How to Choose the Right Coffee Table

The history of the coffee table dates back hundreds of years to Europe in the 1700’s. It’s believed that as tea became more popular they needed a table to set the hot drinks down between sips. Now we still use them in coffee shops and living rooms across the country, and for the most part, they still serve the same purpose. They have evolved in many different ways though, from shape to size and height. As they will most likely be used nearly daily in your house, there’s a couple factors you’ll want to consider before purchasing your own.

Space

The first and most important thing to consider before going purchasing a coffee table is how much space you have. Measure the amount of space in the room it will be in so that you can calculate when purchasing how much of the room will be eliminated. Consider the surroundings of the table and how you will navigate the room with each size table. Height is also another consideration you must take in before picking out the right one. Measure the height of the surrounding furniture so that you don’t get one that falls below the seating, making it feel more like a foot rest.

Balance

Finding the right table that goes with the decor of your room is also an important factor. If you have a more modern look going, consider going for a glass table. If a metal table is high up on your list of consideration, factor the other metal pieces in the room and match the style or color of the metals. Also if you have a colorful room, you don’t have to stick to traditional wood or glass. Spice it up with a colored coffee table that goes with the color scheme of the room. And if you can’t find the color that matches, consider repainting and sealing to really bring the room together.

Practicality

The last thing to consider before purchasing is how exactly the table will be used. If your children or you are forgetful and don’t always remember to use a coaster, a glass table will eliminate any risks of watermarks or warping. Although a glass table can also be great for messy kids, consider the risks of it breaking. Lastly, if you have small children consider getting a rounded table, as it’s safer if they tend to bounce their heads off the corners.

Have any other factors that you took into consideration before purchasing the right coffee table? Drop us a comment below! If you want to view any of the tables shown in this blog, visit a showroom near you or shop online.

5 Ways to Make a Room Feel Bigger

Living in smaller quarters has its ups and downs. For one, you don’t have as much space to clean up. On the other hand, you don’t have as much space to use. Whether it’s because of your budget or how great the location is, some of us seem to be cramped into living spaces that feel too small. But there are ways of getting around the minimal amount of space, and it doesn’t include getting tiny furniture. To help you make the most of your small space, we put together a list of tips to open up any room.

1. Proper Lighting - Most rooms have some source of overhead lighting, but it doesn’t reach all areas of the room. Instead of only using the overhead, try using three smaller lights positioned throughout the room. Also try positioning the lights so that they will reach the corners of the room that the overhead may have missed.

2. Mirrors - If more lamps in your room will make it feel crowded, another great way to bring light into the room is with mirrors. An oversized mirror positioned across from a window will reflect a large amount of natural light. Another way to trick the eye is framing the mirror to look like a window, making the room seem more open.
   
3. Matching - When picking out your color scheme and accessories, be sure to choose at least a couple different patterns and colors. When everything matches it makes the room feel like it’s all one piece. To trick the eye, use different color schemes for throw pillows and couches. Most importantly, avoid matching your furniture with the wallpaper or paint.
   
4. Curtains - You might not think that curtains can have an effect on the size, but they certainly do. Avoid curtains or blinds that only cover the windows. Full length curtains will give the illusion of higher ceilings. Also try using lighter colored sheer curtains that match or go well with the wall color to achieve a larger looking room.
   
5. Excess - No matter how big or small an item is, if you have an excess amount of it, your room will feel smaller and cluttered. If you’re someone who likes to change your decorations with the seasons, make sure all of the previous season’s decor is put away before bringing out more. Also, avoid pushing furniture to the edges of the room. The open area may seem bigger at first, but you will soon realize it only highlights the small amount of space left.

Do you have any other tips or trick that you use to keep small rooms looking large? Let us know in the comments section, and check out any of the items shown in our showroom or online!

5 Ways To Update Your Dresser

Over time, as humans, we tend to get bored with things. There’s a reason fashion has a new style line that comes out quarterly, and it’s because we like new things. In fact, with the invention of the smartphone, our attention spans have dropped to below that of a goldfish. So if you would consider yourself an average human, then that means you probably like to switch things up from time to time. But that’s easier said than done when it comes to your furniture. One easy update is reworking furniture you already have. To help you update your bedroom, we decided to put together a list of some simple ways to make your dresser look brand new, or at least start a conversation the next time someone sees it!  

1. Give It An Ombre - Although you may have thought about doing this for your hair, it’s also a great way to improve your dresser. If you already have a color scheme for your room, then head to the paint section at your local hardware store to get the other shades. You can paint each dresser drawer a different color, or if you want to go all out, paint the whole dresser ombre styled.
   
2. Magnetic Paint - Why let the fridge have all the fun with magnets? Magnetic paint is great for walls when you want to constantly hang new items - but don’t stop there! If you’re into changing things by seasons then this is the right pick for you. Add and remove and magnetic object you like. And if you really want to go wild, remove the dresser’s handles and use magnets instead.
   
3. Replace Handles - Like we mentioned with magnetic paint, replacing the handles can give your dresser that spice you’ve been looking for. You can go all out and search through vintage stores to find handles, or go for a much less sophisticated look and use old toys. To use toys, cut them in half and screw them in like you would with any other handle.
   
4. Bold Paint - If you’re really looking to turn heads and start a conversation, then go bold. Paint each dresser drawer a different color. Go extra bold with bright colors, or for a more subtle look, use a different shade of wood stain on each drawer. Either way, having different color drawers will attract anyone who sees your new and improved dresser.
   
5. Redesign the Inside - Although it’s usually seen as a sign of laziness or lack of cleanliness when your dresser drawers aren’t closed all the way, a redesign could change that. This can be done multiple ways, using paint, markers or wallpaper. The best and easiest way to do this is to fully remove your drawers from the dresser and then put them back in after the redesign.  

Do you have any other ideas to makeover a dresser that we missed? Let us know in the comments section below!

4 Decor Gifts Mom Will Actually Appreciate

If you haven’t purchased a gift for your mom for Mother’s Day yet don’t panic, there’s still time. As you grow older it seems as though buying her a gift gets harder and harder. Sometimes we wish we could go back to the days where a macaroni necklace would make her the happiest gal in town (or so we thought.) Instead of trying to buy her a set of earrings that she’ll wear the one time you have her over, try getting her a practical item that she can use weekly, or even daily. Can’t think of anything? Well, we have you covered!

1. Vanity and Stool - Does she sit at the kitchen table every time she’s putting her makeup on? Well, here’s a great solution. This will not only eliminate the space that she may be taking up at the breakfast table, but it will eliminate her having to lug all her makeup throughout the house every time she wants to put something on. This will give mom her own space that she always wanted when you were growing up!

2. Full Length Mirror - Looking our best is something that most of us can agree helps make any day better. If she doesn’t have somewhere to check her outfit head to toe, then this is the perfect gift! Sure it’s not diamonds, but when have diamonds ever helped you decide if your shoes go well with the rest of your outfit?
   

3. Kitchen Cart - Let’s face it, there’s never enough storage space in the kitchen. A cart can also spice up a dull space and add a new flair to the room. And if your mom is fan of wine, then she can use this to show off and store all her favorite bottles in one place. If you want to take it one step further, stock up mom’s new cart with her favorites!
   
   

4. Server Stand - If your mom loves having guests over for dinner parties then this is your go to gift. Instead of having to go back in the kitchen for extra space, this will give her a place to store extra food, ice, and drinks as well. Using this stand will not only help save time, but it will allow guests to interact even more without having to talk around mounds of food and bottle of wine.

To find any of these gifts for your mom, stop in this week at your nearest location. Or if you know you won’t make it on time, order online and have it shipped directly to her house!

6 Tips For Decorating Your First Home

Image via Pixabay: https://goo.gl/Mzgm6N

After all of the hours of paperwork for buying or leasing your new home, and all of your current furniture is moved in, what do you do next? Moving into your first home or apartment can be scary. It’s one of the biggest and most expensive transitions you will make in your life. The move will allow you to embrace your own style, or force you to get one. To help combat these fears, or just spark some ideas, we’ve put together a list of things you should and shouldn’t be doing upon getting your own new space.

1. Set a Budget - This can be one of the hardest things to do when you buy a home.. Because it feels empty you instantly want to fill it with anything and everything. It may seem empty now, but rest assured that there will come a day when you have too many things. Start with the essentials you’ll need like couches, chairs and tables. Skip out on the things you’ll only use seasonally, or not that often, like high-end mixing bowls and blenders.
2. Get the Basics First - To get started, try making a list of all the things you find essential. Like we said when discussing the budget, you’ll want to get the things you’ll be using daily, like couches and tables. You’ll also need to remember the smaller things like utensils and dishware. Because these things can sometimes be costly, it’s better to get them out of the way early so you’re not forced to eat with plastic silverware while you watch your 55” 3D television on the floor.
   
3. Don’t Invest in Expensive Things - Sure, your couch will cost a lot more than your toaster, but it doesn’t make sense to buy high end pieces before you’ve truly found your style. Like the weather, your style and taste in things will change rapidly, so wait until you’ve gotten all the essentials before buying that new art piece.
   
4. Sketch Floor Plans - Because your space is limited, you must use it wisely. You may want that large table with six chairs, but in reality your space probably works best with a table with four chairs. Sketching your floor plans will also expedite the moving process, allowing you to know exactly where to put things.
   
5. Measure Everything - This tip will last you from your first home to your last. Everything must be measured, and then measured again. When you try and eye things up, chances are it’s either going to be too big or too small. This will also help you sketch the floor plan, and know how large or small of furniture you should be looking for. For areas that tend to be smaller, like the bathroom, this is most essential. You don’t want a sink that is so big it is touching your toilet.   
   
6. Don’t Forget About the Walls - This can be one of the hardest parts of decorating a new space. Because you spend so much time thinking about the most essential things like beds and couches, you tend to forget about the blank space that covers your wall. If you’ve been a poster fan all your life, try framing them to add an adult flair. Also try investing in mirrors, for their traditional use and as a piece of art.   

Hopefully you have found these tips helpful in your journey to creating a place of your own. To find some of the essentials, like beds, couches and mirrors, visit our website or find a showroom near you!

How to Decorate with a Folding Screen

The folding screen’s origin dates back many years in Asian history, and can be first seen in China and Japan. The original uses of the screens were to block drafts coming from windows, a place to change behind, and even a background for dancers. Original screens were not designed to be as mobile as the ones we see today, and were made out of heavy wood and linen with hand painted designs. Now folding screens have many different styles and uses, some of them even being very transparent and not intended for their original purpose.

In the Bedroom

There are many uses for screens, but one of the most popular popping up now is the use of a screen as a headboard. If you have a bed that uses steel frames, sliding the screen behind the bed instantly transforms the bed. The best part about this, though, is how much it can be reused. Because your bed lasts much longer than your sheets and blanket, you can repaint your wooden screen to match your room’s style.

In the Living Room

One of the most popular uses is still separating rooms or spaces. If you have empty corners, screens can instantly fill that void and add to the room’s style. You can also match the screen’s look to the decor of the rest of the room, with metal or painted styles. Another use in the living is separating a smaller area for a particular use, such as for reading or a space to talk one on one with others.

For the Art  

You may have seen this tactic when walking through a city, but try using a screen to show off your favorite or personal pieces. You can stack photos vertically, or just hang one or two. Because screens are so movable now, you can even move your art from room to room throughout your house. As the seasons change, you can also update your art and stay in style.

For a selection of folding screens to style your own living space, visit a showroom in your area or shop online now.  

7 Decorating Tips to Transform a Room In a Day

For most of us, decorating our houses, rooms, and apartments is not our full-time job. After a long work week it can be hard to find the time and effort needed to keep up with the decorating trends and latest styles. To combat that, we put together a list of easy changes you can make to various rooms in as little as a couple minutes, to at most a couple hours. The tips will not change the whole room, but bring in a little spunk and flair for a fresh feel.

1. Hang an Interior Curtain - Curtains are great for keeping out light, but they can also be used as fashionable way to hide a space or separate a room. Try hanging a curtain over a glass door, or to separate rooms like the kitchen and dining area.
   
2. Mix and Match Bedding - Bring out your inner kindergarten self make some bold choices with your bedding. We’re not suggesting mixing stripes and polka dots together, but a small investment in throw pillows that change the color scheme will do wonders.
   
3. Antique a Room - For the class clowns, we don’t mean covering it in water and flour - sorry. Hit up an antique shop and find some cool things that all work well together to instantly change a room. Keep it to one room though, like the bathroom, to really give it its own unique feel compared to rest of your space.  
   
4. Paint Wooden Furniture - For wood furniture that’s on it’s last leg, figuratively not literally, spruce it up by painting it. Turning a set of wood chairs white will change a room’s feel instantly.  
5. Wallpaper Shades - Those white shades have been needing some color for years, and now you have a reason to change them. This can instantly change a room with the right choice in wallpaper. You can add spunk with a statement color, or class with a classic print.
   
6. Give a Room an Accent Color - If you have a room that has a duller vibe, simply update it with a few simple colored pieces. Pick a brighter or contrasting color that is sure to stand out from the rest of the room. This can be as simple as a few throw pillows and a bed runner that brighten up the room.
   
7. Mix and Match Chairs -  So much of our lives has order, so break the decorating laws and mix and match chairs at a table. You can get sets of chairs, or just simply have every chair different. This will for sure make for a conversation every time a new guest comes over.