5 Decorating Tips to Give Your House New Life

Are you tired of your home or apartment looking like every one of your friends’? The same, boring living room with a couch, loveseat, and chair all facing the television. It may be time you step outside the box, and liven up your space. We’re not saying you need to go all out and upgrade every piece of furniture, but sometimes, small changes can go a long way. To help you mix up your house a bit, we’ve come up with five simple, but little known ways to change your house for the better.

Low Furniture - This may not be great for those that try to keep their pets off the furniture, but it can have a lasting impact. Lower furniture gives the room height, tricking your guests into thinking the room is actually bigger than it is. You don’t have to go out and purchase a new couch either. Simply replace the legs, or remove them altogether, for an instant transformation.

Window Trim - Do you have any rooms with white or very light colored walls? Liven up the room with a little color around the windows. Traditionally window trim is white, or off-white, but your guests will instantly know something is different the next time they step inside your place with a bright colored window trim!

Glass Shower Door - If your bathroom has a glass shower door, more than likely it has some sort of frosted privacy glass. Although, this is great for when someone else needs to use the bathroom while you’re showing, they tend to shrink the room. A clear glass door will expand the view of the bathroom, and make it feel larger (or as large as it really it)!

Different Seating - If your dining room looks exactly like the one you grew up eating in, then it’s probably time to switch it up. One way to easily do this is by changing up the seating. Don’t just change up the seating by purchasing a new set, but mix and match! Another way to make it feel more welcoming and bring your guests together is by adding benches.

Unexpected Wallpaper -  When it comes to wallpaper, why does it always have to go on the wall? Give any room in your house an instant transformation with a wallpapered ceiling. Another great way to use wallpaper uniquely is by covering your stairwell walls with wallpaper that may contrast surrounding walls.

Have any other tips for transforming your house for the better in a unique way? Leave us a comment below! And if you’re looking for new furniture to give any room of your house new life, visit us at a store nearest you, or online now!

Spring Cleaning: Make Your Couch Look Brand New Again

Whether you like it or not, at some point or another you’re going to need to give your couch a good cleaning. From those last-second wins by your favorite team that ended with the nacho cheese spilling everywhere, to the long workouts where all you can do is lay down in a puddle of sweat afterwards, your couch takes a beating. But there’s no need to worry! You don’t need to start saving for a brand new couch when the first spill hits upholstery. To help get your couch looking like the first day you brought it home, we’ve outlined the steps you’ll need to take in order to bring your favorite place to lay down back to life.

1. Identify the Fabric - Good news, the first step to cleaning your couch has nothing to do with the cleaning. You’ll need to identify the type of material. In order to do so, find the tag located either beneath the cushions or under the couch. The tag should have a “W,” “S,” “WS,” “X,” or “O.” The “W” or “WS” means your couch is washable with a water based soap. “S” indicates it needs to be dry cleaned or with a non-water based detergent. “X” implies that the fabric should be professionally cleaned. Lastly, “O” stands for organic, meaning it needs to be washed with cold water.
   
2. Gather Supplies - After you’ve identified your fabric, you’ll need to get your scrubbing tools ready. You’ll need soap (if applicable), wood or metal polish brush or a sponge for scrubbing, a dry cloth and a vacuum.
   
3. Wash Wood or Metal - Start with the easy parts of the couch, the legs and arms. Wipe down the legs with with the polish, and don’t forget the armrest if it has any wood or metal as well.
   
4. Remove Cushions and Pillows - If your cushions are removable, take them off and wash them separately using the steps to come. Some couch cushions also have removable covers that can be unzipped, and usually thrown right in your washing machine. Make sure to check the washing instructions first!
   
5. Vacuum - Before you put any liquid to fabric, make sure every crack, crevice, and piece of your couch has been vacuumed. This will prevent you from scrubbing any dirt further into your couch.
   
6. Make the Detergent - For those with a water based solution, mix a quarter cup of detergent with one cup of warm water. For non-water based solutions, simply put rubbing alcohol into a clean spray bottle.
   
7. Wash (Water Based) - Using your sponge or soft brush, fully immerse it in the detergent solution and begin scrubbing problem areas. Start from top to bottom, as the water will run. After, using a cool, damp washcloth, wipe the excess soap away. Then using the dry cloth, wipe down one last time before allowing it to fully dry.
   
8. Wash (Non-Water Based) - Spray small sections of your desired area with the alcohol. Then using a dry sponge or soft brush, scrub the couch to lift up the dirt. Avoid large sprays as the alcohol may evaporate before  you have time to scrub large areas.
   

Can’t get that troublesome stain out and need to start fresh? Visit us online or at a store nearest you for our vast selection of couches and other living room furniture and accessories.   

5 Tips for Arranging a Small Bedroom

Arranging small bedrooms can be difficult. Whether you’re a large family with little space, or living in a new town on your own with minimal space, you’ll need to make accommodations. Before you freak out and decide to stack everything on top of itself, let us give you some ideas on how you can set up your room for maximum usability!

1. Center Your Bed - In order to be able to access your bed from both sides, position your bed in the center of the room. This will also give you a great starting point for the rest of the layout of your room since it will most likely be your largest item.
   
2. Sketch It Out - Know what’s already going in your new bedroom? Using simply a piece of paper and pencil, design a layout for your room that you feel will work for you. And don’t forget that you will need to draw your items to scale!
   
3. Create Storage - We know this one might sound a little crazy, but just wait! Don’t forget about all the places you can store things, like under your bed! Stash things like out of season clothes, or items you rarely use under your bed in bins for easy access later on.
   
4. Floating Shelving - When you’ve run out of floor space, look up! An easy way to extend your space is to self install shelving in your room if possible. And if you’re really looking to save space, turn your bedside table into a floating shelf as well.
   
5. Hide Your Dresser - This may not work for everyone, but it may work for you! If you have a short dresser, or only a few things that need hung up, put your dresser inside of your closet. This will leave you with extra space, and if you really want to make it more accessible, remove the door of your closet so you won’t have to do any more work than you normally would.
   

Have any other tips for arranging a small room? Let us know in the comments below. If you’re looking to stock your small bedroom with new furniture, we can help! Visit us online, or visit us a store nearest you!

Spring Cleaning Tips

It’s that time of year again! Spring air has begun to blow in, and that means one thing: Time to clean. Now that the cold air is behind us, it’s time to open your house or apartment’s windows, and let the fresh air take over! To help you get ready for a weekend full of cleaning, we’ve put together a few tips that will help you make your house sparkle again!

Clean the Drapes

They may not be “getting dirty” like the rest of your furniture, but trust us when we say the dust is building! Don’t worry though, there is a simple fix. Remove the drapes from their hooks and run them through an air-fluff cycle in your dryer with a damp towel for no more than 15 minutes. Wipe them down after before rehanging.

Dust Everything

We get it, dusting sucks, which is probably the reason you only dust some places once a year! To help yourself out, first remove everything from your shelves and walls before making any swift moves of the wrist. This way you can dust every photo or art piece, all while making sure you get under everything as well!

Clean Upholstery

You sit on your couches and chairs daily, but unless you have a shedding pet you probably clean them less than you’d like to admit. You’ll have to do a little more than just wiping down with soap and water. You’ll need to find the couch’s tag and find either a “W,” “S,” “WS,” “X,” or “O.” This will then let you know the products and cleaning style you’ll need.

Windows

Cleaning the windows isn’t the only thing you need to do this spring! Check the edges of the frames for any possible openings that may have cause leaks or air to escape this past winter. An easy way to check if any seal needs fixed is holding a candle next to the window to show any possible drafts coming through!

Have any other spring cleaning tips you find handy? Let us know in the comments below! And if after cleaning you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your furniture, visit us at a store nearest you or find us online now!

5 Spring Home Decor Updates

As February winds down that means only one thing, spring is on its way. Daylight savings is only a few weeks away, and before you know it the flowers will be sprouting, grasses greening, and warmer air flowing. But before all of the flowers bloom, it’s time to update your home’s decor. You’ll no longer need those extra blankets and logs for the fireplace, so break out the vases for fresh flowers and shades to block out that sunshine. Although we can’t help make the warmer weather arrive any sooner, we can help get your house or apartment prepared.

Add a Statement Piece -  Freshen up your living room with a new chair or loveseat. A statement piece is a great accent in any room, and is designed to give your room a new life. They’re also great conversation starters for when you have guests over!

Add Color - Whether it be with new paint for you walls of fresh flowers for your table, a pop of color can liven up any space. A great way to freshen up any room is with a splash of spring colors. You don’t have to go full spring with bright pinks and yellows, and in fact this year’s spring colors from the Pantone Color institute are more matte than gloss!

Refresh Bedding - There couldn’t be a better time to buy new sheets and blankets for your bed! Put away those thick, heavy comforters and head out for a brighter, lighter alternative. If you’re looking to take your bedroom to the next level, create a whole new headboard yourself with fabric!

New Pillows - The simplest and least expensive way to update your living room is with a new set of pillows. The best part of this is that there are so many styles and colors of pillows to choose from. And if you already have pillows, or just purchased a new set, try using covers to save money while still giving the room a new feel!

Update Rugs - It’s time to put those warm shag rugs away and find a new one for the warmer months. A new area rug for any room will give it a new feeling, and can lighten up the room instantly.

Have any other spring updates that you find useful? Leave us a comment below! And if you’re looking for items mentioned above for your spring update, visit us online or at a store nearest you.

Choosing the Right Furniture

Purchasing furniture can be difficult; we don’t do it every month, and sometimes not for many years. What’s worse is that when we most need furniture is when we are moving, causing even more stress. There are many factors that go into purchasing as well - such as price and how many stairs you’ll have to carry it up. To help you pick the right furniture for your house, we’ve defined and explained multiple factors you’ll want to consider before you make your next purchase.

Basic Options - You must first consider your budget, and if you do not have one, then you’ll need to make one. Consider purchasing a little at a time if you cannot afford it in one stop, and purchase the more essential items first (sofa, kitchen/dining room table.) After you’ve budgeted, consider your mode of transportation that you’ll need, and how you plan to get the piece into your house. This is also one of the most import things to consider as you may need to adjust your budget to afford movers.

Define Your Needs - Asses what you currently have and what you need. Too much furniture will cause your guests to feel claustrophobic. Before heading to see any furniture, know exactly what you’re looking for to avoid wasting time browsing and getting off track.  

Size and Shape - Measure the area you’ll be using, then measure again. There’s nothing worse than having a couch that won’t fit, or a dining room table that looks more like a coffee table in a large room. Play to your room’s strengths and weaknesses - avoid square furniture in a rounded room and vice versa.

Usage/Materials - Before you go buying all-white furniture, consider who will be using it. Do you you have messy friends or siblings with younger children? Avoid purchasing cloth material if so, as cleanups are much easier on leather. And if it’s going to be an everyday piece of furniture, ensure that it’s designed for that before you end up with broken or quickly worn out materials.

Have any other tips that helped you decided on the right furniture for your home or apartment? Let us know in the comments section below to help others! If you’re looking for furniture to furnish your home, visit us at a location nearest you, or find us online!

5 Valentine’s Day Decor Ideas

When it comes to Valentine’s Day there are two sides - you hate it or love it. If you’re on the love side, or just want to celebrate the holiday, then you know decorating is essential to the holiday. If you’re really trying to impress your date, or even your family, then the traditional roses and chocolate needs to be taken up a step. To help you step up your game, we’ve put together a list of ways you’ll be sure to impress your special someone.

1. XO Wreath - A traditional, decorated wreath is great, but why not get in the spirit? Even though you may think a heart wreath will grab your love’s attention, why not step it up to something more original? For this, you can use a traditional wreath, and then you’ll need to cut one in half, or simply gather sticks and make your own!  
   
2. Simple Table - Not great at decorating? Then this is a perfect decorating tip for you! Keep it simple, almost too simple. Set up your table with two candles, tableware, and just one or two of your valentine’s favorite flowers.
   
3. Tree Carving - Remember when you were a kid and the cool thing to do was carve initials into trees? Well, it’s still cool, and now you can even make a centerpiece out of it! All you’ll need is a sharp blade, a nice piece of wood, and oil if you want it to last beyond the holiday!
   
4. Candy Heart Candle - For this you’ll need a candle in a glass container, and a clear glass with a diameter twice the size of the candle. First, insert your candle into the larger glass, then simply pour your candy hearts all around the candle. (Warning: Don’t eat the candy hearts while the candle is lit.)
   
5. Chair Backers - Looking for a way to personalize just about everything for your valentine? Create a custom chair backer for their seat at the table using only felt, scissors, and glue. Click here for a free design!

Have any other Valentine’s Day decor ideas that you love? Let us know in the comments section! If you’re looking to update any of your decor, you can find us online or at a store nearest you!