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!
Showing posts with label room decorating tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label room decorating tips. Show all posts
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.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Go Big at Home
You know the saying, “Go big or go home”? Well, we think you should go big at home! Most people make a common mistake when it comes to choosing furniture. They tend to shy away from larger pieces in favor of several small pieces. The result is a cluttered, messy hodgepodge that makes the room look smaller. While it is possible to crowd a room with oversized furniture, one well utilized piece not only adds visual appeal, it also provides storage, thereby making the room seem larger.
Don’t be intimidated by large furnishings. Depending on the room size, you should stick to one or two pieces, like a contemporary sectional and patterned rug or an oversized piece of art. When a substantial, attention-grabbing piece is introduced, a visually stimulating focal point is created that gives the room direction.
Don’t be intimidated by large furnishings. Depending on the room size, you should stick to one or two pieces, like a contemporary sectional and patterned rug or an oversized piece of art. When a substantial, attention-grabbing piece is introduced, a visually stimulating focal point is created that gives the room direction.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Laid Back Design Style We Love - Cottage Style
Ok, here's the last of our suggestions for the day. The laid back cottage design style.
"Laid-back best describes your way of life, which means cottage style is right up your alley. You love rooms that feel casual, breezy, and informal. Consider slipcovered furniture and painted wood pieces to achieve a put-your-feet-ip vibe. Use crisp white as the ideal backdrop for layers of soft accent colors found in pillows, rugs and vintage accessories."
Think of your favorite little cottage by the sea or in the countryside for inspiration. Simple and quaint and relaxing are all things that are synonymous with this style we love so much. Check out our website for furniture to match this!
"Laid-back best describes your way of life, which means cottage style is right up your alley. You love rooms that feel casual, breezy, and informal. Consider slipcovered furniture and painted wood pieces to achieve a put-your-feet-ip vibe. Use crisp white as the ideal backdrop for layers of soft accent colors found in pillows, rugs and vintage accessories."
Think of your favorite little cottage by the sea or in the countryside for inspiration. Simple and quaint and relaxing are all things that are synonymous with this style we love so much. Check out our website for furniture to match this!
Polished Casual Design Style
Ok, so onto another popular design style that you can incorporate into your living room and bedroom design and furniture. It's called polished casual.
Here's Better Homes and Garden's great explanation:
"You love to mix and match your favorites from several styles, so polished casual is the best way to describe your look. Crisp, fresh and always comfortable, this approach anchors itself in neutral, subtle hues and furniture that isn't fussy but isn't slouchy either. Pair your clean-lined sofa with a dark leather wing chair or a weathered metal table - anything goes, but simplicity is key."
This look is great for the casual, fun person. It allows you to bring in different pieces of your personality and mix and match.
Here's Better Homes and Garden's great explanation:
"You love to mix and match your favorites from several styles, so polished casual is the best way to describe your look. Crisp, fresh and always comfortable, this approach anchors itself in neutral, subtle hues and furniture that isn't fussy but isn't slouchy either. Pair your clean-lined sofa with a dark leather wing chair or a weathered metal table - anything goes, but simplicity is key."
This look is great for the casual, fun person. It allows you to bring in different pieces of your personality and mix and match.
Warm or Cool - Color Schemes to Fit Your Mood
So, we recently posted about color theory in regards to home decoration. We'd like to continue that discussion by talking now about the different types of color. Let's start with the main colors and what type of feeling each conveys.
Cool colors -
Cool colors in general convey a sort of serenity and peace in a room. They are soothing and zen-like. Blues are remeniscent of the ocean and sky. Blue can also show professionalism. Purples are cool tones, but convey a sense of regality and money. Cool colors in general tend to recede in a room. They are not the dominant colors.
Warm colors -
Warm colors are stimulating and advancing. They command attention and power. They spark creativity and warmth. In a sense they reflect objects in nature - the sun is yellow, fire is red and orange. Red and yellow make us hungry. Look at the colors of all your favorite fast-food joints. These colors tend to be the dominant colors.
A tip to follow when decorating - For either color scheme, warm or cool, make sure to balance it with pops of a color from the other side. Perhaps add a green plant to a warm room, to cool it down. Add red pillows to a blue and white living room sofa to warm up a cool color scheme.
Either way, carefully plan what type of feeling you want your room to have and plan accordingly. The worst thing to do is to start decorating without a plan.
Cool colors -
Cool colors in general convey a sort of serenity and peace in a room. They are soothing and zen-like. Blues are remeniscent of the ocean and sky. Blue can also show professionalism. Purples are cool tones, but convey a sense of regality and money. Cool colors in general tend to recede in a room. They are not the dominant colors.
Warm colors -
Warm colors are stimulating and advancing. They command attention and power. They spark creativity and warmth. In a sense they reflect objects in nature - the sun is yellow, fire is red and orange. Red and yellow make us hungry. Look at the colors of all your favorite fast-food joints. These colors tend to be the dominant colors.
A tip to follow when decorating - For either color scheme, warm or cool, make sure to balance it with pops of a color from the other side. Perhaps add a green plant to a warm room, to cool it down. Add red pillows to a blue and white living room sofa to warm up a cool color scheme.
Either way, carefully plan what type of feeling you want your room to have and plan accordingly. The worst thing to do is to start decorating without a plan.
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