How to Choose a Memory Foam Mattress?

Because of the unique features that memory foam mattresses have, they are becoming the favorable choice over innerspring mattresses. They are able to conform to a person's body while offering great comfort and support. Their popularity is evidenced by the fact that memory foam sales are higher than spring mattresses in Europe.

In order to select a memory foam mattress that you will be satisfied with, you must know what to look for. The following are some tips to think about while shopping.

Density

Foam density is one of the most important considerations. The more dense a mattress is, the more firmness and support it offers. It plays a role in how durable it is long term. For instance, a 5 pound density will last on average by 10 years when compared to a 3 pound density memory foam mattress.

The top of the line mattresses produced by the elite brands are about 5 pounds in density. However, some have found that less density is more comfortable to them, specifically 3-4 pounds. This is due to the fact that they are softer than the higher densities.

Also, keep in mind that some 5 pound memory foam mattress contain dense foam only in the top layer, and below are layers of 2-3 pounds density.

The best way to figure out what is best for you is by lying down on a few mattresses at a store in your area.

Foam ILD Rating

ILD stands for "indentation load deflection" and has a scale of 6-40. The higher quality models fall somewhere between 12-16. The measures how strong the foam in a mattress is. For instance, a 20 ILD is stronger than a 12 ILD. This rating tells you how well the foam will adapt to your body and the amount of support it will provide. Low ILD's indicate that they are softer, but not as supportive. Generally, the ILD rating for the layers within a mattress will vary.

Where Are They Manufactured?

Some companies say that their mattresses were created in the U.S, but really got the parts from foreign countries and then assembled them in the U.S. This is done to keep costs lower. The problem is that these parts aren't tested for quality, so no one really knows that they contain. More than a few who purchased memory foam mattresses suffered from respiratory problems because of the chemicals they contained.

The Hunt for a Great Four Poster Bed

It can start off with a word from your partner after seeing a four poster bed on the TV, in a magazine, or on a website. It will then eat away at one or both of you for ages. You have a little financial boost, a windfall, or you have finished paying for something and times get easier, and then it will eat away at both of you. You take a good look at websites, and decide that a solid wood four poster bed is the one for you. You have always wanted one. The kids are growing up, and some of the pressure is easing. You have had a pay rise. You decide to buy the family an heirloom. Whatever the reason, you can justify the expense. You are hooked.

The internet is now the best way to study the products that you want. It is permanently open. You can drop in when you have a few spare minutes. You can browse without being hassled by store salespeople who have little or no idea but the product they are trying to sell. You can have a good look around, save a few images. You like the posts on this four poster, you like the panels on another, and the canopy is ideal on yet another. Sometimes on the same website, but often you will cover the whole web in the hunt for the bed of your dreams. This can take a considerable time, as there are only a handful of manufacturers or makers, and very few retailers of quality four poster beds. Remember, you only have to spend once if you buy quality, and it will be in the family for generations.

The next move could be after your first visit to a website, or it could be two years down the road, after saving hard. You send the first email, trying to find out if all your ideas can be put in the melting pot and pull out your dream bed. Then you make a phone call asking about a few more details. 'Will a four poster bed fit up the stairs, and go in the room?' If you can get a mattress into the room, then there will be no problem with the rest of the bed. An 84" square mattress will come in two zipped halves, due to the weight and size of getting them into the room and physically turning the mattress in the future. Many four poster canopy beds are 78" high, but they can be made higher to look more elegant in a high room, or lower to fit under a beam. Remember, if you are looking at an antique or reproduction bed, taller will tend to look more Victorian, Regency, Georgian, or William and Mary, while a lower bed will look as though its has come from an earlier era, say Tudor.

Another question occasionally asked is 'Whether our floor will take the weight of a four poster bed?' Usually there is no problem; often four posters are not much heavier than conventional wooden beds, although a large, chunky oak bed will be heavier than a tall slender Georgian bed. If this is a potential problem use a little common sense when choosing a bed.

'Can we mix and match twisted posts, with carved diamonds, linenfold panels, gothic arches, fluted posts, some fancy carving, or a classic Georgian style headboard?' Usually designs can be customised to make your ideas look good, studying plenty of examples often helps.

Some customers have decided what they want by the time they visit a shop, others know what they want, but have not seen it yet, and many are not quite sure. Yesterday a couple came into our showroom knowing exactly what they wanted, looked at all the alternatives, and settled on a completely different bed.

Mattress size is important, a double, a king size or a super king size, and these sizes vary from country to country, so measurements work best in inches or millimetres. Mattresses can be specially made for the taller customer, so that their feet are not hanging over the edge of the bed. Sketching ideas on paper and looking in antique books will help find what you are looking for. These days it is easy to scan and email a few sketches if it is too far to visit, high resolutions pictures and diagrams can be sent quickly with broadband.

Grains of wood can be studied, whether it is close grained American cherry, English sycamore or perhaps sustainable utile, replacing mahogany. You may prefer the hand planed finish that can be put on English oak or ash to fit in with your stone walls or old oak beams in the bedroom. You should make sure that the timber used is from local sustainable sources. (The English oak that we are using at the moment has travelled less than 20 miles, and comes from The Duchy of Cornwall Estate, owned by the Prince of Wales, while the ash comes from another estate even closer.)

When considering wood colour, ask for samples to match up your existing furniture or get the colour that you are happy with. Samples can be polished and sent worldwide. You can go from natural to extremely dark, but lately there seems to be an increase in natural and lighter colours, perhaps a new trend is emerging. Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome is becoming an issue in the USA and the UK. Some customers want a finish as near to the natural wood as possible, using beeswax, others are tending towards oil finishes, providing a natural finish with a soft shine that can be revitalised at any point in the future.

Once all of these points have been raised, questions answered, and deposit paid, the making of your dream bed will become reality. Remember that anything handmade will take time, so allow a craftsperson time to do their work without rushing, that way you will have a finished piece that you are both happy with.

Once the bed, mattresses and bed base are made, shipping or delivery can be organised. Expect a small charge to cover fuel and time but you will probably have your bed assembled for you at the same time. Overseas customers should expect assembly instructions, the best being a step by step guide showing how to put your bed together, illustrated in pictures and captions.

Your manufacturer or retailer should be on the end of a phone for advice. (The other day, I had a customer who had bought a bed eight years ago, ring asking how to take his four poster bed apart as he was moving house. I took the removal men through it step by step on loudspeaker. It was easy.)

Finally you get the bed of your dreams, the bed that you have wanted ever since you were a child, the bed that you thought that you could not afford. They are not as expensive as you might think, especially with the power of the internet. It cuts out expensive overheads of a high street shop, keeping the product price at a sensible level.

Remember, when you are happy with your commission, the best way to thank a craftsperson, what ever they have made for you, is to smile and say 'Thanks that is just what I wanted.'

Soft Furnishings For Every Season

Soft furnishings are great for livening up the home. They are available in a wide range of fabrics and a kaleidoscope of colours. Depending on the soft furnishings you choose, you can create a room with a predominantly spring, summer, autumn or winter feel.

The soft furnishings themselves cover everything from curtains, fabric wall panels, cushions and bedspreads. You can buy cheaply or get some designer items or of course mix and match.

For a spring look the colours need to be fresh to reflect the new life that the season brings. Colours will include daffodil yellow, the blue of a clear sky or a carpet of bluebells, and the green of new shoots and young leaves. Designs can be reflective of the natural world - things that remind you of new life - rabbits, baby birds, young leaves and more. The fabrics should be fairly light - silk will work well and add a touch of the luxury.

Summer is where you want the lightest fabrics, both in weight and colour. Chiffon is perfect for this. Whites look good, especially white netting for the windows - as it billows in the wind it is reminiscent of holidays in the sun. The white will also help reflect the light in the room. A summer room can also take lots of colours to reflect the riot of colours going on in people's gardens - bright poppy red, vibrant purple, hot fuchsia pink - you get the idea. Check pattern are good as they remind people of picnic rugs, and fabrics with flowers on are also very summery.

Autumnal rooms reflect the falling leaves and the end earth returning to brown. Russets, gold and oranges are good colours. Fabric becomes a bit heavier to help keep out the cold and add a sense of luxury. A heavy Shantung silk will work well. Motifs on fabrics could include mature leaves and nuts.

A winter room will need really heavy fabrics to keep the warm in. Velvet will be perfect as it is also soft, snugly and luxurious and leather is also good. Colours associated with Christmas go down well - rich red and dark green particularly. Chocolate brown is also a good winter colour as is a rich purple. Motifs can include holly, robins and other iconic Christmas images or you can go for bare trees.

Whatever soft furnishings you choose for a room, remember that because they aren't fixed, they can easily be changed. If you can afford it you could have a set of light curtains for spring/summer and some heavier ones for autumn/winter. You could also buy a few cushions that are particularly reminiscent of the season and swap them when the season has finished. If you do that, remember to store the fabrics suitably until the season comes around again the following year.

Also remember that whatever soft furnishings you choose, they need to go with the furniture and style of your room. If you have designer furniture, the fabric accessories should reflect that and if you have chunky pine furniture, they should be in keeping with that.

Protecting Your Chair With A Chaise Lounge Slipcover

A chaise lounge chair is a wonderful piece of furniture that provides a place for someone to kick back and relax while watching TV, reading or socializing with friends and family. Chaise lounge chairs are usually purchased as a single piece or can be part of a larger set of matching furniture. Because this lounge chair is such a unique furniture item to have in your home, you may want to protect the original fabric from normal wear and tear. This is why it's a great option to purchase a chaise lounge slipcover that can be placed over the chair to act as an extra layer of protection.

There are two types of chaise lounge slipcovers - indoor and outdoor. Most indoor lounge chairs will have a much more formal design as it is meant to be a cushy seat. When you are looking for indoor covers, you will need to find a company that specifically makes these types of covers. There are some companies that specialize in making covers for furniture, and there are furniture companies that actually sell chaise lounge slipcovers as options for their customers who purchase an indoor lounge chair. Indoor options are made of fabric and can come in vibrant colors such as red, blue, and green or neutral shades like beige, white and khaki. If you really want to spice up your room, you could find a slipcover in a bold pattern that compliments the other furniture, yet adds interest to the decor.

There are slipcovers made for outdoor chaise lounge chairs as well. The outdoor lounger is usually of a more casual design. You'll normally see an outdoor chaise lounge chair close to a pool or on a patio in a backyard area. One of reasons many people look for a chaise lounge slipcover for an outdoor chair is protection from the elements. Most likely your outdoor chair is going to stay outside during the warm month. This exposes the chair to wind, rain and intense heat. To keep the lounge chair from deteriorating, you can get an outdoor slipcover that will fit nicely around this type of furniture. Most outdoor slipcovers are made from weather resistant materials and can quickly be placed over the chair when needed.

When you are researching specific colors and patterns for a chaise lounge slipcover, one thing you'll notice is that it is much easier to find slipcovers for the outdoor style of lounger than an indoor lounge chair. This can be a bit disappointing, especially if you have your heart set on a specific color choice that can match all of your other furniture. Often what happens is that you can find the perfect slipcover for the couch, loveseat and sitting chair, but when you look for a matching cover for the lounge seat, it's often a fruitless quest. This is why you should consider finding a solid or print color that is close to what you want, without it having to be an exact match.

The lounge chair can become an interesting focal point in the room.

Another option you have is to hire a seamstress, or someone you know who is good at sewing, and have them make you a custom chaise lounge slipcover. This may be the best way to go if you simply can't find the color choice you desire.

Feel the Excitement of Every Adventure With a Gaming Computer Desk

Enhancing the computer game experience becomes easier with a gaming computer desk. Computer gaming enthusiasts have a wide variety of needs when it comes to their computer gaming equipment and furniture. Unlike regular users who only need simple desks for their computing tasks, a serious gamer need a more elaborate setup to handle all the necessary enhancements to a gaming console.

Gaming consoles have a variety of accessories and special gadgets to further enhance the gaming experience of users. These include joysticks, large audio speakers and woofers, multiple monitors, and even pedals and steering wheels. Added to these are the regular assortment of interface devices such as keyboards, mouse, web cameras and headsets. Throw in the necessary components like the main unit, voltage regulator and uninterrupted power supplies, and you would surely see that assembling them all on a simple desk would be impossible.

In order to meet the challenge of storing and displaying all these equipment and gadgets, a special gaming desk is needed. A typical gaming desk is designed to handle all these computer accessories with ease. It has all the necessary shelves and bays that can accommodate all the components and accessories needed to enhance the gaming experience of users. In addition to this, it also comes with a built-in multiple CD and DVD rack where gamers can store their essential gaming disks, as well as their favorite movies and music.

There are many gaming computer desk models available in the market today. Some are able to handle a simple gaming configuration, while advanced models are able to accommodate a huge array of computer gadgets and components. A simple gaming desk configuration may allow gamers to use multiple monitors and three-speaker sound system, as well as regular components such as mouse and keyboards. Advanced models, aside from the regular assembly of essential computer components, are able to handle surround sound five-speaker system, steering wheel, multiple monitors, and many more.

Aside from providing gamers the necessary shelves, bays and racks to store all their needed gadgets and implements, a gaming computer desk is also designed to give users maximum comfort. Everyone knows how long it is sometimes to finish one game level, let alone the entire game itself. You can expect to spend more than two hours playing computer games, which is something that could earn you back and neck pains. A gaming table has an ergonomic design that allows gamers to use their consoles for extended periods of time without suffering afterwards from a variety of bodily pains.

The best thing about this type of computer table is that it will give you an awesome gaming experience that you have been craving for a long time. In fact, using a gaming computer desk will make you feel like you are actually in the game itself. With all the necessary gadgets and components all within your convenient reach, you will definitely have a remarkable gaming experience.

How to Select the Right Wicker Hamper

Wicker hampers may be very simple and even inconsequential in the eyes of some, but they can be a great source of convenience for any homeowner.

There are no precise rules to be followed in choosing the best white wicker hamper since at the end of it all, the customer's preferences on style and design will reign supreme. It's far more important to focus on a products quality and functionality instead of its design and appearance.

Choose Something in White

How to start: if you want to have a white wicker hamper, make sure it is pure white, not off-white. Although hampers in other colors are also great, they just don't provide the same neat appearance and elegance as a white wicker hamper does. No matter what design, theme or color scheme you have going on in your bathroom, this product will not be out of place. White blends in with just about any color. Aside from that, it also gives off a very neat and clean appearance. Plus, a white wicker hamper can be placed inconspicuously in a corner without calling attention, if this is your intention.

Make Sure to Choose According to a Particular Need

the products structural design is a very important consideration. Most types of hampers are made from wicker while some feature a soft fabric lining. Some wicker baskets are built with partitions; these baskets come with detachable or hinged lids. Make sure to choose according to its purpose. Choose a wicker basket that comes with compartments when you intend to use it for sorting laundry; you can go for lidded hampers if you want to have something that looks neat; and finally, choose the larger sized hampers to store towels and lots of other stuff.

Secure the Quality

Hampers are intended to be carried around the house. Just like most household staples, these wicker baskets are more likely to be used as a cleaning basket where most magazines, toys and dirty laundry are dumped while cleaning. For that reason, your wicker basket must be sturdy enough to support all this work. Wicker is naturally sturdy so you'll only have to make sure that the bottom of the basket is neither too thin nor too flimsy. Aside from the bottom, the seams of the basket also need to be tight and strong. The seams of the basket also need to be tight and strong; make sure it's woven and held together by a sealant.

The sturdiest hampers are made from rattan, cane, willow and other fibrous plant stalks in a basket weave. In order to preserve their quality and make them last for a longer period of time, you can treat them with varnish or any other feasible chemical.

Buy Easy to Clean Wicker Construction

White is a strong magnet for stains and dirt, so choose white wicker baskets with wide reeds and removable linings. These are far easier to clean than fine weaves and permanently attached linings.

How to Enhance the Look and Feel of Your Bedroom

How much of your life to you spend in bed?

Most of us don't realise that we spend about 40% of our lives in bed. Not all of that time is spent sleeping of course! So if we spend more than a third of our lives in the bedroom then surely we should spend some time and money to make it as beautiful and comfortable as the living room. Even though not every guest may visit the bedroom, it still deserves a good personal investment. So what are some things that we can do to liven up our bedrooms look and feel?

The first change that you can make is in the sheets. There are two main factors that go into a great sheet, thread count and fibre. Usually, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet. However, you can still some across 1000 thread count sheets that feel like cardboard because they are made cheaply. A 300 tread count is the recommended minimum because it is great for summer. Then you can move up to 1000. The other very important factor is the sheets fibre. Ensure that you don't chose anything synthetic as it won't breathe. Egyptian cotton is the softest cotton by far as well as cotton bamboo blends. Linen also looks great and breathes, but the negative with cotton is that takes lots of washes to really soften up. Anything marked "sateen" will have a silky feeling to the surface of the sheets.

After you have your sheets covered move onto a new a blanket. It is highly recommend to have a lightweight blanket in between the sheet and comforter. This provides extra warmth in winter and is great in summer when the comforter is too hot. Some good things to look out for here are waffle weave or lightweight merino wool.

After your blanket we have the top layer. There are three main choices in this category to suit all preferences.

1. The traditional quilt or bedspread - This option is lightweight and has a neat and tidy feel when tucked in. The only drawback is lack of warmth in the winter time and your traditional quilt can look rather flat on top of the bed.
2. The comforter- This is a fluffy blend that is usually top stitched with a decorative fabric on the outside. This provides lots of warmth and also looks fluffy and neat. The down side to a comforter is that it is not easily washed because they are usually too big for household washers. Therefore a visit to the drycleaner or big Laundromat is required.
3. The Doona - The most popular option in these days consists of a sheet like envelope that goes around a fluffy insert. Advantage is you can pick the insert to suit your climate, so use a light doona in summer and a thinker doona in winter. In regards to the filling, down is the warmest and microfiber provides great fluffiness. You can also get alternative non-allergenic fibres like corn or eucalyptus for people with allergies. Polyester fill will not breathe and will go flat over time. The other advantage of a doona is that you can launder the cover on a regular basis, so you can change the colour and the style. A disadvantage is that a doona tends to look messy and you will forever be readjusting the insert.

The next added extra that you can add to a bed for detail is a throw. It adds style, texture and colour to a boring bedroom. It is place to rest your feet when you sit on the bed, and it is great way to add an extra bit of warmth in winter. You can also throw over your legs when lounging during the day without having to ruin your nicely made bed.

Accent cushions are another nice detail to add. It is vital to not overdo it though with cushions because as good as they look made up in the shops, a bed with 101 cushions can be annoying when you are tired and ready to get in bed. Keep it to a few well chosen accents that work into your colour scheme. Adding three mismatched cushions looks stylishly eclectic. Two square Euros in a contrast colour is good if you are looking for a more classic look. Or for a more minimalist dream try one big bolster. They are nice to rest against when sitting up in bed. Put a basket or ottoman at the end of the bed to throw them into when you go to sleep- another nice touch to add to your bedroom and great for storage.

Your head pillow is not as vital to the aesthetic to the room, but having a good pillow to support your next is still very important. It is recommended you replace your pillow every 6 months, but this can easily be extended with a good pillow protector. Latex is the best pillow but expensive and some people don't like the feel. Down is nice but can cause allergies and flatten over time. Microfibre or corn fibre is other good alternatives to avoid these problems. Make sure you try your pillow out for comfort before purchasing.

The styling of the bedroom is best left to the owner's preference and taste. However some aspects that one should ponder are the colour scheme of the walls, carpet, bed and cushions. And when all else fails, check out some example online or in magazines for inspiration!

Indian Wooden Handicrafts

For centuries, Indian wooden handicrafts have retained a traditional place in ancient scriptures and mythology. There have been instances where instructions have been found in holy books on the process to manufacture wooden doors. Wood from India has especially been used for making utensils in several parts of the country and they are still used at many places for that purpose.

The famous walnut wood from Kashmir that is mostly used for carving small book racks, bowls, trays and numerous items of conventional use, have earned recognition and fame all across the world. Examples of Indian woodwork, influenced by ancient architectural styles, are in demand globally. There is also the famous sandalwood work of Karnataka which is recognized all over the world because of its distinctive smell. It is used for manufacturing intricate and eye-catching craft work. Another fine example of Indian wooden handicraft is the sandalwood hand-fan. When used, the fan spreads the fragrance of the wood all across the room. Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, the red sandalwood variety is used by Indian furniture manufacturers for carving idols, deities, figurines, statuettes and dolls. Particularly valuable are the trinket boxes that are carved out of rosewood and ebony. These are mostly manufactured in northern India.

The western state of Rajasthan, known all over the world for its majestic forts and palaces, is considered to be the hub of Indian wooden handicrafts. The state itself boasts of a rich tradition and culture. It has gained all the more recognition for creating fascinating and native handicrafts. The woodcraft of Rajasthan is especially famous for the state's distinct art and design forms.

A very popular type of wooden handicraft of this western Indian state is the puppet. Wooden puppets are an integral artwork form of the famous Rajasthan handicrafts. Long strings are usually attached to these puppets which move and dance when the strings are pulled. There's a narrator who tells a story, mostly pertaining to history or mythology. This is a very popular and ancient art form, still very much on display in the state. It's a native form of narrating a story and extensively used to entertain tourists to Rajasthan.

Wooden handicrafts of Rajasthan, also sometimes made by Indian furniture manufacturers, are usually characteristically colorful. They carry intricate craftsmanship as well. Wooden candle holders, blinds, toys etc. are widely manufactured in Rajasthan. Interestingly, sandalwood too, is often used for manufacturing such objects. Desert caravans manufactured from sandalwood are attractive show-pieces of this place. In fact, key chains, trinket boxes and other similar items, manufactured from fragrant sandalwood, are hugely popular all across the world.

Indian wooden handicrafts made in Rajasthan, are not merely restricted to gift items. The state's creative domain has extended its influence over furnishings and furniture as well. Inlaid brass sheet wooden furniture is a signature woodwork style of this state. People here love to flaunt wooden coasters and trays on their dining tables that are handcrafted exclusively by skilled artisans.

No wonder that Indian handicrafts are renowned all over the world.