Furniture Can Make You Mad

I have a computer desk that makes me mad. It has a beautifully scalloped apron that digs into my left thigh, leaving a deep rectangular indentation whenever I sit in front of it for longer than an hour. It's not really the desk's fault, since it's not really a desk. A much loved hand-me-down, originally this piece of furniture was a dresser with a tri-fold mirror bolted on the back.

The mirror, my friend who gave me the dresser reported, was cracked right down the middle, a casualty of a rough-housing session with an older brother, and was consequently dragged out to the garage until it was finally hauled away to the dump. Fifteen years later, the dresser was banished from the apartment when he and his partner redecorated. I became its proud new owner because at the time, I was looking for a writing desk and I liked the dresser's deep drawers.

I refinished it to match some of the darker wood pieces in my living room. When it was used strictly as a writing table, it wasn't a problem, but once I upgraded and put a computer on it, that's when I started running into difficulties. Still, I'd rather keep massaging my thigh and muttering under my breath whenever I walk away from the "computer desk" than relinquish it for something more appropriate, like a computer cart or computer armoire.

Although, even if I'm the only one in the room, every time this happens, I get embarrassed. But I'm not alone. A very quick, very informal and very unscientific poll of unsuspecting co-workers queued in front of the fax machine revealed that almost everyone owns a piece of furniture that has a tendency to irritate, annoy, frustrate or anger. When it comes to furniture that ticks us off, it seems that I am in good company.

Someone in accounting says that she is constantly bumping into the corner of her bed whenever she passes by, even though they're rounded and not particularly sharp. One of the customer service representatives reports, that no matter how they place the coffee table in front of the couch, he and his roommates constantly snag their knees on its edge whenever they get up from the sofa. Another fellow worker emphatically complained about the dresser drawer that keeps inconveniently sticking, especially it seems, whenever she's running late for work.

And when I mentioned this theory in casual conversation to my neighbor across the hall, he too had a story to tell. In fact, he opened the door to his apartment wider so that I could see exactly what he was talking about. In his entryway, he has a beautiful real-life antique console table with cabriole legs, which he maintains, conspires to trip him in the most inopportune moments, like when he's carrying a cup of something hot into the living room.

To me personally, the most interesting and revealing aspect of this impromptu survey was that no one asked, "What are you talking about?" Most everyone, it seems, has a piece of furniture in their lives that has a mind of its own and conspires, in a fit of whimsy, to annoy us every now and then.

Accents that are Right up your Alley... or Hallway

When decorating the rooms of our homes, often the hallways and entryways are overlooked and they can end up as "dead" space. But first impressions are important, and especially if floor space is at a premium, hallways are the perfect place to add accent furniture pieces that will increase your storage options and make your home a more comfortable place to be. Using accent pieces in a foyer or hallway will also give your decor more character and style.

Console tables can define a hallway, adding functionality as well as a focal point. Also known as sofa tables, they typically stand against a wall or when used in a living room, can rest against the back of a sofa. A console table is typically rectangular, oval or half-moon in shape. A half-moon console table is sometimes referred to by its French name demilune. A hallway console table is a perfect place to put keys, the mail, a lamp or a vase of flowers.

A bench is not only a practical piece of furniture to have in a hall or foyer, but it creates a good impression by making the space appear warm and inviting. In a variety of styles, colors, finishes and designs, benches range from ones with plush upholstery and decorative arms to benches constructed of wood with flip tops. A family with children might especially appreciate a storage bench in an entryway or hallway, as a great place to tidy away items in a hurry and make the space clutter-free for unexpected guests.

A coat rack, sometimes called a hall tree, is a convenient place to hang clothing and accessories. Used to make a statement or simply fill a utilitarian role, they can be dressed up or played down. If you want your entranceway to be noticed, select a freestanding hall tree that creates visual interest. Ones made of brass, wrought iron, rattan or polished wood will add flair and sophistication to your decor. Coat racks can include special features such as a revolving section to make access to clothes easier, an umbrella compartment or a set of lower hooks designed especially for children.

Having plants in a hallway or entryway adds charm to your home, improves air quality and gives it a welcoming and lived-in appearance. Plant stands are an ideal way to display several at once or showcase just one. They come in all shapes, sizes and kinds, from pedestal to formal to novelty. To create visual interest in a corner of an entranceway or hallway, use pedestal-style plant stands of varying heights.

Decorative chests elegantly combine style with function. A perfect place to set down items, keep an emergency flashlight and store small household items, an accent chest usually has drawers but can have a door instead or a combination of both. There are countless styles, finishes and shapes to choose from. Aside from its practical aspect, the distinguishing characteristic of the accent chest is its beautiful and detailed design that will give your hallway or entrance way a unique, decorative touch.

Wardrobe armoires are typically used in the bedroom, but can be the ideal solution for a hallway or entryway that doesn't have a built-in closet. A wardrobe armoire allows you to hang coats, store seasonal clothing and keep the area clutter-free. Often wardrobe armoires will come with a mirror, which will make it both a stylish and practical addition to your hallway or entrance.

These are just a few types of accent furniture pieces that are ideal for transforming your hallway or entryway into a more practical yet welcoming place. With a wide selection of accent furnishings to choose from, you are sure to find the ones that will perfectly express your personality.