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Why Choose White or Off-White Colors for Living Room Furniture

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Living room furniture must be chosen with extreme care. It should match the other decorations that you currently have and at the same time must reflect your personality. It must also be affable and inviting. Colors can help you achieve this impression.

Choosing White or Off-White for your Living Room Furniture

Choosing color white or off-white as your living room theme can give an illusion of spaciousness. For furniture, this color gives off the feeling of purity. If you want this for your furniture color, have a dark-colored carpet to make the contrast more prominent. You can still choose light-colored rugs to create broadness in your living room.

White or off-white is also stylish a color. Fashionable people commonly pick this shade. Combining it with bold colors such as black or red will really make a big distinction.

Blending white or off-white to any hue is much easier. Hence, you can make changes in your wall color without having to worry about altering your current furniture.

Since white or off-white are considered neutral colors, they are unprejudiced. Aside from white and off-white, other colors that are neutral are beige, gray and black. Here are some reasons why these colors are a favorite choice.

1. It has a tranquil and soothing effect. They are mild to the eyes and produces feelings that is between warm and cold. As it does not grab one’s attention, the eyes can look from one area to another without a specific attention to a single hue.

2. It is fashionable. They are never outdated as they are always in fashion. Investing in furniture with white or off-white color is spending your money wisely.

3. Lastly, it can be combined with any other color. Since they do not magnetize someone’s interest, you can design your living room with various hues without worrying of an irksome effect.

To design your living room with no regrets, check on some suggestions from the internet or magazines. Make sure though that the design you will choose is within your budget. It pays a lot to know the latest in home styles and decoration.

If you intend to purchase new furniture for your living room, modern furniture has come up with styles and designs with varied colors. Remember that color is very essential to create the perfect mood that you want to have in your living room.

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Choosing the Right Material for Living Room Sofa

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Do you only check the style and design of the living room sofa when buying one? If you do, then you are missing out on the most important aspect of all — the material. It might be that the design and style is something really nice, but what about the fabric used? Will it last you longer?

Living room sofas are made from different materials. Simply knowing the fabrics used will save you a lot of time in shopping and will give you your money’s worth.

Living room sofas made of natural fibers.

Characteristics of these sofas are their smoothness. Cotton, linen, wool, rayon and silk are classified as natural fibers. They are guaranteed to have more padding. Weather conditions can get them spoiled like too much exposure to the sun and mold can develop during damp weathers. Hence, regular cleaning is a must.

Living room sofas made of synthetic fibers.

Although these are durable and resist stain, they are not convenient to use. Nylon, polyester and olefin belong to this group. Olefin and nylon are susceptible to being damaged by the sun. Pilling occurs if these are used by people on the big side. Coat your windows to prevent these types from losing their color.

Living room sofas made of microfibers.

Because of the above grounds, modern furniture manufacturers have come up with the idea of putting together the luxuriant and resilience of synthetic and natural fibers resulting to microfibers. A mixture of acrylics and wool or polyester and cotton, they are known of not pilling easily. They are soft and are not pricey as well. Microfiber sofas are accessible in different hues.

Living room sofas made of pile fabrics.

Although used often, these types are not easily damaged. They are also easy to maintain as they conceal dust. The cotton velvet, however, is not that durable as they easily wear out and marks and indentations are noticeable. Chenille, boucle and velvet belong to this category. Those made of twill and denim is suggested for daily usage and is more comfortable to use.

Recommended for family use are those that are firmly sewn as they prove to be durable. Cotton, denim or ultra suede with 20% polyester are good choices.

You would also know if a fabric is really durable by its thread count. Those that have a high thread count can assure you of their durability. To know this, take the ends of a few samples and strike it hard. If you see them expand, it is a proof that they are resilient.

Remember as well that the fabric should match the other furniture that you have. Request a few swatches so you can check it at home. This will enable you to evaluate what will suit the rest of your fitment and furnishings.

As I have mentioned above, the material should be first on your list of factors in buying a new sofa for your living room. Being able to choose the right one for your needs will save you on cost. Other factors such as exposure to direct sunlight, pets and kids can also affect your sofas durability. Therefore, it is still a must to take care of them.

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What Furniture will Match White-Colored Living Rooms

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You have a big advantage if your living room walls are painted in white. Since white is considered a neutral color, any kind of furnishings and furniture can blend well with it. Even a combination of both whites is good; although it will be better if you have some contrast for better depth. You do not want your home to look like a hospital, don’t you?

Hence, play with colors to have a bit of diversity in your living room. A mixture of hues will add to the room’s overall appearance instead of making an insipid appeal.

Here are some furniture colors which you can match with your white living room walls.

The Conventional White and Black Appeal

Exuding modern sophistication is the combination of the conventional colors white and black. It can never be outdated and is a popular choice for most homes with a white theme. Couches and sofas that are in black or a combination of white and black (strips of white over black or strips of black over white) are best options. Coffee tables can have a glass top framed in black and white trimmings. If you prefer to have a rug or carpet, choose a black or white carpet and put the coffee table on it. Have table or floor lamps in black or silver. Make use of other decorations and accessories to add more drama.


The White, Red and Black Combination

With white walls, red and black combination on your furniture and other furnishings will be a standout. Not only will it look a bit theatrical but it will also create much modernity in appeal. Sofas can be framed in black with red cushions or sofas and cushions in black and throw pillows in red. Other furniture and accessories can follow this pattern.

The secret in white-walled living room is the play of colors in your other furnishings. As I have mentioned, white is neutral. If you combine it with the same hue, there is nothing left for excitement. Bright or brilliant colors, therefore, must be employed to bring interest and flavor in the living room.

Invest on paintings, vases, baskets that are a bit strong in hue and patterns. Curtains, throw pillows and even rugs can spell the diversity in the living room. Make your white-walled living room lively with a mixture of colors via these furnishings.

Lights can also create a nice effect so choose appropriate lights that will enhance your furniture or a certain spot of the room.

The attention of your guests must be drawn away from the white walls. It should only serve as a backdrop and the furniture and the rest of your decorations and furnishings must take center stage.

It pays well if you do a bit of reading or research before finally deciding what to buy. Check out home decoration magazines, websites or even asked interior decorators (if you know of one). Online furniture stores also offer a lot of assistance when it comes to home decoration. Apart from the various furniture styles being sold, they also cater to customers’ queries and give ideas that are worth trying for.

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Things you need to know about Tranisitional Furniture

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Combining the features of contemporary and traditional furniture is what is called transitional style in furniture. It is more ideal for homeowners seeking to have a not so olden style and still having a touch of newness.

Qualities of transitional furniture

Transitional furniture is somewhere between the lines of conventional and contemporary styles. They are referred to as updated classis by most interior designers. The most definitive quality of transitional furniture is it does not have the ornate design of traditional fitment and the rigour of modern fitment.

1. Straightforward and elegant lines without the sharp corners or the additional bleak straight lines
2. It is moderate in size to keep up with the modern tenor of furniture
3. Carvings are limited to accentuations and decorations and they do not uniformly cover its surface
4. Those made of wood have a subdued finish as well as in upholstered fabrics
5. They are more casual; thus, are more comfortable, welcoming and relaxing.
6. Elements of masculinity and femininity are properly combined to suit any room and the taste of both sexes.

Colors and Materials

Variety is a characteristic of transitional furniture and that goes even on the various materials used. It uses even a number of variety in materials compared to modern and traditional styles.

1. Wood is in a lighter shade than traditional fitment – with the appearance devoid of dark and brooding appeal.
2. Glass, metal and wood are used by blending them together. Either you get wood and glass or metal and glass. You can also find sleek glass, metal or acrylic used in this type of furniture on its own. Some detailed embellishments are added though.
3. Another material used for transitional furniture is leather although the distressed type of leather is commonly utilized. It is often used because it is informal and more convenient but still showing a touch of formality.
4. Textures fabrics are also used like corduroys, chenilles and ultrasuedes. These colors have subdued hues and their texture builds more curiosity.
5. Transitional furniture in fabrics have neutral and a little fairer shade. The colors commonly used are creamy whites, tans, taupes, and olives.

Since this type of furniture is not too theatrical or dramatic, you get the chance to display your other decorations and collections. Suitable accessories for transitional furniture can include those that are exotic and eclectic as well as those that are romantic and quiet and classic items. The good thing with transitional furniture is that they are flexible and can blend well with any type of accessories.

If you want to maintain a transitional style not only in your furniture but for your accessories, too, you can do the following tips.

1. Select textured rugs in neutral tones. Avoid complicated patterns but you can have those in geometrical patterns.
2. Have mirrors with uncomplicated frames for your wall decors.
3. Items that have a sheen of age or Asian-inspired room dividers are good choices.
4. Have some silver and simple candlesticks.
5. Flower vases that are not too huge are also ideal.

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Caring for your Varnished Wooden Furniture

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Wood is still the most utilized material in making furniture. The type of wood used for furniture can either be hardwood or softwood and finished or unfinished.

One of the common surfaces in furniture is varnished wood. Varnish makes furniture to look attractive apart from making it easier to maintain. It also makes furniture to be durable. These are the reasons why homeowners prefer varnished furniture.

Following are two ways of caring for your varnished wooden furniture.

The Customary Type of Care

Caring for your furniture on a daily basis is simple and uncomplicated.
Safeguard it from water and other forms of liquids like juice, alcohol, food, etc.

Vacuum your varnished furniture by using the small and soft brush attachment. However, the best cleaning material to use is a dry, soft cloth. Dust and marks are easily removed if you used a soft, dry cloth as well as it gives the furniture a good shine.

Use a moist cloth to remove any stickiness and instantly wipe it with a dry cloth. However, try it first in an unnoticeable area before using it on the entire surface. You must also remember not to leave any moist cloth on the varnished surface of your wooden furniture.

The Special Type of Care

Aside from giving regular care for varnished furniture, you also need to observe giving it special care and attention. This will refurbish the appeal and shine of your fitment.

Apply some paste wax to safeguard varnished fitment. Do this once in a year only. Doing it often can encourage wax build-up.

In case wax has built up, put some synthetic turpentine on a cloth to remove it. Remember, it should be artificial and not natural turpentine. Before you apply it on your fitment, make sure to read all directions. You also need to take caution that you do not use it near any spark or flame. Do not smoke when applying it on furniture. You also must put on rubber gloves to protect your hands and wash the gloves in warm soapy water. Do not store the cloth when damp, let it dry first prior to disposal.

Always remember to test it first on an unnoticed area. If you see any streaks on the surface, do not wash it.

On the other hand, if it is harmless to push through with it, combine a mild detergent and lukewarm water. With the use of a soft cloth, wash, rinse and dry the spot one at a time. Be careful to over wet the finish. Do not let surplus water to permeate especially around the joints. Give it a polish as soon as the furniture is dry.

As in the regular caring of the sofa, do not let the wax to build up. Use a silicon-free variety wax, as silicon can make it dull.

You can also use oil soap on varnished wood but may I remind you to try it in an unnoticeable area.

Doing the above caring tips for your varnished wooden furniture can make them last longer.

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Steps when Choosing your Sofa Bed

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Since not all houses have guest room, having a sofa bed comes in handy. It takes away the anxiousness of thinking where your guest will sleep. Very much like your regular sofa, this type of bed serves you two purposes – that of a couch and a bed.

Sleeper sofas can be placed in your living room or bedroom. It is a good option for a small bedroom, as your child can just fold it back to its original state when he has some guests and they wanted to do some dance skills in his room.

The following guidelines will help you to find the best sofa bed for your home.

Obtain the measurement of your living room space. Sleeper sofas need a bigger area when folded out. Make sure that it will not chafe your walls. You should also see to it that there is ample space when getting up and for walking.

Inspect its convenience. Open it up and check if it is flat with no bulges or angles. The next thing to do is to lay on it longer than 5 minutes. Roll on your sides and feel the cushion. Is it hard enough or too hard? Or is it soft or too soft? If the mattress is too hard or too soft, then choose another one. Likewise, you should not feel its frame on your back.

Inspect the cushions. You need to assure its convenience on your bottom; hence, you have to sit on it for 2 to 5 minutes. With that duration, you will be able to assess the comfort it gives you as well as evaluate if it can support your back when seated. It must have sufficient padding, as this will guarantee you of its durability and toughness. Lift the cushions and inspect its surfaces. It must be soft and even. You should not feel any wood or metal jutting out.

Get a sofa bed that has a good mattress, one that is not too thin or too thick. It must support your back adequately without giving you any backaches when getting up. You can also inquire from the store if you can get another cushion for it.

Examine the frame putting much attention on the bolts. Make certain that they are properly fastened.

Twin sofa beds are also made available. If this is what you want to purchase, ask somebody to come with you so both of you can check its comfort, firmness and durability. You each should have ample space.

Check its portability. Folding it up and folding it back must be simple.

Go over the whole furniture and check every detail. It is important that your guests will not be complaining of backaches when getting up. Similarly, sitting on it must also be comfortable.

Sleeper sofas come in a myriad of designs, styles and colors. Ensure that it will blend well with the theme of your living room. Do not settle for the low price against its convenience as well as its durability.

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Choosing Furniture for a Brown-Themed Bedroom

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Brown may not be an interesting color to some people; however, it can bring elegance to your bedroom by combining its dark and light tones and mixing it with other hues for accentuation.

To brighten up the bland shade of brown, you need to mix it with bright colors to enliven your room.

If you used dark brown for your bedroom walls, get furniture with robin egg blue upholstery or have some wallpaper in this color. Brown represents wood while the robin egg blue stands for water, both of which create an atmosphere of newness and vitality.

Brown and green is another color combination that you can use. Representing affluence, green when combined with brown conveys energy and prosperity. The color green is likewise soothing; thus, it encourages your body to unload or to feel at ease. It is also cool to the sight. Brown walls can have pale tones of green.

Since brown is a neutral color, you can also blend it with another neutral shade. You have the option to choose pure white or off-white.

Other colors that can blend with brown are light yellow, orange, and beet read. Dark purple and gray can also be matched with brown.

Furniture for a brown-themed bedroom

Pick furniture made of wood. It does not matter whether real or lacquer wood was used.

Choose colors in different shades to avoid dullness in your bedroom. If your walls are in dark brown, then choose light-brown for furniture or vice versa.

Use white colors for your decorations for emphasis. Frame pictures or paintings in white borders. Have white pillowcases and white cushions for your sofa.

If you choose to have a chair, opt to get a leather chair with brown upholstery. Upholstery must be in light brown if your walls are painted in dark brown. If you do not want leather, then get a velvety couch instead. You can also choose chenille for your sofa material.

Rattan and wicker baskets can be used as storage as well as decoration. Complement these with rattan blinds. Alternatively, you can have drapes or curtains in cream color.

To add warmth in your bedroom, have an area rug in soft red hue.

Have some plants in your bedroom. Then, choose floral prints for your curtains or drapes and bed linens that are in citrus yellow. Put plants that require less sunlight and water.

Get some scented candles for a more relaxing atmosphere.

You can also use brown wallpapers instead of painting your walls in brown.

Choosing furniture for a brown-themed bedroom offers you a myriad of selections. You can go traditional, modern or contemporary and even modern-transitional. Brown is not a difficult color to blend with other shades and furniture. Even if you have a brown-themed bedroom, you have several choices of colors to pair with it. Building balance in your bedroom is easily achieved, as furniture in brown is plenty.

Brown is always associated with friendliness and comfort; elements that you need for a restful bedroom.

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Pick the Suitable Table for your Dining Room

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Tables for the dining room come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, picking the suitable dining table is not confined to these two factors. The first thing that you need to think of is the amount of space that you have. Even if you want to have a round table but your dining area cannot accommodate it, then you will just be wasting your money buying it.

Both the size and shape of tables will depend on the dimension of your dining room. We know the common shapes of dining table but we tend to disregard what is suitable for our room.

The various shapes of dining tables

When we talk of dining tables, the first shape that comes to mind is the rectangular table. Its usual size is 36 inches x 42 inches. A narrow table of the same shape will suit a narrow dining room. Should the dining table measure 36 inches, then opt to have a sideboard where you can place food for big parties. With the sideboard, you can seat more guests on the table. The plus side of a rectangular table is that you can have more than 4 people on the table.

The square shape of tables is ideal for a small family. It is also good for small conversations. It is cozy and offers confidence and familiarity.

The round shape of tables is also advisable for big gathering but require a big area. Hence, this is ideal for big dining rooms. A round table with a pedestal is better than one with the four legs, as the former offers more leg space and can accommodate more people. Round tables allow each other to enjoy dinner intimately, as they can see each other’s faces.

The oval shape of tables is also ideal for a small dining room. They are safe for kids because they do not have sharp borders. A small narrow dining will benefit with an oval table. More than 4 people can be accommodated, too.

Nevertheless, knowing your needs and preference is still the best gauge to know the suitable dining table for your home. Do not be capture with the outside appeal of the table. Make sure that you get your money’s worth. Knowing the dimension and the shape of your dining area is necessary to get the appropriate table.

It is not enough to have a stylish dining table if it will make your room tight. Adequate space for movement is necessary particularly when pushing the chair out. With the current trend in modern furniture, dining tables were also given provisions of being extended. Thus, holding big parties poses no problem with these table designs. Similarly, give special attention to the materials used.

As much as possible, avoid buying furniture on impulse. Take the required dimensions to make your purchase worthwhile and useful. A good source to look for dining tables is the online furniture stores. They offer a myriad of dining table selections that will suite any size of dining room.

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Buying Furniture: Give Importance to its Material

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Selecting the best furniture does not only involve checking the design and style. It is also important to check the materials used, as this will determine its durability and length of service.

Therefore, you must include the type of fabric used if you are searching for a new set of furniture for your living room. Some issues must be taken into consideration on your purchase such as:

• Who are the users of the room – toddlers, children, and big-sized people?
• Do you allow your pets inside your living room?
• How much time do you have to clean them?

Some homes have bigger spaces and they can afford to have two living rooms. The other room is exclusive for the family while the other room is reserved for entertaining guests. However, not every household has that much space; hence, their living room is both meant for the family and visitors. Nevertheless, whether your living is intended for both purposes or not, it is still imperative that you check the quality of its materials. The presence of children at home as well as pets roaming inside the room can harm your furniture so you cannot settle for substandard materials.

Here are a few things that you must remember during your selection.

Have furniture whose materials necessitate less maintenance to minimize your workload.

If your hands are full with work, pick materials that are easy to maintain. The silky closed weave fabrics would be ideal for you. Its strength can be determined by the way it was weaved. A firmer interlace means that it is hard-wearing. Sofas with raised upholstered patterns are not ideal for a busy homeowner.

Furniture made of natural materials such as cotton can easily tear or break. But the new processes in cotton cushioning materials have made such an improvement and they are now made stronger.

Artificial fibers are even stronger than the natural ones. They do get dirty but moderately and the best thing is that they defy stains. Nylon is one of the strongest artificial materials used for sofas. It is easier to clean and resist smudges and dirt. Alternatively, rayon is cost-efficient. It does not easily lose its shade even when exposed to sunlight. It is also soft and defies wear and tear.

Most contemporary or modern sofas make use of microfiber, as this is ideal for household with children and pets that loiter inside the living room. It resists stain and soil and is a good choice for a busy living room. Furniture made of microfiber is soft and comfy as well as sturdy and long-lasting. Microfiber sofas are perfect for a household who has a family member with allergy because it does not produce lint.

Leather is another good option for your living room sofa. They are enduring and thick. They have been tested for their durability and staying power. Leather is also easy to maintain and if proper care is given, it can lasts you longer.

So the next time you are to buy furniture, examine its materials as well. A good quality piece can be seen in the fabric or materials used, the design, the style and the manner it was built.

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Bring Harmony into Life via Different Colors in your Living Room Furniture

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Some homeowners make use of other stuffs like rugs, fine-looking wall mirrors, wall decors, curtain tassels or tie-backs, or rugs to refurbish their living room. Others buy expensive items thinking that it is the key to make the room look new and fresh. However, there is a cheaper and simpler way to do it and that is to have different colors in their living room furniture but all must be in harmony.

To harmonize your living room color with your furniture, check its surrounding, as this will give you a hint on how to go about it. Following are some non-expensive tips on how to bring harmony into life via different colors in your living room furniture. You can also refer to the color wheel but bear in mind that you need to have a maximum of three colors only to make it look good.

If your living room has a nature theme, you can use tints of blue and use white for accents. This color combination supports a peaceful and calm effect.

Harmonize pastel hues like pale lavender and coral pink. Use tangerine for accents to make it more radiant. The walls can be painted in blue and have modern furniture with green upholstery. The colors will make your living room look brighter.

Earth tones can also be used which can go with an autumn appeal. Shades of brown, creamy or dark, can be mixed with different creamy colored-tones to make the room cozier and warmer. You can have accent walls in autumn orange, tawny red, gray and black.

Lavender with some tints of soft red and a deep shade of purple can make a bit of disparity that provides a restful and gentle appeal. Use soft yellow, sage green or olive for accent colors. Putting together the dark tints of green and the bright tints of yellow will put drama in your living room. On the other hand, the creamy tints of these colors provide a serene effect in your room.

You can also make use of earth tones that are monochromatic. All of these fall under the nature colors category. However, if you do not like these tones, then opt to have green instead. Green suggests life; similar to spring. Blend it with your modern sofa in soft tints of yellow and purple throw pillows.

There are many choices of furniture to balance your living room color. These are available from online furniture shops and your local store. You can select from the various designs and colors that have a modern, contemporary, traditional, or transitional style.

Choosing to buy modern furniture is not at all expensive contrary to what others think. They were built to sit anybody’s budget. Apart from being affordable, they are also created with elegant and attractive designs.

The secret in harmonizing color in your living room furniture is to focus on a specific idea. Bear in mind that you wanted to have a peaceful and restful appeal in your living room and let this guide you in your choice to give your family and guests the feeling of calmness and harmony.