Monday, June 29, 2009

Wooden Furniture - 5 Tips on Bedroom Furniture Selection & How to Buy it at Discount

Wood bedroom furniture is a wise, proud and practical choice. Strong and durable, wooden furniture is also an elegant selection that can give you many decades of service. There is a noble grandeur to wood with a history that goes back to antiquity.

Solid wood bedroom furniture, whether oak, mahogany, cherry or other types of wood are becoming more difficult to locate in some furniture stores. Many people are now far too satisfied with particleboard or other pressed wood imitations that are much weaker and last for much less time. That is a shame because nothing can take the place of solid wood bedroom furniture.

Wood grain has a look that is refined and is immediately identified by its warmth as the right choice. Wood also is a natural material, milled and crafted not manufactured like a loaf of factory bread. Natural wood furniture reminds us that we are all part of nature. A product of the woods and forests, wooden furniture is home, our home. Throughout the generations people have used wood furniture.

Five Practical Considerations:

1) Buy enough furniture to fit in your bedroom without crowding. It is never a good idea to buy an extra piece of furniture just because you like it. If it crowds the room, it detracts from the appearance of the room.

2) Do not mix basic styles. If you intend to keep some of your old furniture items in your bedroom, make sure the new wood bedroom furniture you buy is the same style. If you want a "new look" then all new furniture items must be in the new style you select. Remember that no matter how much you wish to have contemporary bedroom furniture, you cannot keep that French provincial table in the same room.

3) Make sure the bed is the appropriate size for your needs and the room. If you are use to a double bed and you have the room, try a queen size bed. You will find it more comfortable. However, if you presently have a California king size bed, unless you have a huge bedroom, you may wish to consider a standard king or queen size bed. This will give you added room, and not too much bed. Bed linen will also be much cheaper.

4) If you are limited in your closet space, consider an armoire, a larger dresser or a larger chest of drawers.

5) Make sure you have bedding to match any change in furniture style. Contemporary bedroom furniture should have bedding in contemporary or no design. Country bedroom furniture should have country, garden or no design. The furniture style and the bedding must be appropriate to each other.

How to Buy It Cheap

Buying discount bedroom furniture is a matter of looking. Sales come and go across the Internet. First determine the furniture style you want. Then continue to look online to as many stores as necessary until you find the wooden furniture you like and at a price you want. Discount bedroom furniture is available year 'round. Seek and you will find.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Getting the Most From Restoring Old Furniture Heirlooms

It's a tired collection of wood and glue but it means a lot to you and you just can't bear to part ways with it. After all, it's the bassinet your grandmother slept in for her first few years.

So what can you do to breathe live back into that beloved piece of family history?

The reasons behind restoring an old piece furniture can be as vast as the amount of old time vintage antique shops that litter the eastern seaboard. To each person who has that well worn item stored away deep into the recesses of their seldom visited attic there is a potential for restoring the memories of love ones long gone and the luster of a once prized family heirloom.

Often, as time rolls by the memories of childhood slip into a forgotten realm and the hustle and bustle of today becomes the focal point of the mind. It's only when that person ventures into the attic to search for some other less important misplaced item that those memories come back in a flood as they stand in amazement of that old piece of furniture that they had long forgotten about.

If you've ever been that person, you surely know the feeling that rushes back as you remember the day it was handed down to you.

The proud feeling that you were remembered or the touching embrace as you hugged the frail person who cared for you as a child and has now realized that you are the rightful caretaker of the items that mean the most to them in life.

Where do you begin to start the process? This item is one of great importance to you and you want to ensure it's properly restored to its rightful luster. The process of restoring furniture can be a rewarding one but success is dependent on the degree of restoration, the particular piece you are restoring and the education level you have with restoring. Whether it's that old bassinet, or a well worn hutch, the desire to see it preserved will begin to haunt you until you give in and start the process of restoring that beautiful piece of art.

The right place to begin in the process is to determine what the value of the piece is. This is not crass but a 200 year old antique worth $10,000 is not all that uncommon to show up in a forgotten attic and when it happens it's best to seek out a qualified artisan that is skilled in the art of restoring valuable antiques. If anything, a qualified artisan can assist you with the best process to take to ensure the piece stays as valuable as it can. If the item is not as valuable as that colonial antique you can likely seek the assistance of your local wood worker supply store. This writer has relied on friends at Woodcraft for countless assistance over the years.

If you want to go at the process alone you'll find that the hours you spend on that beloved piece will melt away and they usually end up being the most rewarding hours you'll spend as an adult. You'll often become one with the furniture as you relive all of the memories that make that piece of furniture so important to you. With countless online resources aimed at first time restorers you'll find numerous places more then willing to help you make all of the critical decisions on what to do.

Also, keep in mind that the patina that a price of furniture obtains over the years can be a large part of the character and removing that character can all but ruin the real appeal of an heirloom. Before you pick up that paint stripper think to your self. Does the actual wood and glue mean the most to you or does the wear and tear caused by years of love mean more to you. Answering that question should tell you what steps you should take before you proudly display that heirloom where the world can see it!

Monday, June 22, 2009

What Modern Furniture Should Look Like?

Your friend invites you to a house warming party, the first thing that captures your interests is the elegantly designed furniture. You decide that your house also needs a change of furniture made with modern style and design.

Whether it is your office or your house that you plan to give an overall modern impact, both are equally important, because you spend your time at both the place. You work in your office and at home, you require a cosy and comforting environment. There are four main points through which you can build up your ideal concept of modern furniture. The form, function, colour and style, each element follows the other gradually and each is intricately connected to the other.

While deciding upon the form of the furniture you should first consider the utility factor. Modern furniture comes in all sleek and broad shapes but what suites you best is modern furniture.

Suppose you buy a table with chairs having a lean back and you are not comfortable while having your lunch or dinner. Alternatively, if it is your office chair then do not consider it as modern. Your comfort is the top priority. Keeping this aspect in mind you should go for buying modern furniture. The form should not supersede the function.

The next thing to remember is the colour of your furniture. Colour is the element that makes the overall impression of the furniture. Light and soft colours that create a soft and solemn look are completely out. New and vibrant colours like apple green, electric blue, hot pink, steel grey etc are necessary for your furniture. They will give you the ideal modern appeal to your stuff. Shiny and glossy effects are also in this season.

Polish the metal furniture with a patterned fabric to add glamour. Upholstery is an important aspect required while changing the overall décor of your room. Try to choose colours that blend in with the colours of the ambience. Soft and light pastel colours are in this summer for upholsteries. Floral designs and traditional tapestries can never be out dated.

Storage is another very important area that you must not overlook. The best storage style is the Italian style of storage as you can place the shelving units in any convenient corner of the house. The design is elegant. This prevents the disproportionate look, even if these shelves are laced anywhere in the room. Iron coat hangers add beauty to your room. They come is useful during a rainy season and during winters.

These are all the touches that add to your furniture shopping if you want a modern touch to it. When you are done, you are sure to be satisfied with your choice and the whole idea will be comforting as well.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

The Six Advantages of Organic Bedroom Furniture

A good number of the population consider the bedroom as their favorite room in the house. Many spend a good amount of time in it because of its comfortable aura and cozy feel. Because it's a place for slumber and rest, being in one's bedroom gives a feeling of freedom and comfort.

Because a bedroom has to keep a comforting aura, many take time out to choose the furniture and pieces that goes into it. Like any other room in the house, the things in it must fit the function of the room and the available space in it. Design and the price of the furniture are two of the top concerns of people when getting fixtures for their bedroom and for the rest of the house. Furniture makes or breaks the look of the house, and so care must be exercised while choosing what to get. While design and price are valid considerations, there are other factors that need to be considered but are totally ignored by many. Two important considerations that are ignored are the health and ecological benefits of the furniture have. These two are very valid criteria that one should consider when getting furniture other than considering just the price and design.

Many are unaware that since most furniture are made from synthetic materials, they have the greatest potential to actually harm both the body and the environment. Plastics, metals and some hardwood pieces often contain chemicals that help preserve and keep the integrity of the furniture. Not doing this would jeopardize the business, and so furniture manufacturers incorporate preservative materials to their products to increase their longevity in warehouses and stores. For example, some solid wood furniture is imbibed with pesticide and/or fungicides that kill insects or molds that may invade and destroy the furniture. Some have preservatives like Formaldehyde as for plastic or steel fixtures, especially those with color, their paints may contain lead. All these pose a significant health risk to the users. Some disintegrate and turn into vapour, but this ultimately causes harm too. Inhaling the fumes from chemicals in the furniture will cause disorders and disease. What's more is that these chemicals do not break down easily. They stay with your solid wood furniture until the day you dispose of them. When you dispose of them, the environment then takes the damages. The chemicals harm and pollute the environment.

But one need not sacrifice having beautiful furniture for these considerations. There are options available that would allow you to get the best of all options available without sacrificing safety and quality. Organic bedroom furniture are pieces that would give you many health benefits and environmental benefits without sacrificing quality, design and price. Organic furniture are made from organically grown sources and are processed organically as well---these pieces of furniture are mostly solid wood furniture, only that the source of the wood are organically grown, processed and made to ensure that the finished product retains the natural beauty of natural hardwood. No synthetic and harmful chemicals were used when making these fixtures. There are many other organic solid wood furniture available, ranging from organic beds, mattresses, fibers, cloths to cabinets. Many are skeptical of these kinds of furniture, saying that there is not fundamental difference between them and non-organic furniture. And so this article will present several advantages to getting organic furniture for your bedroom.

1. They're environmentally friendly!

As mentioned earlier, getting organic furniture would help the environment because the usage of harmful chemicals will be reduced. Poisonous chemicals that help preserve and increase the lifespan of the furniture are very toxic to the environment. Most of these chemicals break down very slowly, and are very likely to poison the earth, the air and the water for a very long time if released to the environment. Organic furniture contains none of these preservatives and harmful chemicals. Using natural fibers like cotton or flax that are grown without the usage of pesticides pose no harm to the environment. Furthermore, organic bedroom furniture help reduce waste because they are very long-lasting and have a longer lifespan as compared to synthetic composite wood. These types of wood break down easily, adding to the bulk of waste and trash dumped into the environment. You are less likely to throw away organic furniture because they are very strong and long-lasting. Other than this, organic bedroom furniture manufacturers strive to reduce the usage of certain materials in furniture assembly and making that are not friendly to the environment. Synthetic backboards, Styrofoam packaging, bubble wraps and the like are not utilized anymore. All in all, you get beautiful furniture whilst protecting the environment.

2. Air quality is improved

Much of the synthetic and non-organic solid wood furniture release the chemicals they are imbibed with into the air. As time goes by, the harmful preservatives find their way out of the hardwood panels of the furniture and into your lungs. Since organic bedroom furniture contain none of these pesticides and chemicals, you can be assured that the quality of air you breathe inside your bedroom or home will improve. There will be no chemicals that will go to your lungs, poisoning you little by little.

3. Improvement in skin health

There are people who report having lots of rashes and other skin ailments in areas that are most commonly in contact with solid wood furniture like chairs, tables and beds. Allergic reactions from the chemicals that are in wooden furniture are not a foreign sight. The chemicals and other preservatives added to the wood of non-organic furniture come in contact with the person using it, an allergic reaction may happen, or worse, the chemical may poison the person by seeping into his skin to his bloodstream. Getting organic bedroom furniture with no chemicals would eliminate the danger of this happening to you and your family.

4. Economical

As mentioned, organic hardwood and naturally made furniture would last a lot longer than synthetics because organic materials are aged and strengthened naturally. Most hard woods are very long-lasting and are compacted very strongly, producing very beautiful furniture when processed. Most composites and synthetic materials break down easily and depend on chemicals to hold them together. In this aspect, organic furniture wins over non-organic furniture again. Because organic bedroom furniture will last a lifetime with you, you find yourself earning money from not buying any other new solid wood furniture for your bedroom or home for a long time.

5. Aesthetic quality

Organic hardwoods are naturally aged and are obtained through delicate natural means. Because of this, most of the wooden products retain their beautiful natural color and state. This gives organic furniture their natural beauty and attractiveness. Furthermore, skilled craftsmen most often bring out the natural beauty of these wood making them even more priceless. Talk about getting beautiful furniture without sacrificing quality!

6. Support for local industry

Most of the businesses that manufacture organic bedroom furniture are small factories that are almost ready to close because of the recession. And so we have to move to convince them not to close by supporting their solid wood furniture and other goods.

With the rising popularity of environmental ideologies, organic furniture are a very booming business. Because of this, fraud and false advertising scams are inevitable. You will encounter shops out there that would claim that their goods are organic, but in truth they are not. They may look organic, but eventually, the signs of wear and tear appear early on. This could waste your money or worse, endanger your and your family's welfare. How does one protect himself from all these fake goods?

Constant vigilance is a must. Before buying furniture that claims to be organic, it is wise to bring someone who knows things about organic hardwood. If there is no one to accompany you, you have no choice but to research on your own. Information is a very powerful tool that could help you discern what to buy. It is wise to look for the profile of the company or shop from which you would buy the goods from. There are many websites, forums and blogs in the internet that contain information, feedback and advices on how to go about your organic furniture shopping. There are several websites that are dedicated in providing information regarding organic products, as well as their suppliers. The feedback of other internet users on the shop or supplier you are eying could help you know whether or not you should patronize that supplier. Researching could also help you choose more efficiently the designs, type of wood and size of something. Aside from the internet, there are also magazines and books that hold information on this topic. If you are armed with knowledge, chances are you wouldn't be fooled by false information and misleading advertisements.

All in all, organically grown, manufactured and assembled furniture in your bedroom will help your bedroom become more comfortable and costlier than before. With the benefits presented, it is surely worth getting organic furniture for your bedroom. Organic furniture brings many facets of benefits to you in one go! You need not sacrifice your health, environmentally friendly ideals and economic needs when choosing furniture. Organic furniture allow

Plasma TV Stand - Fact and Fiction

What is so special about plasma TV stands? They have come a very long way from a design point of view. It seems the stand is now equally as important as the television itself. It's also become a fashion icon in it's own right. Let's explore the facts and fiction surrounding this amazing piece of furniture.

Fact: At one time people purchased the television then they chose the right stand to go with it.
Now Clients are actually buying the stand and then choosing the right television to go with it.
That's a huge turn around for a small piece of furniture!

Fiction: Whilst on my shopping trip wandering around the local high street looking for the ideal stand many retailers tried to sell me the more expensive range of Plasma TV stands by saying they actually improve the overall entertainment factor. It was often mentioned that because of the style of the TV stand and the way it blends in with the Television style and it's surroundings , it will actually give you a better viewing experience. In reality this is not true because once the film starts and the lights are dimmed we are all focused on one thing and that's the television.

Fact: The corner TV stand has definitely proved to be the one of the most effective pieces of furniture you could buy ! It not only gives you the opportunity to situate the television in an ideal location for all viewers to see regardless of where they are located in the room but it also manages to fill a space of the room, the corner, which is a very difficult task when thinking about interior design.

Fiction:When looking for advice many people mentioned that It's better to buy a plasma TV stand from a high street store because you can see exactly what it is you are buying before you buy it. This could have been the case before the birth of the e-commerce store as you wouldn't buy something over the phone or via the post without actually seeing it. However today most online websites are so well designed and explicit in their detail that you can truly see what it is you are buying before you buy it . Most online shopping stores also offer a great service when it comes to quick delivery and return of goods if the customer is not satisfied.

All four points that I've mentioned above are based on my own experiences during the process of buying my 52" plasma TV and the ideal plasma TV stand to match it.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Buying a Cheap Bunk Bed

Most of the people looking to buy a bunk bed are not considering spending a ton of money on it. Most likely you are someone who is a bit short on space, and are looking for an easy way to maximize what little room is available. The Internet has made this a much easier job, and you should be able to find many bargains online that would be once in a lifetime deals in the real world.

The first place I would look when trying to find great bunk bed deals would be in online classified websites, such as Craig'slist. If you know how to navigate these sites you can find some truly amazing bargains. One advantage this type of site has over an auction site, like Ebay, is that you can usually go check out the bed before making a commitment to buy.

You will find a lot of families trying to get rid of units that are in excellent condition because their children either outgrew them or moved away to college. Most of these sellers will take whatever they can get for these beds, and you can purchase one that is in excellent condition for a fraction of its original cost.

Another option is to use the classified ad section from your local newspaper. The downside to this is that you will not be able to see as many pictures beforehand as you would if you were searching online.

If you do not want to purchase a used bunk bed then you should begin bargain hunting in online stores. You can often find high quality products for a price that you can afford. The key with this type of shopping is to look for good deals on a bed made with high quality materials and craftsmanship, and not just for a cheap bunk bed. When you go with something of low quality you risk an injury for anyone who uses it. I don't know about you, but I am never willing to sacrifice my family's safety just to save a few dollars.

Whether you are in the market for a new or used bunk bed, spending a few hours doing research and calling up sellers can save you a boatload of cash. With all the deals you can find online there is really no reason you should need to pay full price at your local furniture store.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Buying a Bunk Bed Online

So, you have decided that you want to add a bunk bed to a bedroom in your home. This is a great improvement and will free up a ton of space that used to be taken up by the extra bed. You are being very economical with your space, so it only makes sense that you want to get the best deal possible on this bed. Buying a bunk bed online can be a great way to find the perfect unit at an incredible price.

One mistake that people often make when purchasing something online is confusing inexpensive with cheap. You should always try to find the best deal possible on a quality made piece of furniture, and not buy a piece of junk just because it has the lowest cost. This is especially true when it comes to bunk beds for your children. A low quality unit that is not certified safe by the government can be an accident waiting to happen.

Unsafe guardrails and ladders can lead to serious injuries if someone falls from the top. I know it would be the worst feeling in the world if one of my children was injured because I tried to save money with a cheap bunk bed. Not to worry, because it is very possible to find a great deal on a high quality bed when shopping online.

Online beds stores allow you to find products for a much lower price than you would be able to find in a brick and mortar store. The only problem is that you do not actually get to see it until it is at your doorstep. You will have to make a judgment call based on the pictures and descriptions given by the manufacturer. It is also helpful to find user reviews from people who have already bought the bed you are interested in. The more user reviews you can find, the better your chances of finding a good option are. Make sure to find out if the bed officially meets all safety standards.

One aspect of online shopping that you need to be aware of are shipping prices. A bed that looks like an incredible deal could include a high cost to ship. One that might be a little more expensive and higher quality might have its price balanced out with low cost or free shipping options.

The right bunk bed can help create a room that will bring years of enjoyment to your children's life. With the selection and prices available online, a little bit of research and bargain hunting will ensure you find your perfect match.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

TV Cabinet Styles

In the market for a TV cabinet? Finding the right stand for your TV can be surprisingly difficult. You want something stylish yet simple, that doesn't overwhelm the TV itself. You want something that stands out, but not too much. These days, a TV cabinet has become more than simply a place to stash your TV. Modern TV cabinets are usually equipped with a whole lot of extras. They come with cubbies and drawers to keep and store your DVDs and your home entertainment system, your speakers, your DVR and your DVD player. They are built to display your TV in the best possible manner and yet, they also are used for keeping your TV out of sight, when you don't want to watch any more shows or movies. There are a great number of different designs. Remember when you are considering purchasing a new TV cabinet to pick something that is both functional and stylish. Consider the dimensions and dynamic of your living room and choose a piece that speaks to you. Here are some different styles to consider.

Here's a novelty: a TV that is hidden in a fully working electric fireplace. Press a button on the remote and the screen appears, press it again and the screen disappears. While this may not be the kind of thing everyone wants or can afford, it is certainly a conversation starter.

Consider this, bamboo. A TV cabinet made out of bamboo, a sleek bamboo plate. This is similar to your traditional cabinet, but it is infinitely more contemporary; it is sleeker, more elegant and refined. A bamboo TV cabinet gives any home a modern edge. Being made out of bamboo, the cabinet is extremely light weight; it is also surprisingly long lasting and deteriorates by itself when disposed of, making it environmentally friendly as well.

A motorized lift is perfect for a sleek flat screen LCD. With a touch of a button, your computer glides out of a slick, sleek cabinet. It's very futuristic and will wow all your friends and family. This is state of the art, top of the line stuff here.

Think Asian. A company called Green Tea Design makes TV cabinets with inspired overhang beams, and hand forged hardware using Asian woods. The cabinets are stylish and cool. The lattice console, for instance features lattice doors, reminiscent of the Far East, which serve to hide components, while still allowing the remote control to function perfectly. There are a pair of side drawers for storing DVDs and other TV related items. The Yoshida TV stand features a two tone finish that relaxes the eye. Two sliding doors allow you to conveniently store your other electronic equipment.

A console style gives you a place to put your TV and it also provides room for you to place all the extra stuff like stereos and DVRs. These come in a variety of different materials such as wood, stainless steel, glass and even plastic. Custom made consoles can be designed to go with the rest of your furniture.

Before you buy, always shop around. Browse furniture catalogs and the internet for more inspiration.