What Furniture Materials Should You Use for Your Home?
Your personal style and preferences will play a major role in the type of furniture you select for your home, but there are also other factors to consider. The size of your home, your household members, your lifestyle, and even your climate can have an effect on the use and longevity of your furniture. Before making selections, you should decide on the furniture materials that will be best for you.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has enjoyed a resurgence of popularity because of the industrial decorating style. But in fact, stainless steel offers a sleek, classic look that blends with any décor, and better yet, it has practical benefits. Strong and sturdy, stainless steel can be used for furniture ranging from beds to dining sets.
Stainless steel is easy to clean and virtually maintenance-free. It’s also surprisingly environmentally friendly. Since it lasts for decades, it won’t be used for a few years and discarded like some materials. Moreover, it’s completely recyclable. Disadvantages may be its weight and the possibility it might scratch or dent certain floors.
Wicker
Wicker furniture is a common choice for outdoor furniture, but it can also be used indoors for benches, chairs, headboards, and tables. It’s available in many colors and finishes and goes well with any decorating style. You can use wicker furniture as an accent piece or make it the centerpiece of a room. It’s lightweight, durable, and easy to care for with a vacuum and damp rag.
Wicker can be either natural or synthetic. Most high-quality wicker furniture is built around an aluminum frame for strength and durability. Synthetic wicker is best for outdoors, as natural wicker can fade in the sun or become worn due to weather changes. Wicker may not be a good choice if you have dogs or cats that like to scratch or chew.
Plastic
High-quality plastics or resins are often used for outdoor furniture because they’re essentially weatherproof. But indoor furniture can also be made of plastic, in whole or in part. Dining chairs and accent chairs made of plastic are a key feature of the mid-century modern look, but plastic can take on any color or style. Plastic is particularly popular for children’s furniture because it’s virtually unbreakable and can be sanitized easily.
Plastic is lightweight, durable, and maintenance-free. Plastic furniture can usually be kept clean with a damp rag, but if the surface is textured or nubby, dirt and grime can build up in the tiny indentations and will need to be scrubbed out with baking soda. On the negative side, plastic can be scratched and dented and shows wear after a time.
Wood
Wood furniture is perfect for a warm, timeless look, whether it’s used in the bedroom, dining room, or living room. With so many types of wood and stains available, it’s adaptable to any decorating preference. Wood furniture is strong, durable, and environmentally friendly. When well maintained, quality wood furniture can last for generations.
However, wood furniture must be treated with care and may not be suitable for all families. Wood can be scratched, dented, or stained by liquids. Direct contact with hot items can harm wood furniture. The finish can also fade in direct sunlight.
Glass
Glass is frequently used for tabletops for dining tables, coffee and side tables, and even desktops. It’s an attractive choice for small rooms because its transparency and light reflection creates the illusion of a larger space. Spills wipe up easily, and it resists stains.
However, glass can easily be scratched, and under some circumstances can even shatter. It’s important to avoid placing hot items directly on the glass. Heat-resistant placemats, table runners, and tablecloths are recommended.
Bamboo
Bamboo has recently gained attention as a furniture material because of its sustainability for the environment. Once cut down, bamboo grows back quickly from its roots and replaces itself. It produces a building material that is extremely durable, lightweight, and moisture resistant.
If you’re imagining furniture built from tube-like sticks of bamboo, think again. Bamboo can be processed into planks to be used in any way that wood can be used, including tables, chairs, bedroom suites, and sofa frames. The disadvantages of bamboo include its vulnerability to heat, humidity, and insects.
Marble
Like glass, marble is often used for tabletops. Marble has a classic and sophisticated look that can elevate any décor. Since it’s a natural material, its design is always unique. It’s durable and will last a lifetime, but it does take special care.
As a type of stone, marble is porous and will need to be sealed regularly to help it resist moisture. Even so, it can be stained or scratched with careless use. Hot or cold items should not be placed directly on the surface; always use a coaster, placemat, or other heat-resistant barrier.
Leather
Leather is often used for sofas and chairs because of its durability and stylish look. It’s a flexible material so that your favorite leather chair seems to adapt to fit the shape of your body. Leather does tend to be more expensive than cloth upholstery, but it’s also tough and durable, and well cared for, can last for years. Colors in natural leather tend to be limited to a range of browns, tans, and reddish-browns, although there are some dyed leathers in brighter colors.
Leather resists stains and is easy to clean with a damp rag. Leather may be a great choice for people with pets because, unlike cloth upholstery, it doesn’t collect pet hair or dander. However, cats can scratch leather as they do with any fabric.
With so many choices of furniture, you might be stumped about what to choose for your home. However, the selection becomes easier when you learn about the characteristics of the various kinds of materials used to make furniture. Many people will end up using a combination of furniture materials, depending on what room they are furnishing and how frequently the furniture will be used.
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How to Start Feeling Proud of the Home You Live In
When you first move into your own home it may look and feel exactly the way you want it to. Over time, you may find yourself feeling less than thrilled about the way your home looks or feels. Freshening up your space can help you feel better about your living space and eager to show it off.
Hire a Decorator
A decorator can help you make your dream home a reality. They can assess the situation in your home and develop a plan and overall design scheme. A decorator can also help you figure out your budget and a timeline for the work. They can help you figure out where to purchase all of the items you need for your remodel project, and can even purchase them for you. Decorators also have a wide network of contacts and resources at their disposal to help you. They can also help you avoid costly mistakes that you may make attempting to do the job on your own.
Buy More Comfortable Furniture
Your home is a hard place to love if all of your furniture is stuffy and uncomfortable. Comfortable furniture makes a room more inviting and encourages you to linger. In addition to the comfort factor, cozy furniture often looks nicer than uptight furniture. Fabrics like velvet, leather, and suede add soft textures to a room making them soothing places to be. Recliners or massage chairs can help you take a load off and relax your back. Coming home from a long day and settling into comfortable furniture you love will make your life that much better.
Include Artwork on Your Walls
Adding artwork to your walls can make the rooms in your house feel more like home. Go room by room and figure out how much artwork you want in that room and where you want to put it. You can use the wall color to inspire the artwork you choose, or you can do the opposite and use the artwork you choose to inspire the theme for the rest of the room. Artwork can add color to a room, which is great for a room done in neutral colors. It can also make a room seem complete.
Add Luxury Features
Building a custom home gives you more options for what features you end up with. Smart thermostats can be pre-set and adjusted on your phone when you are not home. You can use smart devices to control the lights in your home so you never have to leave the comfort of the couch. In your kitchen and bathrooms, upgrading your countertops to quartz or granite can make your home look more expensive. Heated floors can make your bathroom feel luxurious, especially during the winter. You can also add a heated towel rack to have a warm towel when you get out of the shower. In your backyard, an outdoor kitchen with a built-in barbeque, mini-fridge, and sink, can make your patio the place to hang out.
Redo Your Landscaping
Redoing your landscaping can also make your home a better place to live. In the front yard, trim your existing shrubs, and install new ones where needed. If you have a plain concrete walkway, consider redoing it, creating a stone or brick pathway. This will enhance your curb appeal and make your home appear more inviting. Adding flowers to your front yard landscaping will bring color to your yard. In the backyard, consider adding a flower garden, vegetable garden, or both. Add a back patio or deck to make a nice space to entertain.
Freshen Up Your Front Entryway
Your front entryway is the last thing you see when you leave your house, and the first thing you see when you come home. If it seems a bit stale, there are a few things you can do to upgrade it. One thing you can do is replace your current door with a new door. Doing so can improve the entryway appearance and can make it more secure. New fiberglass and steel doors are harder to break through than older wood doors. If you are not interested in replacing your door, consider a fresh coat of paint on the door and frame. A new doorbell faceplate can enhance your curb appeal. Change out the front porch light with a new modern fixture to brighten up the changes you’ve made.
Declutter
Decluttering your home is an instant way to make it feel more comfortable. Having a home where everything is put away can help you feel less stressed. Go through your home and clear out items that you no longer want or need, from decor to clothing. Once you have removed all that you do not want anymore, invest in storage solutions for everything else you have. You will feel more relaxed in your decluttered home, and more comfortable having guests come over.
Add Fresh Paint
A simple coat of paint can do wonders for your home. A good coat of exterior paint can help protect the materials of your home from weathering. Inside of your home, determine which rooms you would like to spruce up with a new coat of paint. Painting a room can be done as part of a larger room remodel, or just be done on its own. Before you paint, consider how the paint color goes with your furniture, artwork, and other decor items. You can pick up paint swatches from your local hardware or paint store to help make your decision. New paint colors may inspire you to make other changes to the rooms in your home.
Both simple changes and larger renovation projects can help to make your home a better place to live. You do not need to complete every project at once. Prioritize the projects that matter most to you and the areas of your home that need the most attention. Through some creative thinking, careful planning, and engaging experts when needed, you will be able to create a home that you love living in and are proud to show off.
Read this next: 5 Feng Shui Tips for a Bedroom That You’ll Love
How to Make Your Living Room a Place Where You Want to Spend Time
Is your living room feeling a bit drab these days? Is the decorating a bit out of date? Or perhaps after all the quarantining, you’re just tired of looking at the same old space?
If you find yourself not wanting to use your front room space for relaxing, it may be time for a few upgrades. Where should you start, and what should you consider?
Set the Right Mood
You’ll want to start by deciding what mood you want your living room space to evoke. Bright and sunny, or calm and collected? Whatever you decide, it’s important to match the desired mood with appropriate colors and decor.
Warm, cool, bright, and muted colors can all go towards creating your desired feel. Warm colors (think reds, oranges, and yellows) can make you happy, while cooler colors such as blues and greens can make a person feel calmer. Decor can be combined with wall color to create your desired welcoming.
Comfortable Furniture
Nobody likes sitting on uncomfortable furniture, including you. There are plenty of good-looking couches, chairs, etc. out there, but one thing that will keep drawing you to your living room space is making sure that you select comfortable furniture pieces. In fact, furniture is one of the most important aspects of interior design.
This makes a lot of sense when you think about it - your furniture is going to stand out as the largest item(s). When it comes to designing your living room, if you want to create a cozy spot for your downtime make sure that you don’t sacrifice comfort for fashion.
Be Uniquely You
In all of your designs, make sure you are creating a space that truly reflects your unique tastes and style preferences. The best-designed space in the world won’t mean much to you if it doesn’t really “feel” like you. And you’re much more likely to enjoy spending time in a place that reflects your personality rather than a cookie-cutter design.
A common deterrent to achieving your customized look is family heirlooms or hand-me-downs, but these items can hold you back from achieving your goal. What are your decor tastes? Animal print, bright neutrals, color pops? Whatever it is that you’re into, find a way to work it into your living room arrangement.
Once embarking on the journey, you’ll likely enjoy redesigning your living room to your own tastes. There’s nothing more relaxing than a well-curated space that reflects your own unique brand of “you.”
Read this next: 3 Luxury Items You Should Add to Your Home to Live in Style
Features That Will Help Your Living Room Stand Out
While the main purpose of your living room is, as the name implies, to live and relax in, it can also become a statement within your home. Adding simple touches can elevate your living room for pictures or create an impact for guests. There are many ways you can add creative flair to make your living room stand out.
Mirrors
Decorating with mirrors can make your living room stand out in a variety of ways. Mirrors reflect light and create an illusion of depth. Both of which greatly impact your space. As you decorate with mirrors, be very thoughtful of placement. First of all, you should consider what your mirror will be reflecting. You want to make sure it will be something pleasing such as an art piece or even a lovely view. Hanging mirrors across from windows is a great way to increase the light within your space. It can also be fun to experiment with different sizes and styles of mirrors.
Area Rugs
Using area rugs in your living room can be very helpful for defining a space. You can use an area rug to designate a certain area of the room, but rugs can also have a major impact on the style of the room. You can use area rugs to add some variety by combining different sizes and styles. Rugs can also add cohesion and harmony to your room by creating a focal point and grounding the space. Aside from addressing the style of the room, area rugs can also work to highlight other elements of your living room. You can accentuate your furniture by placing an area rug underneath them.
Feature Walls
A feature wall, or accent wall as their often called, is a great way to highlight your living room and add a point of interest. It can also be quite inexpensive to add a feature wall to your space. The fun of an accent wall is that you have many options to consider. You can use paint, wallpaper, tile, wood, and more to highlight the wall. Just make sure you create a clear plan for your wall and do some research on how to best create an accent wall.
Your living room is often to the center of your home. You want it to be a pleasant and inviting place to be. The way you decorate can allow you to create a space that will stand out in-person and in photographs.
Read this next: 3 Luxury Items You Should Add to Your Home to Live in Style