"Right" Reasons for a Queen Storage Bed

If you are looking for a queen platform bed, there are several reasons why it is the “right” choice for almost any bedroom décor, including the fact that you’ll never have to vacuum underneath the bed! The platform bed continues to gain in popularity simply because of its versatile design. Add functional storage and features like a bookcase headboard into the mix, and you have an ideal bed for any room, from the master bedroom to a second bedroom reserved for guests.

Probably the best reason for considering purchasing a queen platform bed is that it is economical. Because the design of a platform bed includes its own mattress support system, it does not need a box spring. And due to their simpler designs, queen platform beds tend to be less expensive than other types of standard beds such as a sleigh or poster bed.

At first glance, a queen platform bed might not appear like a multi-functional piece of furniture. But in small spaces like a studio apartment or a smaller-sized bedroom, a storage platform bed can actually eliminate the need for a dresser. And since, no matter where we live or the size of the room, we never seem to have enough storage, a platform bed adds maximum functionality to your living environment.
Use a queen platform bed to create the illusion of a bigger room. It often will make a room appear larger because of its low-profile design, which places the bed closer to the floor, revealing more of the wall, emphasizing the distance between the bed and the ceiling. Platform beds have smooth, clean lines that give them a distinctly modern appeal. Because a platform bed typically doesn’t have a footboard, this kind of bed can even open up the room, making it feel less cramped or cluttered.

-RL

The Features of Bar Stools

Bar stools have many options in terms of style and design. Here are just a few to consider:

Arm Rest
Arm rests give a more majestic or old fashioned vibe to the chair. It can make it more comfortable for people to rest their arms. However, it can make it a little awkward to talk to people next to you.

Back Rest
Bar stools can have a low or high back rest, or no back at all. Having a backless bar stool can make it a bit uncomfortable for people with back and posture problems.

Swivel
Swiveling makes it easier for people to talk to whoever they want to talk to, though it’s slightly more expensive than stationary chairs.

Upholstery
Upholstered stools can really add a classy vibe to the atmosphere. They tend to be slightly more expensive, so it does come down to how much you’re willing to invest.

If you choose to get upholstered counter bar stools, then the question becomes whether you want a soft and plushy barstool so people can rest, or just a slightly cushioned bar stool so that your guests are more comfortable than if it were just a plain surfaced bar stool.

As you can tell, there are quite a few options to choose from. What are your preferred features?

-M

Things to Keep in Mind when Buying a Baby Crib

Buying a baby crib is an important decision in raising your baby. Your baby’s going to be spending a lot of time in his or her crib. How much full sleep he will have, how much color is in his childhood, his safety, are all affected by the crib you choose. Here some things to consider before choosing a crib:

Price
Have a figure you’re willing to spend in mind. Note that price often reflects the quality of the design and manufacturing, however, there are still great baby cribs available in lower price ranges.

Style
There are many styles of baby cribs to choose from such as: convertible crib or not, finish, size, design, etc. Don’t forget that the style itself should match the bedding as well as the overall interior design of the nursery.

Safety
Safety is a huge concern when it comes to selecting a baby crib. First of all, check to see if the crib you’re planning on purchasing has the appropriate certification and that it meets national safety standards. As an added tip, check product recall sites when researching your crib purchase.

Return Policy
Knowing that you are purchasing a crib from a store with a decent return policy will allow you to freely make your decision to purchase without having to worry about making the wrong choice.

What else would you keep in mind when buying a baby crib?

-M

Contain Your Shelf: Bookcase Decorating Ideas

You don't have to be an avid reader to own a bookcase. Bookcases are a stylish and decorative storage solution that can fit almost any room of your home. Because they come in a wide range of sizes, a low-profile bookcase in a hallway is a functional yet trendy way of managing clothing items like mitts, hats and scarves. Or how about a corner bookshelf in the kitchen as a handy place to store those cookbooks you use the most? Dust off your ideas about those dusty bookshelves in your local library; when decorating with bookcases, the possibilities are endless.

Decide on the Location

Decide on the location of your bookcase. Measure the area where the bookshelf will be going. Especially if it will be in a high-traffic area such as a hallway, living room or family room, check to make sure that the bookcase will not impede traffic floor, be in the way of opening/closing doors, etc.

Decide on the Purpose

Choosing a focus or purpose for your bookcase might also play a part in the style, size and type you end up buying. Bookcases equipped with baskets provide easy and effortless storage solutions for a front hallway or a living room. In a basement room or family room, bookcases with baskets or cubbies are ideal for storing crafting supplies, games or toys.

Bookcase Decorating Tips

Place baskets or organizer trays in one or two shelves of a bookcase in a guest bedroom.

Have a bookshelf you no longer use? Paint it a different color and repurpose it. Who can't use extra shelving in a laundry room, the garage or on an enclosed porch or sun room?

Bookcases make a great economical alternative to a china cabinet or a curio. Use one in a living room or dining room to display collectibles.


- E.L.

TV Armoires for the Bedroom

For most of us, watching television is one of our favorite ways to unwind after a busy day. It is inconceivable to miss even five minutes of NCIS, The Good Wife or Bones. You like watching TV as much as anyone else. But when it comes to the bedroom, you would like to draw the line and leave the television behind in the living room or the family room (where it belongs). What if you're like a lot of us (me included!) who have a partner who likes to watch the late night movie in bed?

What do you do? Compromise with a TV armoire. While it will be on in the room when you want to read quietly or even drift off, an armoire will at least be out of sight when not in use. And maybe your partner will be inspired to use headphones...it could happen. If this decor design solution appeals to you, here are some tips for buying the perfect TV armoire for your bedroom.

TV Armoire Size and Height

TV armoires are designed to hold smaller-sized televisions, typically any type of television, from a CRT TV to a flat screen, 34" to 37" in size, but the actual size of the armoire can vary. Make sure that it will fit the space it's intended for.

You will want the television to be the perfect viewing height when sitting up in bed. The viewing height of the television will largely depend on the height of the armoire's TV area in relation to the height of the bed. Make sure that the shelf the TV will sit on is adjustable.

TV Armoire Doors

So that you will be able to comfortably view the TV screen while sitting in bed, select a TV armoire with 270 degree doors. These types of doors allow you to fold them against the sides of the armoire, out of the way. Another option is pocket doors, which typically slide into the body of the armoire cabinet.

TV Armoire Features

A television armoire will not only hide away the television when it’s not being used, it will also give you more storage options. Give some thought to what kinds of features your TV armoire should have in order for it to be the most useful to you.

Some manufacturers offer a TV/wardrobe armoire specifically designed with both uses in mind. These dual purpose TV/wardrobe armoires have features that allow them to be used as a wardrobe or a TV armoire and can easily be converted back and forth from one use to the other.

Common TV armoire features include wire management, adjustable shelves, pull-out trays for DVD/CD storage and cubbies and/drawers.


- E.L.

Classic Headboards for the Bedroom

Classic headboards are headboards that have a timeless appeal and never (ever) go out of fashion. Style doesn't matter: they can be ultra modern; have a cottage country flair; or possess a stately and formal traditonal elegance. Opting for just a headboard in a smaller sized master bedroom, guest room or second bedroom is a functional way to make the space appear larger, but a classic headboard will give yourbedroom furniture a touch of style and breathe new life into your décor.

Upholstered Headboards

Upholstered headboards can be made from any number of fabrics. They can also be crafted of other materials such as leather, rattan, wicker and vinyl. An upholstered headboard typically adds visual interest to a bedroom's interior design. Especially if you enjoy reading or watching television in bed, it can also function as a backrest.

Metal Headboards

I don't have any proof, but I'm willing to bet that metal headboards have been making a comeback since Bob Dylan first sang "...lay across my big brass bed." Bob Dylan aside, metal headboards, depending upon their decorative detail, can have an Old World charm. There is something about a brass, gold or antiqued bronze metal headboard for a truly classic appearance. If your bedroom furniture is more modern or contemporary, select a metal headboard that is made of polished nickel, aluminum or chrome.

Wood Headboards

Classic wood headboards, particularly when they have rich, warm finishes, give any décor a vibrant and luxurious feel. Because it is made of wood, wood headboards are generally strong and extremely durable. Especially when they include curvy profiles, curving lines and carved decorative details, wood headboards, they can be stately and formal in appearance. For a variation an a classic wood headboard theme, select one that includes metalwork for a relaxing Old World atmosphere.

- E.L.

Home Theater Furniture for your Media Room

No doubt you have spent a small fortune on your television, sound system and all the other important pieces of equipment you need in the process of setting up your home theater. When choosing the right furniture pieces for your media room, resist the temptation to skimp now. You will want home theater seating that is ultra comfortable to last through a showing of any or all of The Lord of the Rings movies. You will also need media storage that looks as good as it is functional.

No Reflective Surfaces

When buying media room furniture, try to avoid anything shiny or has a reflective surface. This includes things you might not immediately think of us being shiny such as a leather sofa, home theater chairs or even wood tables. Avoid media storage pieces made of metal and select finishes that are matte or antiqued instead of ones with a high polish.

Big Comfy Chairs

Consider what kind of home theater seating you would like. Recliners especially designed for a home theater or a media room include "movie watching" features that aren't usually a part of standard recliners such as cup holders, hidden storage or collapsible trays. When purchasing group home theater seating, give some thought to whether you would like a 2-seat, 3-seat or 4-seat configuration. Depending on the size of your media, you may want two rows instead of one. Keep in mind that any chair levers or recliner mechanisms should work smoothly and silently.

But you don't have to stick to classic home theater seating. A sectional sofa that provides maximum viewing may be an ideal way to furnish your media room. No matter what you choose, above all, home theater seating should be comfortable.

Other Media Room Furniure Considerations

If you are not using a projection system of some kind, what will you be doing with the television? A TV wall mount is an option. When mounting the television to the wall is not an option, select an entertainment center that will be large enough to accommodate your TV as well as a DVD player and any other piece of audio or video equipment you will require.

Media storage should fit your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you like everything tidied away, then any media storage you select should include hidden storage solution options.

- E.L.