Showing posts with label bedroom furniture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bedroom furniture. Show all posts

Monday, November 29, 2010

The Bedroom Refuge

Is your bedroom a haven — a sanctuary where you can rest and rejuvenate? If not, here are some suggestions for making your bedroom into the room that provides peace of mind along with bodily comfort.

Your bedroom reflects who you are. So the first question is, how do you see yourself? Imagine yourself in different settings. Does traditional furniture — classic Queen Anne, Chippendale, 18th and 19th century European antique styles — give you a feeling of stability and continuity? A canopy or sleigh bed in rich cherry or mahogany, with Pachabel playing on the stereo hidden in your carved armoire, may be the perfect romantic touch you’ve been seeking.

Perhaps the setting that makes you feel warm and cozy comes from country furniture — the rough-hewn rustic look or the distressed finishes of cottage styles. Homey fabrics, like chintz, linen or denim, and accessories like handmade quilts, needlework pillows, rag rugs, and framed watercolors with outdoor themes may support your vision of the perfect place to relax and get a good night’s sleep.

The casual contemporary look leans towards light glowing woods like maple or dramatic pieces in dark stains like espresso. Clean lines on popular styles, such as Mission furniture, make for a sophisticated yet warm space. Japanese prints on the wall and flower arrangements in colored glass vases may make this your favorite room in the house.

One step beyond contemporary is the look of modern furniture for those who love the linear design of retro, Art Deco, or an eclectic mix of styles. Fabrics are simple, and leather pieces work well. A lacquered platform bed and low sleek pieces can mix well with bold colors and richly patterned rugs or bedding, or show off a collection of black-and-white photographs on the wall.

Whatever style calls your name, ambient lighting in a bedroom enhances the mood. Put a dimmer switch on the main light in the room, or think about lamps that goes on and off to a clap of your hands. Have at least one bright light if you have a "work" corner in the bedroom that hosts a computer or project table, and a good reading light near your armchair or by the bed if you like to read in bed.

To keep the peaceful atmosphere of the bedroom, hide TVs or computers in an armoire so they’re not in view except when being used. Scented candles, fresh flowers, and a beautiful decanter to hold your drinking water are wonderful touches for any bedroom.

The most important part of the bedroom is often ignored for too long. Is your mattress the right one for your back and for deep healthy sleep? Upgrade to a new pillow-top or possibly a larger size mattress for the ultimate in bedroom comfort.

And if your bedroom haven is just too wonderful to leave in the morning, how about installing a "morning bar" with a coffee maker and small refrigerator? Breakfast in bed, anyone?

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Let There Be Light in Your Bedroom!

Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, and then the light slowly starts returning to the northern hemisphere. But that still means we have many months of the year when our bedrooms get very little or no light in the mornings, when we get up, and are dark long before we go to sleep. If you’re someone who gets blue without enough light in your life, try brightening up your bedroom by making it feel like summer!

Think summer. Light colors, light fabrics. Take down the dark, heavy drapes and let the windows bring in as much light as possible during the day. When evening approaches, pull down the blinds and close the sheer curtains, which will look delightful in the glow of your warm bedroom lighting. Use soft white or pink-tinted bulbs in your lamps, or the full spectrum bulbs that replicate natural sunlight. They can make a huge difference in how you feel!

One way to optimize the light that comes in during the day is to position a large mirror on a wall across from or corner to a window. The mirrors will reflect sunlight and bounce it around the room. Hanging crystals in your windows is another way to bounce light around the room at certain times of day — except this will be like having rainbows all around you!

Make your bedroom feel lighter simply by eliminating or moving around your furniture to have more open space available. Use colors for your bedding that complement the summer scheme, such as celadon, aquamarine, a hint of orange and yellow, or nautical navy blue and white stripes. A floral-pattern or green rug on the floor will evoke summertime thoughts, as will adding some flowering plants, greenery, or vases of flowers. A large tropical plant with palm leaves gives an instant feeling of warmth!

If you have a fireplace in the bedroom, try decorating the mantle with shells or framed photos taken in the summer. A painting or photo above the mantle of the beach, a boat on water, or lush foliage can add to the effect.

Try a few of these suggestions to brighten your bedroom and give you a taste of summertime — even during the dark days of winter!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Contemporary Bedding Ensembles

When shopping for new bedding ensembles for your home many retailers will refer to their product lines as Contemporary. Contemporary bedding itself doesn’t really have a concrete definition. Often the definition will vary depending on who you ask, and even when you ask them. Like the clothing industry, bedding fashions change over time and a pattern or style which today falls under “contemporary” or “modern” may very well be considered under a different heading in the future. In this article we will discuss three of the major bedding manufacturers and what styles in their lines are currently considered contemporary.

Contemporary bedding offered by Dakotah represents Dakotah’s usual fine fabrics and clean linear designs. Using simple color palettes and sleek minimalist design features make Dakotah bedding a very elegant choice. Some of their current contemporary designs include:
 Aurora - Features an abstract wave pattern in the season’s hottest color combination, mocha and sky blue.
Metrotech - Combines a clean stripe pattern with warm honey tones for a look that is simple and chic.
Odyssey - Combines classic black silk shantung with stylish metallic shades of gold and copper.

Thomasville Contemporary Ensembles follow Thomasville’s usual approach to creating fine bedding that is versatile and diverse. Thomasville offers their bedding a la carte so creating an ensemble which fits your lifestyle, price range and personal preference is easy. Thomasville designs are described as artistically abstract, using bright color palettes and detailed accessories. Their current contemporary line includes these designs:
Altessa - A beautiful abstract swirl pattern using rich earth tones with gold shantung accents.
Coronado - A modern take on art deco, using bold patterns with accessories that add a bright pop of color.
Pavilion - takes its cue from the bohemian trend, using patchwork patterns in soothing shades of sky and parchment.

Veratex, yet another fine bedding manufacturer, is well known for their modern sense of style. Veratex contemporary ensembles are inspired by rich designs found in cultures throughout the world. Three of their ensembles which stand out as contemporary design are:
Waterlily and Dynasties - both inspired by Asian design, using clean lines, solid colors, and simple blocked patterns.
Serrano - inspired by designs of the Southwest. This classic stripe pattern combines earth tones with a bold shade of orange spice.

These are some of the key styles that current manufacturers are offering as contemporary. What ties all of these designs together are sleek lines, natural color palettes and either abstract or geometric patterns. Usually a modern look will include a clean lined, tailored bed skirt as opposed to the classic ruffled bed skirt

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Styles of Bedroom Furniture

If you are looking for a way to update your bedroom and improve your comfort, new bedroom furniture will do both in style. New bedroom furniture allows you to reinvent your space, making it truly your own personal retreat.

Types of Bedroom Furniture
Sometimes called a bedroom set or bedroom suite, bedroom furniture almost always describes beds, wardrobes/armoires, chests and dressers, nightstands, vanities, trunks, and various types of mirrors.

Styles of Bedroom Furniture
Most styles of new bedroom furniture can be described as Traditional, Arts & Crafts/Craftsman style, Modern, Transitional, or Casual.

Traditional Bedroom Furniture: Also known as Classic, the traditional look is often comforting in its familiarity. Crafted of hardwood and often well made and sturdy, traditional furniture ends to be more embellished and ornamented than other furniture styles.

Arts & Crafts/Craftsman Style Bedroom Furniture: This style utilizes clean lines and straight-forward design. No ornamentation, no embellishments, just natural wood and hardware. The emphasis here is on vertical and elongated forms, natural style and simple, refined craftsmanship.

Modern Bedroom Furniture: Sleek, sophisticated, and totally contemporary, the term Modern Furniture describes a style of  home furniture that often uses the latest materials in familiar ways, and more established materials in totally new designs. Instead of the clunky and massive wooden beds of the past, steel and metal alloys take bedroom furniture into the 21st Century. Molded plywood and plastics are seen alongside woods in the most contemporary bedroom sets, adding lightness and a hint of playful joie de vivre.

Transitional Bedroom Furniture: The term "Transitional Style" describes a type of furniture that blends Traditional and Modern. Often more sleek and refined than Traditional, Transitional Furniture is not as daring as pieces from the Modern Movement.

Casual Bedroom Furniture: Casual bedroom furniture simply describes a style that is very laid back and comfortable. Overstuffed and ultra comfy, "casual" describes a lifestyle as much as a type of bedroom set.

Your bedroom furniture should be a reflection of you. Choose what you are drawn to and turn your bedroom into your very own sanctuary.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Antique Bedroom Furniture

Antique Furniture not only makes a veritable feast for the eyes, but you can also watch the regal splendor of yore come alive with it. It is popularly said that “Old is gold,” and this line stands true when Antique Bedroom Furniture comes to mind. These days, Antique Bedroom Furniture is becoming popular with the majority of the people. The reason behind this is that this furniture is a great addition to the aesthetic appeal to your room.

Bedroom Furnishing is not just to soothe your senses, but also to enamor you with its beauty. Nowadays, Antique Bedroom Furniture comes with an exquisite headboard with gold trimmings, and nightstands with vertical mirrors. Antique Bedroom Furniture sets come with a bed along with a chest of drawers, a mirror and two nightstands. It makes your room soaked in the tranquility and classiness of bygone times, coupled with the functionality of the traditional beds. Many companies offer Antique Bedroom Furniture equipped with TV armoires and cloth hangers, too.

These days you just don’t have to settle for normal antique pine furniture, as there is a wide array of choices waiting for you. You can choose from any of the designs and finishes, such as mahogany lacquer, cinnamon lacquer and dark brown. Antique Bedroom Furniture is not only sturdy, but also gives your room an antique and innovative appeal. What makes Antique Bedroom Furniture score over others is its distinct style, charisma and elegance.

Antique Bedroom Furniture’s aesthetic value and eternal appeal cannot be expressed by mere words. You have to feel its grace, quality and presence for yourself.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

A Guide to Bedroom Decorating

When decorating a bedroom, keep in mind that the end result should produce a distinct and memorable impression. Colors, space and decorations all set a bedroom's mood, and when put together well, can create a definite, pleasurable look.  

When it comes to the arrangement of items in a bedroom, symmetry is the most important factor. The bedroom is your personal space and should not be cluttered with too many objects creating a claustrophobic effect. For a room to seem personal, special touches should be added that reflect your special loves and interests. This includes your favorite colors, books, photographs, etc. Make sure colors are balanced in subtle shades reflecting your lifestyle and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the younger generation, who opt for bright, textured colors. To maintain balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the room can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furniture in the bedroom is of utmost importance. Don't over do it with too many pieces making your bedroom look overdressed and cluttered. The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom. What matters the most is comfort. Therefore, a bed should offer quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or side tables should be on either side of the bed for books, medications and telephone. A dressing table comes in handy for women, and dressers with lots of storage space are ideal. Ample closet space is important, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors help to give a room a larger look and also help to reflect light. Lighting should be gentle and relaxing.  Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be used for added effects. Subtle light gives a romantic feeling to the room, and focused light is good for detail work like reading without disturbing someone sleeping in the room. 

Finally, a bedroom should be well-ventilated, designed for comfort and always stocked with a vase of flowers for a fresh feeling.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Bedroom Furniture

If you are looking for a way to update your bedroom and improve your comfort, new bedroom furniture will do both in style. New bedroom furniture allows you to reinvent your space, making it truly your own personal retreat.

Types of Bedroom Furniture
Sometimes called a bedroom set or bedroom suite, bedroom furniture almost always describes beds, wardrobes/armoires, chests and dressers, nightstands, vanities, trunks, and various types of mirrors.

Styles of Bedroom Furniture
Most styles of new bedroom furniture can be described as Traditional, Arts & Crafts/Craftsman style, Modern, Transitional, or Casual.

Traditional Bedroom Furniture: Also known as Classic, the traditional look is often comforting in its familiarity. Crafted of hardwood and often well made and sturdy, traditional furniture ends to be more embellished and ornamented than other furniture styles.

Arts & Crafts/Craftsman Style Bedroom Furniture: This style utilizes clean lines and straight-forward design. No ornamentation, no embellishments, just natural wood and hardware. The emphasis here is on vertical and elongated forms, natural style and simple, refined craftsmanship.

Modern Bedroom Furniture: Sleek, sophisticated, and totally contemporary, the term Modern Furniture describes a style of  home furniture that often uses the latest materials in familiar ways, and more established materials in totally new designs. Instead of the clunky and massive wooden beds of the past, steel and metal alloys take bedroom furniture into the 21st Century. Molded plywood and plastics are seen alongside woods in the most contemporary bedroom sets, adding lightness and a hint of playful joie de vivre.

Transitional Bedroom Furniture: The term "Transitional Style" describes a type of furniture that blends Traditional and Modern. Often more sleek and refined than Traditional, Transitional Furniture is not as daring as pieces from the Modern Movement.

Casual Bedroom Furniture: Casual bedroom furniture simply describes a style that is very laid back and comfortable. Overstuffed and ultra comfy, "casual" describes a lifestyle as much as a type of bedroom set.

Your bedroom furniture should be a reflection of you. Choose what you are drawn to and turn your bedroom into your very own sanctuary.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

A Guide to Bedroom Decorating

When decorating a bedroom, keep in mind that the end result should produce a distinct and memorable impression. Colors, space and decorations all set a bedroom's mood, and when put together well, can create a definite, pleasurable look.  

When it comes to the arrangement of items in a bedroom, symmetry is the most important factor. The bedroom is your personal space and should not be cluttered with too many objects creating a claustrophobic effect. For a room to seem personal, special touches should be added that reflect your special loves and interests. This includes your favorite colors, books, photographs, etc. Make sure colors are balanced in subtle shades reflecting your lifestyle and interests. The older generation seems to prefer more subdued shades than the younger generation, who opt for bright, textured colors. To maintain balance, the color of a chair placed at one end of the room can be repeated on throw, pillows or carpet. Furniture in the bedroom is of utmost importance. Don't over do it with too many pieces making your bedroom look overdressed and cluttered. The size of the bed should be in proportion to the size of the bedroom. What matters the most is comfort. Therefore, a bed should offer quality, comfort and a feeling of elegance. Nightstands or side tables should be on either side of the bed for books, medications and telephone. A dressing table comes in handy for women, and dressers with lots of storage space are ideal. Ample closet space is important, as are mirrors and wall decor. Mirrors help to give a room a larger look and also help to reflect light. Lighting should be gentle and relaxing.  Valence lighting is ideal for bedrooms, and colored lights can be used for added effects. Subtle light gives a romantic feeling to the room, and focused light is good for detail work like reading without disturbing someone sleeping in the room. 

Finally, a bedroom should be well-ventilated, designed for comfort and always stocked with a vase of flowers for a fresh feeling.