Decorating Your Home With Wall Quotes

By Maxime West

It has become fashionable to use wall quotes on vinyl decals for home decoration. These decals can be applied to walls or other flat surfaces and usually feature significant quotes and stylish graphic designs. They are used to enhance the look and feel of a room as well as to make your living space more personal by displaying sayings that are meaningful to you.

More often inspiring than anything else, wall quotes can also serve to make people smile by displaying humorous proverbs or add a simple touch of sophistication by welcoming others into your home. It all is a matter of choice about the kind of setting you want to create in any particular room. Accordingly, these quotes can then be long or short, centered or out of the spotlight, modest or zesty.

There are several reasons why this trend has taken off. First of all, wall quotes look good. Well made vinyl decals will be extra thin and will not appear as something that has been adhered to the wall. They will instead give off the impression that they have been hand painted on the surface itself. Inquire about the quality and guarantee of the manufacturer when you shop around for the decals.

Another big reason why this type of decoration has become popular is that vinyl decals are inexpensive. They do not cost nearly as much as having a mural painted on a wall. They are also easily obtainable through various Internet businesses that will ship anywhere.

Furthermore, there are little to no risks involved when using wall decals. They are not stickers nor are they permanent like tattoos and once applied to a flat surface they can be removed at will and placed elsewhere. To apply and remove decals from a wall is not a complicated matter but it does require some care and a little bit of time.

In addition to all the presets that are available to be ordered from the catalogues, it is also possible to design your own custom vinyl decals. There exist many decal shops over the Internet that enable you to design the wall quotes on their web site. In such cases, you simply type in your quote before getting to select the font, color, size and layout of your decal. Most of these businesses also offer different types of finishes such as matte and glossy.

It matters not that they were thought up to be placed on walls - you can do anything you want with these decals. They can produce excellent effects when put on ceilings, floors, windows, furniture, mirrors as well as various kinds of items in your home. Rotate them around as you wish or keep some of them for special occasions and celebrations.

In the end, wall quotes are fun to use and they efficiently add some spark to the decoration of your home. You can take a look at vinyl decal galleries on the net in order to get some inspiration that will get you started. Allow your creativity to express itself and give more personality to your home environment through the use of wall quotes! - 30198

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Drapes Or Blinds - What's Your Favorite?

By Daniel Higgins

Shutters have developed into a foremost design trend over the last couple of decades, still many homeowners still use curtains to embellish their households. Drapes are even now much more practical and a great deal easier to maintain than shades. At the same moment, a well-chosen drape is always a fantastic piece that can easily go fine with other decoration elements like furniture and area.

A incredibly huge plus of curtains over shutters is upkeep: the latter is considerably harder to preserve. It can get tough to wipe blinds because you have to wipe down each board to remove dirt and debris - a tiresome method. In difference, cleaning drapes is comparatively effortless since you could merely send it out for dry cleaning or throw it in the washing machine for a quick wash.

Another advantage that curtains have in comparison to shades is the fee: curtains are a great deal cheaper compared to shades. Custom blinds have to be prepared by professionals, and that can definitely set you back a lot. On the other side, curtains are fairly inexpensive and simple to put in - so simple, in fact, that you can do it yourself. The modern tendency is moving in the direction of lighter fabrics for draperies, so you don't have to be troubled about custom drapery with chunky and heavy material.

For the ultra cash savers, you can even create your own drapes to save extra on overheads. All you require is a little patience and imagination because curtains involve only straight stitches on a sewing machine. Even without a stitching machine, you can even now make wonderful drapes; a lovely no-sew drape is feasible with the exploit of embroidery tape ironed on the fabric to create the seams. You can transform your residence curtains into a trouble-free DIY plan to do in your spare time.

Shades are at a disadvantage in conditions of color for the reason that they're as a rule restricted to neutral and light colors. Curtains, on the other hand, give you innumerable colors and styles to select from. You can easily personalize your draperies by mixing up colors and fabric materials for a exceptional piece. Patterns and prints are also solutions, especially if you decide to craft your own curtains. Your choices are only as thin as the assortment in the fabric warehouse.

Do not disregard that the material and designs you pick can make or break the appearance of your space. Try to select colors that go with essential furnishings and other pieces like floor carpets, but that doesn't mean having everything in monochrome. For variety, you may well get in your own way colored decoration pieces and then tie those in with correspondingly dyed drapes to pull off a little balance in the space. - 30198

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Secrets to Creating the Perfect Bedroom

By Jim Slate

David Artstone - Not being able to relax in your bedroom can have a negative impact on your entire life. It is the one room in the house, the one space in the entire world, where you let your guard down and go unprotected for several hours every single night. If you aren't comfortable in the space, there is no way you are going to be able to unwind enough to let down that guard, and you will spend your entire life on edge, nervous, exhausted, and worried.

If you have a problem with your bedroom the first thing you have to look at is yourself. How do you feel in relation to the room? What emotions rise at the back of your mind when you enter the space? Are you scared? Agitated? Are you reminded of a sad memory or of a painful experience?

You should also think about the dreams you have in the room at night. Dreams are very deep psychological events that can reveal secrets from the very depths of your soul, and may provide insight as to why you are having such a problem with the bedroom.

Once you have started to understand your own relationship to the room, you can begin looking at the features of the space. Start with the colors. Color can have a very profound and subtle effect on a person's mood. Bright colors can be uplifting, but too bright colors will make people angry and agitated. Conversely darker colors tend to make people feel more relaxed, but at the extreme can also make them depressed.

The bed is by name and nature the most important furnishing in the bedroom. It can also cause some of the worst problems. Make sure that the bed you are sleeping in is the right size, and firmness for your body. Visit bedding stores to get an idea of what the different gradients of firm feel like. If you and your partner disagree on the firmness you prefer, consider getting one of the new multi surface beds that allow you to adjust the softness of the sofa. A less expensive alternative is to simply buy two smaller beds of varying style, and push them together.

Many people purchase works of art to place around their bedroom. Art is a wonderful thing which can inspire the soul, but it also has the potential to unlock deep emotions hidden in our subconscious minds. Be careful that the art you keep in this space is soothing, and reminds you of something pleasant. Beware of violent or controversial art that might look impressive, but really be disturbing on a deeper level. - 30198

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Size and Position With Kitchen Dining Tables

By Jim Slate

The problem with dining tables in a kitchen is sizing. Most kitchens are small or moderately sized, and this space has to be dedicated to function. The cook has a tough job assembling and organizing a variety of materials, and the more complex the meal, or the more guests attending, the more complicated this task becomes. Therefore they need as much space as they can possibly get to work. Thus, unfortunately, a dining table is not appropriate for each and every kitchen setting.

However by using a few clever size, shape, and positioning tricks, it should be possible to maximize the space, and may even be possible to fit a table in the room that you wouldn't have otherwise thought possible.

One trick is to use the angles in the space to fit a table into an open nook. Round tables take up less space, relatively speaking, than square ones. This is because they don't have those four almost useless corners, jutting out into the space. However, if your kitchen is lucky enough to have a free corner, a square or rectangular shaped table can actually be beneficial, as it will be able to squeeze snugly into the space, thus eliminating three out of the four corners, leaving you with plenty of space. If you need more seated room, you can wait till the chef is done, and then just pull the table out from the wall. This will allow you to float a couple of extra chairs around the table centerpiece.

You also have the option of opting for smaller side and accessory tables. These pieces include smaller kitchen dinettes, and bistro tables, which can be floated in some empty space. You can also choose to use a folding table or other portable piece that can be assembled when guests are over, and disassembled when the chef needs extra space to work in.

There are also a variety of table alternatives that may take up quite a bit less space. These include items such as bars, which are often much smaller than tables, or lunch counters, which can be affixed to a wall, and then folded up or down depending on what the requirements of the space actually are. These allow you to have the best of both worlds. - 30198

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Why Buy The Fireplace Screens And Fireplace Tools

By Jeff Bridges

Nothing brings warmth and comfort to a home like a fire roaring on an open hearth. Humans have used fireplaces to bring warmth for hundreds of years. We hear stories of great men and women of history that learned to read and write by firelight. Fireplaces require a fireplace tool set and fireplace screens. There are many of these tools that are available today in many different price ranges.

When it is time to market your home, a fireplace can be a great selling point. Even though it is very likely your home has another primary heat source, there is something about the wonderful fireplace that takes us back to our roots.

Self-contained electric or gas fireplaces can take away a lot of the work and mess associated with a fireplace; however, nothing heats like the traditional wood fireplace. That means splitting and storing firewood, having kindling on hand and having a good set of fireplace tools on hand. It also means that we need a good fireplace screen to keep our fireplace safe.

Fireplace tools are useful in managing the fire. Pokers and tongs are helpful in moving the burning logs and hot embers. Shovels and brooms are used in cleaning up ash and dust that are a part of burning wood. Fireplace screens prevent embers or sparks from escaping the fireproof portion of the fireplace and starting a fire.

The least expensive fireplace tool sets will contain a poker, broom and shovel. The next tool to be included in a fireplace set is tongs. Most sets contain a stand or rack for holding the tools. Tools may also be sold individually. The set ensures that your fireplace tools will match and give a more coordinated look to the fireplace.

Most fireplace tools are made of steel or iron in order to be heat resistant. They can be coated with either brass or copper, but many are simply painted using heat resistant enamel black paint.

Log holders are another important part of the fireplace set. Log holders come in many sizes, some so small that they only hold one to three logs but others large enough to hold several days supply of wood. The size of the room in which the fireplace is located should determine the size of the log holder. Some smaller apartments will not accommodate even a small log rack, but small three piece fireplace tool set looks very silly beside a huge fireplace in the great room of a house.

Fireplace screens and fireplace tools can greatly enhance fireplace safety. Pokers and tongs can be used to rearrange the fire to keep it together and burning. The screen can prevent those coals from rolling onto the hearth or even onto the floor and causing a house fire. - 30198

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Oak Bedroom Furniture, How To Distinguish Quality Pieces

By James Tolbert

Two type of furniture is the Oak bedroom furniture and rustic furniture. Oak furniture can match any room decor. It gives the area a warm inviting feeling. The rustic bedroom furniture is designed to look home made, giving it a traditional cabin feel, often found in lodges and rustic cabins. I will discuss each below.

Oak bedroom furniture was particularly popular among the wealthy during the 16th century. This is why many historians call this era the oak period. This furniture was constructed with inlays of either another dark wood or mother of pearl. The builder would often sign and brand his name in the back of the furniture.

The nice thing about Oak bedroom furniture is that it gives any room a special charm. It is sturdy and versatile enough to change as your child grows and changes.

You can find several different styles of oak furniture. The latest tend seems to mix the old type of furniture with the new styles. Unlike before you can now choose the color you prefer.

When you are deciding on wall paint remember light colors enhance the dark woods beauty, while deeper colors add to the lighter woods appealing. Mixing antique with the lighter colors of furniture adds charm to the room.

Some of the more expensive furniture's are oak cherry and mahogany. New equipment allows different companies to use a veneer. This allows you to have the look of oak without the cost. This is why there is such a variation in prices on oak furniture.

Rustic bedroom furniture has made a comeback recently. This like the oak is sturdy. You can find rustic furniture made from pine, cedar or timber. There are several styles to choose from Mexican, western, Santa Fe, mission, Spanish colonial and southwestern.

Prices vary on rustic furniture. This is because some companies only use the most expensive material when making their furniture.

Rustic bedroom furniture and oak bedroom furniture are both built to last. They add charm to any home. What you choose depends on your dcor. Either can be purchased on the web. - 30198

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Find Out How To Paint Your Home's Interior With Sponges

By Kim Malone

How to paint a room and materials needed: bleach; water; blue masking tape; crack filler; blocking primer; baseboard masking; 220 grit sandpaper baseboard masking.

Tools: bucket, rubber gloves, drop cloth, stepladder, sponge, screwdriver, putty knife, sanding block, 2 inch nylon brush, 9 inch roller, and paint tray.

Move the furniture away from the walls. Lay the drop cloth on the floor.

All dents, cracks or holes have to be fixed with crack filler. Upon drying, use the sandpaper to smooth out the crack filler.

Bleach, water and rubber gloves will wash off any mildew that maybe present.

Rinse the wall with clean water making sure to remove dirt and dust. Let it dry over night.

Use the primer first on any area that was repaired. Before painting the rest of the wall and ceiling; tape of the trim. If the ceiling is being painted as well, use the primer on it and the wall. When the ceiling is dry, tape it off to paint the wall.

Use the roller and go over the areas where a brush was used to get rid of brush strokes. Get as close to the tape as possible.

Roll up on the first pass but also start at the top and work your way to the bottom.

Smooth bumps or high spots with a putty knife or 120 grit sandpaper, when the primer dries. Removing dust requires wiping the wall using a damp rag on the wall.

When the ceiling and walls have been painted, prime and paint the trim.

Sponging on or off: latex paint; glaze; latex gloves; masking tape; sea sponge; coffee filters; stepladder; roller and pan for base coat and paper plates.

The reason for using a sea sponge is that the randomness of holes and varying texture provide a more relaxed look.

The paint department is where to look for glaze. No pigment is in it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the glaze and paint. Slowing the drying time and making the paint somewhat transparent is what the glaze is for.

Use a piece of drywall if wanting to test different mixture ratios and to practice.

If the base color is being changed, start with the steps at the mentioned at the beginning.

Now that the base color is dry, mix the second color and glaze. Using a small amount of the mix, pour it onto the plate. Dampen the sponge with water. Squeeze as much water out as possible. Now dip the sponge in the glaze mixture.

Dab the sponge on the wall turning your wrist in different directions between each application. Use different areas of the sponge.

To achieve the wanted look, use the coffee filter to pat the sponge on every once in awhile. This will unclog the holes the in the sponge.

To determine if there is too much paint in any area, step back and look at the area being sponged. Removing excess paint requires applying a clean sponge to the area and lifting right off of it. This will remove the excess paint.

Sponging off is basically the same procedure except that once the base coat is dry, apply the glaze to a small area.

Start removing the glaze by pressing the sponge against it. Make sure to lift the sponge straight off so the glaze does not smudge. Continue this procedure until the entire area to be sponged is completed. Clean the sponge as needed. - 30198

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How To Select The Right Fireplace Screens For Your Living Space

By Jeff Bridges

If you love a roaring fire, you know that the right accessories do more than beautify your home. They keep you safe and make manipulating wood and stoking the fire itself safer and easier. Fireplace screens serve several purposes in the home and come in a wide variety of traditional and contemporary styles that can suit anyone's home perfectly.

A fireplace screen is simply a mesh panel that goes in front of the fireplace opening. They are used with wood burning fireplaces rather than natural gas ones. This is because the primary purpose of a fireplace screen is to prevent sparks and burning embers from popping out of the fire and into your home. Most fireplaces are built with a hearth. This is a patch of fire resistant tiling or stone that extends out from the front of the fireplace into the room. However, this does not prevent stray sparks from flying out past the reach of the hearth.

You should look for a few specific features in any fireplace screen you use. The first is that you want air to be able to pass through the screen so that the fire can get the oxygen it needs in order to breathe. Fires require air in order to keep them going and a fireplace screen can help promote the proper flow of air through the fireplace and into the fire. You need to look for a fireplace screen that is made of mesh or screening rather than a solid panel.

If you like a traditional look, you should go for a screen that has three or more panels. There are single panel fireplace screens, but they are often more contemporary in their styling. With a three panel fireplace screen, there will be a wider front panel that extends along the front of the fireplace and two side panels that provide the screen with stability and allow it to stand upright.

There are also screens which have four or more panels, but these are just three panel screens with a divided central screen. When you are shopping for a fireplace screen, you should be able to view the fire behind it since this is part of the fun and enjoyment you get from a fire.

You also need to make sure that you can access the fireplace easily with the screen that you have chosen. Keep in mind that they should be easily movable. You may want to pick a fireplace screen that has mesh that can be drawn aside. You may not want to have to move the screen in order to access the fireplace since the metal can get quite warm the longer it is near the heat of the fire.

Finding fireplace screens is not difficult. You can find them online or in many fireplace and home improvement stores. If you do go to purchase one, you should have an idea of the style you like and the size of your fireplace. Then, any skilled employee can give you good advice about which ones will suit you best. - 30198

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Fireplace Screens Hold In The Heat Or Hold Out The Cold

By Jeff Bridges

One of the vital components in contemporary homes today is a Fireplace Screens. It acts as a decorative accessory while at the same time shields the home from wayward sparks and ashes. The Internet provides an abundant selection of designs to choose from.

Remember to look for the right size for yours in order to maintain all the embers and sparks contained. A quick reminder when looking is to add three to five inches to the height and maybe nine to twelve on the width. You can choose a screen that will stand by alone and added inches increase its stability to ensure that it will stand there and not fall over.

I mentioned the rooms colors and style, which should be considered when choosing your screen. The choices are fun and easy to get one that will work no matter what type fireplace you have. There is a shape and style for every ones taste. You may want a winter screen and a summer screen to change out for the seasons.

A fireplace has, for centuries, been an excellent source of household heating. Installing a glass or iron screen helps improves ones control over the heat output, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the fireplace. You can find them with blowers to push heat out of the fireplace and into the room.

The selection of materials used to build the screens include, bronze, brass, iron, graphite, and glass. You usually can find accessories that match the screens and sold in sets with everything you needs to poke, stoke, and start your fire. Cleaning implements, candelabras, and hearthrugs are among some of the extras.

Take a look at the old fashioned to the modern trends, you will surly find something in between the two eras. The Fireplace Screens is necessary when burning fire in your home but they can become an important element of focus in the decor and design of you home. Do you plan on using your fireplace for decoration only? You can indulge in an idea to replace the wood each season with an item for that seasons produce. Flowers for spring and dried arrangements in the fall and ideas such as these.

Investing in a good screen is important if you plan on using the heat but if you only want to fire it up on rare occasions you only need to make sure you contain the sparks and use it as a safety precaution. The aesthetics can be all important in this case since it is mostly an item of decoration. - 30198

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Fireplace Screens Are For Every Type of Fireplace

By Jeff Bridges

Fireplace screens are an important addition to your fireplace, both for safety and for decoration. They are absolute necessities with wood fires. But even with electric and gas, your fireplace just will not look complete without a screen.

Screens keep sparks from wood burning fireplaces from entering the room and setting anything on fire. They also help keep ash and smoke from escaping the fireplace. You can also get a style of screen that will help to hide the fireplace bottom where ash builds up.

Screens also protect children and pets from getting dangerously close to the heat. This is an important safety feature for whatever type of fireplace you have, wood, gas or electric. It is easy to forget that there are dangers associated even when there is no open flame.

Many people opt to have gas and electric fireplaces in their homes. They are far easier and cleaner to maintain. However, everyone wants these fireplaces to simulate the traditional ones as much as possible. And a fireplace screen is an important finishing touch, as one almost never sees wood fireplaces without one. Even when the fireplaces are hardly ever used, screens are often used just for decorative purposes.

There are many materials and styles of fireplace screens on the market. They are usually either glass or metal, with an iron, gold or brass look. Styles may be folding, single pieces or multiple. The designs cover a wide range from very basic to ornate and everything in between. You will definitely find one to match the style of your home.

To ensure that your fireplace screen actually fulfills the purpose of safety, it needs to be sized properly. This means that for screens that are not fitted directly into the fireplace, you need to account for the sides, not just the very front of the fireplace. It will need to extend higher as well.

You will also want to ensure that freestanding fireplace screens are stable. Especially if you do have pets or small children, you want to make sure that they are not easy to knock over. Folding screens in particular can be somewhat more unstable. If necessary, you may need to consider attaching the screen somehow to the fireplace to prevent accidents.

With the variety of fireplace screens on the market today, you are sure to find one that answers your needs. You can protect your home and family as well as add to the beauty of your fireplace and the room it is in. - 30198

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Factors You Should Consider When Reading Any Cordless Drill Review

By John T Torkington

If you are in the market for home renovation equipment, one thing you may have considered purchasing is a cordless drill. Because they can be expensive, many people will look at more than one cordless drill review before making their choice. However, in order to be pleased with the model you have selected, you need to know how to evaluate these reviews accurately and make sure that your requirements are met.

Are you someone who uses their tools for the occasional home improvement project? If so, you will have different criteria than a professional builder who will be using the drill for long periods on a daily or very frequent basis. Different features will also be important, as will the kind of material you often find yourself drilling into.

It is often easier to work with more powerful tools. Drills that are more powerful can often bore through harder materials without overheating as much. This can be critical if you don't want to wait for the drill to cool down in the middle of drilling. Basically, when reading reviews, you should think about going for a more powerful drill, even if you are an occasional user only. However, if you are in need of professional grade equipment, you have no chance of satisfaction if you choose a less powerful tool than you actually need.

If you are just getting started with purchasing tools, the range of drills and drilling equipment can be very confusing. Keep in mind one basic fact: the harder the material you drill into, the more power the drill needs behind it. You can compare drills and drilling tools that are designed for materials of around the same hardness, but you cannot cross compare. For example, power drills and drill drivers are meant for lighter materials such as wood, plaster and drywall. They cannot be successfully or accurately compared with a hammer drill or a power driver.

If you want to compare heavy duty drills you should compare the hammer drill and the power driver. The hammer drill has a specific hammering action that allows you to bore into very hard materials very easily. The drill driver is similar to the hammer drill in that it is used for driving very long lag bolts and fasteners which are used in heavy duty applications.

The power source of the cordless drill is important as well. You need to look at whether the drills have removable, rechargeable batteries or whether the entire drill is placed on the charger. This is important. If you will be using the drill a lot and for long periods of time, you want to make sure you have a removable battery. You also want to make sure you have a spare that can charge while you use the other. Then, you can simply swap one out for another when you are low on juice. If you use many different tools that utilize the same battery, you will definitely need a spare battery.

The cost of a replacement battery can often be significant and this may affect which model drill you would like to purchase. You want to make sure that you can afford any replacement power supply. You may also want to make sure that the drill is part of a larger power tool line that allows you to interchange batteries. This can make a drill more versatile and useful.

By thinking about the different factors surrounding your drill purchase, you can often compare drills much more effectively when shopping. You can often find cordless drills online and in hardware stores. Home improvement stores and online auctions often have such a wide selection that knowing which features are most important can help prevent you from making costly mistakes. - 30198

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Looking For Bedroom Furniture? You will find these tips helpful

By John Abraham

After a day's work, we are looking to have some rest and spend good time with the family at home. A working day takes all of our energy. We drive back to home to get some comfort and be ready for the next day. Good furniture plays an important role in ensuring that we stay in comfort.

It is very important to think carefully of your bedroom furniture, in particular. It is a room where we spend most of the time of our lives. So it should be created for relaxation and comfort.

We can not let our furniture collapse anytime and cause discomfort. If we are spending eight hours on bed, we should have modern bedroom furniture and sleep in style too. It is very important to impart a special look to your bedroom.

So, you have decided to change your bedroom furniture. What will you start with? Nowadays there are a lot of possibilities you can make your choice for. The market offers different sizes, colors and designs. Usually inner room furniture comprises a cupboard, bed, dressing table, wardrobes and mirrors.

It is generally known that the leader on the market is Italy. Italian furniture is famous for its very high quality. The Italian designers provide furniture to any liking.

The Italian furniture designs are available in a huge variety of flashy colors that make your bedroom special. You can find children beds too. There are many designs to make everyone happy.

A modern platform bed can be a smart choice. These are made especially to have a feel of freshness and cleanliness in your room. These are available in both metal and wood but metallic ones are more popular. Many of these beds have castors so that you can move them around anywhere easily. - 30198

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Get Italian Furniture for Your House - Some Facts & Tips

By Albert Winson

A home decorated with Italian furniture will have a modern look and provide greater comfort. You can have Italian style decoration and it will be great for you if you like loud colors. I have seen various friends getting a touch of Tuscan countryside with such a decor.

Pay your attention to the fact that one of the most significant things here is window solutions. Thus, you have to choose curtains very thoroughly if you, for instance, want to get some calm and earthy atmosphere.

You have to make your home feel stylish. For that you need to take care about little things that still matter a lot and provide you a luxury feel. There are many good available in the market that lend a luxury feel but are not of good quality.

In case you want to make your house unique, use paintings and different artifacts. They will create a definite atmosphere. It is also very good to mix the modern and the conservative. But if you are not that creative, you'd better keep just to one style. Take some country style items. They will give your home an Italian scent.

Then think of your furniture. Best colors for Italian furniture are oak and pine. But you can easily choose cherry or mahogany if you like it more. Whatever the color is, Italian furniture will fit your needs. It is a special kind of furniture as its most important characteristic is excellent quality.

For your bedroom, you may consider a modern Italian bed. You can purchase a bedroom furniture set that includes a bed, a bed head board and two shelves. Such a set is designed keeping in mind the common requirements of a family.

Italian beds are very comfortable. Moreover, they can be multifunctional and elegant at one and the same time. Such bed looks like a sofa but it transforms into a bed if needed. So it is important to take the time to sit with your family and decide on what suits you the best. Thus you can make a good decision. - 30198

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Ways To Choose Fireplace Screens For Safety

By Jeff Bridges

There was a time that many homes had only one heat source. That source was the fireplace. Today, most homes have central heating and fireplaces are installed as more of a decoration than a source of heat. Fireplace accessories, including log racks, irons and fireplace screens can serve to accentuate the fireplace and give it more character and charm.

While a fireplace screen does add beauty, it also makes the fireplace much more safe. Many times a fire can send out sparks that the fireplace screen can help to keep from starting a fire in the home. The screen can keep the sparks inside the safety of the fireplace and prevent burns to rugs and the possibility of starting a fire. Always make sure that a fireplace screen is in place after adding wood to the fire.

Traditional styled fireplace screens are simple yet classic in design. They offer clean lines and work well with most decorations. The traditional screens are made of copper or brass. The can be a single panel screen or have multiple panels and are available in several sizes.

Still other fireplace screens have an antique look. These screens work very will in Victorian style rooms which rely heavily on tapestries and other elegant items in design. Antique screens feature rounded designs that include swirls, scrolls and flowers. These screens are used primarily in formal homes and should be matched to the other fireplace tools and accessories.

You will also find some designer screens available for your fireplace. They are usually stylish and part of an overall set of fireplace equipment, including irons and tools.

To choose the correct size fireplace screen, you will need to measure the height and width of your fireplace opening. To the width, you need to add ten to twelve inches. This will give you the ideal fireplace screen width. For the height, add five inches to the height of your fireplace. This gives the ideal width for the fireplace screen.

The extra width and height are to give allowance for the fireplace screen to fold and prevent danger of tipping of the fireplace screen. This still allows the screen to be large enough to provide adequate coverage of the entire fireplace.

While you may find beautiful fan shaped fireplace screens, remember that they are only for decorative purposes. They do not cover enough of the opening to prevent sparks from flying into your home and causing damage. Be sure that if you use a decorative fan shaped screen, it is replaced by another screen before allowing a fire to burn in the fireplace. - 30198

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Fireplace Screens For Protection, Effectiveness, Well Being, Or Fashion

By Jeff Bridges

In the old days it was necessary to have some sort of fireplace screen in place. Old fireplaces would take up the area of a whole wall and rise to a height of 5 feet or more. It was not uncommon for small children or pets to wander into the fireplace and get burned. Fireplaces became smaller after a 1700's invention of Count Rumford that allowed them to be small but more efficient. This style is still used in some manner today. Fireplace screens were an invention of the th century that allows one to place it in front of one of these smaller fireboxes. They prevented ash and smoke from coming out of the fireplace and into the room

Fireplace screens were used for two reasons. The first was that they would soak up all the heat from the fire and distribute it evenly in the room. The second was the safety reason. Not only would it save children from going to close it would keep sparks and embers from falling out of the fireplace to the hearth and starting a fire. Back then the fireplace was the only place to cook and would heat a room or house.

Fireplace screens in their early times were constructed from leather or wood and sometime wicker. They were rather bland so someone decided to paint them or decorate them to make them look fancy. They painted murals on wood and leather ones and began to use metals to make them that were intricately carved. Suddenly the fireplace screen became the focal point of the room.

Fireplace screens today can prevent children and pets from getting in and keep sparks from coming out but they are mostly used to make the fireplace pretty since central heat came into fashion. Screens come in many different styles and in many different colors, shapes, and sizes that will look beautiful in the room.

Paneled folding screens that have anywhere from 3 to 5 panels are popular. They are placed in front of the mouth of the fireplace by propping the panels open. Finishes vary from wrought iron to silver or gold framed. A regular fireplace will only need a three panel screen and these are relatively cheap.

Single Screens can give better protection from sparks. They can be placed right up to the mouth of the fireplace and have to be removed in order to get to the fire. They are usually made from a black screen material and may have handles near the top and at each side to move it that are brass or another metal.

Decorative screens are very popular and are not made from screen material but other more decorative material. Metal screens come in a variety of shapes and depict animals or other objects. A frequently popular one is in the shape of a peacock with the body at the center and the feathers falling from the center to the floor. Another is a fan which looks similar to the peacock. You can also find squares of wood designed to fit over the edges of the fireplace and have murals of flowers or birds and other items painted in folk art style. They imitate the ones used during the Victorian Times when ornate was the fashion.

Still more modern screens include those that are actually installed in the fireplace and surround it. The screen itself can be pulled away somewhat like a curtain from the middle to each side in order to gain access to the fire. Others have glass panels that will swivel out from the center to gain access. These are probably the best kind to have if you want the protection factor covered. They will keep out pets and children and keep in embers and sparks but allow full and easy access to the fire when needed.

It is probably safe to say that every fireplace where a fire is set should be protected by some sort of fireplace screen. You can have them for protection of your family and pets or to just make a style statement in the room. - 30198

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How To Choose Fireplace Screens That Will Compliment Your Home: Function And Design

By Jeff Bridges

If you are one of the fortunate with a fireplace in you home, you know how enjoyable it can be. Especially in cooler weather and around the holidays, nothing is more enjoyable than curling up next to a blazing fire in your own home. Fireplaces are no longer necessities, but luxurious and decorative. While they are a luxury, it is necessary to take some precautions to ensure that your home is protected from a potential fire. One of these necessary precautions are fireplace screens.

Have you ever been around a fire and noticed sudden "pops" caused by air pockets in the wood? Sometimes when this occurs, pieces of burning woods and ash are thrown from the fire. In your home, this could pose a great hazard, especially if you have carpets or other materials around your fireplace. This is why fireplace screens are important.

When choosing a fireplace screen, it is important to make sure you purchase the proper size. These screens come in various shapes and sizes. Measure the width and height of your fireplace and add 10 to 12 inches to the width and 3 to 5 inches to the height. This is the ideal size you should look for. This extra size allowance ensures that the screen can fold properly and will not tip over.

You will also need to choose whether a single or double paneled screen is best for your fireplace. The simplest fireplace will use a single panel; this screen can be easily placed in a straight line across the fireplace. Multi-paneled screens can be slightly more complicated, but they can also be more decorative. This option really depends on what type of person you are and whether you are more interested in simplicity and function or design and decor.

There are various designs of fireplace screens available. You will want to find a screen that fits into the general decorating scheme of your home and compliments it. Fireplaces are often the focal point of the room they are in, and a fireplace screen can be a nice addition to make it more attractive and draw the eye away from the darkness of the fireplace.

As far as design, this will also depend on the decor of your home and your personal style. There are traditional screens, which are more classic and simple. Antique screens are elegant and usually feature designs with scrolls and curves. Designer screens are for the more modern touch, and outdoor screens are usually black to go with almost any decor scheme.

There are many different colors and finished available in fireplace screens. The color you choose should compliment the dominant color of the room in which it will be placed. - 30198

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Fireplace Screens: Keep The Fireplace More Efficient

By Jeff Bridges

Without modification, a fireplace can waste more heat than it produces. One cost effective way to modify your fireplace so that it can effectively heat your home it by adding glass fireplace screens. These screens can turn a inefficient fireplace into an effective heat source.

Glass screens serve the exactly same safety purpose as most other fireplace screens. The keep those popping red embers from jumping through the fireplace firebox and causing a fire in the home. However, in addition to these advantages, the glass screen has some advantages that are not found with other open screens.

Glass screens can also be used to control the air that enters into the burn chamber of the fireplace. This feature alone can make a load of wood last much longer and also keep more heat from escaping from the room.

The doors to she screen are made of clear fireproof glass so that you can get a better view of the fire than would be possible with a normal screen. The glass is better at keeping the embers contained in the fireplace than a screen. When you need to add wood to the fire, the doors conveniently fold out of the way to make loading easy.

A fireplace, even with the damper closed can allow heat to escape from the home in the winter and to enter the home during the summer. In addition, there is often a smoky smell that enters the home even when the fireplace is not in use. By using a glass fireplace screen, you prevent the smoky smell and any heat loss or gain through the chimney. The screen is much more effective at stopping the heat flow form the chimney than the standard metal damper.

When you have a fire burning in the evening with a traditional fireplace screen, the fire must be allowed to burn down before going to bed. With a glass fireplace screen, keep the doors closed and allot the fire to continue to warm the home as it dies down. The glass keeps the fire safely enclosed in the fireplace for the night.

By closing the damper on the fireplace screen at night, the flames will quickly die down, but the coals will continue to burn most if not all night. In the morning, you can add dry wood and open the damper back up and the flames will catch back up to warm your home for another day. This prevents the eight hours of heat loss up the average chimney as a fire is allowed to die out for the night. - 30198

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Bedroom Furniture Direct From The Manufacturer Will Save You Money

By James Tolbert

Furnishing a home can be extremely expensive. This is especially true if you purchase furniture made from expensive woods. There is less expensive furniture on the market. This home decor is made with veneer. It allows for wood look without the decorated price. Unfortunately this wood can warp and only lasts a short tome. Your other option is purchasing bedroom furniture direct. I will explain how below.

There are numerous places that you can look for discounts some of the furniture retailers are; local furniture store, rental companies, and warehouses and the web.

Your local furniture companies and renal companies will often run clearance sales on older supplies, when they need to make room for the new furniture. They will often decrease discontinued or damaged items. Of course by paying cash for the bedroom furniture direct you can make better deals.

Warehouses are another place where you can buy bedroom furniture direct. Because they buy directly from the factory they can give larger discounts.

On line searches brings up thousands of furniture retailers. The advertisements will intrigue you, saying they will save you hundreds of dollars. They offer free shipping and promise deliver within a few days. Before purchasing there are a few questions to ask they are; Shipping prices and shipping time length. Sales tax, return policy, warranties, company history and feed back

Is your furniture going to be shipped to your home? Are they going to ship it to a warehouse closer to where you live?

Does the price include sales tax, or is that an additional sum? Are there any other charges that you will have to pay or is the quoted price the final amount? If they ship the wrong or damaged product can you return it? If so how long do you have to make the return? Will there be an additional fee?

Do the furniture retailers offer a warrantee? If so what does it cover and for how long? Is there an additional cost for the warrantee? How long has the furniture retailers been in business? What do other customers think about the company?

You can purchase bedroom furniture direct from numerous of places. One area is the web. Before you purchase any furniture you should first get the needed answers to the above questions. That will give you a peace of mind because you will know you are dealing with a reputable company and not a company that sells high priced junk. - 30198

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Fireplace Screens - The Hazards And Why You Genuinely Need One

By Jeff Bridges

Nowadays fireplaces are built in many different shapes and sizes. To enhance our homes even more today, you can choose between wooden, electric, stone or bricks and mortar. No matter which one you have in your home, Fireplace Screens will not only enhance your room, but will offer much needed safety as well. They are also a very elegant addition to the traditional splendor of some of the most gracious homes.

It doesn't really matter what type of fireplace you have, it goes without saying that yours must have the proper screen to protect your furniture and fixtures from those pesky embers and sparks we get from fire. You can go for the ultra mod screen or the vintage look, the sky is the limit here, because they are so decorative these days.

If you are one of the lucky ones that owns a fireplace, then kudos to you. You must be the envy of many a friend on a cold winters night. Sitting in your favorite chair and listening as the wood crackles and bursts with the heat is wonderfully soothing, and to let your eyes dance with the flames has a certain hypnotic feel to it. But as you sit and watch your fire, you no doubt know that if can also be an extreme hazard if not controlled properly. By this we mean having a good screen to lessen the damage as those embers coming flying out.

You could spend hours choosing one as creativity is endless in this regard. Different materials like; copper, brass, glass or cast iron are used and combined with patterns and motifs, become magnificent pieces of art. Many designers would create their screens looking antique as if they just arrived from an ancient castle or villa.

Having said that, there a countless forms, shapes and sizes available to us which are decorated in wonderful art work and colors. We can also have screens customized to suit the fireplace's style and form. In stores today there are ones which fold up if you are not making a fire or those that stay in front of the fireplace and is used as an art piece to marvel at.

Before you purchase your screen you will however need to know some facts about your fireplace. The measurements that you take will the shop assistant in providing the best fitted screen for the open section of the fireplace. So no matter what your preference is, you will find the right one that not only suits your decor but also your personality.

Buying the right screen for your fireplace can help it esthetically, and keep the dirt contained. Some people choose to have multiple Fireplace Screens so they can change their decor with some screens for casual use, and others that come out on special occasions or holidays. - 30198

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Bedroom Furniture Direct - Is It Worth It, And What Are The Risks?

By James Tolbert

Buying bedroom furniture can be expensive. This is especially true if you want your furniture made out of expensive woods. You can often find less expensive furniture made with veneer. By choosing this option you can have the wood look without spending your last penny. This type of furniture warps easy and usually lasts only a few years. There are ways to buy bedroom furniture direct. I will show you how.

There are numerous places that you can look for discounts some of the furniture retailers are; local furniture store, rental companies, and warehouses and the web.

Local furniture companies and rental companies have clearance sales on old stock when they are making room for the new. Discontinued or damaged items the price often decreases. Of course you will get bigger deals if you pay cash for the bedroom furniture direct.

Warehouses are another place where you can buy bedroom furniture direct. Because they buy directly from the factory they can give larger discounts.

The web search will show you thousands of on line furniture retailers. Their enticing advertisements claim huge savings free shipping receiving the merchandise within days after purchase. Before you purchase on line there are a few things that you should check they are; shipping prices and length of shipping time, sales tax, return policies, warranties company history and customer feed back.

A lot of furniture retailers will offer free shipping, but to where? Will it be to your door or to another warehouse closer to where you live?

Does the price include sales tax, or is that an additional sum? Are there any other charges that you will have to pay or is the quoted price the final amount? If they ship the wrong or damaged product can you return it? If so how long do you have to make the return? Will there be an additional fee?

Do the furniture retailers offer a warrantee? If so what does the warranty cover, and how long does it last? Can you purchase additional warrantee? How long has the furniture retailers been in business? What do old customers say about the company?

You can purchase bedroom furniture direct from numerous of places. One area is the web. Before you purchase any furniture you should first get the needed answers to the above questions. That will give you a peace of mind because you will know you are dealing with a reputable company and not a company that sells high priced junk. - 30198

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Pine Bedroom Furniture Has Qualities That Make It Commendable For Most Dwellings

By James Tolbert

Europe first used pine bedroom furniture around the 17thcentury. It was made for people who couldn't afford other types of wood furniture. It became more popular during the 18th century. By the 19th century pine was chosen above the others. It was used for numerous of things. Pine has kept its popularity even in today's furniture. Purchasing pine or other types of woods can be rather costly. That is unless you know where to look at what furniture to buy. Let me explain.

Although the first pine bedroom furniture was made during the 17th century it wasn't until the 19th century that pine furniture was stained. This gave the furniture an additional appeal and increased its popularity.

Since staining was such a hit craftsman began painting the wood. In addition they added different designs. This increased its popularity more, especially in the well to do. Before long making pine furniture became a hobby and it gained its name of workman's wood.

Pine woods quality and durability can make it to expensive for some people. On the market you can find cheaper bedroom furniture made from veneer plywood. This will give you the pine look that you love without all of the expense.

If plywood veneer isn't an option there are several places to look they are local furniture store, rental companies, warehouses and on line. Local furniture stores often have clearance sales for discontinued items. They and the rental companies sometimes have damaged pine bedroom furniture that they will sell for less. If you offer to pay in cash your discounts will increase as well

You can find cheap bedroom furniture savings at warehouses and outlet stores. Their product comes directly from the factor, eliminating the middle man's price increase. You can find their ads in the newspaper and local TV.

Of course we can't forget the web. Web searches will produces thousands of companies from all around the world selling pine bedroom furniture. Their advertisements claim to offer you huge discounts and free shipping within days after s purchasing cheap bedroom furniture. While exploring the web check the online auctions.

Pine bedroom furniture first began in 17th century Europe, spreading throughout the world by the 19th century. Because of its reputation and durability it continues to be used today. Although pine furniture can be expensive there are places where you can find cheap bedroom furniture. Before purchasing from the web check company reputation, feed back and return policies. - 30198

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Modern Area Rug Design Tips

By Melissa Sharpton

When you think of area rugs, the first thing that comes to mind is most likely Oriental area rugs and the traditional design and look they offer. As technology advances in our society, modern and contemporary homes are becoming not only more desired but more available. Along with this desire is the need for a more contemporary interior design aspect. Modern area rugs are gaining in popularity and can be interior readily found at most design centers and rug retailers.

In many cases, modern area rugs have designs, patterns, and colors that are not often seen in other types of rugs. This includes some interesting contrasting color combinations as well as new-style elegant designs. Decorating with an area rug is far cheaper than completely redoing a room or repainting. A unique and stylish rug really compliments a neutral decor and brings an affordable contrast to the design.

Your preference is the most important factor when choosing a modern area rug since they tend to be outlandish or completely unique. The piece chosen should inspire or excite and is not tired of easily. The rug should also compliment the other design elements and give an accent to the room. Also consider the already existing shapes and open spaces in the room you will be putting the rug into. If the furniture in the room has basically all square edges, a round rug may give too much of a contrast. On the flip side, a square rug just might work fine in a room that has many round or soft shapes.

The material that the rug is made of is a big factor in choosing the right area rug. How durable they are, their stain resistance, design and comfort are all important factors to consider. Most modern area rugs are made from synthetic or natural fibers. Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene or acrylic or natural fibers including wool, sisal, and cotton are popular options.

Is look and feel the most important factor or is a high traffic solution and long life the main consideration? If you are environmentally-conscious you may want to consider an eco-friendly area rug. more and more people are buying environmentally friendly area rugs.

Saving the environment is a modern concern and area rugs are now available to satisfy the desire to go green. Many area rugs are made with organic, sustainable materials. Area rugs that are made from renewable resources and can be recycled are gaining popularity.

No matter your current home decor, you can likely find at least a few modern area rugs that will fit in with your home. Make your choice depending on the color, contrast, design, and environmental factor. - 30198

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