People Love Leather Furniture For Good Reason

There has to be a good reason why people are willing to pay substantially more for a leather interior in their cars. For probably the same good reason, people are also willing to pay more for leather furniture as opposed to upholstered furniture. Frankly, the fact is that leather is a very appealing fabric that people want to have. A set of leather furniture in the living room isn’t just about comfort—it’s also about status.


But owning leather furniture is certainly about more than just impressing your neighbors. One of the biggest single reasons why people choose to spend extra for leather furniture is because it lasts. Typical upholstery will only stand up to constant use for about 5 years before it begins to fray, tatter, and tear. But when properly cared for, leather furniture can last for 20 years or more before needing major repair or replacement. So, while leather furniture may be more expensive, it certainly isn’t 4 X’s as much! Therefore, going leather is actually the better economic move AND still will impress your neighbors!


Aside from being a status symbol and very durable, leather furniture is simply great on the skin! If you have ever noticed, leather furniture stays at room temperature. When the temp is high, the leather is very soft and pliable. But, when the room temp dips for any reason, the leather will become more brittle and less pliable. The reason for this is because leather furniture breathes.


Made from animal skins that have pores throughout them, leather furniture breathes through the pores in its surface. Genuine leather will not become sticky in the summer and is one of the most comfortable materials for your skin. So long as the leather furniture is cleaned and conditioned regularly, the leather will also not be brittle in the winter unless temperatures drop far lower than is normal in a household.


Another big advantage of leather furniture over upholstered varieties is that leather itself ages very well indeed. Developing what one might call a “weathered look”, leather takes on a patina as the years roll past. In fact, leather furniture actually looks better as it ages while upholstered furniture just fades and looks aged.


Of course, leather furniture must be cared for in order for it to age properly and stand the test of time. It is important to keep the pores in the leather free from dust so it is necessary to dust the leather furniture once a week. That way, the leather cleaner and conditioner can get down into the pores and keep the material soft, pliable, and well preserved. Plan on using a leather cleaner 3 times a year or so in order to prevent premature cracking or peeling that results from improper maintenance. But, with proper care, you can continue to impress your neighbors for many years to come while being able to enjoy the soft feel of leather the whole while!

Guide To Hot Tub Heaters

We hop into the bathtub only if the temperature is right and equal throughout. The heaters that come long with spa or hot tubs furnish sustained heat to provide the maximum heat to provide the benefits of hydrotherapy including stress reduction, relaxation, and pain relief for arthritis. There are two types of heaters available – electric and propane heaters. The size of these heaters varies from small ones for hot tubs to aboveground and in-ground models for swimming pools.


Propane Or Gas Heater and features


Propane is considered as the “green “energy as it helps to cut emissions and protect the environment. It is non-toxic and insoluble in water and does not leave a residue in the tub. So it is considered to be clean. Propane is an efficient and friendly fuel. Propane heaters cut emission of toxins and yields 12 percent less carbon dioxide and 60 percent less carbon monoxide. Propane heaters heat water quickly and evenly compared to electric heater or other fuels.


Built-in properties of Propane


1. Propane will not ignite when combined with air.
2. Propane gas is non-toxic and insoluble in water.
3. It is not harmful to soil or water
4. Since the cost of gas is less than electricity it lowers the day-to-day cost.


Electric hot tub heater features


If the tub is a portable one you cannot use gas heater as they always come with electrical heating units. Electric water heater is also dependable performance proven and corrosion free. They are available in compact models of 5.5 kw and 11kw. Models that are available today have longer life as the heavy-duty incoloy heating elements lasts longer. The waterways, are corrosion-free copper and bronze, this enables longer life. The electric heaters have built-in safety measure to prevent operation without water flow, a temperature to prevent overheating and a good quality thermostat. They are compact and easy to install.


Tips on buying hot tub
Electric hot tub can actually make your energy bills rocket if you do not choose your system carefully. Go for a tub with full foam closed-cell insulation. This holds the energy bills down and the heat in. Look for a model with a sealed heating element as this prevents the water from touching the actual element. The heater will last longer and work more efficiently. Hot tub circulation system to be left on continuously to keep water clean and ready to use. This will save energy too. A reputable dealer will be able to tell you how much it will cost to operate a hot tub.

Do It Yourself Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Kitchen cabinet refacing saves thousands over replacing all the cabinetry. Doing the job yourself saves even more money. Labor is a significant percentage of the total cost of refacing. You could save up to half the price by saving on the labor costs. While it isn’t an easy task, it is possible for a skilled homeowner.


Do it Yourself or Hire a Pro?

This is a big job. You will need some skills and experience in home remodelling to tackle the job. It can be stressful, if you aren’t sure of yourself. Refacing isn’t a job that should be rushed. You need to have patience and the time to invest to do the job right.


Precise measurements are needed when attempting to give your home a makeover with cabinet refacing. Measuring is one of the most important parts of the job. It must be exact on the door openings, face frame and ends of the cabinets. Also accurate measurements are needed for the doors and drawer fronts. If you are off by even a little bit, the material won’t fit right.


Time should be taken to prepare all surfaces for refacing. You will need to remove all the cabinet drawers and drawer fronts. Clean all surfaces to remove dirt and grease. You will then need to roughen the surfaces to prepare them to hold the materials. This part of the job shouldn’t be rushed and steps shouldn’t be skipped.


If you don’t have the skills, time or patience, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job for you. Attempting a big job like this is very stressful. If you don’t take the time to do the job right, it could end up costing you more in the long run.

Tools for Kitchen Cabinet Refacing

Cabinet refacing supplies are available on the internet. Many sites offer tutorials with step by step instructions and pictures to help you do the job. There are a variety of tools to help you do a professional job at home.


Pressure sensitive veneer is the easiest material for the do it yourself home handyman. This material is easy to use and has a paper backing that peels off. Line up the veneer to the surface and apply pressure to hold it in place. The surface will need to be prepared well before the veneer is applied. Solid wood veneer is the easiest to work with and is the best quality material for this job.


A veneer roller can be used to apply pressure to the material. These come in small and large sizes and give good pressure. The larger size covers more area. Always start at the center and roll outward. This removes air bubbles that can ruin the look of the veneer.


A smoothing blade can be used to press down firmly when attaching veneer. Start at the center and slide in the direction of the grain. Use both hands to give sufficient pressure. Repeat until firmly attached.


Edge band iron and edge trimmers are useful for finishing. The band iron is used to attach the band to the edge of the cabinet doors. A clothes iron can also be used for this job, but will be larger and more bulky to work with.

Think 'Green' When Planning A Home Improvement Project

When it comes to home improvement, many cost-conscious homeowners think about all of the "green" they will spend. Today, however, they also are able to think about a different kind of green - "green" building. 


With soaring energy prices and states adopting regulations that prohibit products that emit harmful fumes, environmentally friendly building has become a hot topic. In fact, organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council have been formed to establish criteria for incorporating green products and materials into homes. 


Here are a few green products or projects to consider. 


* Leaky ducts can account for 30 percent or more of wasted energy. Caulking around your doors, windows, moldings, baseboards and vents is an easy and inexpensive project. Choose a high-quality product that complies with regulations governing volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which are ozone-damaging pollutants. For example, 


Polyseamseal All-Purpose Adhesive Caulk has a VOC level of 3 percent and provides a paintable, fast-drying, long-lasting seal. For more information, visit www.polyseamseal.com.


* Ready to add on to that beautiful deck? Need to do some minor repairs? When selecting an adhesive for the job, be sure to choose one that is easy and safe to use, such as Loctite Exterior Power Grab construction adhesive. 


The latex-based formula emits no VOCs and has an initial tack that is nine times stronger than traditional construction adhesives. Plus, it is easy to work with for interior applications because it has low odor, is paintable and can be cleaned up with water. For more information on Loctite brand products, visit www.loctiteproducts .com.


* Are you ready to replace your siding? When choosing your siding material, consider the insulation value and the amount of maintenance it requires. Natural cedar siding, for instance, may seem to be a "green" choice, but it has a low insulation value and requires regular painting; thus, it may not be the best choice. 


Insulated vinyl siding, such as CraneBoard Solid Core Siding, is an energy efficient solution. It features a foam backing and provides better insulation than wood, fiber cement or traditional vinyl siding. For more information, visit www.cranesiding.com.


* One of the most obvious ways to make any home more environmentally friendly is to use less electricity. The biggest electricity-eaters are appliances and lighting. Buy Energy Star appliances and switch incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs to quickly reduce electricity demand.

The Right Stuff for Your Home Office

Are you trying to run your own business out of your home or are you a government or company employee who has the option to work from home? Working at home has many benefits, including more time spent with family and no money spent on office rental. Maybe you’re one of the many people who have embraced the idea of becoming an Internet entrepreneur. Yes, it’s time to set up a home office — in a manner that is conducive and productive for you to work in, with a minimum of noise and distraction.


Finding a space for your home office will depend on the type of work you want to accomplish. If you need to be on the phone during the day (in your time zone), you can set up a computer desk with file storage in the living or dining room, which are usually quiet during the day. If you need more work surfaces — like getting those items you sold on EBay wrapped for shipment — you’ll be more comfortable in the den or basement. Working in the evenings while the family watches TV in the living room? Set up a desk in your bedroom so you can work quietly.


Once you have chosen the best area, consider putting up wall shelves to save space on your flat desk surface. Also think about using a laptop or one of the new "miniature" computers with a thin flat screen monitor. More space can be created by attaching the house phone to the wall or using your computer to make phone calls, eliminating the need for a phone on your desk.


Plan your home office carefully. The right equipment and office furniture will save you time, effort, and money, not to mention back or wrist pain. According to a recent survey, nearly 75% of home business owners didn’t have a designated room for their home office with the right office furniture.


The most important choices concern the computer desk, an office chair, storage and lighting.


A computer desk is the keystone of your home office. Nowadays, new computer desks come with many space-saving features and enough built-in storage to transform a small space in your apartment or house into a convenient and productive office space. A corner computer desk can be easily accommodated in almost any room. The style of desk you choose depends on the type of work you do. If you have to work with papers, the right computer desk will give you enough room for your computer and keyboard as well as sufficient flat surface for paperwork. For additional flat surfaces, consider adding an extra wing or curve to your desk. If you often use books, binders or thick heavy manuals, you may choose a computer desk with a hutch for shelving or closed cabinet space for easy access to printed materials and office supplies without losing any of the valuable flat surfaces.


The right office chair does more than give you a way to sit at the computer. It can also save your back, neck, and shoulders, and prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by putting you at the right height relative to your keyboard and monitor. If clients will be coming to your home, make sure you have comfortable seating for them as well.


Where are you going to keep your files, office supplies and/or product inventory? Storage space is vital if you want to keep your work surfaces neat and clean. From a file drawer in your desk to file cabinets, shelving units, bookcases, and storage cabinets and lockers, the available configurations mean there’s something that will work for you. And it’s so much easier to think when you don’t have to take boxes off your computer before sitting down to work. (You might also think about going ‘paperless’ on your bills and paying them over the computer.)


Also, remember to have proper lighting, both in daytime and at night. Don’t place a desk so that direct sunlight hits your computer monitor — you won’t be able to see! And have a good bright lamp on or near the desk to avoid eye strain.


To give your home office a professional appearance, get creative. Paint the wall a peaceful color, decorate with artwork or framed photos, and add a touch of green with potted plants or a sunny touch with bright flowers. A small effort will reward you with an enhanced image when a client steps into your home office. The Right Stuff for your home office means you’ll be happier and more productive there, too.

The Good, The Bad And The Thirsty Consumers Turning To Bottled And Filtered Water For Taste, Quality And Convenience

Water consumption is up nationwide, according to the Beverage Marketing Association. However, consumers seem to prefer bottled water to their local tap water due to taste and quality concerns. The latest Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranking shows Chicago at the top of the list when it comes to cities with excellent water quality and taste, while cities like San Francisco, Boston and Phoenix ranked at the bottom. 


But no matter where you live, more and more consumers are turning to filtered or bottled drinking water. In fact, a new study conducted by Mintel found that nearly 40 percent of consumers own a water filtration device, and nearly 55 percent purchase bottled water to drink at home.


Of the people who own water filters, 64 percent purchased them to improve taste and 62 percent did so because of health concerns.


"While the majority of water supplies are safe, consumers are increasingly aware of potential contaminants in their drinking water," said Tom Bruursema, general manager of NSF International's Drinking Water Treatment Units Certification Program. "As a result, many consumers are looking for home water filtration devices depending on their individual needs."


Growing attention to healthy weight loss is also causing people to drink more water.


"Today, more than ever, consumers are drinking up to slim down," said Rosemary Kimani, owner of fitness club Curves Logan Square in Chicago. "Almost all health and weight-loss programs recommend people drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day." 


According to the Beverage Marketing Association, U.S. consumers now drink more bottled water annually than any other beverage, other than carbonated soft drinks. Last year, Americans drank 7.5 billion gallons of bottled water, which translates into more than 26 gallons per person. 


Another growing trend-more consumers are finding filtered water from their refrigerator to be an inexpensive and convenient alternative to purchasing bottled water. 


"We're seeing quite an increase in water filter sales as related to our side-by-side refrigerator owners. Of those who own water filters nationally, 51 percent have a dispenser built into their refrigerator, up from 35 percent in 2003," said Bryan Aown, Whirlpool brand director of water filtration. "In addition to convenience, the growth may be attributed to cost savings. Over its six-month life, a refrigerator water filter processes as much as 200 gallons, which is approximately $0.20 per gallon, when bottled water can cost $6 to $9 a gallon."


Whirlpool brand states most filters are located in the refrigerator's base grill to provide maximum storage space. Additionally, filters cost roughly $40 and only need to be replaced twice a year, resulting in just an $80 annual expense. Other common filters include systems installed in plumbing or faucet attachments.

Roofing Basics

Roofing is something that every home owner needs to know something about, after all it is about the roof over your head and is directly linked to the quality of life in your house. Looking for anew roof for a house can be an exhausting work, the research for the materials and the negotiations with the professionals, even before any material has been purchased and any work begun you may find yourself giving up the idea, just for the sheer scale of the project and what it involves.


If you are looking to get a new roof on your house, you will have to think about the way you are going to get the work done, many people think that they can do the work themselves only to later discover that they cant, and than they are in a desperate situation that needs urgent help, which usually costs them much more than if they would have planed things right. When you are thinking of getting a new roof for your house, chances are that you will not want to go at it alone. Not only is the construction dangerous, but it is hard to select the correct roofing materials and to construct it in a structurally-reliable manner.


There are, of course, advantages to getting a professional to do the roofing for you. The number one advantage of hiring a roofing contractor is that you will be able to get expert feedback on what materials you need, for both aesthetic and practical reasons. If you have any questions about damage to your roof, or anything to do with style, you will be able to speak with your roofing contractor. Another advantage of using a roofing contractor is that you are ensured of having the job done right the first time, there should be maximal efficiency to the roofing contractor work, allowing you minimal time of work on your house and the absolute minimum discomfort for you and your family while the work is being done.


Not only can they do what you request of them, but your roofing contractor may also be able to locate any problem areas that may be arising. This is very important because if you can get these areas repaired early on, you may be able to avoid a lot of damage to your home down the road. It is very important to get a roofing job done as professionally and as thoroughly as possible, since most people do not go about changing their roof every few years you may want to think of all the aspects of this project before you sign any agreement or buy any material.


Naturally you should find out if the contractor you are going to hire is the right person for the work so you may want to ask them for some references. The best way that this can be done is asking what other houses in your neighborhood that they have worked on, look at the work, listen to other peoples experience and that would make your decision easier. This way you can go by and see what the roof looks like, and also ask these people what they thought of the level of service that they received. By checking out potential contractors up front, you will be able to avoid running into problems after they have already started the job.

Preserve evergreen memories

Preserve memories with decorative picture frames. Picture Frames add exceptionality to pictures and keeps your pictures and memories evergreen. Picture frames provide support, protection and artistic veracity. The art of picture framing was instigated during the Renaissance period, due to the need to individualize and augment ingenious works.


Picture frames are available in different shapes and materials from the simple design to the contemporary styles. The picture frames are either mass produced or custom made frames from professional frame makers. Picture frames are either square shaped, rectangular, oval or heart shaped.


Picture frames can supplement the value or lessen the value of pictures based on the frames you choose. The picture frames are available in different materials which are usually made of silver, glass, enamel, digital photo frames, wood or even funky frames in classical or elegant styles. Some fun and fancy picture frames also available which is heart shaped porcelain or house shaped wood frame.


The picture frames protects your photos and hidden memories from direct lights, moisture and natural acids in our hands. Picture frames also looks great for gifts. It will be majestic gifts for wedding or other occasions.


Buy your pictures by keeping following features in mind. First decide what type of frame you want to buy, whether you need simple or ornamental frame .Secondly decide on color, style and materials of the frames and then price of the picture frames. Since both economical and expensive picture frames are available.


Picture frames enhances elegance and splendor of your picture. The frames are also available as table tops or wall hangings. The table top picture frames are available in square, rectangular or oval shaped. The wooden hangings may be hand painted, carved or plain.

Passive and Proud: Green Energy Ideas for Your Home

Solar energy comes from the sun. A biology class will tell you that in addition to affecting climate and weather, sunlight provides the energy that sustains most life on earth. It also can be harnessed to provide heating, lighting and electricity. Solar power has become a hot topic lately, but this technology is nothing new – Native Americans, people in China and even the early Greeks have historically turned their buildings to the sun for heat.


These early architects were using what is known as passive solar energy. This technique makes the best use of regular building materials to trap heat with no additional mechanical equipment used. Floors, windows and roofs play a role in attracting (or deflecting) the sun's rays. 


There are a number of ways to take advantage of solar radiation, starting with the house's placement. Having the house face the equator (we'll assume we're in the Northern Hemisphere, thus the house should face south) means that it gets the day's sunlight. Window orientation is also important – for optimal efficiency, most windows should point within 30 degrees of due south. Maintaining a small percentage of north facing windows will ensure that your home is comfortable year round (and not cooking in the summer).


Rock or stone tile floors and brick walls will absorb the solar radiation and continue to give off heat after the sun is gone. While common windows allow heat to escape, special windows with low-e coating, multiple panes, inert gas fill, and/or insulated frames can reduce heat loss 50 to 75 per cent. By sealing your building envelope and insulating well, you will ensure that the heat stays in the house. It can then be distributed through the house using a regular ceiling fan.


Direct sunlight is not the only important light to think of when considering energy use. By using overall daylight to light a space you can cut down the need for electrical lighting and the heat that's created by it. Artificial lighting has only been the main source of illumination since the 20th century. And using natural light may have added benefits for your physical and mental health. In addition to windows, daylighting makes use of skylights, light pipes (also known as light tubes), atriums, and light shelves to illuminate the interior. This is best considered when building, but with a few small renos your house can be much brighter, naturally!


Passive cooling is another way to cut your bills and become more energy efficient. This is especially useful in warmer climates, where air conditioning can be a major power consumer. Passive cooling refers to using things for shading, to absorb the heat, and goes hand in hand with passive solar energy. It can be accomplished using exterior landscaping choices – trees and other vegetation – or interior/exterior building options, such as shades, blinds or special glazing on windows.


Whether you are building a new home, looking at doing some renovations or just want to cut your energy bill, passive solar energy and cooling techniques are an easy way to incorporated green ideas into your home. With the rising interest in environmental issues, they make an excellent selling feature and they'll save you money.

Bathroom Taps – Choosing The One You Need

Whether you're designing anew home, remodeling your bathroom, or adding a bathroom to your existing home, you'll need to choose bathroom taps for your new bathroom.


Ceramic disk valves vs conventional valves


Do the taps you are consider have Ceramic disk valves or conventional screw down valves? The ceramic valves are considered to provide better function, but are generally more expensive. You just have to decide if the difference is worth the extra price or not.


Design


There are many different bathroom tap designs, but they are broken down into two main categories – Contemporary designs and traditional designs. Contemporary designs offer you unique, cutting edge designs to give your bathroom a fresh, edgy look. Conventional designs give you an older, more traditional look. Of course, you will want to synchronize your bathroom fixtures so that they are all of one overall design.


Finish


Bathroom taps are available in many different finishes, to suit any taste or need. Some of the most common finishes are chrome, brass, and gold. Keep in mind that in general, the finish is unrelated to the construction of the fixture. In other words, a brass finish faucet is probably not made of brass.


On some designs, you can also get extras like ceramic handles. These add a very stylish, classy look to your faucet. Of course, ceramic will not be as durable as metal, but risk of breakage is very low on a quality bathroom tap.


Guarantee


Bathroom taps are being sold with increasingly good guarantees, such as 10 years. Check the guarantee of the bathroom tap you are considering buying.


Ease of use


If possible, you should check a fixture for ease of use before you buy it. Does it operate smoothly and easily? Is it easy to operate with wet and slippery hands?


Keep these tips in mind to help you choose the perfect bathroom taps!

A Guide To Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutters are durable and improve the look of your home. In many cases, they can actually add to the value of the home. They are easy to install and make a great do it yourself project. If you prefer not to do the job, you can hire a professional at a reasonable price. The job doesn’t take very long, so you won’t pay a fortune in labor.


Shutters come in a variety of sizes and styles. You can find them in any home improvement center, such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. These companies can offer advice to the do it yourself homeowner or can arrange for professional installation. 

Benefits of Shutters made of Vinyl
  
Vinyl is less expensive than wood shutters and they last longer. Wood has a tendency to crack and split over time. In addition, the paint fades and peels. For this reason, they need to be repainted every few years to keep them in new condition. This is labor intensive and adds to the overall cost. Vinyl is easier to clean and require very little maintenance. Just wipe them down with a damp rag to clean.


Vinyl is a better choice for humid climates or moist locations. This includes humid weather and outdoor pool or hot tub areas. The moisture in these areas can cause warping and swelling in wooden shutters over time. If you have an outdoor pool area, you can prevent this by installing vinyl.

Choosing the Right Shutters

There are several styles in vinyl or PVC shutters. Some can be closed to act as hurricane shutters. These are intended to protect your home in the event of a storm. Most are fixed and can’t be closed. These are merely for decoration. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles to suit the taste of every homeowner. You may decide to match the color to the color of curtains and window blinds or to the exterior of your home. 


Some styles have a wooden look that mimics natural grains. Others are smooth and less opaque. The style of your home and your personal preference will help you choose the best style for your home. Regardless of the style you choose, be sure the shutters are made with outdoor grade vinyl. This material is stronger and more durable. It will stand up better to the weather. 

Installing Vinyl Shutters

Installing shutters is a good DIY home improvement project. With a little skill, the job should take about a half an hour per window. Instructions and mounting clips are usually included with the shutters.


Materials Needed:


Shutters 
Fasteners
Instructions
Screwdriver
Drill
Tape measure
Pencil or pen for marking
Safety goggles


The basic procedure calls for drilling holes into the wall of your home and securing the shutters with fasteners that are pushed through these holes. You are drilling through the shutters and into the wall. The other method uses fasteners that are attached to the exterior wall of your home. The shutters are then clipped into place. The hardware doesn’t show on the front of the shutters.

Antique Fireplace Mantels

Are you looking to change your plain old boring fireplace mantel? Well if you’re thinking about setting up an antique fireplace mantel that will go with the classy theme the rest of your house has, don’t fret it can be easily achieved. 


These are timeless and sophisticated mantels that have long ago been associated with mansions and palaces. But now you can get that same look in your home. 


If you have an older home that is colonial then an antique fireplace would look great, because it will create an historic presence. 


The vintage mantels weren’t built for today’s fireplaces, so even if you buy one from an antique or salvage store you would still have to make some adjustments to it. For the most part, the mantels tend to be a lot bigger, so you’ll have to get them trimmed. It would be wise to have the dimensions of you’re fireplace with you when you go to the store. So you get one that would fit your fire place. 


As for accessorizing your mantel, you should keep with the vintage theme and put antique bottles or miniature sculptures. Once the mantel is in your room, if you feel it looks clustered, don’t worry. By putting a mirror on the mantel it can create an illusion that the room is big. 


It is really important that before you do any sort of construction that you verify the building and fire codes. These mantels are quite expensive, so consider hiring someone to do it. Experts say that this type of job is for professionals only. But look at it this way, if you decide to sell your house, having a fireplace of this magnitude can increase the value of your home. 


So now you can go out and get that antique mantel you’ve always wanted.

Make A Platform Bed - More Space In Your Bedroom.

Bedrooms form the core of the house. Everyone wants to decorate the bedroom very elegantly and nicely so that it looks beautiful and cool. The bed is the center of attraction, but sometimes the small size and lack of space of a bedroom makes it look cluttered and untidy. In this situation platform beds are the best option one can go for.


A platform bed is a bed which consists of a mattress placed on a solid platform raised off the floor by legs or framing. The space below the platform bed can be utilized for storage purposes. Platform beds do not have springs.


Types of platform bed:


One can select a platform bed from the two varieties available.


* The wooden platform bed - Wooden platform beds are usually made from oak wood or maple wood. They offer warmth as well as beauty to any type of bedroom decor. They are available in many different sizes like full size, king or queen size, and twin size. Though they are usually designed to support a mattress, they can be changed and customized for use with box springs. Altering the height of the headboard and lowering the size of the slate board allows for this. The wooden platform bed is generally given a Danish oil finish.


* The metal platform bed - Metal platform beds come in many varieties from the contemporary metal platform bed to the traditional ones and they are all available in a variety of colors. The beds have predrilled holes to allow for the adjustment to the height of the bed.


* Special quality steel is used for more strength and durability of the bed. To avoid stripping and over tightening of the bolts a special Allen key is used. Steel cross bars sheets of Masonite are used for support at the side railing.


* DIY beds, from plans and instructions available on the internet


Advantages of platform beds:


1. You can make a platform bed yourself from readily available plans found on the internet


2. They provide a better mattress support area since it does not have a box spring underneath.


3. It increases the storage space and makes the room looks clean and tidy.


4. These beds are very affordable.


5. Allergies to dust can be avoided, as dust does not get collected under the bed.


6. They are portable and comfortable.


To buy a platform bed:


There are many web sites and on line merchants from where you can buy a platform bed. These web sites offer the latest designs for platform beds at very reasonable prices.


They are available in a wide range of prices so its very easy to choose a bed that suits our budget. Alternatively you could make a platform bed, the plans are readily available on the internet

Family Health - Investing In An Ionic Air Purifier

According to the American College of Allergists, polluted indoor air causes or contributes toward ½ of all illnesses. For families with two or more children who all have the potential of contracting a variety of illnesses throughout the year, do the math and you'll see how expensive it can be to be exposed to the ever-present contaminants that make themselves at home in your air.


Mold, dust, pollen and other irritants can exist in stagnant air and actually increase in intensity when they're brought in on hair, clothing and other objects that are introduced from the outdoors each day. Even tiny flakes of dried skin can become airborne, unseen to the naked eye, and cause respiratory problems for those who reside in the home. Since the ability to prevent these agents from entering the environment is not within your power, then steps must be taken to remove them before illness develops as a result of their presence in the air that you breathe.


Effects of Indoor Contaminants


In order to eliminate allergens and other contaminants from your home, you'll need to make a solid plan for purifying the air - in other words, you'll need to install an effective filtration system. The best way to accomplish this is by utilizing an Ionic Air Purifier. By integrating one of these systems into your home, you'll be eliminating those agents which adversely impact your health and cause you to suffer from a variety of symptoms, some of which may include:


+ Eye irritations
+ Nose and Throat irritations
+ Headaches
+ Sinus Infections
+ Sneezing
+ Coughing
+ Allergies
+ Asthma
+ Colds, Flu and Viruses
+ Ear infections
+ Respiratory Infections
+ Skin Irritations
+ Nausea


You may naturally assume that these pollutants can be eliminated through the course of regular housecleaning, or even more strenuous cleaning regimens, such as spring or fall cleaning sprees. Unfortunately, that's not the case. No matter how much you apply yourself to housecleaning, these contaminants will remain in the air. In fact, dusting and other forms of cleaning may cause allergens that have come to rest on furniture and carpeting to become airborne, causing adverse reactions to your health.


Various Types and Models of Ionic Air Purifier


While the standard model of Ionic Air Purifier utilizes negative ion generators to charge airborne particles so that they become attracted to the surfaces of furniture and other inanimate objects throughout your home, those which utilize electrostatic precipitators will actually trap the contaminants between metal plates that are housed within the unit, effectively cleaning the air and keeping it free of these irritating agents.


In addition to cleaning the air, these purifiers are often silent and energy efficient, and don't release any chemicals into the air. Another perk is that these systems are filterless, making them ideal for purifying a room or the entire interior of your home. Simply clean the metal plates regularly, and you're all set - without the ongoing cost of filters.


Of course, many pollutants also cause foul odors to be present in the air, such as in the case of cigarette smoke, the musty smell of mold, or simply the stale smell that's a by-product of stagnant air. Purifiers such as these also work to remove such odors, making the air pleasant to smell, as well as to breathe.


While the prices of Ionic Air Purifiers may seem a bit exorbitant in some cases, they can actually be purchased for under $100, depending upon the size of the unit and the competition among various dealers. When you consider the cost of medical bills due to the variety of illnesses that can crop up as the result of contaminated air, these units will pay for themselves in very short order. When viewed from that perspective, it's far more costly not to own a purifier than it is to invest in one.

Here Are 7 Things Everyone Should Know About Buying Furniture Online

Purchasing furniture online can be a very fun and rewarding adventure. You don’t have to waste all day in mall traffic and only going to a handful of stores. You can shop in the comfort of your own home without the pressure of pushy sales people. You can literally see hundreds of items in a very short time.


We want to make your online shopping experience as rewarding as possible. Here are a few things to consider when making your purchase to avoid the pitfalls of shopping online.


View Pictures Carefully
Sometimes it’s hard to tell exactly what color an item is online. Everyone’s monitor shows colors differently, so take that into consideration when buying furniture. Are the colors of the fabric truly that color? When spending a large amount of money, it’s imperative that you know that before you make a purchase. Some vendors may have fabric swatches that you can request and view before making a purchase. It is important to be sure about your purchase as many vendors charge a restocking fee and shipping if you want to return an item that you are not satisfied with.


Construction of Your New Furniture
You’ll want to be sure to know what materials are used to build the furniture. Some furniture is made from synthetic materials, while other furniture is made from wood, metal or other material. It doesn’t necessarily matter what your furniture is made of as long as you know that it is of good quality. If you need something that will become a family heirloom, it’s helpful to check out online forums to see if anyone else knows about the manufacturer of the furniture you are buying.


Additional Options
Online retailers cannot always put every option that is available for furniture on their websites. Some furniture comes in many different styles, shapes and sizes. You may have a plethora of options available to you, but not see them online. Be sure to ask if the furniture that you are buying comes in any other variations. Many times you can choose the leather, fabric and even a different style for each piece.


Be Aware of Shipping Times
When you buy furniture online, you need to find out exactly when it will ship, especially if you are pressed for time. Some items can be express shipped if needed. Other items may be coming from China and will not arrive for 2-3 months. Find out ahead of time in order to avoid frustration. Many online retailers can contact their vendor before you purchase an item to be sure that it is in stock. Some may even have the furniture in stock at their warehouse. If it says 2-3 weeks for delivery and you absolutely must have it in that time frame, a quick call or email to verify this will alleviate a lot of headaches in the long run.


Paying Extra for Delivery
How much will it cost to have your new furniture delivered? Most companies have to ship furniture via freight. This means a tractor trailer must deliver your furniture. Will you have to pay extra for the truck driver to unload your furniture? Most freight companies charge extra for the driver to handle the freight. When the trucking company calls to make arrangements for delivery, you will want to be sure and ask them about additional fees associated with unloading your furniture.


Furniture Care
Make sure that you find out the best way to care for your new furniture. Leather will need to be treated differently than fabric. Some furniture may require that you wax, reseal or do some other maintenance to it to keep it looking great for years to come.


Enjoying Your New Furniture
Once you have picked out your new furniture, purchased it and had it delivered, then you can enjoy it. There’s no better way to enjoy your new furniture than with your friends and family. By doing some homework and asking questions before you make your purchase, you can be assured that you will not have any unwanted surprises when it arrives.

Appliance Choices: Gas Or Electric Dryer?

If you are purchasing a new dryer for your home, one of the questions you may be considering is whether you should buy an electric dryer or a gas one.


Cost to run is one factor. A survey in 2004 found that electric dryers were about twice as expensive to run as gas dryers. Another source’s August 2005 calculation reached a similar conclusion. However, gas dryers are also more expensive than electric dryers, usually by about $50-$80 for comparable quality. Plus, if your previous dryer was electric and you don’t have gas lines hooked up for a gas dryer, you will have to pay for their installation. For a typical family of four with gas lines already installed, they will save the $50 extra they spent on the gas dryer in their utility bills in just under a year. Since most home inspection experts agree that a dryer should last about 10-15 years, the gas dryer is the wiser economic choice, maybe even if you have to have the lines put in.


There are other features available on both gas and electric dryers that can affect their energy efficiency, and therefore, your energy costs, as well. One is a moisture sensor. This sensor can tell when your clothes are dry and when they are, it shuts itself off. This can be a huge energy saver. Another feature to look at closely is capacity. A dryer with more cubic foot area in the drum allows more air to move between clothes and thus, dry them faster. When combined with a moisture sensor, this will lead to shorter cycles without having to keep an eye on your laundry.


Prices for gas and electricity supply may fluctuate, but these generalities should hold true in most places. When you’re shopping, look for the black and yellow EnergyGuide label on dryers and other appliances. They will tell you how much it will cost to run with average usage. Check out this site for a spreadsheet that has space for you to enter your local rates for gas and electricity so you can individualize your calculations: http://www.jimcarson.com/a/2005/12/gas_versus_elec_1.shtml. The consensus seems to be that while gas prices are going up, gas dryers are still cheaper to run than electric dryers (especially since electricity rates generally rise when gas prices do), but the gap is shrinking and in some localities, may have flipped. That’s why it’s a good idea to enter your own numbers.

Decorating a Child's Room with Tropical Themes

When I think of decorating a child's room tropically, I immediately think decorating with palm trees, sand, and mischievous monkeys. A good way to begin this transformation is to go to a local craft store and look at the wall adhesives. Most of the wall-paper like pictures easily stick to the wall, are movable, and leave little or no residue when your child decides he or she wants a change. 


If wall adhesives aren't your style, or you want to make the wall a little more three dimensional, then you can take simple acrylic paint and create the palm trees (which are very easy to create for a child). 


After the walls are done, find either green bedding or bedding with pictures on it that will mesh well with those that you have chosen for the walls. If you cannot find bedding that you and your child think will work, go to the fabric section and look for the children's fabrics. Usually there will be several tropically themed fabrics to choose from. If you don't want to make the sheets you can always find a solid sheet set that will match well with the fabric you choose for the comforter and then either make the comforter yourself or ask a local seamstress to create the blanket for you. If you have two made one heavy and one light, then you can keep the tropical themed bedding throughout the year. 


A good idea for wall art to compliment these decorations, you can either use the previously mentioned wall adhesives or have your child create their own pictures to frame and hang on the walls. If you use one wall as a mural and paint the rest with a solid tropical color your child's wall art will look impressive. Or, you can create a blackboard wall with blackboard paint and your child can continuously draw new wall art.


A tropical vacation wouldn't be complete without watching a sunset or the stars. To create this for your child you can paint a scene on the ceiling, or find star and moon wall adhesives to attach to the ceiling (that way the ceiling scene can be changed out quickly and easily). 


There are several periodicals on decorating your child’s room. You can also visit local furniture stores or view online furniture stores. When designing your child’s room, it is important that you keep in mind that eventually your child will out grow his/her room. Try sticking with neutral colors. 
    
 Always remember that to make your child happiest with the room, allow them to help in the process. If their shorter, let them help you place art at their height or even, to an extent, paint the mural (there are several easy things that they can do, like paint sand or grass). Take them with you to choose the fabrics and wall art and let them help you decide where things go. They will feel a great sense of pride in the room that they helped create.


Check out http://www.art-ickles.com for unique items for decorating your kids' rooms.

How To Choose The Right Fridge & Freezer

Modern Fridge & Freezer Features:


An LCD suggesting what type of foods should be stored at what temperatures and the expiration date of the food stored.


Filter Status Indicator tells you when it's time for a change.


A cooling zone in the refrigerator door shelves. Air from the freezer section is diverted to the refrigerator door, helping to keep milk or juice in the door shelf colder.


An in-door ice caddie, which relocate the icemaker storage to the freezer door and saves approximately 2 cubic feet (60 L) of functional freezer space. It is also detachable, and helps to prevent icemaker clogging. In-door ice caddies are exclusive to side-by-side Fridge Freezers.


A power failure warning, alerting the user to the failure, usually by flashing the temperature display.


Frost-free operation. Over time atmospheric water vapor condenses onto the cooling coils as ice, which can eventually build up into a layer several centimeters thick. This can be removed by emptying the refrigerator and turning it off so that the ice melts. In a Fridge & Freezer equipped for frost-free operation, a heater and a thermostat are fitted around the cooling coils. The cooling is periodically switched off (varies between every 6 to 24 hours depending on model) and the heater turned on until the temperature around the coils slightly exceeds the freezing point of water, after which normal cooling is resumed. This melts any ice which has collected around the coils and prevents it from building up.


The maximum temperature reached during the power failure may be displayed, along with information on whether the frozen food has defrosted or may contain dangerous bacteria.


An gradually more important environmental concern is the disposal of an old Fridge & Freezer - initially because of the Freon coolant damaging the ozone layer, but as the older generation of refrigerators disappears it is the destruction of CFC-bearing insulation which causes concern. A modern Fridge & Freezer usually use a refrigerant called HFC-134a (1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane) instead of Freon, which has no ozone layer depleting properties.

Dishwashers 101

Learning a few dishwasher basics can make washing dishes seem like less of a chore. Try these tips:


Delicate Glassware


Typically, you need to use soft water to safely clean china and other delicate glassware. However, new types of dishwashers actually detect the hardness in water that can etch glassware. They add salt as needed so that the dishwasher can safely clean delicate items.


Energy and Timesaving Features


Having a dishwasher with an internal water heater saves energy and allows the dishwasher to get hot enough to remove baked-on messes-meaning you won't have to prerinse dishes. An added bonus to a dishwasher with an internal heater is that the washer does not have an electric wire on the bottom. That means you can load plastics on the bottom rack without fear of melting.


Loading Capacity


When shopping for a dishwasher, determine the load capacity you need your washer to have. Don't be afraid to bring your tall plates, glasses and other items to the store so you can get a feel for how they load. A new line of dishwashers from Miele is designed to accommodate a bulk of everyday dishes, as well as unusually shaped items such as champagne flutes, oversized dinner plates and serving platters. The washers have a loading capacity of up to 14 international place settings and a clever array of baskets and inserts helps homeowners optimize the space inside the washer.


Specific Wash Functions


The washers also feature a high-tech touch-screen system that lets users select the exact type of wash they need. The system has 19 wash cycles and a wash program for virtually all types of dirty-dish situations-whether you need to get baked-on Brie off of china or rice out from between the tines of forks. It's designed to sanitize baby bottles, blast pots and pans clean and hygienically clean plastic. Additionally, the dishwashers were designed with appearance and quiet perfor-mance in mind (some models barely make more noise than a pot of boiling water)-and they're energy efficient and conserve water. In fact, 90 percent of the dishwashers themselves are recyclable.

Adjustable Beds and Bed Buying Methods

With the creation of online shopping access to a whole lot of bed products is one of its major benefits, say you want a expert product, lets say a double loft bed, you may possibly be smarter searching in a home furnishing or bed directory, these will contain particular categories so locating a twin size loft bed, metal loft bunk bed and even a full size iron bed will never turn out to be a problem.


You should also be aware that bed specialists and other people who might often work with or have some involvement with beds can easily be discovered via the regional telephone books, there will be no shortage of people who are in some way linked with the subject of beds and they can save you a sizable amount of your valuable time by helping you with your bed related queries.


A whole host of bed related searches could possibly have led you to a bed or home furnishing associated portal, searches such as "find heavy duty bed frames" or "guides on adjustable king size beds", the real trick with any interior design portal is to go immediately to the site menu, if you do this you should not be side tracked due to bed guides that are not connected to the bedding product you need.


A fair bit of bed information with the help of the internet can be acquired in the United States, Australia and a mass of continents, home improvement directories should generally give any consumer the details of globally based bed portals so buying beds from your national vicinity is swifter and much more convenient than it was before.


Now if you should happen to seek advice on canopy beds it could possibly be better to use the info in a bed directory in order to make contact with a bed supplier, if you then do this you will clearly get a fair amount of bed guidance for free.


A sizeable number of bed focused searches might certainly have led you to a bed or home improvement targeted portal, searches like "deals on heavy duty bed frames" or "low cost adjustable twin beds", the main trick with any bedding site is to go directly to the site category map, if you do this you will not be side tracked because of bed reviews which are not connected to the bed you require.


A considerable number of bed merchants should generally be decent and a small minority somewhat poor, if a person requires local bedding info it might very well be better to send any local sources of bed knowledge a simple email, it should be as clear as you can and say something such as "I am searching for wood bed frames or wooden bunk beds", what is contained in your email will depend on what kind of bed product you are interested in.


Now if you should seek data on antique bed frames it may possibly be better to use the information in a bed website in order to initiate contact with a bed specialist, by doing this you will doubtless get access to a fair amount of bed help for free.

Add Scented Jar Candles To Any Room In Your Home

Any room in your home can benefit from the addition of some fantastic scented jar candles. The style of scented jar candles will never fade and they are durable and long lasting. The majority of scented jar candles will last anywhere from 50 to 120 hours. They always look great and they are some of the most affordable candles on the market today.


Everyone loves nice scented jar candles, that is why they are so popular and hard to keep on the shelves of stores. If you look in any home décor magazine you are gong to see plenty of these scented jar candles in all different rooms. Decorators suggest putting scented jar candles in your bathroom to get rid of any lingering unwanted smells, in your front hall so that guests are greeted with a warm and inviting scent and eve the dining room. 


When you choose some scented jar candles for the dining room or the kitchen you should take the time to choose the scented jar candles that will promote an appetite. You do not want to choose a smell that will make people not want to eat. A more subtle scent is usually the kind that you want to go for in any room where eating will be done.


You can even use scented jar candles to create a romantic mood between you and your lover. Everyone like to forget their troubles for awhile and what better way to do this than to light up some scented jar candles and sit back with the one you love. Perhaps have some wine and listen to some soft music or even just talk to each other. I am telling you that scented jar candles could make all of the difference to your night any day of the week. Light some up tonight and relax with your partner, you both deserve it.


Scented jar candles are easy to find and are very affordable. You can purchase scented jar candles online or by mail or even at your local grocery store. The best place to get scented jar candles for cheap is the internet. There is a huge market for these fantastic candles online. You will find many different brands for much less than you would find them for anywhere else. If you don’t believe me check it out for yourself, you will be amazed at the savings that you can find on scented jar candles online.


If you do not yet have any scented jar candles in your home, there is no time like the present to get some. Start shopping for your scented jar candles today and get in on the after holiday savings, you will not be disappointed. Scented jar candles can really change the whole feel of your home for the better.

Dealing with Carpet Stains

Everyone has a different approach to combating fresh stains on a carpet. Most consumers are quick to run to a nearby cabinet to snatch some sort of solution and pour it over the stain. While this may seem like a smart idea, it’s really not. Many people end up damaging their carpets by acting in such an expedient and rash manner. 


As of today, there are various types of carpets available to consumers – each made out of different materials. What creates an issue is that many consumers don’t pay attention to the type of carpet they have. Thus, as they shop for a cleaning solution they grab the one which seems most fit to them. When they dab their carpet with this solution, they usually find it has an opposite effect – one that’s not very desirable. We recommend stocking up on some neutral carpet cleaning supplies, ones that are fit for just about any material. 


However, there are some specific cases that may require special more than just some cleaning solution. Stains that are the result of ink, wine, or pet urine may require the attention of a qualified professional. If you’re up to the task, you could consider tackling the project yourself. This would require some equipment rentals and a bit of elbow grease. You will find, in the end that it’s a wiser choice to have a professional do it. 


So how does a professional go about cleaning carpet stains? First off, he or she asses the carpet and decides on the best treatment option. Some common cleaning techniques include dry chemical cleaning, steam cleaning, hot water extraction, and dry cleaning. Depending on the severity and type of stain, the carpet cleaner will choose an appropriate process. Although you may be convinced that you could save money by cleaning your carpet yourself, you will end up paying more. 


Carpet stains are unfortunate but shouldn’t be made a huge deal of. If you know what to do when a stain first appears, you should have no problem getting rid of it and getting back to enjoying your carpet