Great Tips on Buying Furniture for a New Homeowner

By Mike Webb

From my own experience most first-time homeowners would like to make their own choice on furniture, but that doesn't mean you can't find something that they would really love to have.

Most pieces of furniture are going to set you back quite a bit and you wouldn't want to intrude on the homeowner’s personal preferences. They are going to feel obligated to accept what you give them but may do so with ill feelings if the style or color doesn't fit into their decor.
Your best bet is to stay away from anything major, like a sofa set or dining room table, those should be the sole choice of the owner as they are excited about their new home and (as everyone does) want what they feel is perfect for each room.

So what do you do? Here's a fantastic idea that would make everyone happy. If you are in the giving mood and want to go the extra mile to buy furniture first surprise them with a card and an invitation to go out to lunch. In the card let them know you would like to take them out to lunch on a day that is wide open for them to go furniture shopping. Then let them do the picking! If you have a limit, just tell them how much you would like to spend and let them do the rest.

If you're not ready to splurge for the big items and want to make the purchase for them, then you will want to make sure you understand their needs and wants along with the layout of their house.

Many people have small items that they like to display but wouldn't buy a curio cabinet or a nice shelf to put them on, but they would appreciate something like that as a gift. Almost everyone has an office in his or her house these days along with the computer but have trouble keeping organized with stacks of paper lying around. Therein a filing cabinet is a lifesaver for any new homeowner.

New homeowners like to show off their house and have parties in which a card table and chairs serves a great purpose for accommodating friends over.
If the new owners have young children then a wooden rocker or even better, a nice plush rocker recliner would be fantastic for getting the baby to sleep. But make sure it goes with what is already in the house.

Buying furniture can be a tough decision. Make sure you take the time to find out what is in the best interest of the homeowner and then you can make an educated decision that may be enjoyed for a lifetime of friendship.

Good Luck!

Mike Webb is the owner/head instructor of the Okinawan School of Karate and has 17 years of experience in Karate. http://www.karatebenefits.com/
The above article may be published freely as long as all links are included. Copyright Mike Webb 2007
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What Makes a Well-Made Sofa?

By Kathy Burns-Millyard

When you look through a brochure or walk through a showroom, you see sofas and armchairs in their finished state, their frames and upholstery hidden beneath attractive fabric covers. What goes on underneath the covers is just as important as their surface appearance, though, so don't be afraid to ask how particular models are made when making your choice. Upholstered furniture is generally made up of four parts: the frame, suspension, filling, and covering.

Frame

Traditional, fully covered furniture has a strong and springy hardwood frame - often in beechwood - joined by dowels, screws, and glue. Modern frames may use staples rather than dowels. Cheaper softwood frames do exist, but they have to be solidly built to take the weight. On sofas and chairs where part or all of the frame is on show - known as show-wood - the frame is usually a hardwood because softwood dents too easily. Metal and plastic frames are sometimes used, but are not as hardwearing.

Suspension

The suspension is what makes the sofa or armchair comfortable. Traditionally, sofas had large coil springs fastened to a webbing support, but these have largely been replaced by flat zigzag springs, used along with rubber webbing or diaphragms. In some designs rubber webbing completely replaces the springs, while some inexpensive types just have blocks of foam laid on a solid chipboard base.

Filling

Top-quality furniture uses natural fillings such as horsehair and wool, but the majority of sofas are filled with foam. Regulations insist that fireproof foam be used, so check that this is the case. Make sure that the foam is high density, as low-grade foam does not hold its shape as well. Cushions may also be stuffed with feathers. Make sure these cushions are channeled so the feathers do not settle at the bottom. Plumping feather cushions every now and then ensures that they always look their best.

Quality Checklist

Regardless of the cost, make sure the furniture is well made. There are certain points to look out for:

If the frame is visible, check for knots, splits, and cracks in the wood and that the joints are well made.

Look underneath the sofa or chair for any signs of poor workmanship in the parts that don't show.

Feel the padding. You shouldn't be able to feel the springs through the fabric, or the frame through the seat, back, or arms. On foam sofas, look for dome-shaped seats, as foam settles with use.

Pull the arms and back to see how secure they are. They shouldn't have too much give.
After you get up, check whether the seat resumes its shape quickly. Sagging seats worsen over time.

Loose cushions should be reversible to even out wear, and loose covers should have generous seam allowances so they won't pull apart in the wash.

Check the finish. Loose threads, poor-quality zippers, and rough edges are typical indications of poor manufacture.

©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Are you ready for more practical home decorating ideas, general home decor advice, and unique do it yourself decorating projects? Visit the Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network (http://www.diyhomedecorating.com/), and be sure to check out our free Decorating Tips Letter Too!
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Choosing a Dining-Room Suite

By Kathy Burns-Millyard

Shop around and you'll find dining-room furniture to suit not only the space you have available but the style of your home and your budget.

Dining-room furniture often outlasts other furniture in a home - a sofa and armchairs may show the strain of the rough and tumble of family life, but a sturdy table and chairs can go on looking good year after year. So work out your needs carefully before you buy a dining suite.

There's an excellent choice of robust, well-made contemporary furniture available to suit all tastes and budgets, from the elegance of Georgian reproduction through sturdy farmhouse to modern steel and glass. Folding or extending tables are a good choice if space is limited or to seat extra guests.

A Touch of the Traditional
Traditional dining-room furniture such as a period style suite in solid wood or with a veneered finish is well suited to elegant formal meals. Before you buy it's a good idea to decide how versatile you want your table and chairs to be. Most dining-room furniture has to be sturdy enough to meet different needs. During the course of a day the table may be called on to do duty as a play surface for children's games and painting sessions, a desk for homework, and a worktop for a sewing machine as well as being used for an informal family breakfast, lunch, and tea. Yet it still has to be flexible enough to be dressed up for those more elegant evening occasions.

Consider this multi-functional aspect of the room when you shop for the furniture, and remember it's easier to use attractive table linen to dress up a tough surface like solid wood for formal dining than it is to protect a delicate veneer from everyday knocks and spills. If you do choose a table with a finish that needs protection, buy a table pad you can cover with an easily laundered tablecloth for everyday use. For more formal occasions, take away the pad and use a fancy tablecloth and placemats.

Most modern upholstered dining chairs have been treated to resist stains but for additional protection, use tie-on chair covers, or make covers to slip over upholstered seats.
Modern Mood

The key to a modern dining room is simplicity. There is no shortage of clean-lined tables and chairs on the market. Favorites for a contemporary room are materials such as glass, chrome, and steel, but almost anything would suit, as long as the design is streamlined.
A laminate or lacquer which wipes clean and resists scratches and scuffs is a cost effective and practical option - especially if the table is going to be used by young children or if it doubles other ways, as a sewing table or somewhere to study or do homework. A modern style of table is best left uncovered, but you can give a more conventional table a bold new image with a dramatic tablecloth.

Make sure you check out a contemporary suite very carefully for comfort and practicality -a glass-topped table may lose its appeal if you are forever wiping off children's fingermarks. Cast-iron chairs can look dramatic in a modern room but they are often very-heavy, which makes them difficult to draw up to and away from the table.

A related article you might like is: "Decorating a Mis-Matched Dining Room"
©2007, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Would you like to see more excellent Home Decorating Ideas, Tips and Photos? Visit the Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network (http://www.diyhomedecorating.com/), and be sure to check out our free Decorating Tips Letter Too!
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Superman Bean Bag Chair - The Legend of It

By David Faulkner

Superman has been receiving attention since he was created ages ago, and there is a simple reason why everyone is attracted to the cartoon and later, movie character, like a moth to the light: the concept of “super” is equal in the minds of children and not only, with the idea of perfection. But people have different ideas of perfection: some consider that throwing flames and bending single-handedly airplanes means superiority, whereas the others (meaning the adults) consider a good job, home and a family the utmost desirable accomplishment that not many achieve. Superman continues to dazzle us and whenever a new sequel appears, the success is guaranteed.

Superman Fan

As many can see, Superman is almost as famous as Coke and the speed with which information travels nowadays has left us speechless and tapping on the keyboards about the newest updates about the legendary hero. Industry is as good as its word and has profited from the character’s fame by releasing on the market all kinds of products such as bed sheets, toys, furniture, posters etc.

How can Superman bean bags not be given also consideration and attention?

A devout fan will surely be searching for all the knick knacks that have the Superman brand on them and Superman bean bags are not only a collection item, but also a valuable piece of furniture in one’s home. The mass production of Superman bean bags has brought to the manufacturers an entire new view regarding bean bags and how they can be put to even more use than a chair or kids’ play.

Not a Trend Anymore

Yes indeed, the Superman bean bags have gained a lot of attention during the debut of the new movie in which Superman features again as the saver of the world from Lex Luthor. Fortunately, you have no other to fight with at home for your Superman bean bags but for the annoying little brother who wants just about whatever you have, but he is not a problem. You can buy him too a Superman bean bag in which to sit comfortably and watch the latest reruns of the TV series, and get reacquainted with Lana or Perry White.

They are not a trend anymore, but a utility and a means to achieve comfort in the best fan-faithful way. All the glossy covers, and the red and blue and yellow colors on it can amaze and make you giddy with new dreams at night when you fly out in the atmosphere and dodge meteorites.

You can also find more info on favourite bean bag and Bean Bag Sofa. Beanbagchairsreview.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about Beanbag Chairs.
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Wall Decor

By Kim Town

What to do once you have finished painting! Is your renovation really complete?

What Now? Questions You Should Ask Yourself!!!

You have just finished painting the inside of your home. The need for some kind of art is inevitable.

Are you after that piece with superior elegance?

Does your home boast a casual or formal theme?

What colours do you like? How big is the wall you wish to put art on?

What size piece would suit the wall? What is your budget?

Are you artistic? Is readymade or DIY for you?

Do you want an original piece that boasts your individual tastes, a limited edition artwork?

Once you answer and overcome all objections that may arise, you may then be ready to make your purchase. It may be very exciting choosing art for your home or office, but please ask yourself some of the questions above. This will help you make the correct decision. All eyes will be drawn to that wall and that is what you want. Fabric is so universal in its designs that it can be adapted to any surrounds. Art to me, is a way of expressing ones self, it is a way to speak your mind without actually opening your mouth. It may show what type of person you are without you even realizing it.

I welcome you all to Kim T Designs. Fabric Wall Hangings by Kim is an online store dedicated to selling unique wall decor. Quality fabric is sourced from Australia and overseas to create these individual pieces. Please visit www.kimtdesigns.com for a great shopping experience.
http://www.kimtdesigns.com
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Antique End Tables - A Great Way to Add a Decorative Touch to Your Space

By Jennifer Akre

As you look around your living room, are you kind of bored by what you see? If so, there is a simple way to spruce up the look of your space. The thing that you need to do is purchase some lovely antique end tables, they are beautiful decorative accents that are sure to please.

What gives antique end tables their stunning appearance is their eye-catching design and the gorgeous materials they are crafted from. Generally, this furnishing will have a very elegant look to it, featuring delicate scroll or wood work and sometimes lovely hand painted designs depending upon what type of one that you come across.

There are also ones that feature lovely detailing, like interesting patterns, and they can also be adorned with metal accents including knobs or drawer pulls if the piece you are looking at has a drawer or cabinet.

They can be made out of different types of wood including oak, pine, mahogany, cedar, and a number of sturdy, engineered options along with metals like stainless steel, wrought iron, and brass, and some can even be built using glass, stone, and leather, which are used more for the table’s top more so than the base.

Along with enhancing the appearance of your living room, antique end tables would also be a nice choice for different rooms throughout your home as well. For example, a great spot for one would be in your bedroom as a nice alternative to any nightstand to add a ornamental touch to the space. Other places you could put one include any entryway or foyer area, in a den or office, and you could even put one in a formal dining room.

Now, if you are not all that thrilled about antique end tables, but are still looking for a way to add a decorative touch to your space; you are in luck because there are a ton of other end table options to choose from that are extremely pleasing to the eye. You can get contemporary looking ones crafted from metal and glass, transitional ones that are crafted from wood, those of the nesting table variety built from a combination of wood and metal, and a wide variety of others that are perfect for your space.

For a great way to easily check out all the fantastic selections, that is fast and fun, is by hitting the Internet for some online shopping. You can browse all the products just by a click of the mouse and will probably find what you want at the best prices possible. And, what’s great is that you did not even have to step outside your home to do it.

So, if you want to be awed by the beauty of your living room space the next time you look at it instead of disappointed, then purchase some beautiful antique end tables for it. They have a stunning, unique appearance that will have everyone asking you for decorating advice in the future.

As the owner of many online sites, author Jennifer Akre, shares her insight on how to make your indoor living space more comfortable with classic end tables, golden oak end tables and elegant antique wood end tables.
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Children's Bedroom Furniture - Let Your Children Dream in Color

By Jennifer Akre

Vibrant colors, bold patterns, fun textures the only time you can get away with decorating like this is in a child’s room. After all they are only young once and their room should be fun.
Besides mixing and matching colors and patterns children's bedroom furniture is also available in coordinating collections.

If your son likes outer space go with a set including a spaceship headboard and foot board as well as a coordinating mirror and bedside table. Does your daughter like jewelry? If the answer is yes try a set with pieces accented in baubles on necklaces in a tasty mix of rainbow sherbet colors like strawberry pink, mint green, pastel orange and silver.

You can also let your child have some input on how their room should be furnished and accessorized. Look at their hobbies and interests. It is their room so it should reflect who they are and what they love. If they like to collect insects maybe a bug room or if they like camping try a forest themed room complete with a log cabin bed and forest creatures peeking around the corner.

Loft beds, futons, different head and foot boards of wood or metal, dressers at just the right height; all are ways to make your child’s room uniquely them. Start with a bed or a rug or a table. Children's bedroom furniture in its whimsical styles ensures your child’s room will be a place filled with laughter and fun. From twinkling fairylands to jungles waiting to be explored and beaches to lounge on; all will envelope your child in a world of dreams and imagination as themes for their rooms.

Shopping for children's bedroom furniture can be tough because often it is only sold in specialty stores and when it isn’t the selection is usually quite small. So instead of trekking to every furniture store in a tri-state area try shopping online. You’ll be able to browse the largest selection and most reasonable prices from the comfort of home. With a few clicks of the mouse your child’s new bedroom furniture will be on its way to your door.

You’ll find furniture for children of any age from industrial looking metal locker furniture for the preteen to shabby chic white pieces for the little country girl. For a little boy try airplanes, cars or trains and put their imagination on wheels and wings. No matter what you or your children like, there is children's bedroom furniture online to suit your needs.

Let your child keep their sense of wonder every time they enter a room furnished just for them and with their help. Whether your son the artist wants paint splats on the wall and furniture made of brushes or your daughter wants to rule the kingdom of counterpane from her castle-like bed you can find children's bedroom furniture to fulfill their wildest dreams. After all since the average person spends one third of their life in bed you might as well make their bedroom a place they love and enjoy.

As the owner of many online sites, author Jennifer Akre, shares her thoughts on how to make your indoor living space more comfortable with elegant bedroom furniture sets, charming contemporary bedroom furniture and marvelous modern bedroom furniture.
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What's In A Mattress - Understanding What Your Mattress Is Made Of

By Marc Ilgen

There are many important components within a mattress which make it supportive, comfortable and most importantly durable. There are several types of mattresses available today and of course each one is built slightly differently but generally the basic components are the same. It is a good idea to understand what's inside a mattress so you know exactly what you're getting when you buy a new one.

The innerspring mattress is the most popular and most common type of mattress. It is built with both simple and intricate inner workings to create the comfort and durability this type of mattress possesses. You will find that the innerspring mattresses are created with coils but there are many different types of coils available for mattress use and each one creates a different feel.

Whether you are looking for a firm or a soft mattress, companies and manufacturers today have utilized the proper coils to ensure that they have created mattresses that fit each and every preference.

The Bonnell coils are quite literally the oldest type of coils that exist today and they are generally not used on the new mattresses. Marshall Coils are used by Simmons Beauty Rest and they are very successful when used within their innerspring creations. The coils are measured in increments and the lower the number the thicker the coils. Generally, the higher quality innerspring mattresses use coils of a 1.63 mm diameter. The connections between the coils are what help the mattress to keep its shape through the years and the many nights of tossing and turning.

Foam mattresses are the next popular and becoming more and more common in the world of mattresses. These foam mattresses use latex or memory foam instead of coils to create the comfort and support. It is important to take note that foam can run from low to high qualities and this means that there can be a large difference in price when you are searching for a memory foam bed. You can find a memory foam bed with absolutely any name brand manufacturer today.

Not only is it important to know how your mattress is made and what materials are used during its creation but it is important to pay attention to the foundation and base for your mattress as well. Although many people tend to neglect this detail, it is a detail which can determine how well the mattress feels when you lie on it. There are three different types of foundations and of course the most popular and common is the box-spring. This is a rigid frame which contains heavy duty springs to contribute to the support of the mattress and maintain a longer durability. When you are using a memory foam mattress it is a necessity to have a strong foundation or you will find that your foam mattress does not feel as comfortable as it did in the store.

The core of the mattress is the most important part of the mattress. This is where the comfort and support layers are and they are required to blend together in order to feel the overall comfort this mattress is prepared to provide. The core holds the coils, foam or latex as well as all the comfort layers and if the core is not well constructed and strong than the mattress itself will not be comfortable and it will certainly not be durable.

How a mattress is made may not seem at first to be something the average consumer needs to worry about, but in fact it does make a difference in how well you are able to choose a good mattress. Of course each manufacturer creates their mattresses in a unique way but the general process is one that does not vary that much. Each mattress requires a strong and flexible core of comfort levels and without this you will find your mattress becoming uncomfortable sooner than you had hoped.

Marc Ilgen is an internet entrepreneur and article writer. He runs a website called http://www.Best-Mattress-Buying-Guide.com to help people find information about buying a mattress. He also has an online store for mattresses and bedding supplies.
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Furniture Outlets

By Jim Poniente

When you’re considering furnishing your home it could possibly cost you a fortune especially if you have the top notch brand names in mind. We often end up spending enormous amounts of money which is not often necessary when you look into some furniture outlets that are on today’s market. Some people have the notion that cheap furniture is somehow inferior quality, which is not always the case. If you are careful in your choices and shop with diligence, then you can get some pretty good deals for half the price you intended to pay. You can still end up with some fine quality furniture.

First of all always set a price on what you are planning to spend on your furniture. This price should not be ridiculously low or an extreme high. Then make a list of what pieces you want to buy. The next step always insists on buying from the source. When the outlet deals in bulk they can offer some good deals on just the item you’re looking for. This also provides another asset for you as discount outlets offer very good quality furniture. For example, if your interest lies with Amish furniture then try to contact an outlet in your area. This could lower your price by eliminating the retailer.

Start looking in outlets of major furniture retailers, furniture warehouses, thrift stores, liquidation sales and discount stores. This could make this difference of paying a high price for the furniture you want or paying a price that will certainly bring you savings. Always watch out for annual sales. This is the ideal time to buy new furniture. It is truly a bonanza buying time for the consumer. There are so many ways to make your purchase at a reasonable price and end up with the finest kind of furniture.

For more information on furniture shopping and related topics, visit The Furniture Guide at http://furniture.77sites.com