it will create an environment they are both comfortable in.
If all else fails, encourage both people when making references to certain aspects of one another's design ideas that they are good ideas that can be compatible with the other's thoughts. Whenever dealing with interior design for couples, a certain 'he says, she says' attitude is likely to arise at some point and it is your job as the designer to see that things work out smoothly and in the best interest of both people.
Color and furniture are normally the main items that are disagreed upon in interior design for couples. Suggest to the female counterpart that the leather sofa her husband is interested in can be a very classic and comfortable edition to any living space. Explain to her husband that the peach color she is looking for can actually be considered a light beige. You would be surprised what miracles a little bit of convincing can do when carried out in the right manner.
If neither party is willing to compromise, I have seen for instances when the designer actually had both of the couple write down their design needs/wants and do a point by point comparison/bargaining session that allowed each person an equal amount of yes and nos. Sound ridiculously childish? Be prepared!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rosemary Leake is an Independent Consultant with Southern Living at Home. Inspired by Southern Living magazine, our exclusive home décor line brings warmth and style to every room of your home! Visit Rosemary's Interior Design website for more articles and resources - http://www.interiordesignprofits.com. Also get your FREE Mini-Report: "A Complete Guide To Interior Design."
Beware! Interior design for couples can put you (the designer) into a bit of a hot seat in the battle of the sexes. Here are a few tips on how to avoid disaster. First of all, always communicate with and listen to what both parties involved envision as being their dream space. Many times one party or the other will be much more dominate in the planning and conversations then the other. Take note of this and pay special attention to the quiet party by asking the questions and making sure to offer them the opportunity to express themselves. In this aspect of interior design for couples, you are the mediator. Take both sides into careful consideration before doing any planning.
During planning stages, again, be sure to include both parties in the process and if one person is noticeably quiet during the conversation, don't be shy to point things out that might be important to them. This way, you tend to buffer any arguments or resentment that may arise from your interjection of a neutral opinion or thoughts. If there are any problems, remind them both that your vision is to create a space that is pleasant and acceptable to both of them and that interior design for couples can be unpleasant but it is very easy to work within both person's boundaries in order to ensure that everyone is happy with the outcome.
If you see certain situations that you, as a designer can find ways to compromise in order to fit things into both peoples' expectations this is key. Also, stress to both parties involved that a little give and a little take is vital when discussing and planning interior design for couples and that while they won't always reach the same conclusion, if they both make some trade offs it will create an environment they are both comfortable in.
If all else fails, encourage both people when making references to certain aspects of one another's design ideas that they are good ideas that can be compatible with the other's thoughts. Whenever dealing with interior design for couples, a certain 'he says, she says' attitude is likely to arise at some point and it is your job as the designer to see that things work out smoothly and in the best interest of both people.
Color and furniture are normally the main items that are disagreed upon in interior design for couples. Suggest to the female counterpart that the leather sofa her husband is interested in can be a very classic and comfortable edition to any living space. Explain to her husband that the peach color she is looking for can actually be considered a light beige. You would be surprised what miracles a little bit of convincing can do when carried out in the right manner.
If neither party is willing to compromise, I have seen for instances when the designer actually had both of the couple write down their design needs/wants and do a point by point comparison/bargaining session that allowed each person an equal amount of yes and nos. Sound ridiculously childish? Be prepared!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rosemary Leake is an Independent Consultant with Southern Living at Home. Inspired by Southern Living magazine, our exclusive home décor line brings warmth and style to every room of your home! Visit Rosemary's Interior Design website for more articles and resources - http://www.interiordesignprofits.com. Also get your FREE Mini-Report: "A Complete Guide To Interior Design."
10 Tips for Working With a Contractor
This is the year you're going all out. You're going to build a deck, add a porch, erect a gazebo or lay a patio. You've done the research. It's well within your capability and you're looking forward to the satisfaction of creating a structure of beauty.
Or not. Yes -- you'd like to proceed with an outdoor structure but for you, it isn't a do-it-yourself project. How can you find the right person to do it for you? Here are 10 tips for hiring and working with a contractor.
1. Plan your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a description. This will help you accurately convey to the contractor what you want the finished product to be.
2. Make a list of contractors. Ask your neighbors or friends for the names of reputable tradesmen. Contact material suppliers -- lumberyards, for example -- and ask for recommendations.
3. Get at least three written bids for the project, but don't give in to the temptation to automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may be worth the price in better materials, workmanship and reliability. If you get a very low bid, the contractor may have made a mistake or forgotten to bid on everything you wanted. If they have deliberately low-bid, they may use cheaper materials or take shortcuts to make a profit.
4. Many states and provinces require registration and/or licensing. For the USA, www.nationalcontractors.com provides a starting point for your state and type of construction. Click on Verify Contractors License. If licences are required in your jurisdiction, be certain to ask to see your contractor's licences and be sure that it's not expired.
5. Ask for references and then check them out. Look at the projects and ask the previous clients if they are satisfied with the quality of work done, if it was started and completed on schedule and if it is complete.
6. Get a signed, written contract and be sure you understand it. The Construction Contractors Board of Oregon claims that the single biggest cause of homeowner-contractor disputes is the written contract: not having one, having a poor one, or having one everyone ignores. A good contract should include:
The company name, address (not a post office box) & phone number, the name of the builder, contractor and licence number, if applicable
A detailed project description
A materials list
A statement that all necessary permits and inspections are the responsibility of the contractor
Starting and completion dates
Warranties of workmanship, the length of the warranty, and specifically what's covered and what's not
Contractor's guarantee that he carries liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage
A statement that clean-up will be done by the contractor
The total price and payment schedule
Be wary of hourly, time and materials or cost-plus pricing where the final price is not determined until completion of the project. Although it may seem higher, a fixed price may give you the best protection and price.
Be cautious about upfront payments for more than 15% of the contract price.
The schedule and criteria for each instalment should be clearly defined in the contract.
Any instalments should be not be required on a certain date, but correlated to work completion.
Do not pay cash. A reputable builder will ask for a check.
7. Make any changes to the project in writing with a "work order change" to avoid misunderstandings and surprises.
8. Keep pets and children away from the construction site. This will ensure not only their safety, but also that of the workers. In addition, it helps keep the project on schedule.
9. Inspect the work regularly.
10. Pay directly and promptly according to the contract.
Above all, you should feel comfortable communicating with your contractor. If you sense he is being evasive when you are getting a quote, it won't get any better during the construction period. Find someone you understand and who understands you, and who is open and forthright.
Working with a contractor takes a little preparation, but following these steps is well worth it. Are you looking forward to your new outdoor space?
About The Author
Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com
Or not. Yes -- you'd like to proceed with an outdoor structure but for you, it isn't a do-it-yourself project. How can you find the right person to do it for you? Here are 10 tips for hiring and working with a contractor.
1. Plan your project carefully. Clip pictures, make sketches, write a description. This will help you accurately convey to the contractor what you want the finished product to be.
2. Make a list of contractors. Ask your neighbors or friends for the names of reputable tradesmen. Contact material suppliers -- lumberyards, for example -- and ask for recommendations.
3. Get at least three written bids for the project, but don't give in to the temptation to automatically accept the lowest bid. A higher bid may be worth the price in better materials, workmanship and reliability. If you get a very low bid, the contractor may have made a mistake or forgotten to bid on everything you wanted. If they have deliberately low-bid, they may use cheaper materials or take shortcuts to make a profit.
4. Many states and provinces require registration and/or licensing. For the USA, www.nationalcontractors.com provides a starting point for your state and type of construction. Click on Verify Contractors License. If licences are required in your jurisdiction, be certain to ask to see your contractor's licences and be sure that it's not expired.
5. Ask for references and then check them out. Look at the projects and ask the previous clients if they are satisfied with the quality of work done, if it was started and completed on schedule and if it is complete.
6. Get a signed, written contract and be sure you understand it. The Construction Contractors Board of Oregon claims that the single biggest cause of homeowner-contractor disputes is the written contract: not having one, having a poor one, or having one everyone ignores. A good contract should include:
The company name, address (not a post office box) & phone number, the name of the builder, contractor and licence number, if applicable
A detailed project description
A materials list
A statement that all necessary permits and inspections are the responsibility of the contractor
Starting and completion dates
Warranties of workmanship, the length of the warranty, and specifically what's covered and what's not
Contractor's guarantee that he carries liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage
A statement that clean-up will be done by the contractor
The total price and payment schedule
Be wary of hourly, time and materials or cost-plus pricing where the final price is not determined until completion of the project. Although it may seem higher, a fixed price may give you the best protection and price.
Be cautious about upfront payments for more than 15% of the contract price.
The schedule and criteria for each instalment should be clearly defined in the contract.
Any instalments should be not be required on a certain date, but correlated to work completion.
Do not pay cash. A reputable builder will ask for a check.
7. Make any changes to the project in writing with a "work order change" to avoid misunderstandings and surprises.
8. Keep pets and children away from the construction site. This will ensure not only their safety, but also that of the workers. In addition, it helps keep the project on schedule.
9. Inspect the work regularly.
10. Pay directly and promptly according to the contract.
Above all, you should feel comfortable communicating with your contractor. If you sense he is being evasive when you are getting a quote, it won't get any better during the construction period. Find someone you understand and who understands you, and who is open and forthright.
Working with a contractor takes a little preparation, but following these steps is well worth it. Are you looking forward to your new outdoor space?
About The Author
Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com
How to Buy a Home with Good Feng Shui
Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much rides on a new home because this is where you relax, have fun, sleep, eat; in short, it's the place central to your life. Not only that, but homes usually cost a whole lot of money and represent our single largest investment. Most homebuyers can usually find the objective requirements of house hunting, such as location, size, and price. But, there are also intangible factors when searching for a new home, but most people don't know what to look for.
Helping you find the flaws
This is where feng shui comes in. Using feng shui, you'll be able to spot the problems ?or the potential -- in a house that exist outside of the objective requirements of number of bedrooms, amount of storage, etc. These are features that you might not notice, and a realtor will seldom, if ever, point out to you. But, with this checklist, you can at least feel more confident about your decision to go with a particular property.
Look at the space with "feng shui eyes"
When you are looking at a house ? or any space for that matter ? and considering whether to buy it, it helps to look at it with "feng shui eyes." You will want to do this once you have considered all the other objective aspects of the house, such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, living areas, location, price, etc.
The next step is to run down a checklist of the subjective feng shui considerations that will help you make a feng shui assessment. Even if you aren't house hunting, this list can give you some important information that might be very revealing about the house you are already in!
The list below provides some of the more serious feng shui problems.
Exterior
Street: Is house at the end of a cul-de-sac, dead end or T-junction?
Topography. Is the lot sloped away at the back? Avoid yards that slope down toward the rear. Select home with a rise at the rear. Is house below street grade? This will make for a constant "uphill" struggle while you live here.
Landscape. Is there a tree or pole directly in front of the front door? Dead trees or shrubs? Dead lawn?
Garage. Is it ahead of the house or front door?
Neighbors. Is this house smaller than houses on either side? Do neighbors' houses have sharp angles pointing at this house or appear to overpower or dominate the house?
Views & proximity. Can you see or is it close to church, temple or other house of worship? Can you see or is it close to funeral home, cemetery, hospital, police station, sewage treatment, abandoned building or run-down house?
Water. Is water, lake, river, ocean at the back of house or too close to front?
Lot. Regular or irregular-shaped? House sits too close to the front of lot? Does backyard fall away from the rear of the house?
Paths. Driveway ends at house instead of garage? Walkways end straight at door?
Interior
House style. Split, bi-level, or center hall colonial?
Front. Front door lines up with back door? Does front door face stairway?
Structure. Overhead or exposed beams? Ceilings too high or are they low and slanted? Skylights over sleeping areas or kitchen? Foundation cracks or problems? Serious plumbing or electrical problems?
Entrance. Do you see toilet/bathroom door from the entrance? See the kitchen/stove from the front door? See the dining room from the front door? See the bedroom from front door?
Toilets. Located in NW, SW, center, or corners of the house? Bedroom, dining area or kitchen located under or over toilet?
Staircases. Spiral staircase? Staircase stops at front door? Split or scissor-style staircase?
Hallways. Too long? Divide the house into two sections? Too dark?
Bedrooms. Over garage? Over bathroom or laundry? Have empty space below, i.e., patio area? Is master bedroom too close to the front door?
Fireplace. In the NW portion of the house? Is it in the Southeast (wealth) sector?
Major locations. Problems with or missing sections in Northwest (man), Southwest (woman), North (career), or Southeast (wealth)? Bathroom, laundry, kitchen in center of house?
Odor. Smells musty, smoky, putrid?
Enlist a professional
Still not perfectly confident? Well, a home is a major purchase and we must always consider that important point. Most people take a used car to their mechanic before buying it - and its purchase isn't as important as a house. So, if you're still confused or just want to proceed with the sale in confidence, why not talk to a feng shui specialist about looking about the prospective house?
A professional feng shui consultant should be able to tell you what you can expect from this location, such as good financial or business opportunities. Or, maybe you'll find out that buying this house means your health will suffer, you'll discover an afflicted portion of the house, such as a toilet in the SW sector that can hurt your marriage. Give serious consideration to hiring a professional.
Fortunately, most problems have a feng shui fix
It's important to know that every house has "feng shui flaws" and that no house is perfect. However, you should be aware of what you are buying so that you are knowledgeable about what kinds of problems might be associated with the house. The good news? Most feng shui flaws can be corrected.
Kathryn Weber is a certified master practitioner in classical feng shui and the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter a weekly feng shui E-Zine. She has been featured and quoted by publications and websites, including Seventeen Magazine, First for Women, Martial Arts Professional, the Indy Star Newspaper, Self-growth.com, and Transformations.com. Log on to www.redlotusletter.com to subscribe or to contact her about a personal consultation, speaking engagement, or workshop.
Helping you find the flaws
This is where feng shui comes in. Using feng shui, you'll be able to spot the problems ?or the potential -- in a house that exist outside of the objective requirements of number of bedrooms, amount of storage, etc. These are features that you might not notice, and a realtor will seldom, if ever, point out to you. But, with this checklist, you can at least feel more confident about your decision to go with a particular property.
Look at the space with "feng shui eyes"
When you are looking at a house ? or any space for that matter ? and considering whether to buy it, it helps to look at it with "feng shui eyes." You will want to do this once you have considered all the other objective aspects of the house, such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, living areas, location, price, etc.
The next step is to run down a checklist of the subjective feng shui considerations that will help you make a feng shui assessment. Even if you aren't house hunting, this list can give you some important information that might be very revealing about the house you are already in!
The list below provides some of the more serious feng shui problems.
Exterior
Street: Is house at the end of a cul-de-sac, dead end or T-junction?
Topography. Is the lot sloped away at the back? Avoid yards that slope down toward the rear. Select home with a rise at the rear. Is house below street grade? This will make for a constant "uphill" struggle while you live here.
Landscape. Is there a tree or pole directly in front of the front door? Dead trees or shrubs? Dead lawn?
Garage. Is it ahead of the house or front door?
Neighbors. Is this house smaller than houses on either side? Do neighbors' houses have sharp angles pointing at this house or appear to overpower or dominate the house?
Views & proximity. Can you see or is it close to church, temple or other house of worship? Can you see or is it close to funeral home, cemetery, hospital, police station, sewage treatment, abandoned building or run-down house?
Water. Is water, lake, river, ocean at the back of house or too close to front?
Lot. Regular or irregular-shaped? House sits too close to the front of lot? Does backyard fall away from the rear of the house?
Paths. Driveway ends at house instead of garage? Walkways end straight at door?
Interior
House style. Split, bi-level, or center hall colonial?
Front. Front door lines up with back door? Does front door face stairway?
Structure. Overhead or exposed beams? Ceilings too high or are they low and slanted? Skylights over sleeping areas or kitchen? Foundation cracks or problems? Serious plumbing or electrical problems?
Entrance. Do you see toilet/bathroom door from the entrance? See the kitchen/stove from the front door? See the dining room from the front door? See the bedroom from front door?
Toilets. Located in NW, SW, center, or corners of the house? Bedroom, dining area or kitchen located under or over toilet?
Staircases. Spiral staircase? Staircase stops at front door? Split or scissor-style staircase?
Hallways. Too long? Divide the house into two sections? Too dark?
Bedrooms. Over garage? Over bathroom or laundry? Have empty space below, i.e., patio area? Is master bedroom too close to the front door?
Fireplace. In the NW portion of the house? Is it in the Southeast (wealth) sector?
Major locations. Problems with or missing sections in Northwest (man), Southwest (woman), North (career), or Southeast (wealth)? Bathroom, laundry, kitchen in center of house?
Odor. Smells musty, smoky, putrid?
Enlist a professional
Still not perfectly confident? Well, a home is a major purchase and we must always consider that important point. Most people take a used car to their mechanic before buying it - and its purchase isn't as important as a house. So, if you're still confused or just want to proceed with the sale in confidence, why not talk to a feng shui specialist about looking about the prospective house?
A professional feng shui consultant should be able to tell you what you can expect from this location, such as good financial or business opportunities. Or, maybe you'll find out that buying this house means your health will suffer, you'll discover an afflicted portion of the house, such as a toilet in the SW sector that can hurt your marriage. Give serious consideration to hiring a professional.
Fortunately, most problems have a feng shui fix
It's important to know that every house has "feng shui flaws" and that no house is perfect. However, you should be aware of what you are buying so that you are knowledgeable about what kinds of problems might be associated with the house. The good news? Most feng shui flaws can be corrected.
Kathryn Weber is a certified master practitioner in classical feng shui and the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter a weekly feng shui E-Zine. She has been featured and quoted by publications and websites, including Seventeen Magazine, First for Women, Martial Arts Professional, the Indy Star Newspaper, Self-growth.com, and Transformations.com. Log on to www.redlotusletter.com to subscribe or to contact her about a personal consultation, speaking engagement, or workshop.
Movin In - 8 Questions to Ask Before Buying Furniture
Before buying furniture stay away from hasty decisions that can leave you spending a lot of money, only to be overcome by buyer’s remorse as soon as your eagerly awaited purchase is delivered. Because then you have two unpleasant choices: the hassle of returning or exchanging your furniture, or learning to live with it even though it doesn’t feel right.
In other words, impulse buying when it comes to furniture can wreak havoc on your sanity and pocketbook. Start by asking yourself these questions:
1. How much space do I have?
The amount of space determines the scale and number of pieces to buy. What would you consider absolutely essential in a small space? Could something serve a dual purpose? Would a certain finish or color make a piece less overwhelming?
Furnishing a Small Space
A large space might mean that your furniture has to be scaled accordingly, as small pieces tend to look scattered and without anchor in a larger space. Learn how to use your space effectively.
How to Use Space in Decorating
Tips for Decorating Large Rooms
2. Who uses that space? Obviously you have more leeway in choosing a style or fabric if only you are going to use that space. However, if others are sharing it, their needs and preferences have to be addressed as well. For instance, a delicate color or fabric would not work well in a room where small children play.
Tips on Buying Stylish, Kid Friendly Furniture
Prevent Furniture Tip-Over Injuries
3. What is the space used for?Is it the room where the family watches TV and unwinds? Go for comfortable seating and the coffee table should have a hardy finish. Maybe you need fabric protection if your family likes to snack while watching TV. Your furniture should always serve as the background for your life and as it is meant to enhance and complement it, it should not be a maintenance nightmare.
Fabric Wearability Code
How to Choose a TV Stand
4. Which colors do I find attractive?
Do you find yourself gravitating towards certain colors? It would be smart to consider them, as your favorite colors will make you feel comfortable and happy. Are there any that you absolutely, positively hate? Avoid them even if they happen to be in fashion at the moment. What about the intensity of the color? Decide on colors that make you feel good and evoke the kind of mood you want in that room.
5. Is there other furniture or artwork in the room already?Any furniture, rugs, or artwork that you already have can provide a good starting point as they can help you establish a cohesive look and feel. It’s a good idea to take preexisting pieces into consideration or your room could end up looking hodgepodge and uninviting even if all the pieces are wonderful individually. You should also consider if your new piece is going to be the focal point in the room, or play a secondary role.
6. What if I’m starting from scratch?
While this can be scary, it can also be very exciting! What can be more exhilarating than furnishing your own space the way you want to? Before you head off to a furniture store go through magazines, catalogs and websites, and collect pictures that you like. It will soon help you determine your own personal style if you don’t know it already. Take a look at this fun exercise to discover your own style:
Find Your Style
Going through magazines and websites may also provide you with manufacturer’s names and furniture retail stores where you can buy what you need.
7. How long do I plan to use it? How long you plan to use a piece of furniture determines how much you should spend on it, or whether you’d be satisfied making a compromise. If you plan to use something for just a couple of years or like to change your surroundings frequently then it might not be a good idea to buy very expensive furniture. However when you want something to last it makes sense to look for quality.
8. And finally, but most importantly, what kind of a budget do I have?Is money no object or do you have a limited budget? Even if it is the latter, you can find a variety of furniture to fit any kind of taste, budget or need. Look around before you buy, do some research on websites, and compare stores for prices. You should end up with something that you absolutely love. Don't rule out used furniture that you can refurbish or re-purpose if your budget is preventing you from buying quality furniture.
(source: Abe Abbas, About.com Guide)
In other words, impulse buying when it comes to furniture can wreak havoc on your sanity and pocketbook. Start by asking yourself these questions:
1. How much space do I have?
The amount of space determines the scale and number of pieces to buy. What would you consider absolutely essential in a small space? Could something serve a dual purpose? Would a certain finish or color make a piece less overwhelming?
Furnishing a Small Space
A large space might mean that your furniture has to be scaled accordingly, as small pieces tend to look scattered and without anchor in a larger space. Learn how to use your space effectively.
How to Use Space in Decorating
Tips for Decorating Large Rooms
2. Who uses that space? Obviously you have more leeway in choosing a style or fabric if only you are going to use that space. However, if others are sharing it, their needs and preferences have to be addressed as well. For instance, a delicate color or fabric would not work well in a room where small children play.
Tips on Buying Stylish, Kid Friendly Furniture
Prevent Furniture Tip-Over Injuries
3. What is the space used for?Is it the room where the family watches TV and unwinds? Go for comfortable seating and the coffee table should have a hardy finish. Maybe you need fabric protection if your family likes to snack while watching TV. Your furniture should always serve as the background for your life and as it is meant to enhance and complement it, it should not be a maintenance nightmare.
Fabric Wearability Code
How to Choose a TV Stand
4. Which colors do I find attractive?
Do you find yourself gravitating towards certain colors? It would be smart to consider them, as your favorite colors will make you feel comfortable and happy. Are there any that you absolutely, positively hate? Avoid them even if they happen to be in fashion at the moment. What about the intensity of the color? Decide on colors that make you feel good and evoke the kind of mood you want in that room.
5. Is there other furniture or artwork in the room already?Any furniture, rugs, or artwork that you already have can provide a good starting point as they can help you establish a cohesive look and feel. It’s a good idea to take preexisting pieces into consideration or your room could end up looking hodgepodge and uninviting even if all the pieces are wonderful individually. You should also consider if your new piece is going to be the focal point in the room, or play a secondary role.
6. What if I’m starting from scratch?
While this can be scary, it can also be very exciting! What can be more exhilarating than furnishing your own space the way you want to? Before you head off to a furniture store go through magazines, catalogs and websites, and collect pictures that you like. It will soon help you determine your own personal style if you don’t know it already. Take a look at this fun exercise to discover your own style:
Find Your Style
Going through magazines and websites may also provide you with manufacturer’s names and furniture retail stores where you can buy what you need.
7. How long do I plan to use it? How long you plan to use a piece of furniture determines how much you should spend on it, or whether you’d be satisfied making a compromise. If you plan to use something for just a couple of years or like to change your surroundings frequently then it might not be a good idea to buy very expensive furniture. However when you want something to last it makes sense to look for quality.
8. And finally, but most importantly, what kind of a budget do I have?Is money no object or do you have a limited budget? Even if it is the latter, you can find a variety of furniture to fit any kind of taste, budget or need. Look around before you buy, do some research on websites, and compare stores for prices. You should end up with something that you absolutely love. Don't rule out used furniture that you can refurbish or re-purpose if your budget is preventing you from buying quality furniture.
(source: Abe Abbas, About.com Guide)
Movin In - The Basics of Furniture Arrangement
Most new homeowners - when presented with a bare room - are overwhelmed with possibilities and insecurities of furniture arrangement. They may stand in the middle of the room, shake their heads, and wonder where in the world to start. Although I can't tell each of you where you should put what furniture, I can give you some questions which will help you think about how you will use your space and some general guidelines for furniture arranging.
How you use your space:
Look at the entrances to the room. Do you have doors? Do they open in or out? If they open in, you will need to allow room for those to open fully.
Do you use the room as a pathway to another room? Is the room a destination room? In other words, is the room one that people go TO or go THROUGH? If they go through, you need an easily navigable pathway from one room to another.
How do you want to feel in the room? Do you want it to be cozy and intimate? Do you want an open and spacious feel? Furniture in a cozy room tends to be places in closer groups. A open feel needs more space between pieces.
Are you going to use the room for entertaining? If so, you need flexibility in your furniture choices. Extra seating may be placed out of the way and be moved into use when company comes.
Furniture Placement Guidelines:
Between the sofa and side chairs, designers normally allow 48 to 100 inches. But you should adjust the space according to your family's needs. If you feel more comfortable with the chairs closer or if you are better able to hear conversations, then move them closer.
If you are using a coffee table in front of the sofa, the normal placement is 14 to 18 inches from the sofa. But again, if you have short arms or long legs, adjust the table until you are comfortable.
For television watching, the normal guideline is to place the television at 3 times the size of the screen. But with some of these new big screen TVs, 3 times the size of the screen is in the next room!
Three feet of space is recommended for traffic lanes. But if you have large family members or lots of kids, I would recommend allow an extra foot for safety for your furniture and for your family members.
In the dining room, a average adult needs a depth of 20 inches for a dining room chair, plus 16 inches to scoot back the chair back from the table. Again, adjust the measurements to fit your family.
At the dining table, you should allow 24 inches per person or more. If your family tends to gesture as they eat, as mine does, allow another 6 inches.
In order to serve your guests, allow 46 inches between the wall and the dining table.
For ideal bed placement, allow at least 24 inches between the bed and the wall to get out of bed comfortably and allow 36 inches between the end of the bed and the bedroom or bathroom door.
As you can see, these guidelines are approximate and should be adjusted for your family. Keep in mind, however, that if you are entertaining guests, your placement will require further adjustments for their comfort and ease of movement.
(source: Pamela Cole Harris, About.com Guide)
How you use your space:
Look at the entrances to the room. Do you have doors? Do they open in or out? If they open in, you will need to allow room for those to open fully.
Do you use the room as a pathway to another room? Is the room a destination room? In other words, is the room one that people go TO or go THROUGH? If they go through, you need an easily navigable pathway from one room to another.
How do you want to feel in the room? Do you want it to be cozy and intimate? Do you want an open and spacious feel? Furniture in a cozy room tends to be places in closer groups. A open feel needs more space between pieces.
Are you going to use the room for entertaining? If so, you need flexibility in your furniture choices. Extra seating may be placed out of the way and be moved into use when company comes.
Furniture Placement Guidelines:
Between the sofa and side chairs, designers normally allow 48 to 100 inches. But you should adjust the space according to your family's needs. If you feel more comfortable with the chairs closer or if you are better able to hear conversations, then move them closer.
If you are using a coffee table in front of the sofa, the normal placement is 14 to 18 inches from the sofa. But again, if you have short arms or long legs, adjust the table until you are comfortable.
For television watching, the normal guideline is to place the television at 3 times the size of the screen. But with some of these new big screen TVs, 3 times the size of the screen is in the next room!
Three feet of space is recommended for traffic lanes. But if you have large family members or lots of kids, I would recommend allow an extra foot for safety for your furniture and for your family members.
In the dining room, a average adult needs a depth of 20 inches for a dining room chair, plus 16 inches to scoot back the chair back from the table. Again, adjust the measurements to fit your family.
At the dining table, you should allow 24 inches per person or more. If your family tends to gesture as they eat, as mine does, allow another 6 inches.
In order to serve your guests, allow 46 inches between the wall and the dining table.
For ideal bed placement, allow at least 24 inches between the bed and the wall to get out of bed comfortably and allow 36 inches between the end of the bed and the bedroom or bathroom door.
As you can see, these guidelines are approximate and should be adjusted for your family. Keep in mind, however, that if you are entertaining guests, your placement will require further adjustments for their comfort and ease of movement.
(source: Pamela Cole Harris, About.com Guide)
Movin In - How to Arrange Furniture to Suit the New Space
When you move to a new home, it may take a while to get a feel for the space, to know how to make a room both comfortable and functional. Be ready to rearrange, get rid of pieces that don't fit and perhaps purchase new items that might work a little better.
Assess the Space
Clear the space. If possible, remove everything from the room before you start planning; boxes, scattered furniture and any other objects will only hinder a true view of the area within which you'll be working.
Determine how the space will be used. It's important to think about how it will be used, rather than how you'd like it to be used. Remember, the room should be functional as well as ascetically pleasing. If you're arranging the living room, for instance, will the area be used as a family room and a place where you'll entertain guests? If so, perhaps consider how the room can be divided or if furniture can serve dual purposes.
Dual purpose rooms. For rooms that will serve more than one purpose, furniture, rugs, bookshelves and room dividers can be used to separate areas. The back of a couch along with a sofa table can make a great room divider as it creates a strong separation without blocking the room's flow.
Look at traffic patterns and focal points. Where are the doors, windows and awkward areas? What will be the focal point? If you have a fireplace or a large picture window, you have a natural focal point from which to center the room.
If you don't have a natural focal point, create your own using dramatic drapes, large-scale artwork or a substantial piece of furniture; something that grounds the space around which all other pieces will be arranged.
Use Furniture Placement Tools
Create paper replicas. If you're ambitious or have a difficult space to work with, I suggest creating your own paper replicas of the furniture pieces that you want in the room. You can do this with plain brown paper that you can purchase at office supply stores. You'll need measurements of each piece of furniture, which you can then trace onto the paper and cut out. Label each cut-out, clear the space, then start arranging.
While this method takes a little more time and energy, it allows you to gain a true sense of the space: how big or small it is; which pieces fit, which don't; where the traffic patterns are; and how conversation will flow/how functional the room will be.
Free online tools. There are several great free online tools that will help you arrange furniture within the new space. Not only will these tools allow you to restructure the space to mimic your own, they also include essential elements such as doors and windows. I highly recommend these tools not only to arrange your space, but also to try out new pieces of furniture or objects, such as plants, mirrors, tables and lights. Great way to enhance a room before you even begin to unpack.
Tips for Creating a Balanced Room
Balance heavy furniture pieces with other large objects or groupings of smaller items.
Don't place all furniture against walls; use the middle of the space to create depth and interest and to create functional areas, such as conversation spaces or work spaces.
Look at the height of furniture pieces and try to create multi-levels within the space. If you have a shorter piece and need to add height, hang a larger print on the wall above, elongating the space and allowing the eye to travel up; this will make the room feel taller.
Use color and patterns to your advantage. Eye-popping colors can make a room come alive; just remember to not overuse one particular color or pattern and to spread each throughout the space. Throw pillows, curtains, picture frames and decorative art can all add punches of color and distinctive patterns into a neutral base.
Just as you added color to a room, a variety of textures also add depth and interest. Pillows, rugs, drapes, and throws; mixing materials will also create interest: marble, wood, and metal can provide grounding to a space while glass, breezy fabrics and wicker create a breezy feel to the room.
Before You Arrange a Room
Remember traffic flow; most traffic areas require two feet of space.
Arrange furniture first before hanging pictures or mirrors.
Arrange major pieces of furniture first, then smaller items such as end tables, chairs and plant stands.
Leave enough room for doors and drawers to be opened.
Think about lighting and how light will work in the room; lights are easy to move, however, this should be done before hanging mirrors and pictures.
If placing a TV in a room, remember the distance required between the screen and the viewer; for instance, most sofas or beds should be at least eight feet away from a standard television screen.
(source: Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide)
Assess the Space
Clear the space. If possible, remove everything from the room before you start planning; boxes, scattered furniture and any other objects will only hinder a true view of the area within which you'll be working.
Determine how the space will be used. It's important to think about how it will be used, rather than how you'd like it to be used. Remember, the room should be functional as well as ascetically pleasing. If you're arranging the living room, for instance, will the area be used as a family room and a place where you'll entertain guests? If so, perhaps consider how the room can be divided or if furniture can serve dual purposes.
Dual purpose rooms. For rooms that will serve more than one purpose, furniture, rugs, bookshelves and room dividers can be used to separate areas. The back of a couch along with a sofa table can make a great room divider as it creates a strong separation without blocking the room's flow.
Look at traffic patterns and focal points. Where are the doors, windows and awkward areas? What will be the focal point? If you have a fireplace or a large picture window, you have a natural focal point from which to center the room.
If you don't have a natural focal point, create your own using dramatic drapes, large-scale artwork or a substantial piece of furniture; something that grounds the space around which all other pieces will be arranged.
Use Furniture Placement Tools
Create paper replicas. If you're ambitious or have a difficult space to work with, I suggest creating your own paper replicas of the furniture pieces that you want in the room. You can do this with plain brown paper that you can purchase at office supply stores. You'll need measurements of each piece of furniture, which you can then trace onto the paper and cut out. Label each cut-out, clear the space, then start arranging.
While this method takes a little more time and energy, it allows you to gain a true sense of the space: how big or small it is; which pieces fit, which don't; where the traffic patterns are; and how conversation will flow/how functional the room will be.
Free online tools. There are several great free online tools that will help you arrange furniture within the new space. Not only will these tools allow you to restructure the space to mimic your own, they also include essential elements such as doors and windows. I highly recommend these tools not only to arrange your space, but also to try out new pieces of furniture or objects, such as plants, mirrors, tables and lights. Great way to enhance a room before you even begin to unpack.
Tips for Creating a Balanced Room
Balance heavy furniture pieces with other large objects or groupings of smaller items.
Don't place all furniture against walls; use the middle of the space to create depth and interest and to create functional areas, such as conversation spaces or work spaces.
Look at the height of furniture pieces and try to create multi-levels within the space. If you have a shorter piece and need to add height, hang a larger print on the wall above, elongating the space and allowing the eye to travel up; this will make the room feel taller.
Use color and patterns to your advantage. Eye-popping colors can make a room come alive; just remember to not overuse one particular color or pattern and to spread each throughout the space. Throw pillows, curtains, picture frames and decorative art can all add punches of color and distinctive patterns into a neutral base.
Just as you added color to a room, a variety of textures also add depth and interest. Pillows, rugs, drapes, and throws; mixing materials will also create interest: marble, wood, and metal can provide grounding to a space while glass, breezy fabrics and wicker create a breezy feel to the room.
Before You Arrange a Room
Remember traffic flow; most traffic areas require two feet of space.
Arrange furniture first before hanging pictures or mirrors.
Arrange major pieces of furniture first, then smaller items such as end tables, chairs and plant stands.
Leave enough room for doors and drawers to be opened.
Think about lighting and how light will work in the room; lights are easy to move, however, this should be done before hanging mirrors and pictures.
If placing a TV in a room, remember the distance required between the screen and the viewer; for instance, most sofas or beds should be at least eight feet away from a standard television screen.
(source: Diane Schmidt, About.com Guide)
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