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Design Tips Dining Rooms

Dining Set Buying Guide – The RoomPlace

One of the most important pieces of furniture you’ll have in your home is your dining set. Not only is this the place where your friends and family will gather for delicious meals and good times, but it’s also where kids will do homework and a place where you can play games. It’s also one of the focal points of your home.

Having the right dining set can drastically change how your room looks. Thus, it’s imperative that you take the time and effort to find the dining set that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. To make this process as easy and stress-free as possible, read the following tips on how to buy the right dining set.

Consider the Size

The first thing you’ll need to think about when buying a new dining set is what size you’ll need. Not only should you be thinking about how many people will be gathering around the table, but you also need to think about the size of the room. To ensure that you are getting the right sized table, you’ll need to take measurements.

It’s important that you think about the size of the table and the chairs that will be added to the room. Everyone who sits at the table should have enough room to pull the chair out so that they can slide into it quickly and easily. You also don’t want the chairs banging into the walls or other items in the dining room, as this can cause a lot of damage.

If you have enough room and you plan on having guests over for gatherings, you might decide to get a larger table and some extra chairs. Even if you don’t use them every day, having them for when people visit will ensure that everyone fits comfortably around your dining room table.

Focus on the Table

Since the table is the centerpiece of the dining set, you want to find something that expresses your style and personality. There are many different options to choose from, and you can go with something more traditional or you have the option of getting a table that is more modern.

Traditional Options

Should you decide to go with something more traditional, you will be looking for a wood table. Some of the most popular choices for dining room tables include cherry, mahogany, and oak. Traditional tables generally give off an air of regality, and they can come with intricate designs or decorative carvings in the wood.

In some cases, a traditional table will have a pedestal rather than four legs for support, and you can usually make a traditional table larger by adding table leafs. When it comes to the chairs that go around a traditional table, they will often be as elegant as the table and will probably come with arms.

Modern Flair

If you are looking to add some modern flair to your dining room, most modern tables incorporate glass into their design and are paired with metal or wood. You might even be able to find a modern table that incorporates granite or marble.

Modern tables are often simple with little to no decoration, but they will still stand out and can make your home look incredibly stylish. When it comes to the dining chairs that go around the table, these might have some more designs and style, which will help you add even more flair to your modern dining set.

Find the Right Shape

The most common shape for dining room tables are square and rectangular, and you’ll have a lot of options to choose from if you decide to go this route. But you also have the option of adding round or oval tables to your space, and these can save you some space.

If you plan on having a lot of get-togethers and you want to encourage conversation, then you might want to consider getting a round or oval table. With this option, you’ll also be able to squeeze in as many people as possible around the perimeter of the table.

Not only do you want to consider shape when looking for a new dining room set, but you’ll also need to consider the type of support it has. There are three main types: trestle, pedestal, and legs. These can all have an impact on how people sit at your dining room table and how chairs slide under.

Both the pedestal and trestle options give you more flexibility when it comes to adding people around the table. These supports won’t get in the way and impact how many people can fit. A trestle table will have more space on the sides, but may have limited space on the ends.

Having a table with legs can add more support. As long as you are aware of where the legs are and how it will impact people’s ability to sit around the table, you can find a way to get everyone to fit and still be comfortable at the same time.

Shop at the Right Store

There are lot of things to consider when looking for the right dining room set for your home. You want something that is going to be functional but also looks really good. If you’re looking for selection and variety, then you should see what The RoomPlace has to offer.

From modern to traditional, we have the dining room sets that will add something extra to your space. Browse our selection to find the right dining set that will look fantastic in your home.

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Miscellaneous Room Makeovers

Ultimate Home Office Furniture Setup Guide

Desk

There are perks to working at home, and if you have the right office setup, you can be productive and comfortable throughout the day. Whether you’re setting up a home office on a budget or trying to make the best of current situations, below are the tips on how to set up a home office so that it’s functional.

  1. Choose the Right Room

When you work from home, you have to deal with a lot of different distractions than you would deal with in an office. It’s incredibly easy to be pulled away from your work to watch TV or play with your pets or see what the kids are up to.

Thus, when it comes to choosing the right room for your office, you’ll want to make sure that it has a door that can be closed. This gives you the opportunity to shut out distractions so that you can focus on your work and get things done.

In addition to having a door, you’ll also want to choose a room that has some natural lighting. Not only can the sun illuminate the work you are doing, but it can also enhance your mood and help you feel energized and alert.

Of course, since it won’t be sunny all the time, you’ll want to make sure you have the right lamps for your office. These will help on cloudy days, the shorter winter days, or if you find yourself working late into the evening. Having a desk lamp and some overhead lighting will ensure that your office is illuminated so that you can get stuff done.

  1. Find the Best Desk

When it comes to the best home office setup for productivity, one of the most important pieces you need is a desk. Depending on the room you choose for your home office, you may have the opportunity to have a full-sized desk with many drawers for storage and plenty of space on top for your computer and other items, or you may need to find a space-saving desk.

No matter which option you have to look into, make sure that you can access all of your things quickly and comfortably. Since you will more than likely be using your computer on a daily basis, you’ll want to find a desk that is large enough for the monitor and keyboard, and it should be set up so that the screen is at eye level and your hands and wrists are in the right position while you type.

  1. Your Office Chair Will Make All the Difference

Since you will be spending a lot of your day sitting, it’s imperative that you find an office chair that is comfortable and ergonomic. There are no standards when it comes to chair height and adjustments, so you’ll have to find one that will work for you. Make sure when your feet are flat on the floor that your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.

Other than being able to adjust your office chair to the ideal height, you get to choose what makes it comfortable. If you need a chair with lumbar support, then look for one or add a pillow. If you like to have arms or the ability to tilt back while working, you’ll want to look for a chair that has all of these features. The perfect chair will be based on personal preference, so take the time to find the right one for your home office.

  1. Organization and Storage

In many ways, your home office will be very much like a commercial office, and you will have important documents that will need to be stored somewhere. The most logical place to keep these would be in the drawers of your desk, but if you have to get a space-saving desk, this may not be an option.

You can always add file cabinets to your office space to add addition storage and keep your things organized, but if your office isn’t overly huge, then you’ll need to find another solution. If the room you have turned into a home office has a closest, then you might consider utilizing this space to store and organize your work.

There are many options when it comes to closest organizers, and finding the one that works for you will depend on how much stuff needs to be stored. If you only have a few papers that you keep for a short amount of time, you might consider getting hanging organizers or file cabinets for inside the closet.

If you have a lot of stuff, then getting a closet organizer with many shelves and drawers can create a place for all of your important documentation. If you have items that you need to access quickly and often, you might consider getting baskets or file organizers that will set on top of your desk.

It’s also a good idea to store other items in your home office as well, including pens/pencils, scissors, staplers, stamps, etc. While you probably have these items in your home, you don’t want to have to leave your office every few minutes to grab what you need. Having them within reach in your office will ensure you have the best home office setup for productivity.

  1. Don’t Forget About Your Comfort

Your desk will be in your office to ensure that you can access the technology and items you need to be productive. But there will probably be times throughout the day when you need to think or read, and having a comfortable place to sit is your best option. You can always head out of your office and go to your couch, but this could impact how much work you get done. Plus, when you have extra seating in your home office, this can double as a place for clients to sit if necessary.

Choosing the Right Furniture

When it comes to finding the right furniture for your home office, you don’t have to spend a lot of time visiting a variety of different stores. At The RoomPlace, we have a large selection of furniture that helps you when setting up a home office on a budget or making sure you are productive in your space. Check out what we have to offer and order the furniture that will fit perfectly into your home office space.

 

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Bedrooms Featured Mattresses

Mattress Buying Guide – The RoomPlace

Mattress  guide 1

When it comes time to purchase a new mattress, you’ll have a lot of different — and occasionally confusing – buying options to sort through. Regardless if you’re buying a mattress for yourself, your children, or anyone else in your family, you’ll have to make decisions about when to get rid of your old mattress, what size or type of mattress suits your family best, and then arm yourself with some basic mattress know-how to help you choose wisely.

Here’s a handy mattress buying guide that will simplify the purchasing process by giving you a little insight as to what type of mattress will work best for your particular sleeping needs.

Mattress guide 2

When and Why You Should Replace Your Old Mattress

Unsure if you should replace your mattress or not? If that’s the case, there are a few key points you should pay attention to. If you’re experiencing back pain, restless or uncomfortable sleep, or notice visible damage to your mattress, that’s a clear sign it might be time to buy a new one.

While the longevity of a mattresses varies depending on the materials used (for example, a latex or custom foam mattress will typically last longer than a pillowtop mattress), the average life of a mattress is 7­-8 years. If your mattress is older than 8 years, or too small for your growing children, or getting a little crowded as you toss about next to your significant other, you should consider upgrading.

Mattress guide 3

How Sleep Position Determines Mattress Type

Size, weight, and the position you customarily sleep in are all factors you’ll need to ponder before shelling out your hard-earned money for a new mattress. People who sleep on their back or stomach tend to favor a firmer mattress that offers exceptional support, while folks who like to cozy up their side frequently prefer a comfy, pressure-relieving softer mattress to cradle them.

And then we have “combination sleepers” and men and women of differing sizes. Combination sleepers, who change position throughout the night, can benefit from a memory foam or hybrid mattress that adjusts to the contours of their varying positions, while heavier sleepers will likely get better rest with a firmer mattress with lumbar support that supports their weight, while keeping them from overheating at the same time.

Choosing the Right Mattress Size

The mattress size you ultimately choose will depend on the size of the person or the number of people sleeping on it, if you’re sleeping solo or sharing, the size of your bedroom, and if your pets (cats, dogs, maybe even a snuggly rabbit or two) sleep with you.

From the smallest to the largest, these are the standard mattress sizes you’ll find in the US:

Size                      Dimensions

Twin                      39″ X 75″

Twin XL                 39″ X 80″

Full                        54″ X 75″

Queen                   60″ X 80″

King                       75″ X 80″

California King      72″ X 84″

So, a little common sense applies when deciding on the correct mattress size. A smaller person (or child) in a cramped space would probably do just fine with a Twin or Twin XL, while a couple, or someone who’s tall or tosses and turns while they slumber — like they’re on a rowboat on a turbulent ocean — might do better with a big ole California King.

Mattress Guide 4

Distinguishing Between Different Mattress Materials and Quality

As you’ve probably already gathered, mattresses can be constructed out of a variety of materials or combinations of different materials, and it’s important you understand the primary differences between them.

Here are some of the most common mattress core and comfort layers in use today, which you’ll run across while shopping online, or in person at a brick and mortar store:

Latex

Latex mattresses offer an incredible level of relaxation and relief from back pain, but their higher cost and heavier weight (often making them difficult to handle) sometimes puts people off. The main advantages of sleeping on durable, long-lasting latex (made from rubber trees) come from this spongy material’s ability to keep sleepers cool, while also keeping their spines supported and aligned.

Memory Foam

Mattresses made with memory foam (usually a better choice than polyfoam, which is less durable, and offers less support), absorb motion better than latex. A memory foam core also excels when it comes to molding to your body, and providing substantial joint and pain relief. One con is the fact that foam mattresses aren’t as cool as latex, and tend to sag and show depressions earlier on.

Innerspring

Also known as a coil mattress, innerspring mattresses — made out of steel coils — are found everywhere, and were the go-to sleeping surface back in the day, and are still very common today. The quality of this type of mattress depends on the number of coils and number of coil layers deployed to support your weight, as well as the materials (latex, gel memory foam, etc.) used for the comfort layers, which will of course affect the overall price.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress is any mattress that combines at least two different kinds of support systems. An excellent example of this is a mattress with an innerspring core with a foam or latex comfort layer. Hybrid mattresses, which are usually reasonably priced, are the ideal choice for people who want to preserve the feel of a traditional mattress, but still take advantage of the pain relief, motion reduction, and other benefits foam and latex offers.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for a New Mattress

While other mattresses choices are available, like pillowtop and gel foam mattresses, we’ve covered the fundamentals about mattress types, size, and construction materials, along with the pros and cons associated with the most common mattresses on the market today.

Of course, price, customer reviews and the quality of the warranty offered should go into your final mattress-purchasing decision. But with a little research and some common sense, you should be able to hunt down a mattress that’s right for you or your loved ones, guaranteeing that everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Design Tips DIY Featured

Styling your room has never been so easy!

 

The RoomPlace® has teamed up with Stylyze® to bring you Styleboards™, coordinated room concepts you can customize, right on the RoomPlace website. Style boards™ are curated room looks — in all your favorite styles; Contemporary, Modern, Traditional, and more! You can use the styleboard suggestions as-is to purchase a room you’ll love, or, you can customize Styleboards™ to your exact taste! You can also share your boards on Pinterest and Facebook for your friends to see. Stylyze® Styleboards™ deliver to you a fully integrated shopping experience for every space in your home, in-store or online!

Ever find the perfect sofa but quickly became overwhelmed with what accents and other furniture pieces were needed to create the perfect designer room? You are definitely not alone! We’ve all wanted our homes to look like the makeovers seen on TV! The RoomPlace has the way to make styling your space fun and easy — like a pro swept in and revamped your space!

How can I get started styling? Click on product on TheRoomPlace.com website and scroll down to the section that says “Complete Your Look”. You will see thumbnails of Styleboards™ that showcase your product in different looks. Click on the Styleboard™ that appeals to you. Now click on any product to edit the look and make it your own. Then add your items to cart, and get ready to set up your newly styled room!

Style, shop and share with hundreds of possibilities brought to life for your home. It’s like having an interior designer style your space, for free! Soon you can have an interior designer right in your back pocket too! Our convenient phone app is slated to launch this winter so you can style wherever you go!

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Cleaning & Organizing Design Tips Food & Recipes Home Decor

How to Make a Small Kitchen More Functional

For many, the kitchen is the most important room of the house and while a small kitchen can limit functionality, it doesn’t have to. Here are some tips for taking advantage of limited space in your kitchen:

Organize With Functionality In Mind

While this may seem obvious, prioritizing functionality when making kitchen organization decisions can make a huge difference in the way the space is used. Avoid putting small appliances in places where they may get in the way of food prep and be sure to keep space between items that might need to be used at the same time by different people.

Choose Kitchen Furniture That Complements the Space

Limited counter space can be a huge problem in small kitchens. By using different types of kitchen carts, you can maximize work space and keep your kitchen as functional as possible. Whether you choose a small kitchen cart with wheels or a 3-tier kitchen cart with multiple levels of organization, kitchen carts are a great way to utilize small spaces without losing functionality.

Portable carts

The RoomPlace has a variety of portable kitchen carts that can help keep your kitchen organized. Choose from options with counter space, cabinets, drawers, baskets or some combination of the three.

Bruce Gray Kitchen Cart

Alix Natural Kitchen Island

Vista Server Cart

 Baker’s Rack

If you’re looking for stationary kitchen furniture, a baker’s rack can provide the additional surface you need while providing storage space for everything from kitchen decorations to wine glasses and wine bottles.

Brookside Baker’s Rack

Marsala Baker’s Rack

You don’t have to spend a fortune to get the latest looks, with great deals on furniture and accessories for every room in your home, you can Get It All at The RoomPlace! Shop for kitchen furniture pieces and more online at www.theroomplace.com or visit one of our furniture stores in Chicago and Indianapolis to see the hottest trends on display.

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Featured Shopping & Gifts

Maximize Your Tax Refund & Get 20% off The RoomPlace Furniture

We know you work hard for your money. To help your tax return go that much further this year, we’re offering 20% one item from now until 5/30! This offer is available both online and in our Chicago and Indianapolis showrooms.

This offer applies to single items. Here is just a small sampling of the many items you could choose to get your 20% off!

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Featured

Look What $599 Buys in Chicago and Indianapolis!

We’re gearing up for some unbeatable deals to bring in Spring in true style. Here are just a few samples of what you can get for $599 right now through 3/9/2015. Available online and in our Chicago and Indianapolis stores.

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Design Tips Home Decor Living Rooms

11 Fashionable Sectional Sofas for Small Living Rooms

Sectionals are one of our favorite kinds of compact furniture that offers the perfect seating option for rooms with size constraints. Whether you’re dealing with an Indianapolis home that is 100 square feet or 1,000, The RoomPlace has the perfect sectional for you.

Matrix marries technology and comfort. This bold 7-piece set offers the perfect reclining sectional sofas for small spaces. Adjust the headrest and recliner to suit your needs and get cozy with the sumptuous upholstery.

matrix

San Marco is the perfect way to make everyone happy. The button-activated recliner on each sectional means that every lounger gets the seating experience they want. No arguments!

san marco

 

 

Torricella shows that furniture for small living rooms can still be sophisticated. The contrasting fabric and Nu-Leather upholstery is peppered with grommeting to create that timeless look. This transitional piece will enhance classic and contemporary interiors.

monroe

 

Monroe offers multiple looks in one space-efficient design. Adjust the headrests to create a new style as it suits you — rest assured the comfort of this sleek piece will always remain constant.

galaxy

 

 

Galaxy is proof that simple doesn’t mean boring. A crisp silhouette, contrast stitching, and striking leather upholstery will be a design staple for years to come.

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Lawson creates a comfortable, classic aesthetic. The plush cushions, generous arm rests, and rich leather exudes country club chic

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Preston stands apart from small sectional sofas for small spaces thanks to its big personality and size. Enjoy the comforts of storage space, cup holders, and reclining action with this piece..

Preston

 

 

Kara was made for relaxation. The wide seating profile and lush cushions feel like a cloud, and the bold red upholstery will add a pop of color to your space.

kara

 

 

Enzo brings sleek European design into the comforts of your Indianapolis living room. Clean lines, a bold silver base, and crisp NuLeather completes this luxe look.

enzo

 

 

Nolan is perfect for entertainers in Indianapolis. Storage consoles, reclining features, and generous armrests make this the ideal accent for movie marathons or game nights.

nolan

 

 

Lexi would make Frank Lloyd Wright proud. The dramatic silhouette will feel like a piece of art, and the compact design and adjustable headrests sets it apart from other modern sectional sofas.

lexi

 

 

Modern, classic, transitional, contemporary — These are just a few of the designs you’ll find at The RoomPlace. Take a look online to find your other half!

 

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Bedrooms Design Tips Featured

2015 Trend: Upholstered Beds | The RoomPlace Chicago

2015 is going to be a good year for Chicago and Indianapolis style hunters. As we roll into the new year, we’re still seeing some trends from 2014 going strong. Of these, the most versatile is undoubtedly the upholstered headboard. Learn more about this exciting decorative feature from your favorite, neighborhood style gurus at The RoomPlace!

tristan

Upholstered headboards like the one above, The Tristian are an excellent addition to any Traditional bedroom. The rounded edges and muted colors are a decorator’s dream—add colorful throw pillows or a vibrant duvet to mix your decorative genres or tone it down with neutrals as showed above.

If toning your bedroom down doesn’t strike your fancy, by all means—spice it up!

tristan gray

Nail head trim is very popular this year, so pairing that trend with a deeper color, like pewter, will allow you to really show off your design chops.

Upholstered beds aren’t just for grown ups, either. You can treat your tween or teen with a bed they will flip for—The Elsa! Now available in twin and full, you can finally purchase a fun kids bed for your child to grow into.

bed

Upholstered beds are so luxurious while they create a comfortable vibe, so we’re confident this trend will be sticking around for a while. Say goodbye to accidentally banging your head on harsh metal or wood—embrace the plushness of the upholstered headboard.

For more design tips and hot trends, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter! Or if you’re in the neighborhood, stop in to one of our Chicago or Indianapolis locations.

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Entertaining Living Rooms Room Makeovers

3 Reasons Why You Need an Electric Fireplace In Your Home

The RoomPlace is no stranger to winter. Based in Chicago and Indianapolis, we’ve experienced the beautiful blankets of snow and the frozen fingertips right along with you. Every home – no matter how big or small – needs to be a hub of warmth and comfort when the chill sets in– that’s why an electric fireplace might just be your new best friend.

They’re a Cheap Date
When you’ve lived through a winter in cities like Chicago and Indianapolis, home heating topics are always on your mind. If the memories of heating bills leave you wondering how to save energy in the winter, an electric fireplace holds the answer. You’ll be heating your home effectively for just $0.11 an hour, putting noisier and more expensive alternatives like radiators or forced air to shame.

They Aren’t High Maintenance
Stacking wood for winter might seem quaint when it’s in the pages of a children’s story, but when you’re considering fireplace options for your home, it’s important to think practically. Wood is expensive to purchase, cumbersome to transport, and requires valuable storage space. What’s more, if you live in the heart of Indianapolis or Chicago, wood is also difficult to access. When it burns, wood leaves behind soot that coats the entire fireplace and a thick layer of ash on the floor.

An electric fireplace, on the other hand, requires no cleanup and no raw materials to stoke the flames. You’ll never have to clean up after it, so your only job is to enjoy the comfortable warmth and relaxed ambiance it generates.

They Put Safety (and Health) First
Unlike their traditional counterparts, electric fireplaces release no smoke, emissions, or pollutants. There’s no open flame to keep young children or curious pets from, and there’s no gas line. You can emulate traditional styles or enjoy a modern and space efficient electric fireplace TV stand without ever worrying about the risks. It’s a benefits-only addition to your household.

This winter, escape the cold with your new best friend. The RoomPlace promises that it’s an asset that will never let you down… Even when the weather does!

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