Few tips how to choose perfect sofa

Nowdays, there is so many products on the market that you have almost endless choice. This same applies if you want to buy new sofa. You might think you know exactly what you want, but once you walk into a shop or browse images online all that options can become overwhelming. Here is our short guide that will help you choose right.

First of all consider size of the sofa. If you have a bigger living room, you'll need to decide exactly how much of the space you want to fill. Do you want to have chairs or maybe coffee table in your living room? If so, a simple sofa or one with L-shape is probably the best fit. On the other hand, if you're looking for a sofa that will be the focal point of your room, look for rounder couch shapes.

If you have a smaller room, you will probably need a smaller sofa. With less space, any sofa will be in the spotlight. Because of that you want to choose something that is practical, but also has unique design.

Next very important thing - you need to decide how the sofa will be oriented. Ask yourself those questions: What do you do the most in that space? Do you like to sit down in front of the TV? If so make sure your sofa faces that direction. Love hosting game or wine nights? Create a semi circle around a central table.

Furthermore, you need to determine which shape will suit the room best. Now that you've decided your sofa's function, it's time to figure out which shape will help it fulfill that purpose. A clean L-shape sofa is great if you want  to divide the space and separate the living room from the dining room.

Moreover it's good idea to research upholstery materials. Which will be best for you? Design is important, but functionality is the most important thing when it comes to choosing a material for your sofa. Maybe you are tempted to buy white suede sofa, because it looks so good, but be aware that such sofa is also very dangerous. Suede can be a poor choice if you have pets or small children in home. Then you can choose leather as it is consistently in style, generally wears well with age, and can be fairly easy to clean. Just remember to pick up darker colors.

Source: http://furnitex.co.uk/

Guide to buying eco-friendly furniture

The eco-friendly terminology doesn’t exist in the furniture category in the same way it's used in labeling for example food. While some items will have the word organic or eco-friendly in the product name or description in case of furniture it look differently.

Here is our guide to what’s out there in eco-friendly furniture, décor and furnishings, from organic fabrics and fills to certified ecologically harvested wood.

First, if you want to be eco-friendly opt for organic in upholstered or filled pieces. Let's start with home furnishings you will find with the word organic on the label or in the product description.
Take upholstered furniture for example - you need to look for chairs and sofas covered in organic fabrics and stuffed with natural latex foam.

When you buy mattresses choose organic cotton, organic wool and natural latex. Most organic mattresses have latex cores and are wrapped in wool or cotton or a combination of both.

As you may know organic mattresses are pricey but there is an alternatie - futons. They can be a cost-effective alternative, and you don’t have to use them on tough to sit folding frames. There are platforms and flat frames available, too.

The simplest way to avoid toxins like formaldehyde and PBDEs is to buy furniture made from materials that don’t contain them. Pieces made from metal or glass carry few concerns, as both are inert materials which don’t offgas. Solid wood furniture ranks right up there, too. However, keep in mind that the products used to paint or finish wood and metal can contain VOCs.

Source: http://furnitex.co.uk/

Open kitchen concept - a quick guide

Nowdays, in design there is tendency towards full opening of the living area. The benefits are obvious, but there are also some drawbacks, so make sure you know the basic design rules and that your decision is based on a good balance of pros and cons.

The open floor plan is great for a variety of reasons. First of all, it looks good and gives a sense of airiness. Moreover if you have a family of for or five, plus pets, the openness of the design will sure make it easier for everyone to spend some valuable time together. The concept of a kitchen open to the living room is utilized by owners of small apartments, where the open plan simply creates the illusion of a bigger space.

What you need to keep in mind is to leave the view unobstructed. Why open up the space if you plan to divide it again by some folding screens or curtains? Successful open plan designs are all about a sense of airiness that comes from the lack of barriers for the eye, but also from the choice of appropriate furniture.

Key factor in open-plan environments is to try to avoid furniture which is too tall or heavy as compared to the furniture in the living room area. If you choose bulky upper cabinets, they will not only close in on the room and make it look smaller, but will also draw too much attention. Of course you can use upper cabinets but they should be simple in terms of style and color.

Next thing that you should know is that defining feature of most open-plan environments is a kitchen island, which acts as some sort of a border between the cooking and lounging areas. Sometimes it is also a breakfast bar or a rectangular dining table.

Furtermore, you need to be careful with open shelving. Too many closed upper cabinets can make a room seem smaller. There are pros and cons to using open shelves in just about any room, but when it comes to open-concept designs, they need special consideration.

Another thing that you should know is that floors are the backbone of an interior, and it's especially truer in open-plan arrangements. Whether you go for wood, tile or stone be sure to use rule of thumb for open areas and as much of one material as possible. Continuous flooring brings the sense of unity and spaciousness into the overall design.

Another advise is to be consistent in terms of style, as open plans need an overall stylistic coherence, so that all areas interact with each other without individually standing out.

What do you need to know before buying an office chair

Office chair is very important piece of furniture as you will use it for many hours every day, so before you buy one consider all the options. It should offer good support and make your day go smoothly. A comfortable office chair makes it easy for you to do your job. Here are some tips and advice that you need to consider before buying office chair.

First, office chair should allow you to adjust it height. For optimal comfort you should be seated so that your thighs are horizontal to the floor. Look for a pneumatic adjustment lever that will let you bring the seat higher up or lower.

Moreover, you should be able to position your backrest in a way that suits your task. If the backrest is attached to the seat you should be able to move it forward or backward. A locking mechanism that holds it in place is good way to go.

Furthermore, remember that any office chair worth buying will offer good lumbar support. Your lower back should be supported in such a way that it is slightly arched all the time. Good lower back or lumbar support is essential to minimize strain or compression on the lumbar discs in your spine.

And what about material and padding of good office chair? A material that lets your body breathe is great when  you are sitting on your office chair for extended periods. Fabric is a good option, but many new materials offer this breathe feature as well. The padding should be comfortable to sit on and you should avoid a seat that is too soft or too hard.

Last but not least, don't forget that good office chair needs to be mobile. The ability to move around in your chair adds to its usefulness. Casters give you easy mobility, but make sure to get the right ones for your floor type.

Choosing the perfect TV stand or cabinet

The decor in your home can determine how you enjoy watching movies or television. Usually your TV is the focal point of living room, so choice of a TV stand or cabinet is important. Here we give you some tips on choosing right TV stand for your living room.

First, you should consider a style you choose.. As a general home decor rule, you don't want to mix styles, instead try to choose a TV stand that fits your living room and your personal taste. You'll be looking a lot at both TV and TV stand so decide on something that fit well with the rest of the room.

Next let's talk about room layout and TV location. If your living room is in an oddly shaped room, you may need to get creative - for example you might consider TV stands built for the corner of a room. Also examine the lighting conditions in the room.

Moreover you should have in mind your TV size and type. The type of TV stand you choose needs to fit your TV. If you are buying a TV cabinet for an older TV, you'll need to be sure that the TV cabinet is deep enough. Modern TV cabinets are built for flat panel LCDs so they are not that width.

If you have a lot of media storage like DVDs or video games you should look for TV cabinet that will not only fit your TV but has space for your whole movie collection.

And let's not forget about cable visibility. Most home theater systems have many cables for all kinds of devices. A bunch of cables sticking out from behind your TV cabinet doens't look good. Choose TV stands that have special cable conduits to organize and run your cables out of people sight.

How to create the perfect bonus room from your basement

Even if it's currently cold concrete and crammed with boxes of off-season duds, the lowest floor of your home probably has loads of potential. Treat your basement just as you would any of the rooms aboveground, and it might just become the most popular spot in the house. Here's our advice for turning basement into a place you'll be eager to spend time in.

First some ideas what your basement could become.  For example you can turn it into extra TV room or kids play room. Sometimes it is nice to have TV that the kids can control, playing their favorite shows and using it for video games. You just need to install simple TV cabinet and comfy sofa and your new room will be set.

Another idea is to turn it into movie theater. If your family love watching movies, basement is a perfect space to outfit with the latest technology, surround sound, subwoofers, and comfy chairs. Go all out and you’ll never actually have to go out for a movie again!

To create a home theatre you must allow sufficient distance between the armchairs and the screen. Lighting is less important here, but comfortable seating is essential. Remember also that you will need to hide the unsightly cables of your various pieces of equipment, and you may also want to consider soundproofing the room.

Last but not least you can turn basement into guest suite. Your guests will enjoy having their own space to retreat to without feeling like they are in the middle of a busy household. You just need to buy some chairs and table for your guest to sit and relax. Outfit the space with a luxurious bath, and on a dark, snowy night with no guests, you can sneak down for a bubble bath yourself.

Quick guide - garden furniture

Spending time outdoors can be a very relaxing and enjoyable way to appreciate summer days and make the most of patios and balconies. But that time can become considerably less enjoyable when there is no comfortable place to sit outside. Luckily there are many styles and makes of patio furniture that can improve your outdoor space.

First, you need to answer yourself simple question - will you be using your furniture for dining, socializing or relaxing? Dining sets are great for those wanting to enjoy teasty meal outside, whereas a deck set might be a less costly option worth considering if dining is not a priority. If you plan on using your patio only occasionally, a few basic items like a bistro set might do.

Next you need to know how many people will join you during outside parties? For larger groups you might opt for a 7-piece dining set. If relaxing with friends and family for extended periods is something you enjoy, sectional 3- or 4-piece cushioned seating sets could be great idea.

If you entertain frequently or spend a considerable amount of time enjoying the warmer months outdoors, comfort and durability are especially important when making patio furniture purchases. Solidly constructed pieces, cushions and sofas are a must.

Next very important aspect is free space. The amount of outdoor space you have will help determine what furniture is best for you. If space is limited, round and hexagonal tables are ideal alternatives to larger dining tables. A hexagonal table can seat as many people as a rectangular table and takes up less space.

Furthermore, keep available storage space in mind when deciding on what items to purchase. Some outdoor items integrate storage space into the pieces themselves.

Before you choose garden furniture you also need to consider their weather resistance. If you cannot store or shelter your patio furniture and accessories from the elements, they might have to endure prolonged exposure to harsh outdoor conditions.

Armchair - a short guide

First, lets answer the question - what armchair is? So armchair is very simply a chair with armrests. The chair is designed with a place to rest the arms. Although shapes, lines, and upholstery of the armchair can be very different - in this guide we well go through all available types.

Probably you don't know that but the idea of the armchair was developed for comfort. Before the popularity of the French fauteuil designs furniture was very stiff and hard with straight-edges. Furniture in the 18th century reflected more intricate designs, curved lines and comfort. Due to it popularity, armchair become a common addition to a living room, bedroom, or library.



Now, something about different styles of armchair. The traditional armchair design was initiated as a way to incorporate lounging into the design by softening edges and upholstery. An ever growing middle class sought more practical and comfortable furniture which influenced the design.

The fauteuil comfortable (comfortable armchair) grew in popularity in France and France quickly became a world leader and forerunner in the design of new furniture styles. A typical fauteuil is an armchair with open sides, exposed ornately carved wood and graceful curved lines.

The bergere style armchair also originated during this period. A bergere chair is an upholstered armchair with closed sides. The sides, back, and seat were all upholstered and the seat is wider and cushioned.

This wingback style of armchair was made popular in England. The wingback chair is taller than it is wide and has 2 side panels that extend from the back of the chair - in a winged shape. These panels connect to the closed-in arms. Originally, the wingback style was developed to protect delicate ladies from the heat of a fireplace.

The Queen Anne style armchair is a delicate version of the wingback chair. This type of chair has the same winged shape and extended side panels however the shoulders and the back of the chair droop slightly to give a design a more feminine look.

Last, but no least - the club chair that become popular in the early 20th century. It has a low backed, widely ample seat design and is most often completely upholstered in leather. This style of armchair was most typically found in English gentlemen’s clubs so this explains the name of the chair.

Perfect dining table - a short guide

The dining table is the focal point of almost every home, where whole family could gather. If you don't have one or need replacement you will probably want to buy a perfect one. So what do you need to look for? A dining table needs to be well crafted, have optimal size and allow to seat all your family members and guests. Here are some tips how to chose perfect dining table.

First of all you should select a dining table that is made of sturdy stuff. If you want a table to last many years you should choose a table made from a hardwood, such as mahogany, walnut or oak. Tables made from composite woods, which include plywoods and MDF are durable and economical but are never as strong as a hardwood. Hardwood is also a litte bit more expensive but for more money you get better quality.

Moreover, classic, wooden top in tableis great but don’t discount glass. The advantage of a glass-top dining table is that it works well with many decor themes. And because it has a reflective surface, it is an excellent choice for a space that might need to look a little bigger and brighter.

If your main goal is to impress your guests, you should chose marble table. Marble is a big investment, but this type of dining tables are nearly always showstoppers. Tables crafted from quality imported marble are extremely beautiful.

Next advise - choose a shape that will work in most rooms. Round tables look good in compact rooms and living areas that have square dining zones. They also offer flexible seating. On the other hand, rectangular tables have limited seating spots due to the position of the table legs and because only one person can be seated at each end.

Last but not least - the color. If you aren’t expecting your table to suffer wear and tear, choose the most sophisticated and elegant table in black color. But do it only if you are the careful type of person, otherwise go for natural color like brown.

How to decorate small kitchen - tips and tricks

You can turn your small kitchen into amazing place with these great decorating ideas and tips below.
First, don't believe what you've been told about small kitchens. They do indeed have the potential to charm as much as their larger counterparts.
Because visual clutter can minimize an already small space, approach your small kitchen design with the idea of keeping things simple. You can achive simplicity by keeping countertops clutter-free.

Also try to take advantage of unused space - we are talking about things like a bare wall, the alcove above the cabinetry or an empty window sill.
Uniformity also produces simplicity, you can use monochromatic color palette and start grouping similar items. For example, create visual continuity by pairing items lika a collection of decorative plates or a set of storage baskets.

As you may know, color plays an important role in decorating the kitchen. If you paint the room in a flattering tone-on-tone palette it will gives the impression of spaciousness. If you want to achive bold and unexpected design touch,  consider painting an accent wall in a vibrant hue. An attention-grabbing wall adds depth and style to your room.

Next important thing to remember, is to look up and assess your lighting situation. Although recessed and under-cabinet lights leave the smallest footprint in a small kitchen, a pair of pendant lamps above the center island or a trendy drum shade will give the kitchen a finished look.

Last but not least, remember that everything in a small kitchen must serve double-duty. Because of it cabinetry and shelves aren't just for storing dishes. With proper styling, floating shelves or glass-front cabinets are easily transformed into chic vignettes for treasures or a stack of cookbooks.
If storage space is limited, then for example bring a bookshelf to hold your kitchen essentials.

Tips for choosing sofa of your dreams

There are infinite options when it comes to choosing a sofa. You might think you know exactly what you want, but once you walk into a shop all the styles and shapes can become a little bit overwhelming. Here are some tips that will help you get a clear idea of what you want from your sofa.

First of all consider the size of your sofa. If you have a bigger living room, you'll need to make decision how much space your couch should fill. Maybe you want to include other couches or some chairs and coffee table? If so, a simple sofa, or one with L-shape is probably the best fit.
But if you're looking for a sofa that will be the focal point of your room, choose sofa in rounder shapes that take up a bit more space and provide a lot of seating for you and your guests.

On the contrary, if you have a small living room, you'll need a smaller sofa. With less space, any sofa is going to be in the spotlight. Because of this it's important to pick something that is practical, but also have unique design that complements the rest of the space.

Next important thing is to decide exactly how the sofa will be oriented. Successfully organizing a living space starts with analyzing your lifestyle. Ask youself a question - what do you do the most in that space? Do you like sitting in front of the TV? If so, make sure your couch faces that direction. Do you love hosting games ? Create a semi circle around a central coffe table.

Next, determine which shape will suit the room best. Now that you've decided your sofa's function, it's time to figure out which shape will help it fulfill that purpose. A clean L-shape is great for open areas that need to be divided, for example separating the living room from the dining room.

Research upholstery materials. Which will be best for you? Design is important, but functionality is key when it comes to choosing a material for your sofa. Maybe you want plush, white suede sofa which looks great but have some serious disadvantages, because suede can be a poor choice if you have pets or small children who will cause some damage.

Last but not least - pick a color. Upholstering furniture has become a relatively inexpensive option for anyone who wants to personalize a piece of furniture. So don't be afraid to do so if you want some exotic color or pattern.

How to pick paint color to your room - quick guide

Changing the colour of a room in your home can have a very positive effect on how the space looks and feels. But which color will be right for given room? It is difficult decision. Here are some advice about latest trends and how to choose perfect color.

Paint colours, like anything, tend to follow trends. Choosing a paint color that is popular in this season is a great way to display your design savvy and great taste.

You should also don't ignore floor colour, because it's the second largest surface to the walls in your home. Even wooden floors have own  shade that will effect how paint will look.

So which color should you choose? Deeper colours tend to suit cosier rooms such as the study and living room or bigger rooms with lots of light. On the other hand strong colours can be used in smaller amounts to bring depth and a focal point to any room. Unless you are looking to achieve a very clinical look, keep white color for bathroom only and always use a softer white for ceilings.

You also need to know that there is something like pscyhology of colour. Different colours have various effect on your mood. Certain colours - most commonly those found in nature - are very calming, which is why you often see neutral tones like pale blues in bedrooms and bathrooms. Green is the color of balance and growth so you could easily use it in kid's room. If you want to draw attention to certain room or spot, use red colour.

What colour is perfect for bathroom furniture?

Color is everything. From glossy white to bold red there are many different options in terms of which colours to choose for your bathroom furniture. Remember that color you choose - it have to match well with rest of the suite. Whether you want something neutral or something that will scream look at me, there will be something to suit you.

First - white color.

This universal colour could be a great addition to your bathroom suite. But white doesn't mean only one color - there are many shades available, from the brilliant, shiny whites through to the creams, ivories and off-whites. If you are matching white bathroom furniture with vivid colour, you should go with neutral, plain, bright white. This will help show other colours beautifully, creating a contrast between them.

Wooden
If your bathroom fixtures are an off-white, then teaming these with a bright white may create a clash of shades. If the walls are a creamy, then you should avoid matching bright whites altogether. It would be better to match shades perfectly or opting for something completely different. In this case wooden bathroom furniture may be a way to go.

Wooden fixtures could well be referred as shabby chic so if you’re looking to give your bathroom  that Victorian appeal, wooden furniture are perfect. Such style very often includes roll-top baths, ornate mirrors and an off-white appearance.

Colours

Bathroom furniture are also available in really striking colours and when you paired them with a more neutral background, they can stand out beautifully. Blues and reds will match a white background nicely. If you want to achive modern look you can choose glossy black bathroom furniture. Black and white make perfect combo.