There are three factors to consider when picking out pillows for your traditional bed.
Do you sleep on your side or your back?
Foam pillows are the most stable and are the right choice for you if you sleep on your side or your back, because they keep your neck in a neutral position. Neck muscles can tense up if your neck doesn’t maintain its natural curve, which could lead to headaches. If you sleep on your side, choose a contoured version of a foam pillow (the front mound fills in the gap between your neck and shoulder).
Or are you most comfortable on your stomach?
Density isn’t as import if you sleep on your stomach (because your neck requires less support in this position), so choose a down pillow. Down compresses easily so when you move your neck in your sleep air passages won’t be restricted.
Do you suffer from allergies?
Down isn’t the right choice for you, as dust mites burrow into down. Invest in a miteproof cover.
Here at Zara Furniture, we hope our bedding tips help!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Making the Most of Your Bed: Part Two
Do you want a simple blanket, quilt, comforter or decorative coverlet to keep you warm and complement your bedroom furniture? Read ahead to find out in part two of Zara Furniture’s guide to all things related to your traditional bed.
Selecting a bedcover – pick from these common types:
• Quilts: Filled with cotton or polyester batter, quilts can be machine-washable but make sure to check the label.
• Simple blankets: Choose one with a border for the most longevity.
• Comforters: Choose from different types of fillings:
o Cotton: The most breathable choice.
o Fleece: Usually made of polyester fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. A plush choice.
o Wool: This natural insulator will keep you warm. Looking to make your bed as luxe as possible? Pick virgin wool.
o Down: Ask about the fill power (the space an ounce of down fills – 550 is adequate; 800 is luxury) and where it comes from (the fluffiest down will come from geese from colder regions).
Caring for a bedcover:
• If you use a top sheet, wash your duvet cover one a month. If you don’t wash it weekly.
• Down comforters should be laundered twice a year, or every three to five years if covered. To prevent clumping, put a few (clean) tennis balls into the dryer.
Selecting a bedcover – pick from these common types:
• Quilts: Filled with cotton or polyester batter, quilts can be machine-washable but make sure to check the label.
• Simple blankets: Choose one with a border for the most longevity.
• Comforters: Choose from different types of fillings:
o Cotton: The most breathable choice.
o Fleece: Usually made of polyester fibers made from recycled plastic bottles. A plush choice.
o Wool: This natural insulator will keep you warm. Looking to make your bed as luxe as possible? Pick virgin wool.
o Down: Ask about the fill power (the space an ounce of down fills – 550 is adequate; 800 is luxury) and where it comes from (the fluffiest down will come from geese from colder regions).
Caring for a bedcover:
• If you use a top sheet, wash your duvet cover one a month. If you don’t wash it weekly.
• Down comforters should be laundered twice a year, or every three to five years if covered. To prevent clumping, put a few (clean) tennis balls into the dryer.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Making the Most of Your Bed: Part One
Once you’ve picked your traditional bed, you still have a lot to consider, like choosing a mattress, bedcover and pillows. Read the first part of Zara Furniture’s bedding guide and stay tuned for parts two and three later this week.
Selecting a mattress - choose from these three main types:
• Innerspring construction: A good way to determine the amount of support in this mattress—the most common—is to see the number of steel coils it contains. The coils are topped with layers of padding. 350 coils are recommended for a full-size mattress, 480 for a queen and 580 for a king.
• Air-filled models: Composed of air chambers surrounded by foam, you can adjust the firmness to your liking. A top layer of high-density foam is smart.
• Foam mattresses: Choose from latex (composed of natural or synthetic rubber), polyurethane (density varies) and viscoelastic (think: memory foam). If you get hot during your sleep, choose open-cell construction to maximize breathability.
Caring for a mattress -make the most of your investment with these tips:
• Flip and rotate your mattress every few months to ensure even wear and vacuum as well.
• Air your mattress out for a few hours once a year.
Selecting a mattress - choose from these three main types:
• Innerspring construction: A good way to determine the amount of support in this mattress—the most common—is to see the number of steel coils it contains. The coils are topped with layers of padding. 350 coils are recommended for a full-size mattress, 480 for a queen and 580 for a king.
• Air-filled models: Composed of air chambers surrounded by foam, you can adjust the firmness to your liking. A top layer of high-density foam is smart.
• Foam mattresses: Choose from latex (composed of natural or synthetic rubber), polyurethane (density varies) and viscoelastic (think: memory foam). If you get hot during your sleep, choose open-cell construction to maximize breathability.
Caring for a mattress -make the most of your investment with these tips:
• Flip and rotate your mattress every few months to ensure even wear and vacuum as well.
• Air your mattress out for a few hours once a year.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
More Than a Mirror
Mirrors are one of the most underrated decorating pieces. Sure, you use them every day, but did you know that a well-placed mirror can show off your style, make a room seem bigger or even give a room a drastically different perspective? Read our tips for making the most out of your mirrors.
• Tight on space? Prop a large mirror—at least ¾ the height of the wall—to fake extra square footage.
• Create instant artwork by grouping mirrors of varying size and shape and frame type on a wall for a spin on the current trendy picture wall.
• Have a room with only one window? Strategically hang a mirror so that it reflects the window and gives the illusion that there are two. Bonus: During the day this will bring more light in.
• Don’t have a table runner? Place a full-length mirror (the inexpensive kind you would attach to the back of a bedroom or closet door) on top of your dining room table. This unexpected table topper looks chic with flowers and candles on top or even on its own.
• During the warmer months when your fireplace is on hiatus, place a mirror inside and set pillar candles in front.
Whether you have a leaf mirror lying around or plan on picking up some mirrors for an easy decorating fix, we hope these tips help!
• Tight on space? Prop a large mirror—at least ¾ the height of the wall—to fake extra square footage.
• Create instant artwork by grouping mirrors of varying size and shape and frame type on a wall for a spin on the current trendy picture wall.
• Have a room with only one window? Strategically hang a mirror so that it reflects the window and gives the illusion that there are two. Bonus: During the day this will bring more light in.
• Don’t have a table runner? Place a full-length mirror (the inexpensive kind you would attach to the back of a bedroom or closet door) on top of your dining room table. This unexpected table topper looks chic with flowers and candles on top or even on its own.
• During the warmer months when your fireplace is on hiatus, place a mirror inside and set pillar candles in front.
Whether you have a leaf mirror lying around or plan on picking up some mirrors for an easy decorating fix, we hope these tips help!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Making the Most of Your Small Space
Just because your home or apartment is small doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style! You can make even the smallest space appear roomier with a few simple strategies.
In your kitchen, make sure you can move around among the stove, sink and refrigerator without running into anything. It will save your sanity when cooking and also make the space appear larger. If your kitchen area is especially tight, consider replacing a traditional table and chairs with a bar table and bar stools for a contemporary look that is also space-friendly.
When dealing with limited square footage, try to find items that can do double duty by performing multiple functions. Coffee tables can serve as extra seating in a pinch, for example, and can also store books or other items. Although pushing furniture to the sides of the room might seem like it will make your living room seem larger, it actually does the opposite by making the space look like a waiting room! Use a rug in a neutral color to unify the room and give it a focal point.
Lighting also plays a major role in decorating a small space. The darker the room is, the smaller it will feel. So make sure to let in as much light as possible and add mirrors to the walls to open things up even further. Strategic painting can also help. By painting the walls a brighter color than an adjacent hallway or room, the space will feel less cramped.
In your kitchen, make sure you can move around among the stove, sink and refrigerator without running into anything. It will save your sanity when cooking and also make the space appear larger. If your kitchen area is especially tight, consider replacing a traditional table and chairs with a bar table and bar stools for a contemporary look that is also space-friendly.
When dealing with limited square footage, try to find items that can do double duty by performing multiple functions. Coffee tables can serve as extra seating in a pinch, for example, and can also store books or other items. Although pushing furniture to the sides of the room might seem like it will make your living room seem larger, it actually does the opposite by making the space look like a waiting room! Use a rug in a neutral color to unify the room and give it a focal point.
Lighting also plays a major role in decorating a small space. The darker the room is, the smaller it will feel. So make sure to let in as much light as possible and add mirrors to the walls to open things up even further. Strategic painting can also help. By painting the walls a brighter color than an adjacent hallway or room, the space will feel less cramped.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Decorating Without Breaking the Bank
Just because you’ve filled your home with low cost furniture doesn’t mean your space is complete—you still have to decorate! Follow our tips for decorating your space without breaking the bank.
• Have shells and sea glass lying around from your last beach vacation? Make use of it by creating a display on an entry way table or bathroom counter. Bonus: it will remind you of your vacation all year long.
• Want to introduce a new color to your living room or bedroom without spending a lot? Brightly colored lampshades will pop and redefine your space.
• Make your own coatrack. Seriously. Even if you aren’t crafty, it is easy to glue found materials like stones and pieces of driftwood to a plank of wood to create a natural-looking coatrack that serves as a utility and conversation piece. Have kids? Make it an after-school craft project.
• Is your place tight on space? Prop up a large mirror to open it up. This decorating trick will create imaginary square footage and brighten your room.
• Don’t have enough cash to purchase artwork? Hang like-colored plates or oriental rugs on your walls for a dramatic (and inexpensive) answer to artwork.
• Have shells and sea glass lying around from your last beach vacation? Make use of it by creating a display on an entry way table or bathroom counter. Bonus: it will remind you of your vacation all year long.
• Want to introduce a new color to your living room or bedroom without spending a lot? Brightly colored lampshades will pop and redefine your space.
• Make your own coatrack. Seriously. Even if you aren’t crafty, it is easy to glue found materials like stones and pieces of driftwood to a plank of wood to create a natural-looking coatrack that serves as a utility and conversation piece. Have kids? Make it an after-school craft project.
• Is your place tight on space? Prop up a large mirror to open it up. This decorating trick will create imaginary square footage and brighten your room.
• Don’t have enough cash to purchase artwork? Hang like-colored plates or oriental rugs on your walls for a dramatic (and inexpensive) answer to artwork.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Give Your Home a Beach Resort Makeover
Too pinched financially to take a vacation this summer? Have a staycation instead! Just be sure to summerize your space so it will feel like you’re at the beach all season long. Use the following easy tips to make your home feel like a beach resort:
• Scatter shells and other beachy items around the house to remind you of the beach. Who says a glass bowl filled with sea shells isn’t art?
• Wood hutches in neutral colors and white end tables lighten up your space, adding to the vacation-house feel you’re looking for.
• Drape a blanket over a chaise lounge to create a comfortable spot to read. It will be just like the beach—minus the sand!
• Get fresh flowers. Because they are an indulgence, it will add to the vacation vibe you are going for. Just try not to smile every time you pass by a vase full of fresh flowers. We dare you.
• Give your bedroom furniture a mini makeover. For the summer months, transition to unfussy bedding in relaxing shades of white and blue. Bonus points for splurging on a high thread count.
• Frame those pictures from your last beach vacation that have been sitting on your digital camera. They will summarize your home and get you thinking about your next beach getaway.
• Scatter shells and other beachy items around the house to remind you of the beach. Who says a glass bowl filled with sea shells isn’t art?
• Wood hutches in neutral colors and white end tables lighten up your space, adding to the vacation-house feel you’re looking for.
• Drape a blanket over a chaise lounge to create a comfortable spot to read. It will be just like the beach—minus the sand!
• Get fresh flowers. Because they are an indulgence, it will add to the vacation vibe you are going for. Just try not to smile every time you pass by a vase full of fresh flowers. We dare you.
• Give your bedroom furniture a mini makeover. For the summer months, transition to unfussy bedding in relaxing shades of white and blue. Bonus points for splurging on a high thread count.
• Frame those pictures from your last beach vacation that have been sitting on your digital camera. They will summarize your home and get you thinking about your next beach getaway.
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