Dining room furniture tips:

Choosing dining room furniture can be an exciting adventure, because attitudes have come along way in accepting the space for formal eating as space that can be used for a multitude of objectives. Dining furniture today does more and says more than the matching pieces once placed in formal settings, years ago. Eating rooms of this decade exists to serve as favorite family gathering places, ideal spaces for homework and school projects, or cozy intimate exchanges. The word “normal” has been removed from most designer’s lips and the climate in decor indicates that anything goes. So, when searching for the right eating arrangement for your family or for individual tastes, there are some helpful hints to keep in mind to get the most of the furniture purchase and to get the most of this room that can be utilized in a variety of ways.

Before choosing the dining room furniture for any home, there are a few designer tips that can be considered to maximize the space and feel of the room. Assuming that eating will be the primary activity of the room, how many plan to sit at dinner under normal circumstances should be considered. Often, expansive tables are purchased for a once a year celebration, like Christmas. However, this space can be wasted throughout the other 364 days of the year. If budgets allow and the room can handle a large table and chairs, then this may just be what the home needs. But during most large dinner parties and celebrations, people don’t mind pulling up extra chairs or bringing in an additional, but interesting, table for dinner. So, make selections based on general year-round use.

Keep in consideration what additional tasks or gatherings could take place in the room, looking for ways to optimize spaces. The Dining room of today will often double as an office or craft location, so there may be a need for storage and extra furniture. When making room selections, a family’s comfort and convenience should be the key and not necessarily following standard, traditional rules. Rooms are empty spaces to be filled with inspirational color, energy, or serenity. Before selecting dining furniture, ask what this space truly needs to accomplish, within diverse family dynamics.

The next step in selecting a table and chairs for this exciting space will be to think about style. The style or theme used in the rest of the house should be carried through into the dining room. But, individual spaces can certainly have their own character. Walls should be painted in coordinating and complementary colors. The table and chairs selected should also reflect the over-all family feel of the home. This can be challenging when using existing dining room furniture, which might be pieces passed down through family lines. But old can be new again, so keep in mind painting older pieces, restoring in a new finish, or using creative fabrics to hide out-of-date carvings or ornate decor on chairs. A bold, vibrant color can turn an old and tired table into a jazzy statement and an exciting place to spend time.

If new dining furniture is the fortunate choice, then finding a table and chairs collection to fit not only the mood of the home, but the scale of the home will be important. Buyers will want to keep in mind their objectives, looking for tables and chairs that reflect a cozy, warm, bold, simple, or dynamic statement. Rectangles in dark woods speak formality, round and colorful surfaces are signs of fun, and wood tones in round or oblong shapes are perfect for cozy comforts. And, chairs do not have to match tables or each other. Mix matching favorite finds from antique stores, second hand markets, and discount places can make the entire eating area a unique display of individuality.

Using a dining area for hospitality purposes is a God centered idea. In the book of Acts, there is an example of how Christians are to be sharing and caring for one another. One method of showing brotherly and sisterly love is in enjoying each other’s company over dinner. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.” (Acts 2:46) Sharing home and food is an awesome way to give others the opportunity to share burdens and to encourage one another. Inviting others into the home is utilizing God’s gift of hospitality.

There are many different purchasing options available to the dining furniture buyer. There are furniture stores throughout communities with wide ranges of selections. Discount warehouses can be sought for overstocked items. Dining furniture may also be found from companies that sell goods online, through the Internet. And, do not forget about the second hand stores or charity outlets. With a little elbow grease and time, an old discarded table and chairs can become a family favorite. Think outside the box when selecting just the right dining room furniture for your home and family, and future entertaining plans.

What Should You Put at the End of Your Bed?

Are you fortunate to have a bedroom large enough to place a piece of furniture at the end of your bed?

Whether you’re looking for beauty or function, there are lots of ways to use this found space. You can find interesting pieces at tag sales or flea markets or choose a special piece for your room.

Depending on the amount of space you have, you’re sure to find the perfect piece on our list of the top 10 things to put at the end of a bed.

• TV Cabinet – The newest “must-have” for a bedroom is a cabinet with a TV that goes up and down at the touch of a remote control button. By day, you have a cabinet or bench, and by night you have an eye-level flat screen TV. What a luxury! You’ll have to dig deep into your wallet for this one.

A Large Upholstered Bench – A large bench or ottoman can catch your bedspread at night, hold a tray of goodies, or serve as a great place to sit. ·  Choose a fabric cover that enhances your decor and give it a seasonal change with a soft, cuddly throw in the winter or light, sheer slipcover for summer.

·  A Storage Bench – Whether you choose a wooden bench or an upholstered one, a storage bench provides a perfect place to put bedding, pillows, and extra linens. It’s a great place to sit to put on shoes and socks and also a handy place to put your bedspread at night.

·  Skirted Table- If you have a small round, oblong, or oval table, this will work perfectly. Purchase or make a floor-length tablecloth that coordinates with the decor of your room. If you have more space, add a small side chair on each end of the table.

·  Pair of Chairs – If you love to read in your room, you could place two small upholstered armchairs or side chairs at the end of your bed. With an ottoman and small reading lamp, you’ll have a comfortable, private reading nook.

·  Loveseat – A small loveseat is great at the end of a queen or king size bed. Have a good floor lamp close by for reading and decorate the loveseat with a soft blanket and pretty decorative pillows.

·  Low Cabinet, Chest, or Trunk – While a long, low piece may look better in most rooms, even a taller piece will work well. The drawers are great for linen storage, books, craft supplies, and CD’s or DVD’s that you might use in your bedroom. A trunk can hold extra blankets and pillows. A nice piece of wood furniture gives a good balance to a bedroom’s upholstered look.

·  Wicker or Iron Bench or Seat – The end of a bed is a great place to put an unusual piece of furniture, one that has “character.” Iron and wicker look great in casual interiors or rooms with a vintage look. Add a pretty plaid or floral cushion to coordinate with the rest of the room.

·  Writing Desk – With a small writing desk at the end of your bed, you’ll be able to use and enjoy your bedroom during the day. Read your mail, write a letter, make your shopping list or a phone call in the comfort of your bedroom.

·  Table – A pedestal or library table can provide space for books, collections, family photos, or a small television. The table should not be more than 8″ taller than the top of your mattress.