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Window Treatments for the Bedroom 101:Valances, Pelmets, Swags and Tails

August 3rd, 2010

The quickest and most effective way to makeover the bedroom without splashing out on new bedroom furniture is to create a window treatment. Curtains are pretty easy to choose and fit but they are only a small part of the equation. How do you get the look that your really after? The secret is in the detail and the most important detail is what frames the window and not simply curtain colour.

Valances

The most popular choice for window dressing, valances attach over the curtain rail and provide an attractive covering to the curtain track itself. The fabric for the valance needs to be interlined and can be pleated in many different styles. For a traditional look, a simple pleat is fine. For a more formal look box pleats, triple pleats and goblet or pencil pleats look stunning. Valances need to be no longer than 20% of the full curtain length across the top. If you want, you can have your valance drape down along the sides of the window to frame it. The sides can drape down to about 30% of the curtain length.

Pelmets

One of the oldest styles of window treatment, the pelmet was originally designed to protect against draughts and the light that would leak through the curtain at the top. Pelmets are traditionally made of a light board or buckram a sort of stiffened canvas. This can be cut to create interesting shapes along the edge of the pelmet. Once it’s ready, it is then covered by curtain fabric. It can also be upholstered to give a more luxurious look.

Swags and Tails

Somewhere between a valance and a pelmet, swags and tails are where fabric is draped across the top and folds to a soft drape around the sides of the window. Like valances, the swag should not be more than a fifth of the length of the window and the tails should come about a third of the way down. So you have the soft look of draped fabric but the structure of a pelmet. Swags and tails can be tacked, glued or stapled to a pelmet for support. If you like a deep and dramatic swag, place it higher on the wall so it hides the top of the window but doesn’t block out too much light.

With a bit of research and planning, your bedroom or living room windows can be an integral part of your room design so it’s well worth taking the time to plan your window treatments for maximum effect.

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Feel Like Royalty in a Canopy Bed

August 2nd, 2010

If you have exquisite taste in furniture, you will probably want your bedroom to be just as elegant as the rest of your house.  One way to do that is to get a king or queen size canopy bed.  This piece of furniture can transform an ordinary bedroom into a room of lavish luxury.

Canopy beds have always been a symbol of wealth and status.  The frame of such a bed is built with four pillars rising up.  On top of these pillars is a canopy normally made of beautiful, flowing fabric.  A bed of this nature is both beautiful and elegant.  Most of these beds have beautifully crafted wood or metal works, making them even more elegant.

Any king or queen bed is going to be the largest piece of furniture in the room.  When you add a canopy to this already large piece of furniture, this is going to be a huge piece.  You will want to pick your other furniture to accentuate this piece rather than detracting from it.  Keep your bed as the centerpiece to your room.

Whether you get a queen or king size canopy bed really depends on the size of your room and your wants.  If you have a smaller room, you might want to consider the smaller of the two sizes.  Because of the canopy this bed seems even more massive than an ordinary king or queen bed.  Make sure that your room can handle such a bed.

One of the best things about a canopy bed is how it will make you feel.  Instead of just a place to sleep, when you lie down in this bed, you will feel like you are royalty.  This massive piece of furniture will transform your bedroom, giving it a look of opulence of which few bedrooms can boast.

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Simple Reminders When Buying Single Duvets

July 31st, 2010

When you’re ready to plunk down some hard earned money on an item to make your life more comfortable whether it’s a new car, a new couch, or a new bed, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.  The same principle applies to single duvets when it comes to buying household comforts.  Single duvets vary in price according to the type you buy and it’s always good advice to look for any savings before actually buying the item.  Therefore, it’s important to follow a few simple reminders when shopping for single duvets.

First, when you go out shopping for single duvets, check to make sure that you have the exact measurements of your bed and that these measurements match what’s on the package the duvet is packed in.  While twin, full sized, and queen sized bed measurements tend to be pretty standard, it’s easy to confuse king sized and Cal – king sized measurements.  Those two are not the same.  Don’t assume that because because you have a king sized bed that a Cal-king sized duvet will cover your bed nicely.  It’s not that uncommon that people can’t tell the difference and assume they’re both the same.  You would be very disappointed to come home and find your duvet doesn’t fit your bed.

The second item to remember is to check what the store’s return policy is.  If the single duvet that you want to buy doesn’t have a guarantee and the store does not have a return or refund policy, you’re best advised to shop somewhere else.  There’s nothing worse than to have spent a good amount of money on a duvet only to find out that all the feathers are flying out when you’ve already taken it home.

This leads to the last reminder.  Check to see if the duvet you bought, or are about to buy has a warranty.  A warranty usually has at least a year which should allow you enough time to make sure the product is fine.  If you find that after six months your duvet is falling apart and the store will not give you a refund or an exchange, your best recourse is to send the duvet back to the manufacturer where they can either issue you a refund or a non-damaged replacement.

Keeping these items in mind when shopping for single duvets should make the experience worry free.

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Bedding That is Functional Can Also Set the Mood in a Room

July 30th, 2010

Bedding that is functional can also provide plenty of style in the room. There are many options, regardless of the type of bed or the size of the room. There are different types of spreads, quilts and comforters available in nearly every department store, so you are likely to find exactly what you want.

Divan beds are very thick products that are generally warmer than comforters and usually filled with down or feathers. They are typically made up of natural covering materials and are lighter or more neutral in color. But there are more color options emerging on the market today, so you may find such a product in the color choices you prefer.

Products for a folding bed can range from a twin sheet and comforter set, to a full size or queen set, depending on how the item is made. For such items, selecting fabrics in sheets and comforters that are less likely to wrinkle are a wise choice. If you want to keep the sheets on and ready for unexpected guests, you want a fabric that will not wrinkle when the mattress is put away.

French beds are those with a frame and a very highly styled head and foot board. They are very curvy and contain plenty of carving and scrolling around the edges. They are usually white, sometimes with gold leaf in key areas of the design. They may also be made of wood frames, covered in a rich fabric, such as velvet. They do not require any additional design details, so adding some soft cotton sheets and a rich, solid colored comforter will help this type of furniture stand out.

A princess bed is somewhat less ornate and generally includes sheets and comforters with plenty of pale pink and other pastel colors, for a very soft, feminine look. Regardless of the style, there are plenty of options available to work with any style in nearly any sleeping situation.

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Why Get a Futon Mattress Cover

July 29th, 2010

You did plan to purchase your first futon mattress to fit your newly purchased apartment.  After checking out some online stores, you end up disappointed- none have the design you’re looking for. So you decide to forget about the whole idea. You really don’t have to let the pattern on your ideal futon to hinder you from buying it; you could simply get a futon mattress cover that matches.

Once you have your futon comfortably at home where you like it, you can now spend time finding a cover that would truly fit. Having a cover would ensure you don’t’ go far off from your general home décor since various designs, patterns and colors are readily available.

Futon covers also give you the chance to change your rooms’ mood once in a while instead of sticking with the original mattresses design.  You can easily find a couple of matching colors that would give your room a ‘new look’ when you desire. There are knitted covers, plaid ones, floral-anything to fit your room.

If you have kids or a pet you probably might have been having doubts as well as second thoughts on buying a futon mattress in the first place. Now that you have your precious piece of furniture, you wouldn’t want the kids jumping on it with dirty feet or spilling some colored drink on it. How can you save your futon? Cover it. You would be adding a few years to your futon simply by purchasing a cover and using it regularly.

So if you have had the thought of buying a futon lingering for a while but was hesitant for some reason, a futon mattress cover could be what you need to make up your mind. IF you already own one, why not add to its beauty and life by covering it up.

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Where to Buy Bed Canopies

July 28th, 2010

Bed canopies are not only popular among the rich and elite. Any middle class home can have canopy beds that are not only elegant but also inexpensive. There are many types of canopy beds available that are sure to suit every taste and budget.

The most common place to get your canopy bed is from your local home furnishing stores. They have different designs and styles and shopping will be very convenient. However, bed canopies from department stores or furnishing stores can be a little pricey compared to purchasing online, or purchasing from other stores.

The internet is a very good place to look when you are buying a bed canopy. When you search online, you will be able to see different designs and styles from different stores and compare prices from the comfort of your own home. You no longer have to drive around town to see which stores have beautiful but inexpensive canopies. Since there are many online stores competing for your business, most stores offer discounts and, at times, services such as free delivery.

Antique shops and thrift shops are also great source of bed canopies especially if you are looking for unique and inexpensive finds. For the seasoned shopper antique shops and thrift shops are full of beautiful home decors and accent pieces that would go perfectly with your bed canopies. Since these items are unique, you are almost guaranteed not to find any similar items anywhere else.

If you are creative and want to save on expenses, you can always make your canopy projects. The internet is full of resources that can teach you the basics of making your own canopies. If not, you can have a professional do it for you. Creating your own or designing your own bed will not only be cost effective but this will give you more freedom in terms of design and style.

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Bunk Bed Buying Decisions

July 28th, 2010

There are many benefits to using a bunk bed for your children’s room. One is that you can maximize the space. If you are on the market looking for the right bed, there are certain factors that you need to consider other than the price and the design.

Room space

Bunk beds are great for small rooms. However, the standard size would require more room space compared to the twin size bed. Some added features would also require a larger space especially if you get the bunk that has a pull out bed or extra pull out drawers. You should also take time to measure the room where the bed is going in. in general, the beds are 6 feet high. It should have an allowance of no less than 2 ft between the ceiling and the topmost part of the bed.

Bed features and style

There are many bunk beds available in different styles, make, and designs. You can purchase beds that are made of wood or steel, and some are a combination of both. The added features would add to the price of the bed so you should select the type that would best suit your children’s requirements. There are beds that have pull out drawers for additional storage and there are also beds that can be disassembled into two single beds. This is a great option since eventually your children will outgrow their interest in bunk beds. White bunk beds are always a safe choice as they go with almost any type of interior décor.

Safety

Your children’s safety should be the first thing that you should consider in choosing bunk beds. You want to make sure that the beds are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the child, especially the one staying on the top bunk. The stairs should also be securely fastened so that the child will not slip when climbing up and down and the rail guards should extend at least 5 inches above the mattress to keep your child from rolling over.

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