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!