Choosing Between Stand Alone and Fitted Wardrobes

Posted on August 11, 2010 by MaryJo

There will come a time in practically every person’s life, he or she will need to buy furniture for the home they will move into. And of course, one of the necessary furniture pieces is a wardrobe. You’ll certainly need at least one of these for storage purposes whether to hold clothing, accessories or other items.

Without much surprise, you’ll probably be facing several questions during the process of obtaining a wardrobe for yourself (and your partner if you’re thinking of starting a family). In this fitted wardrobes guide, the key question I’m going to tackle is the thought process that goes into choosing between a ready made stand alone wardrobe and a custom-built fitted wardrobe. This is something I have identified that people often struggle with.

photo credit: Phoenix Dark-Knight

The big obvious difference between the two options is that with a fitted bedroom wardrobe, a consultant takes the trouble of designing the wardrobe to suit just for your room. This additional service and customization will come with a higher price tag of course. The question then becomes whether it is worth the extra money. There is no straight answer – the best I can say is that it depends.

If you have a room that has a fairly unique design with a space that is very awkward to fill with anything pre-made, then such a situation would call for a custom wardrobe. Also, if you have a very specific taste in the appearance and material (such as a pine wardrobe) and none of the readily available wardrobes in various furniture stores suit, then this is another justifiable reason to go for the bespoke option.

You have to remember that because there is the additional process of designing and special construction for a fitted wardrobe, you will have a certain waiting period before it is ready. When you buy a ready made wardrobe from a furniture store, the only waiting time is delivery.

Trendy White Bedroom Decor

Posted on August 11, 2010 by MaryJo

If you are looking for a way to make your bedroom look sleek yet comfortable, upscale yet relaxing, then think of using white as a major part of your decorating scheme. White, when set against a variety of other colors, can provide a crisp, clean and vibrant look that also looks and feels luxurious and creates a space that is both calming and relaxing. White headboards, for example, are a great way to add a backdrop of white against which to create a rich color palette of colors on your bedding.

Despite its pristine white color, you can select a headboard to meet any style and in almost any type of material. You can choose from a tufted white fabric or white leather style, or can go with a more basic headboard made from wood that is painted white. You can even combine a variety of materials, all in shades of white, to create a more interesting look. So, for example, you may start with white wood and then add sections that have padded areas covered in white leather, white silk or any type of white fabric. The texture of the fabric can be smooth or can be textured. It can even contain a white on white fabric that adds a bit of interest while keeping with the color palette. The possibilities for what you can choose in a headboard, even if sticking with a white color palette, are virtually endless.

In addition to the headboard, you can pick up the calming and relaxing vibe that white offers in other accessories placed throughout the room. Add a set of white pinch pleated drapes or a softer looking set of delicate white sheers on the window. Add a beautiful white vase on your dresser and fill it with white roses. Add a few white textured pillows to a chair or lounge on the side of your bed.

Adding touches of white within your bedroom can provide the perfect room in which to relax at the end of a day.

Stylishly Conceal Your Accumulations With Sliding Closet Doors

Posted on August 10, 2010 by MaryJo

As with any home decor design project there is a variety of choices to choose from when it comes to picking the right sliding closet door. You can start with a small budget and purchase the more typical accordion style door or increase your budget and invest in a door made of rare wood with etchings on the glass. Your choice depends on your budget and the style that best fits you and your personality. The final choice usually comes down to preference and functionality.

photo credit: smallestbones

What exactly is a closet sliding door anyways? Basically, it is a door that opens horizontally by sliding on a designated track. It can be mounted on rollers or suspended on a track. There are many design types for sliding closet doors. Some include pocket doors which slide along its width and are concealed when opened. Bypass doors, on the other hand, slide one behind the other giving you more access to the space behind the door. The interior style doors are typically used as wardrobe doors, shower doors, screen doors and glass enclosure doors.

Instead of a run of the mill manufactured door you can even order customized versions which include unique door hardware in almost in wood you prefer.

Of course if you choose to customize, your budget may increase considerably. Believe it or not you can order almost any type of door to compliment your décor. Your room can look out-of-date without the right door or you can take the time to select the right hardware, woods and design features to make it sleek and modern. Cast a critical look around your room. Are your belongings scattered about with nowhere to store them? Then a sliding closet door is probably what you need.

An ideal option would be the bifold closet door. Conceal your life accumulations for easy access with these doors. They are excellent for hiding and storage of linens, copious hordes of shoes and clothes. These types of doors have door hardware such as pulls or knobs which allow the door panels to be folded together and pushed to the side to allow access to the storage area behind them. Another design element to keep in mind when choosing your sliding closet door is if there is wood featured in your room say on your baseboards or windows. This will aid in the selections of woods etched elements.

You would want to match up dark woods or light woods to avoid creating a hodge podge of colors and textures. You will find during your research many finishes and designs to suit your room. With a bit of creativity and some budget flexibility your room will be both functional and attractive.

You may be so inspired by the end result created in the bedroom that you’ll begin to look at every door in the house, from the patio doors to the guest room doors.

The Stylish Plexiglass Wardrobe Closet Doors

Posted on August 9, 2010 by MaryJo

Many home owners would prefer to have their wardrobe doors made of stylish glass. If you are one of them then this article might help you out.

Many glass doors are available in the market including those made of clear glass and smoke glass. The sliding glass doors made of glass have a great risk- they are fragile and any heavy knock on these doors can completely break the glass into pieces, thereby incurring huge loss. In view of this, many home owners keep away from putting up sliding glass doors for their wardrobes. But there is a solution available to this serious problem faced by many home owners. The new type of glass material named Plexiglass has proven to be the most viable alternative.

Plexiglass is a substitute for any form of fragile glass. Plexiglass do not break under any circumstances. Plexiglass is synthetic glass made from acrylic based materials. Plexiglass was originally manufactured for tough use in commercial applications and in industries. The non-breakable nature of Plexiglass has proved it good for domestic use also. Glass sliding wardrobe doors made of Plexiglass has been a great success due to its non fragile quality. To know about the strength of Plexiglass, we need to know the areas where it is being used presently. Plexiglass is used to manufacture aircraft windows, protective glass panels for skating, ice hockey and riot shields used by policemen to ensure maximum safety.

Plexiglass sliding wardrobe door is available in many designs and styles. They can be designed in clear glass panels, smoked panels and many other patterns. Though various models are available, the installation of the same is not very easy. As a common home owner may not be an expert in installing the Plexiglass doors, it is always advisable to get the service of a competent contractor to get the same done. Most of the traders in the market offer installation of Plexiglass doors along with sale by charging additional cost. It is always better to ask the dealers about installation. The costs of Plexiglass doors are comparatively higher than the ordinary glass doors due to its special strength.

There are many dealers for Plexiglass in the market and the details are very much available online. They also offer good customer support and help in installation also. Many dealers offer discounts on the prices to attract customers. One should be cautious in selecting a particular dealer while doing online shopping for Plexiglass or acrylic wardrobe sliding doors.

Single Headboards Are Nice Enhancements for Your Bedroom

Posted on July 30, 2010 by MaryJo

Every one of us wishes to have the perfect bedroom. This wish is obtainable now, thanks to the available choices in home and garden furniture. Among the mentionable furnishing items, single headboards are perfect enhancements for your single beds.

Headboards are the most attractive part in the bed design. It’s the designer part of the bed, and without it, the whole design looks empty. So we can say that its importance is represented in the beauty side of the bed. Besides that, the decoration of the bedroom needs this fitting element to show its real charm.

Single headboards are offered in a wide variety of styles and materials. So whatever your preferred style is, a particular headboard is dedicated for you. All you have to do is taking a look at the offered options and pick one.

These well designed headboards are for those who like to be surrounded by the beauty and luxury. It’s a great enhancement for your bedroom decoration. This beauty design is quite recommended in the bedroom, because it can be reflected on the psychology of individual while lazing on his bed, so as to be redeemed of all the stress and pressure.

A leather headboard is a sophisticated one to decorate your bedroom with. This classy design is very tasteful, and it draws attention easily thanks to the charming style of leather. The luxurious appearance of this headboard has classy impact on the whole view of the room.

The bookcase headboard is another style for persons who like functionality in designs. With this style, the bed will be surrounded in a pretty nice way, and you will be given enough storage space for you different stuffs, such as books, cell phone and other private items.

Other headboard styles are available via online retailers. So what you think of taking a look at these various designs, and perhaps you find the one that fits your own bedroom.
photo credit: jypsygen

Important Uses of Bed Frame Trundle

Posted on July 30, 2010 by MaryJo

A bed frame trundle is a sort of “two bed space in one” for one bed frame can be easily stored or pulled out beneath a larger bed frame. You pull it out when you are gong to use it for sleep or for other purposes but when not in use, you can just slide it back for storage. It really welcomes opportunities for other storage and functions.

The primary use of bed frame trundle is really as an extra occasional bed whenever visitors or guests come in for a sleep over. The smaller bed, one which is located under the larger bed, has a relatively thin mattress and it has no box spring so it can just fit in below the larger one. This is not really perfect for everyday use but can be ideal as an extra guest space. Adjustable bed prices largely rely on the size of the platform, the quality of materials used and the brand or the manufacturer.

photo credit: joshjanssen

Most trundle beds have built-in drawer features for other storage purposes like clothes. Even if a bed frame trundle doesn’t come with built-in drawers, there are trundle models that are created and designed such a way that the extra mattress rest in a huge drawer. If this is the case, you can only remove or take out the extra mattress and use the big drawer for storing stuff like clothes and other related items.

For a bed frame trundle that is not in use, you can also use it to store linens or beddings so that when you are going to change the beddings, you can simply pull the trundle under to get a new one.

The use of bed frame trundle is not only limited to what was mentioned in this article, if you think of other ways, why try it. All you need now is a little creativity.

Beautiful Black Bedroom Furniture

Posted on July 27, 2010 by MaryJo

The significance of a black bedroom is interestingly elegant. The environment created by black furniture is a contemporary atmosphere. A Black bedroom creates a powerful mixture, with other colors used to develop the character of the room. Your bedroom is a special place, a refuge when you sleep and a place to bring the morning sunshine into before you start your day. The sophisticated black bedroom set has a lovely grouping of furnishings. Sleigh bed bedroom out fits come in sizes from double to queen, with matching chest. The black finish shows off the beautiful lines of this design. The 5-piece Nantucket bedroom presented in black entertains a modern look. Black furniture expands a room accenting every item placed near it.

Try a poster bed or metal frame bed in black for your sleeping area. The effect will clearly define the room. Black bedroom sets are designed from the contemporary to the luxurious. Accenting your black bedroom with pillows and beautiful bedding is easy when a color so easy to work with is used. Rugs, chairs and drapes are easily fitted to the color scheme of this dark mat finish. Black bedroom furniture is decorated with beautiful decorative designs or it can be quite plain. Either way, the sophistication it brings to a room is lovely.

The color black gives the newest furniture an antique look and mixes well with other furnishing adding a European flavor. The Ebony cottage bedroom, Brittany and Noir Street Panel black bedroom are favorites and the look of black furniture is growing. Black furniture is simple in its presentation yet oddly spectacular with its effect. Beautiful dressers with stencil designs are done in black. Pick any color you wish to enhance and black furnishing will suffice, while artfully addressing the challenge of a stable and spacious decorating idea. Black furniture does leaves room for exceptional creativity in home decorating.

Black bedroom furniture is a classical look changing the basic idea of contemporary furnishing. Use headboards covered in black leather and add leather chairs to complete the setting. Black bedroom sets are found in furniture stores and online, prices depend upon style and construction materials. With black furniture, it is possible to change your theme as often as you change your bedding. Anytime your mood is different you can recreate your bedroom, black is such a universal color anything can be made to work with it.

Chair Beds Have Come a Long Way

Posted on July 22, 2010 by MaryJo

If you own a chair, that’s good! If you own a chair bed, even better! To be able to sit in either is the best. Why? Long, long ago, chairs were reserved only for royalty. Surprising, isn’t it? Yes, only sovereigns were allowed to sit in chairs. Kings, queens, and other nobility had the privilege; no one else. These chairs were ostentatiously designed; enormous, gilded, and carved with intricate designs. And yet, each of these chairs was uncomfortable to sit in, but it was considered a small sacrifice, as it was all about appearance. Monarchs had to exhibit their regal bearings, and sitting stiffly in these uncomfortable flamboyant chairs was one of them.

Chairs in ancient Egypt were made from carved wood with elaborate gold designs. However, occasionally, ebony was also used along with ivory for decoration. In China, on the other hand, the use of chairs slowly gained popularity as time passed. Again, only royalty, and soon enough the elite, were allowed to have them. Commoners were only allowed to have stools. This was the same in other Asian cultures. Then the Renaissance period came and eventually altered the perception of the use of chairs. No longer was it exclusive to the nobility; it had become a part of every household. And no longer were they grandiose; just regular chairs to sit in.

During that time, comfort was never part of the focus when they were constructed. But later on it did become important. The purpose of chairs was to relieve the weight carried by the legs and feet caused when standing or walking. And chairs back then were able to provide relief, but at the same time caused pain in the butt and back with how rigid they were constructed. I suppose over time cushions were added for comfort. From there, it evolved.

In this day and age, chairs abound; it’s ubiquitous. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. Manufacturing of chairs has even become a science; studying the human body and what would make it feel more comfortable. Practicality and convenience are factors that are now also considered when manufacturing chairs; hence, you see ergonomic chairs that you can stack to save space when storing them. There are foldable chairs which also help save space. Best of all, producing one with two functions: a chair and a bed. Chair beds are the latest in the evolution of chairs. They are made to provide the comfort and relaxation of a chair, as well as a bed when the need arises.
photo credit: Al404

Benefits of a Futon Mattress

Posted on July 20, 2010 by MaryJo

These days, living spaces are becoming a lot more compressed and even a small space can be a home for some people. When it comes to this type of living arrangement, the goal is to make the most use out of everything. All your furniture has to be multi-purpose. And this is why futon mattresses are a great thing to have.

photo credit: brixton

The use of the futon mattress started in Japan. They have had this for quite some time and it has become the regular bed for most households. The futon mattress is filled with soft materials so that it is comfortable but retains it flexibility. The Japanese love futon mattresses because they can fold them up and keep them in a closet while it is not being used. The futon mattress is a big part of Japanese home living.

Of course, Westerners also find futon mattresses very useful. It used to be that the mattress would not have its own frame. Instead it would be placed on the floor itself. But since then futon mattresses have been made with a frame, mostly soft pinewood or hard plywood ones. A good example of this is a futon couch. This couch looks like there are two big bags resting on it. The first bag is where you sit and the other bag is where you rest your back if you are sitting down. You can turn the futon couch into a futon mattress and use it as a bed when it is time for you to sleep.

Usually, futon mattresses can be found in rooms of children. There are microfibers on it that helps it avoid stains. This is also a reason why families with children usually have them.

A futon mattress is often times a very useful and inexpensive thing to have in the family room. It serves plenty of purposes and can really help the family save space. This is a crucial thing especially if the house or the apartment is a small one. You can get cheap mattresses for your futon online or at a local store.

There are some manufacturers that use the term ‘futon mattress’ to refer to regular mattresses. The biggest selling point about the futon mattress is its composite materials. There are futons that have memory foam and even biodegradable soy foams. Some futon mattresses are even equipped with springs.

It is obvious that the futon mattress is really something relevant to modern living today. When space is a real concern, a futon can be a big help for you.

Creating a Feminine Nursery For a Little Girl

Posted on July 12, 2010 by MaryJo

Most parents decorate a baby girl’s nursery in a very feminine style. When choosing a color and theme for a baby girl’s nursery many parents first thoughts are something pink, and while a pink nursery is a wonderful choice, there are several other colors that are equally ideal for a little girl. Let’s take a look at some of the color choices, including pink, that work well for a feminine nursery for a baby girl.

All white is a wonderful choice and can be made to look either feminine or masculine according to how it is accessorized. Since we are talking about nurseries for girls, we want to go the feminine route. There are several nursery crib bedding selections that are solid white that feature lace and ribbon embellishments that would be absolutely stunning for a feminine nursery. White bedding for a little girl is also pretty when it’s trimmed in another color. Depending on the look you are after that color can be either pastel or bright.

photo credit: mandaloo

After pink, lavender or shades of purple are some of the most widely used colors for little girl’s nurseries. Purple or lavender baby bedding can be found in both solid color fabrics as well as various printed fabrics. Many bedding sets that feature some type of garden or flower scene use lavender as a main color. Lavender combines well with pink, white and with several shades of blue and green.

While blue is traditionally the color for a little boy, blue can also be used for a girl. Shades of periwinkle blue and teal or peacock blue are especially suited for a little girl.

Green is a soothing color that like blue can be used for either gender, but can be made to have a feminine appeal. One of my favorite, extremely feminine uses of green is in the Storytime bedding collection by Glenna Jean. This set combines green and pink in satiny fabrics for bedding that is all girl.

Pink of course is great. Combined with other colors or alone, when you use the color pink, there is no mistaking the room as meant for anyone but a girl. If you like ultra girly, there are lots of bedding sets that will work for you. If you prefer something more tailored, but you want to use pink, you will find lots of choices as well. Pink and brown is a hot combination and there are quite a few bedding choices using this particular color combo.

Yellow or shades of orange deserve a mention as well. In fact almost any color can be used to create a feminine nursery for your little girl.

Home Fashions Directory

Everything for the home

Category Archives: Bedrooms