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5 MIN READ   |   1 April 2024   |   Arthur Guzowski

Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Perfect Modern TV Stand

Not so long ago, a TV stand was something you had to have – not something you wanted to have. Most old-school stands were built for function rather than form; they were often bulky, dull and not particularly attractive to look at. They did have to be tough enough to support the weight of enormous CRT TVs, after all!

Things are a lot different nowadays. A modern TV stand can act as a stylish centrepiece. Sleek, minimalist and stylish, the TV stands of today are often desirable pieces that add something to the look of a living room, rather than detract from it. Not only that, but they’re multi-functional: instead of simply accommodating your TV, they can provide additional storage space for games consoles, accessories and more.

In this guide to picking a modern TV stand, we’re going to run through all of the key considerations you should bear in mind when shopping for your perfect piece. From weight capacity and dimensions through to pricing, construction and design, we’re covering all of the essential information you need to know. Let’s get started!

Picking the Right Modern TV Stand For You

Types of Modern TV Stands

Before you start shopping, you should think about which type of TV stand is most suitable. You’ll have a wide range of different options to choose from, the most popular being a standard, freestanding design. With a conventional oblong shape, these popular units are designed to sit flush against the wall – but not everyone has a wall large enough to opt for a unit like this.

Many of us are restricted to placing our TV in the corner of a room, which is where corner units come in. Specially-shaped to tuck neatly into the corner of your living room, they’re ideal for those looking to save a little space.

While you’re shopping, you’ll probably come across floating stands too. As their name suggests, this style of stand is mounted to the wall – a look that’s decidedly modern and remains very much in fashion. Floating TV stands can make your room feel a little bigger and less cluttered too, though they are of course more complicated to assemble and install.

Size and Weight Requirements

The type of stand you opt for will depend largely on the amount of space you have. If you only have a small living room to work with, for instance, you may immediately be restricted to a corner unit or a small, freestanding one.

Either way, it’s important to take accurate measurements of your space before you go shopping. Consider where your stand will have to be placed (which may also depend on the placement of electrical outlets) and measure that space carefully. Ideally, you want to note down a maximum width and length for your TV stand – this will help you narrow down your options quickly and simply.

You should also consider the height of your stand, which will depend largely on the height of your sofa. If you already have your TV (or know how tall it’s going to be), try and work out the optimal height based on that. The last thing you want is to choose a TV stand that places the screen too high or too low. Neck ache isn’t fun!

You’ll also need to measure the size of your TV’s own ‘stand’ or legs. Some modern screens have two small legs placed at each end of the screen, ruling out smaller TV stands, while others feature one central support.

Weight isn’t really much of a consideration nowadays. Today’s TVs are a whole lot lighter than those of yesteryear so, unless you have a particularly retro TV, any new stand should be able to take the weight fairly comfortably. There are exceptions, of course – if you have an enormous screen but only have space for a small TV stand, double check that it’s rated to support the weight of the TV.

Materials and Finishes

You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to materials. Fancy an ultra-minimalist glass stand? Perhaps a more rustic wood finish is more up your street? Or maybe you’re after a classy, sophisticated high-gloss finish?

No matter what floats your boat, you won’t be short of options. There’s all kinds of different colours and finishes out there, and which one’s best really depends on your personal taste – there’s no right or wrong answer. Just make sure you consider the overall look of the room rather than shopping for a stand that merely looks good in isolation: it’s important to make sure that the decor of your room is consistent and that each piece of furniture works well together.

Storage and Organisation

There’s more to the design of a TV stand than just the aesthetics. How it’s constructed can have a significant impact on its practicality and usefulness, too. Here are a few things to consider…

  • Does it have enough shelving to accommodate my games consoles, hi-fi system, router or any other pieces of equipment?
  • Does it incorporate storage space for accessories, like remotes, controllers, cables or other household items?
  • Does it have any neat cable management solutions built in?

Brand and Model Research

Last, but by no means least, where should you buy your stand from? With so many different brands to choose from, how do you know where to spend your hard-earned money? Your first port of call should always be reviews. Take a look at a trusted, independent review site like Trustpilot to identify brands that real customers recommend.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, compare the offerings from each manufacturer. Do some brands offer higher quality materials than others? Maybe some offer more stylish pieces, or incorporate unique features that set them apart from the rest.

Your budget has to be considered here too. Some high-end brands may not be within your price range, so they can be excluded from the running too.

Ultimately, picking a modern TV stand is all about establishing your must-haves: features or considerations you can’t compromise on, like price, size or colour. Then, you can begin narrowing down your list of top choices based on your preferences and by identifying brands that stand out from the rest.

Speaking of stand-out brands, here at Sena Furniture we’re proud to offer an extensive range of stunning pieces that are often specified by top interior designers across Europe. Check out our full range of modern TV stands online today.

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5 MIN READ   |   15 March 2024   |   Arthur Guzowski

Is it better to put the TV on the wall or a TV stand?

A permanent fixture in the modern living room, your TV is one of the most important aspects of any living space. Where else can you gather to catch up on your favourite shows, see what’s happening around the world on the news, and test family alliances by playing video games?

Whether you’re purchasing your first TV for the home or replacing it with a newer model, there’s one question you should consider every time: is it better to put the TV on the wall or a TV stand?

Is it better to put the TV on the wall or a TV stand?

Deciding between TV mounting and TV stands will largely depend on your household – especially since both options come with their advantages and disadvantages. While mounting your TV is a good option if you’re dealing with a tight space or want to keep the television out of reach of children and pets, the installation of a TV mount requires additional effort. On the other hand, TV stands can be used with immediate effect and can be styled to suit the rest of your existing living room decor.

What are the benefits of using a TV stand?

There are many reasons why TV stands have long been one of the most popular ways to display a television. Below are some of the advantages of using a TV stand over putting your TV on the wall.

Extra storage space

TV stands offer additional storage space for keeping your living room clutter-free. You can use this space to store gaming consoles, remotes, cable boxes, and extra cords.

Quick access to sockets and cables

For those with a large array of equipment, TV stands enable you to quickly access any necessary sockets and cables to plug in your equipment, as well as hide the cords either inside or behind the stand.

Easy to set up

Unlike TV mounts, TV stands don’t require any additional installation; setting up your TV can be hassle-free and will ensure you can start making the most of your television immediately. You also won’t need to make any holes in the wall!

Transportable and adaptable

TV stands are easy to move, so you always have the option to take the TV to another area or try it in another room without causing any lasting damage.

Add personality to your home

Great furniture companies make TV stands in a range of models and designs. This means you can use a TV stand to inject an extra bit of personality into your space and tie it into any existing decor.

At Sena Furniture, our stunning TV stands come with a timeless allure, so you can add a touch of sophistication to your living space. Not only do they look great, but they’re durable, making them a perfect investment in the long run.

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5 MIN READ   |   18 February 2023   |   Arthur Guzowski

How to choose the right TV stand for a small flat

How to choose the right TV stand for a small flat

It’s quite hard to imagine a contemporary home without a TV. Whether it’s for watching television, streaming online videos or playing video games, TVs have become a central piece for our living rooms. We gather around it with friends and family to enjoy the wonders of entertainment. But TVs need to be put on TV stands that can take up a lot of space. Here are a couple of TV stand solutions for small flats.

Incorporate your TV into existing furniture

A large TV can overwhelm a small interior, and adding a TV stand when you have so little space may make your living room look even smaller. One clever way to avert it is to make it a part of your wall by working it into your existing wall cabinet. By surrounding your TV by books and other decorations, you can not only save space by forgoing a stand altogether, but you’ll also make it harmoniously blend in with the rest of your wall!

Use a light design

The easiest way to make a small room overwhelmingly small is to use bulky furniture. No matter what size your TV is, you can always implement a light stand design to give your room some much needed breathing room. Stands with very light legs are a nice retro solution that is becoming popular again and is guaranteed to make your room feel lighter. Don’t be afraid to experiment with materials either – wicker TV stands may have a distinct look, but it works to their favour, and the incredibly lightweight structure makes for a perfect addition to a really small room.

Try new things

A TV stand doesn’t actually have to be a stand. Wall mounted solutions are now available in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can conserve a lot of floor space by placing your TV on a special shelf mounted above it. Not only does it give you more space to place other furniture, but it also helps visually increase the size of your living room, and if you choose the right type of wall-mounted stand, it can very easily blend in with the rest of your decor, making for a very harmonious composition.

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5 MIN READ   |   18 July 2022   |   Arthur Guzowski

The Essential Checklist for Moving to a New House

Moving to a different home is all about new beginnings, whether it means growth of your family, career advancement, or creating a new version of yourself. Even if the circumstances surrounding this event are less than perfect, a relocation to a new place might help you to reorganise and find some inspiration to move forward.

Though moving is an exciting stage in your life, it might be just as stressful. Trying to sell your house and finding a new one is going to be challenging, but that is only the beginning. The move itself might be much worse. With all the things to pack, utility providers to contact, and clutter to throw out, it is easy to become overwhelmed to the point of crying. Lots of people have been there.

The Checklist 📋

In the situation where the chaos overtakes your life, there is nothing as handy as a checklist to mark each completed action. This way, you will ensure that you have prepared everything and did not forget about anything important. As such, we have prepared a guide that will help you to create your own checklist, so that the moving process goes smoothly. Read on!

👉 Two Months Before the Move

At this point, there is not much that you have to do aside from a few administrative matters. You should start with tasks that will be the most time-consuming.

  1. It is a good moment to start decluttering. Over time, it is more than likely that you have accumulated a lot of items that you will not need at your new home. As such, they would only be an unnecessary baggage when moving.
  2. If you are renting, you need to check what is the notice period on your lease and inform your landlord about the move.
  3. Notify your internet and landline providers about your future change of address.
  4. You can start collecting packing boxes – the more, the better. You could ask your friends, family members and neighbours or you could check whether large retailers are willing to give away some of their boxes.

packing boxes for house moving

👉 One Month Before the Move

The clock is ticking, and you should start fully focusing on your moving process. You need to figure out the logistics and take necessary precautions, to safeguard your belongings.

  1. Start looking for a moving company and shop around for the best deal. When researching, you need to check customer reviews to learn more about a company’s reputation. Since they will handle your precious belongings, you want to be sure that the company will be careful with it.
  2. You should also consider purchasing moving insurance. Though your chosen company might have a stellar reputation, there is always a risk of an accident.
  3. Contact your insurance provider about the transfer of your homeowner/rental insurance to your new house.
  4. Get in touch with the HMRC and inform the institution about the change of your address.
  5. Redirect your mail to the new address.
  6. Make an inventory of your home and decide what furniture you are taking with you. You should also take pictures of those pieces to have proof of the condition they were before the move.
  7. You can also start cleaning in your garden and shed.

👉 Two Weeks Before the Move

The insanity of packing begins to slowly settle in, and you start worrying whether you will pack everything on time. From this point on, you need to be careful with your food – you should focus on cooking what you have stored in your freezer and buy perishable items only when necessary.

  1. Excluding the things you will need for the next two weeks, you can begin to pack everything else into boxes, starting with spare and seasonal items. Each box should be meticulously labelled with the room they will go to, so you can avoid confusion when unpacking.
  2. If you are unsure whether you can fit all the moving boxes into your new house, you could book a storage unit to store some of the boxes until you have space for them.
  3. Remember to register for the GP in your new area.
  4. You should have your car serviced and checked, especially if you are moving far away, to ensure it will not break down during your move.
  5. You could also request time off your work to finish unpacking.

moving the house and packing

👉 One Week Before the Move

At this point you must be fraught with worry – there is only a week left and so much to do. Luckily, you have already packed the majority of your things and your old home is slowly emptying.

  1. You need to confirm the exact date and time with your moving company. You should also discuss any difficulties the moving company might have with reaching the destination or finding a place to park.
  2. Confirm when you will get the keys to your new home, and if needed, schedule a final home inspection of your new property.
  3. You can start disassembling and preparing furniture, so it is ready for loading on the moving day. You can also start packing any decorative items like frames or lamps.
  4. Finish packing other items and make sure to prepare a separate box for essentials, such as blankets, toiletries, change of clothes, and some snacks.
  5. You should also redirect your TV licence.
  6. Take care of any dirty laundry.

👉 Three Days Before the Move

The last three days are probably the most chaotic as you try to make all the last-minute arrangements. However, you are almost there.

  1. You need to contact your utility providers at least 48 hours before your move and inform them about the exact date you will be leaving.
  2. You could prepare a list of contact names and numbers of services, such as electrician, plumber, etc. as you may need them in the first few days after moving in.
  3. Valuables and documents should be stored in a separate bag or box. It would be best if you took them in your car.
  4. Between the packing, you should try to clean as much as possible, so you have an easier time on the day of the move.
  5. Prepare all the appliances you will need in your new home, including the washing machine, the cooker, etc.
  6. Finally, you need to empty your fridge, freezer, and cupboards. You can throw away any leftover food, while long-lasting foods should be carefully packed, so they do not spill during the journey.

moving to the new house

👉 Moving Day Things To Do

Finally, the big day is here. Now you have to load everything into the moving truck and your car, so you can drive to your new home.

  1. Make sure to add chargers, medication, water and snacks to your box with essentials and put it in your car.
  2. To avoid confusion, you should instruct movers to pack everything in groups – boxes with the same label should be grouped together.
  3. After everything is packed, go around your old house for the last check to see whether you have left something in the drawers and cupboards.
  4. Clean the house for the last time and make a note of all metre readings.
  5. You need to make sure that all windows and doors are locked.
  6. In the new place, you have to check if your utilities are working.
  7. As the last step, you need to return the keys to your old house.

last day of moving the house

In Conclusion

The moving process can be stressful and time-consuming, but if you plan carefully and prepare everything in advance, the overall experience will be much better for you. The key to a successful move is organising your time and effort, so you do not get stuck in a situation where there is little time, yet too many things to do.

The most important thing is to keep calm and enjoy the new chapter of your life. Welcome to your new home.

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5 MIN READ   |   7 April 2022   |   Arthur Guzowski

How to Arrange a Comprehensive Office Space at Home

Due to the ongoing pandemic, working from home has become the new normal for many people out there. And while it indeed provides you with additional flexibility and even increases your independence in planning and performing your tasks, it might also negatively impact your productivity. Most frequently, the main reason for that is the absence of a designated place for work.

While you might deem working at your kitchen table acceptable, finding a place in your home that you can dedicate to work-related activities only will become a game-changer. This way, you will be able to reduce distractions and, therefore, increase your concentration and keep yourself focused on a task at hand for longer periods of time.

In this article, you will learn how to arrange both an inspiring and functional office space at your home. First, you will have to find a suitable area for your workspace and then organize your storage space in a practical way. Next, you should install proper lighting, get yourself an ergonomic chair, and add some personal items to make your workspace more enjoyable. Read on and arrange yourself a proper home office!

Find a Favorable Location for Your Office Space

First, you should decide on the location of your office space. Ideally, it should be a separate room or a section of your home that you can secure with a door or a curtain. If you have an unused garage, why not use this space? If this is not possible, you can also choose a corner in your living room or bedroom.

home office space

Make sure you have easy access to power outlets and do not put a large mirror in front of your desk, as this can be distracting. If possible, place a desk or table in front of windows, so that you can enjoy the view while working.

Organize Your Storage Space

Once you have decided on the location of your office space, it is time to start organizing things and making sure that all your storage needs are met. To begin with, make sure there is enough space on your desk and shelves for your laptop, office supplies, and other things.

Also, consider getting an organizer for additional storage. It will free more space on your desk and will make it more organized. Alternatively, if you arrange your home office in your garage, consider using overhead garage storage for organizing things that you do not need immediately, such as catalogs or magazines. You can browse such solutions at Garage Door Nation.

If your desk is big enough, you can get a vertical organizer that will fit on one of its sides or buy a set of organizers and place them on each shelf.

Install Proper Lighting

In order to make your office space more inspiring and give yourself a proper working environment, it is essential to install proper lighting. If you have a window in the room where you plan to have your home office, make sure it lets in enough natural light. If not, consider adding extra lighting fixtures that will make your workspace brighter. For example, you can use a small desk lamp or install a set of lamps on the ceiling if there is enough room. Both types of lighting can be adjusted to provide you with a good amount of light you need to work properly.

Alternatively, if you want to save some money and keep things simple, you can use a daylight lamp that changes color depending on the time of day. It will automatically adjust the intensity and temperature of the light it provides, helping you create a more natural feeling in your workspace.

Get an Ergonomic Chair for Your Office Space

The best way to ensure proper posture and prevent unnecessary back pain that might arise from sitting for too long is by using an ergonomic office chair. It will provide you with good lumbar support and make sitting more comfortable. Plus, it will help you maintain healthy posture in the long run.

ergonomic chair

Even though you can buy an ergonomic chair at any store, we recommend buying it online as they tend to be cheaper than what you would pay in stores. Make sure the one you choose has adjustable armrests and fits your height properly.

In addition, you may also consider buying a standing desk to make your workspace as ergonomic as possible. First of all, the standing desk can be easily adjusted to your height at any given time, providing you with a better wrist position. Secondly, working at such a desk will help you reduce back pain, improve posture, and maintain circulation, which, in turn, can positively affect your mood and concentration levels.

Add Some Personal Touches

Finally, try adding some personal items to your office space in order to make it more enjoyable and less intimidating. For example, if you like reading, place a bookcase near your desk that will help you organize your books, folders, and binders. Alternatively, use a side table for storing magazines and catalogs.

home office desk and chair

In addition, try getting some decorative items for your workplace to add some visual interest to it and make it feel more comfortable and welcoming. Depending on your preferences, these could include a painting, posters, plants, or other decorative items that will make your office space more enjoyable. Finally, do not forget about adding some personal accessories to your office – get yourself a nice pen holder, a lamp, or a small clock. Make the place your own, and you will immediately feel more comfortable while working in it.

In Conclusion

As you can see, organizing an office space in your home is not that complicated. All it takes is finding a suitable location where you plan to have your home office and organizing a storage area for your supplies. After that, you should get an ergonomic chair that will make sitting more comfortable and help you maintain good posture in the long run. Finally, add some personal touches to the office space and enjoy working in a cozy environment!

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5 MIN READ   |   30 March 2022   |   Arthur Guzowski

6 Unique Coffee Shop Decoration Ideas & Styles

How a place is designed can significantly influence your experience there — not only when it comes to more down-to-earth aspects, such as accessibility or convenience, but also how you perceive the place and its environment. For example, if you see a sterile and modern interior in a restaurant, you might expect the food to be served in an equally minimalistic and straightforward way. This is why interior design is an essential element of any business, and coffee shops are no different.

No matter whether you want to open a new shop or refresh the look of an existing one, below you will find some unique coffee shop decoration ideas you can use. They include rustic wooden furniture, Scandinavian-style white walls, industrial elements, and many other design choices that can help you create a truly unique coffee shop.

Read on and choose the one that suits your business the most!

Zen Style

industrial coffee shop

Some people are looking for a more meditative and calming atmosphere in their coffee shop. If you are one of them, consider using the zen style. This style focuses on simplicity and minimalism. It is perfect for an aspiring coffee shop owner who wants to provide a relaxing and intimate vibe for their customers.

If you want to apply some element of the zen style into your coffee shop’s interiors, focus on providing your clients with a cozy and comfortable environment. Keep the décor minimalist, use neutral colors and warm lighting, and include lots of plants, paintings, and candles to make the space more intimate. If you want to use coffee sleeves, buy seasonal coffee sleeves instead of complex, colorful designs.

A coffee shop decorated in zen style will offer a relaxing and quiet atmosphere, ideal for after-work conversations. With this décor, you can make your place the perfect hanging out spot!

Industrial Style

cafe neon

Industrial style is one of the most popular and versatile styles in the world of interior design. It offers much flexibility, making it suitable for both large and small spaces. It also can be decorated in various ways, so you have a lot of room for creativity.

Typical industrial style elements include concrete walls, steel furniture, wooden beams, and exposed ducts. Nonetheless, you can also include some more modern elements, such as black and white photography on the walls, a sleek modern bar, or a coffee machine with transparent glass walls. Furthermore, if you want to add some warmth to the industrial style, you can add wooden tables, attractive hanging lamps, and decorative cushions.

Rustic Design

none

Rustic design has been gaining more and more popularity lately. This style is inspired by nature and focuses on using natural materials, such as wood, stone, and metal. You can use it to create an energizing space or a laid-back environment, so it is no wonder that many coffee shops go for this aesthetic.

If you want to decorate your coffee shop in rustic style, you should choose a warm and inviting color palette and decorate your walls with rustic paintings and photographs. You can choose to keep the lighting natural and let the sunlight play its role, or you can add some lamps with warm bulbs to illuminate your coffee shop in the evening.

Bohemian Style

Bohemian style lands somewhere between rustic and industrial but adds its unique touch and a bit of unparalleled charm. It is an attractive choice for those who prefer applying eclectic solutions over following the beaten track.

The bohemian design usually does not go for warm colors but instead uses darker tones to provide a cozy and homey atmosphere. We can characterize it by the use of many textiles and carpets, as well as asymmetrical wall decorations. You can also choose to use unusual materials, such as bamboo or recycled goods, or unique furniture.

Art Deco Style

a coffee on the table

If you want to create an elegant and refined atmosphere in your coffee shop, consider using the art deco style. This style was trendy in the 1920s and 1930s. It is characterized by symmetrical geometric shapes, often mixed with highly stylized natural forms and ornaments, as in the case of wooden furniture.

Art deco style focuses on colors with a lot of contrast, so it is perfect for creating a sophisticated coffee shop. The use of brass and chrome also characterizes the style.

To achieve an art deco aesthetic, you can use ornate details and luxurious materials. Just make sure that you keep the space clean and straightforward so that you focus all the attention on the colorful details.

Scandinavian Style

coffee shop with bikes

Scandinavian style is characterized by lots of light, white colors, clean lines, and the use of wood, concrete, and steel to create this distinctive Nordic look. It is all about exercising restraint in your décor choices without making the space look dull and uncomfortably empty.

The Scandinavian style is very versatile, but we could mainly characterize it by simplicity. Think of white walls, dark concrete floors, sleek furniture, and the use of minimalistic decorations to complete the look. The overall style is immaculate, making it perfect for creating an inviting and comfortable setting.

To Sum Up

A coffee shop is a place where you can relax and chat with your friends. It makes sense that it should reflect your personal style. Whether you are looking for a more rustic vibe or want to create a more modern and elegant atmosphere, there exists a coffee shop design that fits your needs.

However, remember to consider your customers’ needs and preferences as well. After all, no business can thrive without clients. Try to create an interior that can engage your guests, increase their comfort, and convince them to become loyal patrons.

If you create the perfect space for your target demographic, you can ensure they will come back to your shop time and time again. Good luck!

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5 MIN READ   |   4 March 2022   |   Arthur Guzowski

A Smart Home Guide for 2022

Have you ever thought about turning your house into a smart one? It might be a pricey investment, but the results will be well worth it, making your life a little bit easier, providing you and your family with comfort and security. While it will not be an easy task, you can do a lot to prepare yourself and smoothen the process.

You can start below, where you will find a complete smart home guide. It will touch upon a few important things, such as what a smart home is and how smart devices can connect to one another through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, cellular backup, and landline backup. Next, we will go over a few smart home devices that you should consider purchasing, including smart assistants, light bulbs, plugs, security systems, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, locks, and thermostats. Lastly, we will talk about the benefits of owning a smart home, ensuring you can make an informed decision.

What Is a Smart Home?

To put it simply, a smart home is a house that includes smart devices capable of communicating with one another and with your smartphone, letting you easily control different aspects of your living conditions, from temperature to lighting and security. There are plenty of smart home devices that you can make use of, ranging from automatic doors company solutions and smart plugs that measure how much electricity you are using up to thermostats that can adjust the temperature inside your house based on a detailed schedule or the weather forecast.

Interconnectedness

Now that you know what a smart home is, we dive into how different smart devices can work together. First off, there are a few types of communication technologies used in smart technology. One of the most popular is Wi-Fi.

What it allows smart devices to do is connect to your router so that they can send and receive data. However, while Wi-Fi is fantastic and all, it has its faults. For instance, if you live in a big house with thick walls, you might find that your Wi-Fi signal is not as strong as it should be to make smart devices all over the building work seamlessly.

Another type of communication technology used in smart devices is Bluetooth. It is, just like Wi-Fi, excellent at connecting your smart devices, but it connects them to your smartphone rather than a router. It means they may have problems communicating depending on where you are and how many devices you want to connect. Moreover, Bluetooth might not work very well through thick walls and large distances.

Next, there is Z-Wave. Z-Wave is quite popular in smart home devices, but it is not as commonly used as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In short, it is a wireless communications protocol that allows devices to connect with one other and a dedicated app using low-energy radio waves. However, it only works with Z-Wave compatible devices.

Yet another type of communication technology found in smart home devices is Zigbee. Like Z-Wave, it is a communications protocol that is not as widely utilised as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It creates networks through digital radios and is much cheaper than Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Smart Home Devices You Should Consider Purchasing

Smart Assistants

To put it simply, a smart assistant is a device that you can use to control all of your smart home devices from one location with just your voice or finger. Smart assistants can also manage your schedule, remind you about appointments, and play music. A few examples of smart assistants include Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Sonos One.

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Sensors

Smoke and carbon monoxide sensors will tell you when there is smoke or carbon monoxide inside your home and where it is coming from, allowing you to act quickly and prevent you or your family members from getting hurt.

Smart Light Bulbs

Smart light bulbs, such as Phillips Hue, are among the most popular smart solutions. These particular Phillips bulbs connect to your router and allow you to control them through your smartphone or a smart assistant.

You need to know that smart light bulbs are generally useful, as they can turn on and off as needed or on a schedule, change their brightness levels based on the time of day, and turn on automatically when you walk into the room.

Smart Plugs

Smart plugs let you control how much electricity you are using. You just need to plug one into a power outlet, plug another device into it, and you are done! Such plugs are pretty good for making sure that your energy bill stays low, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats are a fantastic idea for anyone who wants to save money on their energy bill, keep their house comfortable and stay eco-friendly. Those thermostats connect to your Wi-Fi and allow you to control the temperature of your house; you can change it right away or program the device to adjust the temperature according to your schedule and the weather. They also let you see historical data on how much energy you are using.

Smart Security Systems

Smart security systems are a great thing to invest in if you look for ways to feel safer in your house. They can monitor your property and send you a notification if there is someone inside your house or at your door when there isn’t supposed to be. Other than that, they come with a set of cameras that give you a live feed from the inside and outside of your house. Such smart security solutions can provide you with peace of mind and let you keep track of what is going on inside your house at all times.

Smart Locks

Smart locks are excellent for keeping intruders out of your home. They usually work by communicating with a hub, which can be either your smart assistant or Wi-Fi router. Once installed, they will let you know when someone tries to break in through a door or a window. Some smart locks can show you if the door or window is open or closed at any given time, but that is not always the case.

The Benefits of Owning a Smart Home

Remote Control

One of the best things about owning a smart home is the possibility to control it from anywhere. If you want all the lights in the house to go off when you go to bed, you can easily do it from the comfort of your bedroom or from your office. Or, if you want to cool down your house before anyone else gets home, you can do that on your way from work. And so on.

Notifications

Another important benefit of owning a smart home is the notifications. For example, if someone enters your house without permission, or your smoke or carbon monoxide detector goes off, you will receive a notification about it even if you’re not home. This will keep you and your family members safe.

Voice Commands

Yet another benefit of owning a smart home is voice commands. You can use voice commands to tell your smart assistant to turn off the lights, play music, or tell you what is on your schedule for the day, letting you control your home with just your voice. It might be especially useful to people with vision problems.

Energy Monitoring

Last but not least, energy monitoring is an important benefit of owning a smart home. As smart thermostats track how much energy you are using, or smart plugs keep track of electricity use, you can easily see where you are wasting money and where you need to be more careful when it comes to your energy bill.

In Conclusion

To sum up, turning your home into a smart one is definitely worth it. Not only will you be able to control the devices inside your house when you’re not there, but also to turn the lights on and off from another room, change the temperature based on a schedule or the weather outside, and receive notifications when something is going on inside or outside your house. Not to mention that these solutions can make life much easier for children, the elderly as well as people with disabilities.

There are plenty of smart home devices that you can invest in, ranging from smart assistants and security systems to light bulbs. So, as long as you buy several smart home devices and connect them to one another, you can confidently start calling yourself a smart home owner!

News   |   Tips   |   Trends
5 MIN READ   |   31 January 2022   |   Arthur Guzowski

How To Transform a Spare Bedroom Into a Game Room?

Living in a house has a number of advantages rarely found in other types of residential properties. First of all, if built by yourself, it can cater to your exact stylistic preferences, reflecting you as an individual better than any other sort of housing. Moreover, being essentially a single-family estate, it can offer you an unparalleled level of privacy with its thick walls and distance from other homes, not to mention access to your own private garden, a place amazingly suited for both relaxation and some light horticulture. All in all, the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks.

It doesn’t mean, however, that there are none of the disadvantages. Paradoxically, one of the biggest benefits of a house – its size, can quickly shift into a problem. If your family is small in size or the majority of it moved out, your perfect house could quickly turn into a collection of empty rooms, their beautiful aspire flooring doing nothing but collecting dust.

Fortunately, if you don’t want the above to be the permanent state, there are numerous ways in which you could adapt various rooms to perform new functions. If you’re an avid gamer and/or a geek extraordinaire, the best solution would be to remake your spare bedroom into the gaming den of your dreams. With that in mind, grab your favourite beverage and read on as we explain how to create space even the biggest video game aficionados would be jealous of!

a game pad in fron of a vide monitor

Always Start With the Basics

Any transformation of this kind is bound to be a highly invasive one. After all, creating a proper gaming den isn’t simply the matter of putting in a video game console and calling it a day. The changes introduced to your spare bedroom are going to be rather deep and require extensive work to undo, so it’s best to take it slowly before you arm yourself with a hammer and paintbrush.

To start off, clear out the room. Gaming space is rather unlike your typical bedchamber in both arrangement and type of furniture used, so removing everything for now is for the best. Once you do that, do some heavy cleaning to remove all the dirt and grime that accumulated under the furniture. Once there’s nothing inside but walls and windows, take accurate measurements of the whole bedroom. These types of rooms tend to be on the smaller side, so you need to calculate everything properly to fit some of the bigger appliances.

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All gaming room ideas start with a thought. Once you know how much space you have to work with, formulate a basic theory of how the new room should look and function, e.g.:

  • What sort of style or theme will you go for?
  • How many gaming devices do you plan to pack into your future game room?
  • Will it be for personal use only, or do you plan to regularly invite your friends for LAN parties?

All these questions and more should be answered well before you start doing bigger changes.

black gaming desk with LED lights

Take Care of Your Walls

You might think that walls don’t matter in the grand scheme that is your future gamer cave, but this is where you’re wrong. The reasons are twofold.

Coloured Walls Can Have Beneficial Effects On Both You And the Room

First of all, leaving their surface in a default white colour is a great waste of an opportunity to personalize the gaming room. Adding colour is perhaps the easiest way to make it visually striking without any sacrifice whatsoever in terms of functionality.

What’s more, certain colours can have an impact on the way we feel. To illustrate the point, red is often associated with stimulative effects, making it a perfect choice for fans of high-intensity racing and e-sports games.

gamer in front of the monitor

Soundproofing May Be Necessary

The second reason is sound. Unless you’re a big fan of headphones, you will be using your speakers set to high volume in order to fully appreciate all the amazing music and effects the games have to offer. That can be quite irritating to other residents, especially if the sounds are of the aggressive kind, say gunshots or a fast techno soundtrack.

As such, it may be a good idea to add some acoustic foam tiles to your walls and ceiling. These have the distinct advantage of absorbing a large part of the noise your games generate, while often looking amazing in their own right.

gaming desk and a gaming chai

Place the Furniture of Your Choice

As mentioned above, your old bedroom’s furniture is more than likely not up to the task here. As such, feel free to pick new ones but remember to take into account all of the aspects you decided on during the planning process, such as:

Size

In such a small, enclosed space, size matters a lot. While a giant u-shaped sofa is certainly a dream of many gamers, you may find out that either there’s not enough space for it, or it takes so much of the immediate area you need to invent new and creative ways of moving around the room. In this case, perhaps it’s better to settle on an L-shaped piece, a design definitely more compact in terms of its dimensions, but one that still retains a lot of the sitting space its larger cousin offers. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

Style/Theme

a mini console for game

Picking a dominant theme and style is often a big part of designing your gaming den. After all, if it doesn’t conform to your exact preferences, your gaming experience may be worse. To illustrate the point, it can be much easier to fully immerse yourself in the futuristic narratives of various sci-fi games when the furniture around you is a seamless fusion of glass, metal, and plastic. In the same manner, diehard fantasy games fans might prefer articles that emphasize their use of wood and other natural materials.

Number of Individual Pieces

This is where the number of people regularly using the room becomes important. If the room is solely for your own entertainment, with guests being a rare sight, you may want to go minimal. One desk, a comfy chair, and perhaps a pair of small armchairs for sporadic visitors should more than suffice if your gaming sessions are predominantly solo.

The situation changes drastically if your gaming room is supposed to be, say, the future “headquarters” of your MMORPG guild. In such a case, even a big sofa might not be enough – it’s better to invest in a number of desks and good-quality gaming chairs so that your friends can quickly unpack their laptops and enjoy your sessions together in ultimate comfort. For maximum satisfaction, consider adding a small table in the middle so that you have somewhere to place all the sweets and snacks normally served during your strategy meetings.

Install Your Preferred Gaming Devices and Peripherals

Finally, we’ve reached the meat of the matter. Now that everything else has been taken care of, consider what sort of gamer you are.

playstation console, cup, and a pad

I Prefer Consoles

Obviously, someone who enjoys predominantly console titles will require a device of this sort. But, if your budget allows for it, consider adding as many types as you can.

The reasoning here is that many console titles are not only brand but even device-exclusive, meaning that to play the God of War series in its entirety, you’ll need not only the newest PlayStation 5 (which is backwards compatible with the PS4 system) but PlayStation 2 and 3 as well. A Mario title, in turn, may require you to purchase a Nintendo system such as the newest Switch.

Secondly, when deciding on a TV to plug your console in, consider its size first and foremost. Bigger screens may offer you better resolution and details, but at the same time may be too big for the room and consequently wear out your eyes quicker.

I Stick To PCs

PC gamers have it easier. For them, it’s simply a matter of assembling the best gaming rig their money can get, plugging it into a screen with a high refresh rate (e.g. 144Hz), and choosing the PC-specific gaming peripherals such as a high-DPI mouse or a mechanical keyboard. Virtually any computer game can be run with some effort, no matter its age or publisher.

Never Forget About the Sound Quality

No matter your gaming preferences, you should never forget about some quality speakers. An ideal choice here would be a home theatre system, such as the 5.1 one, offering you a solution modest in size with still-exceptional sound quality. But as mentioned above, consider proofing your walls, as such a speaker setup can generate quite a lot of noise.

Add Some Final Touches

Once the devices of your choice are properly installed, you’re essentially done with your transformation. All that’s left at this point is adding some decorative elements to further bring out the theme and style of your room.

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Let There Be Light

Consider adding some LED strips or even RGB lightbulbs to your room. These solutions are immensely popular these days, as they allow you virtually unlimited freedom in terms of illumination without being overly expensive. Just remember that some colours (e.g., blue) are harmful to your eyes if used in excess.

A Fine Addition To Your Collection

If you feel particularly strongly about a certain game franchise, consider adding a glass cabinet and filling it with collectables. A small one can even be placed on your desk if there’s no space elsewhere, but the amount of flavour and geek energy it will add to your design will be immeasurable. A definite must-have for any gaming enthusiast.

Conclusion

As you can see, transforming your spare bedroom into the gaming den of your dreams doesn’t have to be a complicated task. As long as you have a plan and the will to implement your vision, you’re good to go. From a quiet place of relaxation to the headquarters of your gaming group, anything is possible.

Just remember to never shy away from personalizing it as much as possible. After all, it’s a place of relaxation, of dreams becoming a reality, and who’s going to use it more often than yourself?

News   |   Tips   |   Trends
5 MIN READ   |   20 January 2022   |   Arthur Guzowski

How to Store Your Winter Clothes and Accessories

As soon as the temperatures start rising we get ready for the new season. And also for the clothes in our wardrobe, that are best for the new weather. But can throwing winter coats, scarves, and gloves into a large plastic bag be called “smart storage”? Definitely not. You need to think forward and do your future self a favour.

Inconsiderate winter clothes storage can be disastrous. Well, just think about that expensive beautiful coat bought recently. Next year it may have a funny smell. Not necessarily pleasant. You would certainly like to avoid that or, for example, moths eating it. So how to store your winter things so that they don’t lose their beauty?

How to Prepare Winter Clothes for Storing

woman and vintage clothes on hangers

1. Do a general wardrobe review

Go through your winter closet and honestly assess which sweaters you really wear. Maybe these pieces of clothing deserve a new owner? If only your clothes are still in good condition and you think they can be of use to someone else – donate them. You can do it online or bring your clothes to special meetings organized for this purpose. There, people refresh their closets by exchanging clothes and accessories with others.

white washing machine

2. Cleaning Time

Winter equipment and clothing don’t have an easy life. They often get dirty from salt and mud or get damaged on the ski slopes. Make sure they are in the best possible condition before you put them away. Repair the zipper on your jacket if it gets stuck, or sew up a slit. But most importantly, machine wash what you can. For the rest, such as ski boots and coats that can’t be washed in the machine, hand wash. But firstly, brush off the dirt and then wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

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3. Protect Your Clothes Well

You don’t have to use toxic substances to protect your clothes from moths. There are many eco-friendly products on the market that you can apply to your clothes before storing them in the wardrobe. You can also make your own scented, moth-repellent bags. Use lavender or mint leaves.

Where to Store Your Winter Clothes

How you prepare your winter clothes for winter storage is extremely important. However, it’s time to address where you can actually keep them. There are several more and less obvious places. Let’s go through them all.

a man with a snowboard

Plastic Boxes and Containers

This is by far the best storage option for winter clothes and accessories. Such boxes will easily fit into the spacious drawers of your sideboard. You can also stack them at the bottom of your wardrobe cupboard. Fold jackets into cubes, sort out gloves, hats and scarves separately. Put winter boots in another box, and small ski equipment (such as ski boots or goggles) in yet another.

old travel suitcases

Old or Unused Travel Suitcases

This is simply a variation of plastic boxes. If you have old suitcases at home, such as those with broken handles or without wheels, don’t throw them away. They are a great alternative to plastic boxes. You will save some money and give a second life to your old suitcase. Reusing is fun!

a cat in a cardboard box

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes are also great for storage. You probably have a lot of them in different sizes at the house. This allows you to match the right size to the type of things you want to keep in them. It’s also easy to write something on them and create a few, easily recognisable categories of winter garments. After all, you’ll need these clothes again in a few months, and the descriptions will certainly make your life easier.
Pro tip: Just remember not to put the boxes in a cold, damp garage or unheated loft. They will get wet along with your clothes. As well as the unpleasant smell, mould can also appear on these items

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Sliding Door Wardrobe

Perhaps you are in the process of replacing the furniture in your bedroom and are wondering what wardrobe would be the most appropriate to most effectively accommodate the equipment for all seasons. The answer will be a large wardrobe with sliding doors. This piece of furniture is a lifesaver when you have a lot of clothes, accessories and other trinkets which you would like to hideaway.
The sliding door closet has one important advantage over wardrobes with hinged doors. You won’t need extra space to open the doors. This means that you can opt for a deeper (and therefore roomier) wardrobe while maintaining equally good access to it.

beige clothes on hangers

Conclusion

There are several advantages to good winter storage organisation. Firstly, you get rid of clothes you no longer wear from your wardrobe. Secondly, you’ll have spring and summer clothes at hand, without having to dig through piles of thick jumpers to reach your favourite t-shirt. Thirdly, in a few months from now, you’ll be grateful that everything has its place and is so easy to find
There are plenty of ways of channelling your inner Marie Kondo (she’s an expert in effective cleaning and organising space at home). Thoughtful organisation of winter clothing storing is definitely one of them.

 

News   |   Tips   |   Trends
5 MIN READ   |   11 January 2022   |   Arthur Guzowski

How to Choose the Best Desk for a Child

Choosing a desk for a child is an incredibly important issue, especially for children who struggle with attention span. Focusing on one task when there are so many other, more interesting things to do can be a challenge. There’s no denying that a well-chosen desk, chair, and equipment can significantly increase children’s attention levels.

School-age children in the UK are not always motivated to learn. In fact, more often than not, they simply don’t see any point in it. After all, there are so many much more interesting toys to occupy themselves with. It’s your job as a parent to make sitting at a desk more interesting than it actually is. With good working conditions, your child will find it easier to focus and become more organised. Stay with us to learn more.

How to Choose a Desk That Suits Your Child’s Needs

There are a few technical elements you need to focus on when choosing a desk for your child. First of all, the size, the storage space, the location of the desk and a good choice of chair. We know, however, that you should also focus on your budget and if it’s a longtime investment or not. In simple words: for how long your child will be able to comfortably use their new desk.

Consider the Age of Your Child

a small boy in a pink blouse enjoying toys at the desk

Your child’s age should give you an indication of what kind of desk they need. Of course, you should also have a conversation with your child and ask them about their preferences. Such a conversation will definitely help you choose visual aspects such as the colour of the desk. A colorful desk would be perfect for a small, full of energy kid, who appreciates when there is a lot going on in their space.

A desk with a storage option will certainly come in handy for a younger child. Such a piece of furniture will be ideal for storing dozens of crayons, markers and paints. On the other hand, an older, teenage kid may require a different, larger desk. One that can accommodate a computer or laptop, mouse and other electronics. Consider that these types of items need to be regularly charged. Space for a plug source and cables will come in handy!

Size

black gaming desk with led lights and a gaming chair

Some desks have a “grow with your child” feature. This is a very useful function, as obviously a desk used by a 7 year old will need to be lower than that of a 17 year old. But please pay attention to one thing. If you are buying a desk for a teenager you can already invest in a “grown up” desk that they will use even when they are in college. The only thing where adjustment is useful – is the adjustable chair. Teenagers are in an intense growth phase, but they are already big enough to sit at a normal-sized desk.

Storage Space

wooden office desk

Storage space will be appreciated by any small human whose crayons are scattered all over the room. A little artist will appreciate it when his or her art is properly organised. Children don’t mind chaos, but the earlier you teach them organisation, the easier it will be for them to find their way in the adult world, where there are more and more things that can turn to be overwhelming.

A desk with drawers under the top is therefore a great idea, but you can also increase the storage space if needed. This is where portable cabinets (which can be on wheels) come in handy, and you can add them under the desk whenever your child grows up or their preferences change. You can invest in the whole desk set which contains countless cupboards and shelves on which books can be placed.

Location

a young boy in front of a computer

It’s best to place your desk where there is direct access to natural light – for example under a window. Natural light has a stimulating effect on the brain and in such conditions it is much easier to concentrate. What if the access to the window is limited, for example by a bed standing there? Then first of all try to place your desk against a wall which has a window, then some light will reach the desk top anyway. If this is not possible, you need to ensure good lighting. The desk lamp should not be too weak. It is important to be able to read without straining your eyes.

Budget

wooden office desk

You don’t have to spend a fortune on your child’s first desk. At this time, the most important thing is that it’s fairly sturdy and kid-proof if possible. If you choose a simple rectangular desk with legs and table top only, that’s fine too. Just make sure to protect the corners of the desk if they are not rounded. It’s also important that it’s easy to clean at this stage. However, if you are investing in a desk for an older child, e.g. a teenager, and you want it to last for many years, then quality should not be sacrificed just because of a low price.

Complementary Chair

white office desk with a black chair

Finally, it is worth moving on to the chair. When choosing a desk, it’s impossible to avoid this piece of equipment for a school-age child’s room. It’s worth buying both together to get the best fit.

As we mentioned, it is good if the chair is adjustable. A good chair is an irreplaceable companion to the perfect desk. But what does a good chair mean? The basic function is, of course, to adjust the chair vertically so that your kid can change the height of the seat. It is also worth putting a little extra money into making sure that your child’s chair is adjustable in its depth and that the backrest can also change its angle. Also pay attention to the forearm rests. They should not be too high and arms should be able to rest freely on them. Often gaming chairs are fully adjustable and prove to be the best option for a teenager’s room.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect desk for your child depends on many factors that you need to consider. However, the most important one is the age of your child, as the size and functionality of the desk depends on it. With the above advice, you will definitely not forget any important aspect and end up buying the right desk for schoolwork. Good luck!

News   |   Tips   |   Trends
5 MIN READ   |   21 December 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

How to Declutter Your Living Room Before Christmas

We have a lot of different activities ahead of the holidays. Baking gingerbread, buying and wrapping gifts, and… cleaning the whole house! Many of us treat the Christmas period as an opportunity for general cleaning and it is when we are most motivated to do it.

Usually during the year you don’t clean your house as thoroughly as you do before Christmas. So it’s no wonder that the living room in particular, where most of the family life takes place, doesn’t look unrepresentable (not to sound too critical).

Today we’re going to deal with the decluttering of the living room. After all, this is where you will spend most of your time together with the whole family celebrating Christmas. You certainly want everyone to feel at home. A clean home. We will help you with that!

Decluttering Your Living Room Step by Step

1. Clear the Coffee Table

a black and brown coffee table in front of a white sofa

The coffee table is the focal point of your living room. Therefore, this piece of furniture should fulfill its representative functions with special responsibility. Unfortunately, it is often the coffee table where things that shouldn’t be there land. Bowls of cereal, books that haven’t been put back on the shelf, your wallet when you get back from shopping and sometimes even snack wrappers.

2. Organise Your Bookcase

a room with a bookshelf and red chairs

Organise books and old magazines on the bookshelf

bookcase doesn’t have to be just for books. You can also put candles or photo frames there. A bookcase is great for displaying beautiful sculptures and other works of art, so don’t be afraid to put them there too. After all, the name of this piece of furniture doesn’t determine its purpose.

Bookshelves can look beautiful. Especially if you’ll start to stick to one method of arranging books. For example, by the cover colour (gives a very nice looking effect), or by category (makes it easy to find the titles you’re looking for). Certainly, a neatly arranged bookshelf is something that you should have at your home if you want to call yourself ‘organised’.

3. Get Rid of Broken Things

Sentiment often prevents us from getting rid of things that have long ceased to serve us as they should. Unfortunately, they then take up a lot of space. And this makes the whole living room seem cluttered and eventually there is less and less space in it.

We know you hate to throw away things that have their unique history. But you don’t have to take them to the dump! Try to find someone who does restoration work. Take the piece of furniture or decoration to them and maybe after repairing it someone else will find it useful.

4. Don’t Keep Too Many Accessories in Plain Sight

a wooden wall clock and a small plant

Be minimalist when it comes to decorating your living room with accessories. The more stuff you have, the more dust settles on it. Which means more cleaning – and it is exactly something you want to avoid.

It’s worth furnishing your living room with a sideboard. This handy piece of furniture will hold all your small items and protect them from dirt. You’ll see that you will breathe a sigh of relief when all your trinkets find their place.

5. Remove All Unnecessary Furniture

a blue and white big corner sofa with light-blue pillows

Minimalist living rooms are easier to keep tidy

Sometimes a living room is cluttered with lots of unnecessary furniture. Perhaps for Christmas you won’t need everything that is currently cluttering up the space? Freeing up floor space is one of the most clever ways to make a room seem more spacious and welcoming.

For example, you might want to get rid of a newspaper holder that serves you well throughout the whole year but gets in the way at Christmas. So why not move it to the bedroom, for example? At least you can be sure that nobody will accidentally trip over it.

6. Get Into the Habit of Putting Everything Back Where It Belongs

When you think about it, it seems obvious that in order to keep things clean, you have to ‘keep’ them tidy. The easiest way to do this is by putting things back in their place. It seems simple in theory, and it is much more difficult in practice. Especially when it comes to teaching this to your household members.

After Decluttering, It’s Time for Cleaning

Now that your living room finally looks better you should clean all the surfaces properly. Simply getting rid of unnecessary clutter and putting everything back in its place is not enough to consider a living room properly cleaned for Christmas. It’s time to grab your gloves and cleaners.

During this process remember to:

  • Wipe dust off furniture,
  • Wash window curtains,
  • Wipe down electrical appliances such as TV (remember to use a dedicated LCD cleaner) and game console,
  • Put pillows and blankets from the sofa into the washing machine,
  • Beat dust out of a carpet,
  • Finally, vacuum and mop your floors.

The Bottom Line

The run-up to Christmas is usually very busy and everyone tries to get everything done on time. One of the tasks besides preparing Christmas food is cleaning the whole house. Some people find this terribly stressful, but with our tips it should go smoothly.

And yes, we have to admit that decluttering a living room is not the easiest thing to do before Christmas. But the smell of cleanliness and the sight of a clear living space reward the effort. So don’t wait too long, roll up your sleeves and get to work. You can do it!

News   |   Tips   |   Trends
5 MIN READ   |   10 December 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

How to Choose a Perfect Sofa for Your Living Room

Choosing a sofa for your living room? Well, set yourself up for an uneasy choice. A sofa is probably the hardest working piece of furniture at your home. It serves you well during family movie nights and cocktail parties with your friends. Bravely endures being messed with sticky drinks and crushed chips. Plus, it is supposed to be comfortable, sometimes not just for sitting, but also for sleeping, when your guests want to stay over.

Buying a sofa is a big investment, which requires a lot of research. And you should know that a sofa which is well-made should last generations. Even if you choose to test it hard.

We are here to tip you on how to choose a sofa that suits your interior, your family’s lifestyle well, and one that will also look great for years! Grab a seat and read on.

First, think about the function

big white corner sofa

L-shaped sofas fit even into small rooms

A sofa is a specific furniture purchase. It is because it can serve you in very different ways. So, you are either buying it to curl up there with a book, or to sit your guests on it during a coffee time. In the first case deep cushions would be great. But if you want to sit there comfortably with a coffee, a sofa that is too soft can turn out to be a somewhat wobbly foundation.

How do you discover your sofa’s function?

What you need to do is to envision yourself there first! How will you use this space really? Is your family that big to justify getting a huge L-shaped piece? A sofa is an anchor of the room, so imagine how it looks there, and then go on and realise your vision.

Choose the style that suits you

dark green velour corner sofa

… and the rest of your family. That is right, you are not the only one who is going to spend time on that couch. So, do not forget to ask your family members for an opinion. Try to opt for a style that resonates well with all of you. Close your eyes and think of a right sofa for you. Is it mid century sofa? Chesterfield sofa? Or maybe you do not care about the style, as long as this piece of furniture is made of leather?

In order to know what is your ‘thing’, you can play a game. Hand out cards to everyone and instruct them to write on them all the most important features of your new sofa:

  • what color it should be,
  • whether it is a modular sofa or two seater sofa, if it has long legs or not,
  • where exactly you want to place it,
  • and on what occasions it will be used most often.

This game is at the same time a kind a democratic choice. This way no member of the family feels left out. Of course, afterwards give yourself time to discuss and come up with arguments ‘for’ if your choices seem to be on very opposite ends. After all, you do not want a piece of furniture in your living room that is completely different from your vision!

Firm versus soft seat cushions

A brown leather armchair and sofa

You don’t have to know right away how to choose a perfect sofa. Usually, leather sofas are the firmer ones. Which is good if you want your sofa to wear and tear a little better. When going for softness – choose a sofa with plush cushion. It invites people to relax and it feels comfortable just by watching it.

Firmness and softness are dependent on many things. Therefore, there are a few things to pay attention to: sofa depth, back cushions, and an overall sofa shape. These are all determinants that contribute to the final impression this piece of furniture will make on you. Its natural creases should be pleasant to watch, but also pleasant to sit on. Hence, when choosing your dream sofa try to look at it from many angles. That is why it is always a good idea to visit the showroom if you can.

High or low back sofas?

a blue and white big corner sofa with light-blue pillows

Any three seater sofa or modular one will be great for a big family. When choosing a sofa consider a seat height as it is crucial for the right back support. Some manufacturers offer models of modular sofas with different backrest heights. This can be a solution suitable for a very diverse family where everyone requires something different. With modular sofas, you are able to design your living space in a flexible way. Larger rooms love the company of modular sofas because you can effectively fill the space with them.

Conclusion

Your living room is undoubtedly one of the most important spaces in your home. Therefore, it is crucial to set up a sofa in your living room that performs multiple functions at once. Your new sofa has to easily point to the focal point of the room. It should allow you to host as many guests as you wish. And, most importantly, it should offer you great comfort.

News   |   Tips   |   Trends
5 MIN READ   |   12 August 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

Choosing the Prettiest Furniture for a White Living Room

Choosing a colour palette to your living room is an important task. But if you have chosen white as the base of it – you have endless opportunities to arrange the living space in an elegant way! Of course your new furniture does not have to be entirely white. It is good to search for pieces of furniture with accents of another colour, and to break the white pattern with some interesting accessories.

Every home interior designer knows that furniture is not just a bunch of utilitarian objects, but also important design elements that create the atmosphere of a place and determine whether you feel good or bad in a given space. That is wxhy it is so crucial to pick furniture right. After all, you will live with them for a couple of years!

In this article you will learn more about the prettiest furniture you can have in your living room. You will know how to adjust the furniture to your home style, and where to put them, so they look amazing. Let us start this interior design journey.

Eco-Leather in a White Living Room

leather sofas in a white living room

Some can say that hefty leather sofas and armchairs would certainly overpower the room. And they could be right under one condition – the room is small, and painted any other colour than white. Yes, small rooms are not ideal for being cluttered with heavy furniture. But the situation changes dramatically when we plan such an arrangement in a room with a high ceiling and bright white walls. Then the leather furniture grounds the space beautifully and ensures that the living room doesn’t lack a good, strong base.

The abundance of white decor makes every living room feel big and airy. That is why you should go bold with choosing a bit heavier pieces of furniture – they will not do any harm. Just the opposite – they will bring the desired touch of style. Just make sure you choose furniture made from ecological leather. After all, no animal has to die so that you can surround yourself with beautiful things. Well, the truth is that the most beautiful things are created without suffering!:)

White Goes Well With Gold

gold coffee table

Oh, that is the most elegant and sophisticated combination ever! Gold and white are like sisters who really enjoy each other’s company. Let us assume that your room is painted in all whites, and even your big corner sofa is white. What can you do to liven up such interior design? You need to choose an accessory that, firstly, plays well with white and, secondly, does not disappear in its shine. Something that shines even brighter. This is, of course, gold!

All gold accessories and small furniture are welcome. The most beautiful are the meticulously designed coffee tables, which, apart from having delightful and unconventional shapes, also have a very important function. With a centrally placed coffee table, any afternoon coffee with a friend will turn out nicely and naturally.

It Is All About the Texture!

a kid on a white sofa

What’s best about choosing white furniture is that you can pick one colour, and play with texture. Colour is a strong visual impulse that immediately knocks into our perception of a room. But notice that this perception doesn’t last long. What really has power and what makes you feel good about a place where you spend more than a few hours – is the texture of the materials you touch.

The sense of touch is unusual, unlike the others of the senses – it is not located in the head, but covers our whole body. This is hugely important because we actually touch our living room more than we see it. Imagine watching a film in the evening. Your sight is occupied with the interesting images on the screen, your hearing is focused on the dialogues and your skin is in contact with your comfortable sofa. All the time. That’s why it’s so important to spend more time touching the objects that are supposed to adorn our home. It is worth visiting a professional furniture shop for this purpose, so that you have the opportunity ‘to get to know’ the item before it arrives at your home.

Nature and White

If your living room has a beautiful dark wood floor as the main design element, it’s a great base for creating a white design! A dark floor is a good backdrop for white or beige rugs. These additions will emphasise its deep colour. Also, any natural elements like a wooden floor, wooden ceiling beams or linen upholstery on cushions go well with an ‘all white living room’.

A carpet can also be made from natural and sustainable materials such as linen or jute. In that case, it will have more of a beige colour and will go well with those snow-white walls. This will add warmth to cold and minimalistic rooms.

Conclusion

White spaces are incredibly charming. What we like most about them is that you don’t need complicated interior design plans to design a room with class on your own. Whites defend themselves and it’s hard to spoil the final effect when you follow simple rules such as for example ‘less is more’. Remember that just one crazy accessory can liven up a space that’s too bland. And when choosing white furniture, especially upholstered ones, pay attention to the texture of the material they are made from. Sometimes it’s not the colour but the pleasant material that gives us that “at home” feeling. With this last thought we wish you to enjoy arranging your white living space!

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5 MIN READ   |   28 July 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

Japandi Is the New Modern

Modern style (also known as mid-modern century style) is still the most frequently seen interior design. It is characterised by functional minimalism, simple lines, geometric shapes and noble, beautiful materials. However, more and more people are moving away from the style and… opting for a whole philosophy.

The Japandi style (or Scandi-Japanese style) can be described as a marriage of Scandinavian and Japanese styles. It means giving up unnecessary things and surrounding ourselves only with those which raise our vibrations and influence our well-being.

This style is a kind of mixture of styles, which draws the best from related aesthetics. Scandinavian style gives it simplicity and a love for natural materials and raw materials. Earthy colours and simplicity are also things that interior designers take straight from Scandinavia. Minimalism, on the other hand, ensures simple shapes, economy of form – and, of course, geometric lines. To this combination there is also the wabi-sabi style, which draws on references to Japanese culture. This culture has a lot of references to the peaceful passing of time, it is also about space, illuminated interiors and simple furniture. You can define it with one sentence: “Less is more”.

Elements of the Japandi Style

a wooden wall clock and a small plant

The most important are the above stated: minimalism, Japanese wabi-sabi and Scandinavian style. But there is one more element we should not forget about. It is a Japanese Kintsugi art – a beautiful way of repairing broken things like bowls or porcelain plates with gold. Repaired things look then like some true pieces of art!

The originator of this new decorative movement, also known as kintsukuroi, was Shogun Yoshimasa Ashikaga, who lived in the 16th century. He broke his favourite tea bowl and on his order Japanese craftsmen glued the delicate shell and decorated the remaining gaps with gold.

It is a process that requires great patience and extreme delicacy. Masters of kintsugi work in prayerful concentration, and nobody can rush their work in there. Therefore, you can rather treat this technique as a certain system of values and part of a greater philosophy.

How to Start With Setting up an Interior in Japandi Style?

delicate branches in a vase

There are a few tips to follow when arranging a Japandi style interior. First of all, it’s worth focusing on up to three colours that will form the ‘main theme’. Choose from white, earthy colours, grey or beige. In addition, low, simple furniture with beautiful forms, which is also of excellent quality, comes to the fore here. You can choose simple and beautiful coffee tables and a sofa in a light colour. Ideally, search for pieces of furniture that are from natural materials such as wood, bamboo or rattan. Steel and glass pieces don’t go well with this style.

Try going to an antique market and choose furniture that you can give a second life to. Firstly, respect for old objects is strongly rooted in Japanese culture, and secondly, you will gain some unique items with a soul. Accessories are usually ceramic bowls, delicate branches in a vase or clay small sculptures in a minimalist tone. As for fabrics, let them be natural too! Sustainably sourced cotton and linen will work well here.

The Japandi style will be most suitable for people who value harmony

a green plant in a green pot

Any lover of minimalism will find something for themself in this style. Additionally, Japandi style can be offered to anyone who appreciates contact with nature and a bit of harmony. Such an interior design is perfect for an office, where calmness and an atmosphere of concentration should prevail. Subdued colours and unforced forms will be a perfect background for morning coffee, afternoon brainstorms and early evening planning.

The Japandi style is above all an investment in good quality. You can therefore expect that the materials chosen for an interior will relieve the owners of the duty to replace damaged elements for a long time – and this awareness also contributes to a peaceful, harmonious life.

This style will find its way into many homes

three wooden coffee tables in the living room in front of the white sofa

The multiplicity of applications and versatility of the Japandi style are its greatest advantages. Thanks to this it will find followers all over the world and has a great chance to prove as popular as Scandinavian style. Japandi is one of those styles that makes a great calm background for every decoration and additional accessory. So if you would like to change your space often – it is a perfect choice for you. You can make your accessories pop when whites or beiges are in the background. But remember that those additional elements should remain as calm as the rest of the interior. Harmony is a key.

Speaking of harmony – this style seems to be particularly crafted for those who want to intensify the contact with nature, but not necessarily can at the moment. A home arranged in a harmonious way should make an oasis where you can escape and relax truly.

The Summary

The Japandi style is only just gaining popularity and fans, but it is winning them over very quickly. We have more and more inspirations available, which you can draw from when decorating your own interior. This gives the style a chance to spread widely. It is true that repetition is not desirable and everyone wants to be unique. But following the Japandi style does not mean being bland and expressionless. It is the possibility of endless variations.

The order and simplicity guaranteed by Japandi style elements will make your home a real oasis. Even if you live in the city centre, you will feel as if you are away from the hustle and bustle and too many stimuli you experience every day. This style is definitely a go if you need some tranquillity in your life.

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5 MIN READ   |   20 July 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

TV and Furniture Tip-Over Prevention Tips

Exploring and curiosity are only natural for children and toddlers. However, as a responsible parent, you must ensure that your house is a safe place for them to learn about the world around them. Therefore, it is essential to take care of each part of your house – from securing the roof with an EPDM membrane to make it watertight and protect your home’s interior to adding more insulation to keep the desired temperature in your house throughout the year.

However, while dealing with such significant home improvements, you may overlook some things that seem harmless but can, in fact, put your child in danger. TV and furniture tip-overs are one of them, as they are some of the primary causes of childhood injuries in kids younger than ten years old.

In this article, we will share several tip-over prevention tips to help you minimize the risks and keep your child as safe as possible at home. Read on and make sure to take the right measures!

Secure Furniture

You should protect unstable items such as bookcases, dressers, wardrobes, and free-standing mirrors and make them prone to tipping over. Heavy furniture pieces can simply fall on the child, lead to bruises, fractures, sprains, and even injuries of internal organs.

Thus, it is necessary to take quick, simple, and inexpensive measures to prevent injuries from tipped-over furniture. With a bit of effort, you can avoid 100% of tipping cases and make the house safe for your children.

Here is how you can prevent furniture pieces from tipping over and, therefore, ensure your kids’ safety:

  • Choose furniture with a durable, wide base that stands directly on the floor, not on the legs.
  • Before buying, it is better to check it for stability in the store. For example, pull out the drawer and make a small effort to test it for strength and make sure it is stable.
  • Secure the high or unstable furniture to wall posts or floors with the appropriate mounting hardware. You can use brackets, drywall screws, or wall straps, which you can purchase at home appliance stores or furniture retailers.
  • Ensure that you precisely follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and securing the anchor devices provided with new appliances or furniture.
  • Install locks on the boxes so that they do not open to exclude the possibility of your kids using them as steps for lifting.
  • Open only one drawer at a time and make sure that you are keeping all the other drawers closed when you do not use them.
  • Store heavy items on the lower shelves of bookcases or in the drawers of wardrobes and chests.
  • Do not place tempting objects (such as favourite toys, candy canes, remote controls, tablets or other smart devices) on tall furniture, as this may encourage climbing.
  • Do not put unstable furniture in children’s bedrooms or playrooms.

Use Anchor Fasteners

When installing the anchor fasteners, it is necessary to take into account the weight and dimensions of each furniture piece and make sure that any anchor fasteners are strong enough to hold the object. It is equally important to use the correct anchor bolt, taking into account the material of the wall or flooring.

Secure TVs

brown wooden TV set in the large living room

Considering toddlers’ curiosity and the urge to touch and grab whatever they can get their hands on, your TV wall is another set of objects to take care of. It is big and heavy, and in case it tips over, it is highly possible that your child will get injured.

First of all, you should not place televisions (and other heavy objects) on chests of drawers or other furniture pieces that are not intended for the TV installation. Then, you should take some preventive measures to secure the TV additionally.

There are several options available, depending on where your TV is located and how much you want to spend. Here are some of them:

  • TV safety straps (anti-tip belts). It is probably the best and most affordable method for ensuring the stability of a TV. You can find many varieties of television straps on Amazon, but some TVs also come with the straps in a set – it depends on the manufacturer. You should attach the strap to the back of the TV and fix the other end fixed to the wall or stand under the TV.
  • A higher stand. It is a practical option if you have a small kid who is not high enough to reach the stand. However, it is also necessary to ensure that the stand isn’t too high and allows you to watch the TV conveniently.
  • Mounting on the wall. In order to mount a TV on the wall, you need to check if your TV is compatible with the mounting brackets first. Then, you need to choose from fixed, swivel, tilting, or full-motion TV wall mounts options. Of course considering your needs and the location of your television. Besides, choosing this option to secure the TV will also free up your floor space and give the room a refined look.

You should also reconsider storing other items, such as remote control and cables. The latter may look harmless enough, but they can lead to attempts at climbing and other unsafe activities near the TV, with undesirable results.

Avoid Toy Boxes With Heavy Lids

a small boy in a pink blouse enjoying toys

A kid may be able to open the lid of the toy box but not hold it. Thus, children may be injured if the heavy lid suddenly closes – kids under the age of two are most at risk.

For that reason, when buying a toy box with a lid, it is crucial to ensure that the lid is light and removable. You may also consider installing a special slow-closing hinge on the toy box will help prevent your child’s fingers from getting stuck. Or, better yet, you can opt for a toy box without a lid or remove heavy lids or a child-proof lock.

The latter is crucial because children like to hide in items such as toy boxes, and you don’t want to create the conditions in which your kid can be trapped inside the box. It is essential to make sure that the toy boxes have ventilation holes so that the child can breathe and prevent suffocation. A light plastic box is safer than a heavy box with a lid. If the toy box has a lock or latch, it should be as simple as possible so that the child can open it from the inside.

In Conclusion

When it comes to your child’s health and safety, creating a harmless and secure space for your kid at home should be your top priority. Small kids are curious and rebellious. So it is necessary to ensure that there are no heavy objects within their reach and secure those that are – like TV and furniture pieces.

It will not take much of your time and effort, and most of the tools you may need are inexpensive, making those protective measures very affordable. Besides, most of the possible issues you may exclude at the stage of choosing your furniture and TV, so make sure to take this process seriously as well.

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5 MIN READ   |   14 July 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

How to Organise a Small Bedroom

Bedrooms are a place for comfort and convenience. When you enter your bedroom there must be peace and tranquility. Besides that, space is another factor to consider. Talking about space, people often get confused with the organization of small bedrooms due to lack of area. They struggle to comprehend how a bedroom should be arranged for a better aspect. Today we will be discussing top-notch ways to organize a small bedroom. We will be elaborating on useful tips to have all the necessary entities in an enclosed space. These ideas will help you in a better bedroom setup.

Top Tips to Organise a Small Bedroom

A bedroom should have all the necessary items that soothe your soul. Thus, anything undesirable can be a big thumbs down.

Here are the few tips that can certainly help in a proper organization of a small bedroom.

1) Keep it Minimal

Stuffing your small bedroom with excessive furniture is unnecessary. A minimalistic approach is an efficient step towards its better outlook. From a vanity table to a bench at the bed foot, there’s a lot to include an intact bedroom. However, adding too many items can make the area overcrowded. Just a side table and cloth storage are perfect for a small setup. Besides, a dresser can be enclosed near the bed too. It can act as cloth storage and a nightstand.

2) Make a Decluttering Routine

It’s quite obvious. If the room area is small, it is going to get overstuffed faster. Hence, make it a routine to declutter and organize the bedroom every day.  What can you do about that? Well, make it a weekly routine to organize the bedroom. Put away clothes, food containers, and receipts that are collected. A regular decluttering routine should be your habit.

3) Utilize the Area Under the Bed

opened double bed with storage

If you have sufficient storage space under the bed, use it. That’s because that area is perfect for keeping off-season clothes. It can help in the organization of both the floor and wardrobe. Just not that, you can store other stuff like toys, linens, books, luggage, and gift wraps. However, keep the space neat and dust-free. Make sure to use plastic boxes to store all the materials.

4) Clear the Nightstand

a night table next to the bed with white bedding and a wooden headrest

A room can turn chaotic with piled-up items on the bedside cabinet. To retain such scenarios, it’s best to go for nightstands with drawers. It helps in better storage of all the items. Make sure to keep the space limited to minimal stuff like lamps, tissue boxes, or jewelry boxes. Instead of placing the lamp on the nightstand, mount a lamp on the wall beside the bed. It will help in storing the stuff precisely. There are many ways to keep your nightstand neat in a small bedroom – just don’t put unnecessary things in there.

If you have an issue with scattered shoes all over then it’s best to keep them away from the bedroom. With that being said, it’s best to have shoe storage near the entrance. If not so, a hall closet is certainly a great option. So, instead of the bedroom, make sure to place the shoes in the storage. However, if you want the shoes inside the bedroom, keep them organized in a particular place. You can also use a shoe organizer for better placement. For your daily sleepers, you can place the pair neatly underneath the bed.

6) Utilise the Vertical Space

hanging clothes and shelves

Small bedrooms lack the space for items storage. Thus, you have to be innovative with the same. You can use the vertical space involving shelving, organizers, etc. Try making a shelf above the cloth bar of the closet. It will help in the efficient storage of folded clothes for better organization. Also, hooks can be attached in the back of doors or closets to hang the clothes.

7) Add Freshness with Plants

close-up on white bedding and white flowers set in a vase on the bedside table

Houseplants are not limited to living rooms only. You can add enough freshness to the bedroom with the same. A small fig plant is sufficient for a serene outlook of the small bedroom. Besides, it does not take much space. In short, it’s a perfect way to enhance the aura of the room consuming the storage.

8) Simple Layout

a green coffee cup and white bedding in the background

Its better not to overdo or complex the layout of the bedroom. Let’s say if the area is limited or enclosed, the organization should be facile yet elegant in appearance. For that, it’s best to place the bed in the center of the main wall. Do not push it on one side of the adjacent wall. That’s because, with this adjustment, you will be able to make the bed from both sides. Apart from that, there will be enough space to walk into the room effortlessly.

9) Customize the Furniture

a bed with a wooden headboard

A small bedroom can look desirable with compact yet lighter furniture. If you can live without a queen size bed then keep the idea at bay. That’s because getting a smaller size bed can provide some space for other stuff. You can opt for bed frames and nightstands for more area. Also, bookcases can be replaced with floating shelves for a well-organized settlement. A blend of relevant and small furniture is likely to make the small bedroom more spacious.

10) Keep it Open

rustic living room with brown armchairs

Besides space, a room should have enough light and air for better ventilation. When the area is enclosed, people may feel suffocated or smothered. Thus, no matter how you keep the outlet of the room, it should be well-ventilated and open. With this step, your room will be well-organized and settled.

To Sum Up

These were some of the ways by which you can organize a small bedroom easily. Summing up, make sure that it has a minimal arrangement and a simple layout. Besides, you can make space with other elements like nightstands, storage, vertical space, etc. For a touch of nature, emplacing plants can enhance the ambiance of the room. With these ideas, one can get a well-organized small bedroom. If you liked these ideas, make sure to check out our other reads too. For more interesting articles, keep your eyes glued to our page.

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5 MIN READ   |   30 June 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

10 Unique Materials Used in Sofas Production

Have you been thinking about buying a sofa? If your answer is yes, then you have a very difficult task ahead of you. You will have to figure out what you are looking for in a couch, pick out a colour and style that works with your space, and select an upholstery fabric that meets your needs best. Fortunately, this article should make it a bit easier for you!

Here, you will find a list of materials that furniture manufacturers use to make sofas, ranging from natural fibres like silk and cotton to synthetic fabrics like rayon and polyester. Check it out! Once you are done reading, you should be able to find a couch that meets every one of your personal requirements in no time, and if you need some additional help, you can check out Mattress Reviews

Cotton

a beige corner sofa

This material might appear to be old-fashioned and boring, but it can look just as glamorous as silk. The thing is that you have to go for a high-quality fabric that is tightly woven. Otherwise, your sofa will look fuzzy and dull, and it will not be that durable.

However, the main benefit of using cotton for upholstery is not its appearance but the fact that it is breathable. Because of that, it allows any heat and moisture to move away from your skin, which makes for a comfortable and practical piece of furniture.

Silk

Silk fabrics are among the most expensive upholstery fabrics out there, but they are definitely worth the money. First of all, they are very sturdy, and it should come as no surprise. Many different bugs produce silk fibre to build and secure their homes.

Second of all, when used in upholstery applications, silk fibre can give any piece of furniture a very unique and glamorous look. Due to that fact, it is going to be an excellent choice if you are a fan of more sophisticated interior design ideas.

Linen

Linen is one of the most popular natural upholstery materials out there. It looks great, it feels nice, and it is pretty durable. On top of that, the flax plants that linen is made out of use less water than many other plants and require little to no chemical use, making it quite eco-friendly.

Taking this into account, you might want to consider getting a sofa that was upholstered in linen. Ideally, it should be a blend of linen and cotton. Fabrics made out of one-hundred per cent linen are not very elastic, which causes them to wrinkle quite a bit.

Leather

big white corner sofa

Upholstery leather is an easy-to-clean material that is prized for its versatility, luxurious appearance, and durability. Its different kinds are used in the manufacturing process of not only furniture, but boats, cars, and aircraft, too!

If you want a stylish and comfortable sofa, it would be best if you went for genuine leather. It might cost you a large sum of money, but it is definitely worth considering. Unlike faux leather, genuine leather is completely breathable and resistant to wear.

Olefin

Olefin is an eco-friendly fabric made from gas propylene, which is a waste material leftover from oil production. Thanks to the process of upcycling, it can be turned into synthetic fibres. No land and no water are used in their production, making olefin one of the greenest textiles out there.

Unlike most upholstery fabrics in this article, olefin was designed for both outdoor and indoor use. Because of that, it is extremely durable. Thus, if you are looking for an eco-friendly and durable sofa, look for one that was upholstered in olefin!

Velour

Velour can be both natural and synthetic. Usually, it is made from cotton, but it can be made from synthetic fibres like polyester. Its main benefit is its price. In spite of the fact that it is commonly confused for velvet, it is much cheaper.

If you are looking for a sofa that will not put a dent in your budget despite its luxurious look, you should buy one that was upholstered in velour. It will be incredibly soft and drape seamlessly, which will make the couch fit the most luxurious spaces.

Nylon

Just like olefin, this fabric is incredibly durable. In addition to that, it is very breathable, which will make your sofa comfortable to sit on, no matter the weather. Combined with natural fibres, nylon is used to create woven fabrics, knits, and velvets.

Unfortunately, it has its fair share of disadvantages, the biggest one being the fact that it is not easy to clean. It is rather porous and absorbs fluids better than most other fabrics, which turns cleaning it into a huge pain in the neck.

Rayon

Rayon is a material that is more than two centuries old. In fact, it was the first manufactured fibre in history! It was not favoured by textile manufacturers for many years, though it is already coming back strong and used in both upholstery fabrics and clothing.

The main strength of rayon is the fact that it can mimic silk but does not cost as much. On top of that, it dyes easily, which means that it can be used to add highlights to blended fabrics. Sadly, it has one major flaw, and that is its lack of resiliency.  Water-based cleaners, spills, and even perspiration can cause the fabric to distort and make your sofa look very unsightly.

Acrylic

a grey double sofa and an armchair in the living room

If you are looking for a stylish sofa, consider choosing one that was upholstered in acrylics! They are amazing upholstery fabrics that are soft to the touch, quick-drying, and resistant to fading.

It is worth noting that acrylics come in many varieties that have different properties. For instance, an acrylic that was woven very tightly is characterized by water repellency, which can be boosted if the acrylic is treated with chemical and topical additives. Taking this into account, it is safe to say that acrylic is a versatile fabric with plenty of benefits.

Polyester

Buying a sofa that was upholstered in polyester is an excellent option if you are on a tight budget. It is breathable and highly durable, which makes for a sofa that can maintain its quality and beauty for many years to come.

Unfortunately, polyester upholstery is vulnerable to heat. Its fibres do not have the heat tolerance that natural fibres do. If you spill a hot substance on the upholstery, it might burn and melt it, resulting in severe damage.

In Conclusion

There are many different types of materials that are used to produce sofas, and the upholstery fabrics are the most interesting ones out of the bunch. They determine what the sofa will feel like, what it will look like, and how much it will cost you. Because of that, familiarizing yourself with their properties is essential if you want to buy a couch that you will be satisfied with.

For instance, if you have money to spare and need a piece of furniture that looks luxurious and stylish, then you might want to go for a sofa that was upholstered in either genuine leather or silk. On the other hand, if you want to save money and want your furniture to be durable, consider buying a couch that was upholstered in polyester.

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5 MIN READ   |   23 June 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

Bedroom Layout Ideas to Maximise Your Comfort

It seems that other rooms in a house get a lot more attention than the bedroom. We tend to obsessively arrange (and re-arrange, and re-re-arrange) the house plan designs for the rest of our house while we leave out bedrooms. This is probably because we think these rooms are less likely to be seen by anyone. Plus, you don’t really spend a lot of time in it throughout the day, and the primary activity that takes place here is (you guessed it) sleep. If you share the same opinion and you have been neglecting your bedroom for the same reason, let us tell you, the time has come! Changes are in order, and it’s your bedroom’s turn to get refreshed.

You don’t have to revamp your room if you are not ready completely. Even the smallest of changes will enhance your bedroom’s charm and make the place all the more enjoyable, even if it’s “just” for sleep. In fact, people who want to optimise their sleep cycles, mood, and the quality of their sleep, in general, take up the well-known strategy of having their bedroom designed better. And don’t worry if you have no bedroom ideas in your head at the moment. We are here to give you some excellent ones that fit any room. Small or big, wide or long, these clever bedroom layouts will give you plenty to think about.

The Feng Shui Bedroom Layout Ideas

a green coffee cup and white bedding in the background

This ancient form of design and finding balance might be more mainstream than you think. One of the key aspects of arranging your bedroom with Feng Shui is to keep the energy in your room balanced and centered.

Here are some of the principles of Feng Shui:

The ideal way to set up the bed with its bed frame is so that it’s facing the East – if you have East-facing windows, that is. The end of the bed should be facing the West. The idea is to catch the first rays of light as they come in without having the bedroom furniture blocking the light. This bedroom idea is one of the favourites when it comes to renovating your bedroom because it places emphasis on following natural rhythms in your sleep cycle. At least making your bedroom designed to meld with them.

If your bed is placed in the centre of the room and it has a big bed frame, you run the risk of creating stagnant energy in your bedroom. The best place for bedroom furniture such as dressers, armoires, nightstands, or night tables is around the perimeter of the room. This is where you will find the most positive energy force. If you have a small area, then think about getting hideaway furniture – like a futon that folds into a couch or a bed without a bed frame that can fold into a wall.

A fold-away desk is also a good idea if you’re trying not to clutter a smaller room. You don’t want to have your room so full of bedroom furniture that you can’t move around easily – an easy mistake to make if you’re trying to manage a small space. Especially if you’ll be using your bedroom as a home office too. One important rule of Feng Shui (and decluttering) is to make sure your door can open at least at a 90-degree angle, with no stuff blocking the way. This means that you are able to let more opportunities into your life. This is especially true of the front door, but also your bedroom door.

Life-Work Balance Bedroom Ideas – Fitting Your Office Into Your Bedroom

a raw wooden desk with a MacBook on it

Nowadays, a lot of us are working from home. On the one hand, that is time-saving and brings many other benefits, but the biggest problem people encounter is the lack of bedroom layout ideas for the place they work from. Some squeeze in their home office in their living room, some in the dining room, or most commonly in the bedroom. If you are in the last group, here are some bedroom ideas on how to fit the two living spaces into one. Firstly, it’s important to try to keep work and rest separately. There is nothing worse than working from bed and never actually getting up. Here are some core principles on how to achieve this.

How can the bedroom layout fix your work/rest balance?

Make your desk be away from your bed – and if possible, have a “closing” option to separate the two. You can hide many desks away. For instance, you can fold them into the wall and then fold them back. Or simply a table that is foldable and can lean on the wall when not in use. Additionally, your layout plan should divide your bedroom into small work/sleep subsections. Don’t mix the two areas if your room allows it. This will create an opportunity to rest from work, even if you have a small bedroom.

Handy Bedroom Layout Guide Depending on Room Size

Regardless of the size of your bedroom, you can still achieve the illusion of a bigger room from the way you arrange the furniture and the colours you use. A small bedroom should not be feared in any case because you can always pick the decor to match your needs and make your space into a sanctuary.

Small Bedroom Layout

a white bed with a black headrest

To make your small bedroom appear larger and feel as if you have more space, you should place the furniture along the walls instead of centering the furniture in the room.

Here are some additional tricks that will help save space in a small bedroom.

  • Use wall-mounted shelves instead of big bookshelves to save on surface space.
  • Get sconces instead of floor lamps because these give you more space for walking around and look minimalistic.
  • Opt for a built-in instead of a large bulky closet or a dressing table. This way, you are creating the illusion of a more neat, clean floor plan all throughout.
  • Try to leave as much space as you can in the middle – this will also give an illusion of more space without taking away any room furniture unnecessarily.
  • Having as little open storage as possible will also add to the minimalistic design. Don’t store knickknacks and home decor on the shelves – try to separate everything into decorative boxes. It will not only keep your things dust-free but give the impression of clean lines.
  • Whatever else needs to be stored away, you can always use the space in or under your bed.

Bedroom Ideas for Medium-Sized Spaces

opened double bed with storage

Medium-sized bedrooms are great for more than one purpose. Like with the small bedroom decor, it’s important to remember not to overcrowd your space. Having a bigger room than just a basic small space means that you can have “luxuries” like a formal dressing table or a side chair and a designer side table with enough room for a table lamp, some books, and storage options. However, don’t go using up the last inch of free space just because you can. Leaving some corners in the bedroom free of clutter will create airflow and give the impression that your bedroom is even larger.

Bedroom Layout for Large Bedrooms

a large white bedroom with a wardrobe and a white double bed with violet blanket

When designing a large bedroom, you can be more creative and try to fill the room with as much furniture as possible. You can build a wall of furniture with closets or dressers. Also with a dressing table, a desk and afford a large mirror. The most important thing when designing a large bedroom is to place a dresser across from the doorway. This will give you balance in the room. Also, it will also help to add extra storage for all your clothes. When it comes to large bedrooms, you can use the space in your room. This is going to create an illusion of more space. For example, you should place your bed towards the back and place a long dresser in front of it. This will create the illusion of having more space since the dresser will be longer than your bed.

It is also a good idea to place a bedside table with drawers or a chest of drawers on each side of the bed. You can use one side of the dresser as a place to put your alarm clock and light, and use the other side for storing different things such as books or anything else you might need in your bedroom.

Common Bedroom Layout Tricks for All Bedrooms

The key is to make the furniture in your bedroom feel intentional and really make the most out of every inch of space. From using every corner of your room to adding extra storage to your bedroom, here are some bedroom design ideas to help you create a layout that is best suited for you.

Bedroom Ideas for Furniture Placement

To maximise space, place your dresser across from your doorway. This will create balance in the room and give you extra storage space for all of your clothes.

Master Bedroom Decorating Ideas – A Sanctuary for Two

a bed with a wooden headboard

When you’re living with a partner, it can sometimes be challenging to fit two personalities into one room. A room that’s supposed to be a place of rest for the both of you. The secret is discussing things ahead of time and making compromises. But as far as layout is concerned, remember that now you need to fit as many things into a single space. You need to double the closet space, double the bed space, and the same goes for everything.

Following a “centre” layout is common for master bedrooms because it’s symmetrical. Symmetry reflects the duality of a relationship best – it allows us to double space in an aesthetically pleasing way. This is the layout style that shows in no uncertain terms that everything is “equal.” A centre layout usually puts the largest piece of furniture as a focal point. The bed takes centre stage, and a bedroom table or a nightstand and bedside table lamps are placed on both sides.

Bedroom Layout Ideas For Luxury Homes

a white and blue wardrobe behind a bed

If you look at luxury homes and their bedroom layouts, there are three tricks you can incorporate into your own home:

  • The first trick is to have the bed in a separate space. This is especially good if you have a spacious master bedroom. It gives you a sense of privacy and is also a space saver.
  • The second trick is to have a cosy chair in your bedroom. Your bedroom is supposed to be a place of relaxation. Even if you have the TV in another room, you can still have a nook with a place to sit and read. It should be a place that makes you feel cosy and comfortable, like your own private study. This is why, if you have space, arrange a seating area with an armchair. Preferably by the window, so that you can read there too.
  • The third trick is to have ample natural light. Having a skylight or large windows will leave you feeling more energised in the morning and relaxed at night. Plus, as the sun rises and you are turned towards the windows, you have the best and gentlest alarm ever, the sun rays.

Bedroom Ideas Final Thoughts

The feeling of a bedroom and your mood in it largely depends on the furniture layout. If your bedroom layout is getting you down at the moment, don’t worry about it! Just pick any bedroom idea in this list and start changing your space little by little. Taking it one step at a time will go a long way. Even if you don’t have the time right now or the budget for large changes. Take a closer look at our bedroom idea guide. Of course, if you are ready to embrace your bedroom and start changing  how it suits your lifestyle. Maximise the floor space with design, decor, and layout inspiration.

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5 MIN READ   |   8 June 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

Bedroom Storage Ideas That Fit the Smallest of Places

Small studio apartments are often a necessity in big city living. However, regardless of their many benefits, people living in small apartments often struggle with storage. There simply isn’t any place left for their belongings in the bedroom. Or is there?

24 Brilliant Storage Ideas

In this article, we have comprised 24 of the best bedroom storage ideas out there. These ingenious bedroom storage solutions will help you avoid throwing anything away from wall storage and headboard solutions. Plus, they’ll look super crafty, making your small bedroom storage look like a creative hub.

Install Shelves

Shelves do not take up floor space, and they act as décor. You can layer a whole wall with shelving, or for a more unified look, stretch one row along the perimeter of the bedroom.

If you want to store books, accessories, décor, and art, you can leave the shelves open or have some closed for store sheets, blankets, clothes, and other things.

Vacuum Pack Stored Items

When storing away last season’s clothes, vacuum pack them to take as little space as possible. This way, you double your storage space, and you make room for new clothes and accessories.

Make Your Floating Desk Double as a Nightstand

If you don’t have room for a regular desk or a dressing table in your bedroom, get a floating wall-mounted or window-mounted desk.

At that, install it near the bed so that you can use it as a bedside table too. Such a design saves you money by only buying one piece.

Use a Storage Bench

Placing a storage bench near the bed or at the end of a bed will give your room a touch of elegance. Not to mention the extra space work for storing items like blankets, sweaters, books, and more. And not only that but it can also be used as a dressing table.

Get Dresser Organizers

Dresser organizers help keep you and your belongings always well organized. They tend to free up space so that you can store more items in the chest of drawers without the clutter.

Get Tall Storage Units

Tall storage units are perfect for storing items that are not used every day, but you still want to keep them in the bedroom. You can find them made of wood and they have two or three shelves on each side so that you can fit a lot of items.

It’s best to place these units against a wall, and they look like bookcases from the outside but taller. You will find these units in a lot of furniture stores and home improvement stores. They are very affordable, and it’s easy to install and match the style of your bedroom.

Storage Headboard

For bedrooms with an interior design where the bed takes the most space, we suggest making the best out of the bed frame. What we mean by this is to look at it as a storage opportunity. Not only can you store items below the bed (we’ll talk about the platform bed later), but you can store items at the top too.

Choose a headboard with shelves that gives you storage room for all accessories, books, magazines, albums, and whatnot. This way, these details are stored away without taking up too much precious space but at your hand’s reach whenever you need them.

Use S-Hooks

You can save shelve space by hanging your clothes on s-hooks. Pants, for instance, become more compact as such and take much less room when hung. Plus, with such a layout, you have a much better overview of what you have when choosing what to wear.

Night Stand With a Twist

If you don’t have the room for a bedside table in your bedroom, why not mount it on the wall for more shelf space? Make sure it’s close to you but away from your head, so you don’t bump when waking up.

Even a small one in the corner is a much better choice than leaving all your books, chargers, and water on the floor when going to sleep.

Mirrored Wardrobe

A mirrored wardrobe is often made of a single piece of mirror attached to a beautiful wooden frame. It has no doors, but it comes with many compartments, so it’s a convenient storage unit for storing clothes and accessories. This way, you are saving some space as you don’t have to place a mirror somewhere else in your room.

Most mirrored wardrobes are smaller than other wardrobes, so they work best in smaller bedrooms. You’ll also find them at home furnishing stores where you can choose between different styles, colors, and finishes until you find the one that fits your bedroom best.

Hanging Wall Closet Organizers

One way to maximize the amount of hanging space in your closet is to install a hanging wall closet organizer. This is an easy and affordable way to add more clothes storage to your home.

It basically eliminates the need for dressers, as you have all your clothes in easy reach hanging from wall hooks. It’s a great option that saves money over buying multiple dressers for your bedroom, and it keeps everything very neat and organized.

Under the Bed Storage

A bed with the space under the mattress is often overlooked as storage space, but we believe it has the greatest storage potential of holding various items. Sometimes having something to store underneath the bed is essential, but you don’t have to do it by leaving the items unprotected. There are countless products available as storage systems. From drawers and containers to bags and storage boxes sold in a range of sizes and shapes, these products are very convenient and affordable.

Under-bed space can be used for shoe storage. This is one of the most common use, but you can also find products to help you store blankets and linens, hats, clothing, and even toys. If you have a lot of books or magazines, this is a great place to store them.

It’s also a good idea to use under-bed storage for season clothes or items that you don’t often use, such as holiday decorations or winter clothing.

Wardrobe Storage

If you don’t have a dresser or need more space than it, invest in a wardrobe or an armoire. These are much bigger than closets, and they offer more storage rooms because they have more sections or drawers inside them.

If you want extra storage on top for lamps or decorative objects, then get an armoire. Often made of wood or steel, this will be a statement piece in your bedroom. You can get large wardrobes or armoires that will take up an entire wall of your bedroom or smaller ones that will fit in between two windows or two doors leading into the bedroom. They may be plain with no additional decorative elements, or they may be decorated with moldings and carvings according to the style you like best.

Closet Organization

No matter how much or how little space you have, there is always room for a better organization of all your storage units. For instance, closets aren’t necessarily only for clothes storage. They can be used for plenty of other things too.

However, the important thing to figure is what you can do with the space you have available. Using it up cleverly will enable you to double your storage space. A great idea for closets is to have shelves installed along the side walls so you can put your shoes on shelves. You can also use space on the inside of the closet door to hang scarves, ties, belts, and other accessories.

If you don’t have closet space, or the closet space you have isn’t enough to hold everything in your wardrobe, you can use other places in your apartment for storage. Try using a wardrobe with hanging rods for shirts and sweaters, or get a storage bench for more informal clothing.

Chest of Drawers

Chest of drawers is another option for storing your clothes. These pieces of furniture have drawers that can be opened on top and in front of them. Some drawers are divided into compartments so you can organize your clothes better.

They also come in different sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly in your small bedroom. You can buy a chest of drawers with many drawers or with just two or three drawers depending on your storage needs.

You will find many different styles of chest drawers. From ones made of wood to metal or glass, they all come in different finishes and colors.

Bedroom Space Bed

A storage bed is not exactly a bed frame with storage space underneath, but it may look like it because it also has something underneath the frame to store your things as a storage chest would. Storage beds have drawers on the side and are one of the most used hacks for small bedrooms.

These beds are usually quite high if you don’t count the storage space underneath them, and they often look like a dresser turned on its side—nonetheless, excellent solutions for small bedrooms.

Murphy Bed

Murphy beds are an excellent solution for a small bedroom, especially if you use the room for studying or as a home office.

They used to have a bad reputation in the past, but now many manufacturers are producing very high-quality ones. Hence, as part of our storage ideas list, we definitely recommend investing in such a bed. When not sleeping, you can simply fold it into the wall and get more floor space in your small bedroom.

The Multi-Purpose Storage Ideas

No matter how many DIYs you build for better storage, the key to adding space lies in using multi-purpose items. For instance, get a mirror with a construction that features pegs and a small shelf or, if you absolutely have to have bedside tables, get one with drawers and a shelf below for the added storage space.

Use the Doors Wisely

If you have absolutely used your bedroom walls and storage capacities and don’t know where to turn to next, don’t worry, there’s still hope. And the hope is in the door.

Get some over-the-door racks, organizers, and shoe cubbies to store all your remaining belongings and accessories that you otherwise clutter your floor or closet.

Make Room for the Bicycle

Bikes are usually left on balconies, hung on the walls, or even left outside. Here we are bringing another solution that will also prolong the life of the shelves too. Suspend your bicycle from the ceiling.

It may sound odd at first, but if you don’t have the basement bike room, get some good bike storage tools to hang your bike from the ceiling.

Also, don’t forget to get a ladder so that you can take it down more easily. Where to store the ladder? Use it as a shelf for books, hats, shoes, and other accessories you have lying around.

Closet Wall Hooks

There is plenty of potential but unused space on the inside of the closets that can be used for hanging various pieces of clothes you don’t wear as often.

Install hooks just behind your clothes rod and store items you don’t need to access every day. Or use it for accessories such as purses, messenger bags, or even coats. Anything that can fit on a hook can be placed behind the main clothes rack.

This way, you are practically doubling the bedroom storage space in your closet without creating a mess somewhere outside of it.

Use Drawer Organizers

Like the closet organizers, drawer organizers are a fantastic way to free up more space without creating clutter. If you struggle with storage space all across your home, you probably know of modular desk organizers used to organize any kitchen or junk drawer.

Well, you can use similar little useful tools for your drawers in your bedroom space as well. Place one that fits the drawer and then put all your small items inside like comb, brush, hair ties, hairpins, and the like.

Hanging Baskets to the Rescue

Another brilliant hack in the bedroom storage ideas list is the hanging basket. If you remember your grandma using hanging baskets in the kitchen, it’s time to repurpose them into something much more useful that will help increase your bedroom storage.

You can use a wooden or a pleated basket for a more boho-inspired look. Store various items there like jewelry, hats, hair or make-up accessories, and whatever else you have cluttering your floor space.

Use these hanging baskets above your bedside table or even in the closet’s interior to store lingerie, socks, winter accessories, and many other small details. This way, you are saving space for other larger belongings.

DIY a Mirror Cabinet

Just like the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, a mirror cabinet for the bedroom can be a fantastic storage solution too. However, such a cabinet for the bedroom might even be a better storage solution since you will be making it out of a larger mirror.

After all, who doesn’t need a full-length mirror in their bedroom? Here’s how to DIY a full-length mirror for your bedroom storage.

Attach hooks to the wall where you plan on placing the mirror

Place frames around the hooks with the same dimensions of the mirror

Add hinges to the mirror and attach it to the frames like a door that will hide all your stuff on the hooks.

Bedroom Storage Ideas Conclusion

Now is the time to get creative with the bedroom storage project because we’re not talking about tools and appliances here–we’re talking about all the little things that make you who you are. In the bedroom, it’s fine to let your own personality shine through in the way that you organize your belongings. But don’t stop there. Many of these ideas go beyond the bedroom storage and look fantastic for the whole home as well.

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5 MIN READ   |   27 May 2021   |   Arthur Guzowski

Home Office Ideas – Easy Transformations for Your Working Space

Working from home may make it challenging to set life and work apart and balance your wellbeing needs. However, having a specific workspace in your home dedicated to work inspires you to be more productive and organized. It also helps you set healthy boundaries between working and being with your family. Thus you are more fulfilled and content overall.

Workspace Ideas

On that note, we will be talking in-depth about creating a sophisticated space and the best techniques to do so. Space cleverly designed to provide you with the inspiration and focus you need while working. Also, a home office away from unnecessary distractions such as TV, food, or other attention-grabbing settings.

Minimalist Interior Design

wooden office desk

The minimalist nature of this type of design allows you to set your home office near the living room or as part of the dining room in case you don’t have a separate space in the house. It does not require buying extensive pieces of office furniture, but it does require you to follow some strict guidelines.

Your home office can occupy one wall in the bedroom or living room, and as such, you can have the décor in line with the rest of the room. We love such minimalist layouts because even though you are practically creating a room within a room, it does not stand out too much.

Of course, you can choose the palette of colours based on your home but for the home office, try to keep it at one or two different shades of the same colour that you use in the living room. Use colour to increase the space even though you are taking it with your working space. White and cream-colour palettes fit perfectly here.

Clean and Bright Home Office

Open, bright spaces filled with light help you think better and create without much effort. If you have a lot of natural light coming into your living room already, use that when creating your best home office ideas. Of course, make sure that the light does not fall directly onto your screen if you are using a computer for your work. But if you are creating handcrafted items, ample natural light is absolutely a bonus that will inspire you and lift your mood each working day.

All-White Study Space

white office desk with a black chair

When a place feels fresh and clean, your mind works optimally, and you can focus on what is most important to you at that moment, your work. When using an all-white design, it’s helpful to have a few pops of colour here and there as a subtle distraction from the monochromatic style.

Use Interesting Furniture

Sleek and unique furniture will upgrade the style of your home office. This can be anything from the working desk to the desk chair or couch, the carpet, or even the smallest vase. It can be as little or as big as you can afford at the time. You may not immediately find the right home office ideas for the entire space, but a piece of good furniture will always inspire you to a better style.

Pops of Colour

Just because this space is your office, you do not have to make it all dull and serious. You can always create a tasteful colour play across with a maximum of one or two colours being the main base.
For instance, why not use bright green or orange and gold on a white base. You can add golden accents of colour with vintage brass-and-leather accents, while the bright colour counterpart can come through more minor elements like pendants, photo frames, pen holders, and so on. The white base will cover the furniture like cabinets, desk, or even chair so that some light is present amidst the strong pops of colours.

Sunny Workspace

If you have space in your house or apartment to pick where to place your home office, you can choose a corner filled with light. This way, you can create a cheerful space full of sharp angles and brightness while maintaining a lot of fun.
If you have ample light in your home, you can even get away with using darker shades of furniture that will act as a contrast, toning down the natural light coming in. Such a home office setting is perfect for midcentury or contemporary designs of furniture.

Playful Office Area

Playful home office ideas can include different pops of colours, floral patterns, or even better, vivid posters lined on one accent wall. No matter how many colours there are and how graphic the posters are, as long as it is all on one wall, it can look tasteful and will not be tacky. Of course, if having such a playful accent wall design in your room, it is important to tone it down with a piece of monochromatic furniture or to use two other colours the most. Usually, black and white works like a charm with all the vivacity.

Neoclassical Nook

If you are inspired by the elegant pieces of interior design that are practically timeless, then we recommend furnishing your home office in a neoclassical style. Of course, some might find such style too dull or uninteresting because it usually features just a couple of very similar colours. If that’s you, you can always include artwork and a couple of cushions that will add a pop of energy with their bright colours.

Parisian Maison Bureau

Do not hold back on the French-inspired designs when trying to capture a Parisian Maison Bureau right into your home. This style features a lot of sleek designs that do not come into contact with one another. There are usually either white or black as base colours with the addition of dark brown, subtle gold, or brass for the smaller elements throughout the space.

The Bold Blue

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Blue was reported to boost focus and motivation during working hours, so why not sprinkle a bit onto your home office? If you like it that much, do not hold back and use a lot of it. Blue is one of those colours that suits an interior well when paired with mahogany office desk or bookshelves.

Mediterranean Home Office Design

The Mediterranean-style home office never grows old or dull. Elegant fabrics, muted tones, paneling, and sophisticated furniture is all about creating such an elegant interior inspired by the sea.

Mid-century Modern Home Office Style

The mid-century modern style is actually becoming very popular right now. This style lasted from 1930s to 1960s, and is defined by a timeless simplicity, fun colours and functionality. This style is perfect for minimalist spaces, because of it’s uncluttered feel.
A lot of mid-century modern elements, like chairs or lamps can stand alone as a decorating feature and will be drowned out by any clutter. These are mostly minimalist statement pieces, especially if you’re getting an original antique. Thankfully, there are a lot of copycats these days, and most furniture stores have mid-century modern look-alikes.

Lush Office Nook

Few things are more refreshing and lively than greenery. And if you cannot achieve greenery with actual plants, we advise using a rich, green, and bold wallpaper. Even if you have a small space, these home office ideas will have a significant impact on the room and will elevate the space feel overall.

Hand-crafted Work Loft

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Handcrafted elements are always in style. But do not worry if you cannot produce these yourself. There are always people who take orders and can custom make your main office’s furniture. For instance, you can buy the larger pieces of furniture at a furniture store while crafting yourself the other smaller elements such as frames, posters, vases, bookshelves, and other similar parts.
If you have never done this, you might face some level of difficulty, but the more you practice in your free time, the better you will get at it. Plus, it is a great hobby to take on. And when the final results appear, you will be super-proud of yourself.

Strong Colours and Patterns

When we say strong, we mean emerald green, and its similar hues paired with navy blue. You can use them plain, or either of those can be in a pattern. Whatever you go with, they will look beautifully combined together, making up a serious and tastefully designed space.

Do Not Fear Colour

If colour makes you happy, then the more the merrier. Use a burst of colours all across but start with the primary colours first. They will provide the perfect burst of shape and structure onto which you can build up rich hues of colours.

Monochromatic Design Home Office

Artwork is great for complimenting an office space, but in case you cannot make up your mind over what to use and how, turn to the monochromatic designs. Namely, you can use one palette for your home office, and the splash of colour in the room will come from a tapestry or a large poster wall. This will add vivacity to your office nook without the effort of combining the colours in your furniture.

Decadent Greens

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Before giving our ideas, it is important to note that here you can swap the green for blue, and you will get the same gorgeous design. Do not be afraid to mix emerald or dark green with mahogany and other darker shades of brown. Namely, you can use brown hues for your furniture, while the tapestry, smaller elements, or artwork on the wall can all be in the same shade of green or even navy.

Shaded Office Nook

Another gorgeous idea when combining colours is the use of the same color in different shades all throughout the space. For instance, you can use several shades of pink, starting from baby pink as the base (we recommend using white for the base, too) all the way to magenta for a sudden pop of colour here and there.

‘Art is Life’ Home Office

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Do you find yourself admiring art in your free time? You collect artwork or create? Why not use your home office as the display room for all the artwork you cherish. This way, you can be surrounded by your favourite pieces while working.
Do not hold back when creating such an art-filled home office. Here it is all about including all the masterwork you appreciate. Also, in such an interior, use a black or white base to calm all the artwork’s elements and colours.

Dark and Bold Design

The dark and bold home office ideas are not for the faint of heart. If you want your home office to dazzle at first sight, we suggest using dark walls and a boldly coloured rug or furniture to enhance the style. The cozy dark walls and the stand-out elements will all be there, dressed to impress.

Statement Creativity Art Piece

When trying to combine a style around a single statement piece for your work space, it is key to make sure you are not using elements that will overthrow or cast a shade over it. Such an interior design idea will help you in case you are undecided on a paint colour or how to format a gallery wall.
You can solve the dilemma by using one giant piece of art. Highlight your office with a single eye-catching photograph or antique elements and nothing else is required.

Gentleman’s Library Design

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The gentleman’s library design idea is a timeless classic that uses dark tones with warm hues. The pop of color home office ideas will not work here, as the design is all about sophistication and style without much playfulness to it.

Wallpapered Whimsy Home Office Design

Chinoiserie wallpapers will create a whimsy look all across. If you have never heard of a Chinoiserie, it is a wallpaper with a pattern that never repeats. This way, every part of your wall will be unique.
The designs can go from swirling flora and birds to animalistic and botanic patterns that bring a special ‘wow’ into your home office. These also create a mural-like effect across an interior wall, and their neutral hues combine very well with all types of furniture.

Hollywood-inspired Home Office

Pair a sofa and a chair with some mirror coffee table, a wood cocktail bar and vintage elements to create the everlasting Hollywood home office. Glamour and style prevail, so do not hold back.
Remember to include some black and white posters of Hollywood stars as a timeless classic to mark your style.

Neutral Interior Design

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Neutrals work best in any home office interior, and this is basically a foolproof idea that is both simple and bold. Use a neutral palette to keep the design clean where the pieces of furniture stand out.

The Bel Air Home Office Ideas

‘More is more’ works perfectly in a Bel Air office interior. Here you pick one colour for the pop and a slightly lighter shade to be used for the walls. Then, we suggest a monochromatic base with lots of golden or silver-coloured elements. Do not hold back, because here it is all about extravagance and shine.

Statement Wall Design

Even if you love the minimalism and like to keep it simple when it comes to interiors, there is a good reason to design a statement wall. You can put floral elements, posters, or even shelves with antiques in all colours and designs from all across the globe.

Contemporary Home Office

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Contemporary can be designed by combining bold black patterns and furnishings. Such mixed elements will give your home office a strong statement. You can also mix vibrant colours and earthy textures, and it will work perfectly, as contemporary is all about what you envision.

Light & Dark Home Office

A play of light and dark elements always creates the perfect contrast and emphasizes your home office’s design. For instance, if you have a room with ample natural light coming in, do not hold back on those dark walls you have always wanted. Those will not close off space as there is brightness flowing in.
However, make sure to use light furniture too. It does not have to be white, but with cream or light brown. Despite the rich, dark walls, the office space will still feel bright and inviting, too.

The Modern Balcony

What if you do not have the needed space in your small home for a home office? Problem solved. Turn a small balcony into a study by closing the walls and installing windows. Make sure to leave the room bright with natural light flowing in, so add more windows than walls.
That way, you will enjoy the views at any time of the day. Install good flooring because that’s still a balcony after all, and it can get pretty cold in winter or at night compared to the rest of the home. Plus, you can still keep your storage boxes along with the desk chair and all the shelving without looking messy.

The Warm Classics

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When it comes to decorating, every now and then, we have to remind ourselves of the classics. These are furniture and color combinations that always go well and are technically foolproof.
Combine the classical home office with warm hues and colour tones such as wooden flooring with the same colour tone deck and crisp white walls with cream curtains. As home office decor on the walls, stick to the same brown as the flooring or the same cream as the curtains. This can be a framed photo or a poster or even wall-mounted bookshelves. This way, you are creating the perfect balance between colours.

Home Office Design Ideas Conclusion

Working from home has now become a standard practice for many people all around. For some, this is a dream come true. And some a still struggling to find the perfect balance between work life and personal life. The creation of a clever home office design with utility in mind, while elegance and style are not left behind, will not only inspire you to get that last bit of work done but enjoy your surroundings while doing so.

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