Monday, March 27, 2017

Measuring a Room Is a Vital Step Prior to Purchasing New Furniture


Buying new furniture is an exciting endeavour and most of us are eager to get started as soon as we see the armchair or bed of our dreams. There is of course nothing wrong with being eager to add new furniture to a home but there are a few potential problems that can occur if a little prior planning is not taken into account.

One of the biggest problems faced by homeowners when they bring home a new item of furniture is the realisation that the expensive leather sofa they have purchased is too big for the living room interior. Either that or the sofa won't fit through the living room door. Whether it's the staircase, front door, back door, an unusual interior angle or the banister rails, there's usually going to be an aspect of the home that will be problematic for certain sized furniture pieces.

It is thus vitally important to take some measurements before beginning the furniture selection and purchasing process. The location which will need to be measured first is the room in which the furniture item is to be positioned. This can be done with a standard measuring tape and the help of a friend or family member to hold the other end.

In the case of smaller rooms, the measuring process is of particular importance. The selected area where the furniture piece will be situated needs to be measured meticulously as does the surrounding space. Factors to bear in mind include any foot and access space in relation to the furniture item. For example, a sofa will need space in front for feet to rest and a double bed will need plenty of access space either side and at the bottom.

The height of the furniture will also need to be thought about, especially when it comes to tall furniture pieces like cabinets, bookshelves and wardrobes. The ceiling height won't usually be a problem but it's worth checking the height nonetheless instead of finding a new oak wardrobe won't fit.

It's not just in the interior where the new furniture piece is to be located that needs to be measured. The access routes into the room and into the home itself need to be measured. When the sofa, dining table or wardrobe is being delivered, you don't want to find it won't fit through the front door. Measure the height and width of all the doorways through which the item will have to be carried as well as any narrow passage ways, garden gates and surrounding walls.

Measuring a room and the relating entrance ways won't take a great deal of time. Once you have the measurements completed, you can then compare them to the dimensions of the furniture piece in question, whether you're buying from a store in the high street or from the internet. Knowing all these details will help you picture the item of furniture in its final position and thus make choosing the right piece for your needs much easier.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Edward_Beaman-Hodgkiss/302203

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Tuesday, March 21, 2017

The Pros and Cons of Sleeper Sofas


A sofa bed is a common sight in a guest room, but more and more Americans are now considering using them as part of their standard living room set. Most furniture stores now offer a wide array of this convenient piece of furniture, which can be folded up into a couch, or pulled out to be a full or queen size makeshift sleeping surface. However, any potential consumer should consider a few factors when weighing the pros and cons of regular couches versus sleepers.

Function of The Room

If your home has an extra room that isn't being used as a full-time bedroom, it may be convenient to use it as a sitting room most of the time, then convert it into a guest bedroom when you have visitors. It may also come in handy if you have friends over late, who would prefer to stay with you instead of driving home. However, if you are considering purchasing a sofa bed to be your predominant sleeping surface, make sure to thoroughly research the mattress type and try out a few options for comfort.

Cost Efficiency

If one of the main reasons for your purchase is your desire to entertain out-of-town visitors, be realistic about how many guests you will host in a year. If you only have a few visitors in a year, purchasing a deluxe sleeper sofa may not be cost effective. However, if friends or family visit regularly, a sleeper sofa can be the perfect way to keep your guests comfortable while reducing hotel bills.

Size of The Room

If the room in question is of a smaller size and is meant to have a double function, a sofa bed may be the perfect double duty furniture item. For example, if you live in a studio, then this might be a perfect option for you so that you can have your bedroom when you want it, while retaining the option to transform it into a TV watching room or a sitting room for friends. All furniture stores should stock a wide array of size options, ranging from twin to full to queen size mattresses.

If you do decide to purchase a sleeper sofa, remember to look for one of the highest quality that will last you the longest time without malfunction. Typically, a hardwood frame is more durable, such as one made of furniture grade plywood. Softer woods like pine will bend and warp after a shorter amount of time. Additionally, make sure to look for a smooth, quiet mechanism for lifting the bed in and out. Finally, check that there are no sharp edges under the sleeping surface that may snag or rip your sheets. Most importantly, test everything you consider buying while you are at the local furniture stores! Happy shopping!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Stratton/83489

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Saturday, March 18, 2017

Ask A Designer: Dark vs Light Colored Couch


H&H‘s Joel Bray and Jennifer Koper offer expert advice on selecting the right sofa for your home and lifestyle. Learn the pros and cons of light and dark-colored sofas, and discover important factors to consider for each.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Feng Shui for Foyer / Entrance



Feng Shui in the foyer or entrance to your home is important to promote a positive and peaceful environment.

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Small Dining Room Arranging



Squeeze more out of your small dining room with these arranging tricks and furniture tips.

Friday, March 3, 2017

Feng Shui for the Living Room



Feng Shui in the living room is important because a lot of energy moves through it. Here's how to improve Feng shui in the living room.