Author: The Roomplace

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Cleaning & Organizing Miscellaneous

How to Disinfect Furniture and Prevent Germs

No matter how much time you spend cleaning or how meticulous you are, the probability of germs living in your furniture is high. You and your family get sick, and when that happens, the germs will be transferred into your furniture. If you’re looking for a way to reduce the chances of others getting sick, then finding a way to disinfect your furniture is in your best interest.

Disinfecting Upholstered Furniture

When it comes to disinfecting upholstered furniture, the following steps will help you achieve your endeavor.

Step 1: Vacuum

Taking a vacuum to your upholstered furniture will remove any loose dirt or debris that might be harboring bacteria or viruses. It will also get rid of any pet hair or food crumbs that might be hanging out on the surface. Make sure to remove the cushions and vacuum every nook and cranny you can find.

Step 2: Spray a Disinfectant

After you have removed all the loose debris from your upholstered furniture, you’ll then want to spray a disinfectant. You have several options when it comes to this step, including getting a disinfectant from the store or making your own.

When it comes to making your own, you might consider mixing rubbing alcohol with water in a 2-to-1 ratio. You’ll add this to a spray bottle and then hold the bottle 6 to 8 inches from the furniture and cover it with a light mist.

You can add some lemon juice or peels to your homemade disinfectant to reduce the medical or hospital smell. Before spraying this onto your furniture, test a small area to ensure that it doesn’t impact the color or damage the upholstery in any way.

It’s also possible to use this disinfectant on leather or suede couches to get rid of any germs. Again, make sure to test a small, unseen area to ensure that it doesn’t strip out the color or cause any other damage.

Step 3: Steam Clean

Steam is one of the best ways to get rid of a variety of different germs, and if you don’t want to use store-bought cleaners or make your own, this is another option. Steam can’t be used on fabrics such as velvet or others that can shrink, so make sure you know what type of upholstery you have before using steam to disinfect your furniture.

Disinfecting Hard Surfaces

If you have end tables, coffee tables, wooden arms, or other hard furniture surfaces, you’ll want to disinfect these as well to reduce the chances of people getting sick. To achieve this goal, you can make a homemade disinfectant by mixing 1 teaspoon of bleach with 1 quart of water. After mixing this in a spray bottle, you’ll apply it to the hard surfaces. The disinfectant will need to sit for at least 1 minute to ensue that harmful germs are destroyed.

You also have the option of using disinfectant products that you buy at the store. No matter which one you choose, make sure to test a small area on wooden and other surfaces to ensure that the disinfectant won’t strip off the stain or cause discoloration.

Keep Your Family Healthy

Your home is exposed to a wide range of bacteria and viruses, and if you’re looking for a way to keep your family healthy, you need to disinfect your furniture. Undertaking these steps on a regular basis is beneficial, but once your furniture gets to a certain age, it’s best to get it replaced.

When that time comes, check out what The RoomPlace has to offer. With so many different options to choose from, you’re sure to find the piece that will make your house look amazing and keep your family comfortable and healthy.

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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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Design Tips Entertaining Featured Living Rooms

Sectional Sofa Buying Guide – The RoomPlace

Adding a couch to your home is imperative. It gives people a place to sit and adds something extra to your home. However, if you have a large family or like to host a lot of parties, then a traditional sofa may not suit your needs. If that’s the case, then you might consider getting a sectional instead.

These furniture options are larger and more versatile, so you can put together the piece that will work best for your space. Before rushing out and buying a sectional, there are some things you’ll need to consider.

Reasons to Get a Sectional

Adding a sectional to your home can benefit you in many ways, and below are some reasons why you should get one.

More Seating Space

The biggest reason most people get a sectional is to increase their sitting space. You also have the option of adding different elements, including recliners and chaise lounges, which give you the opportunity to put your feet up and relax.

It Fits Anywhere

If you’re like most people, then when you think about sectionals, you envision a huge piece that takes up a lot of space. While you can certainly put together a large sectional with many parts, it’s also possible to get a smaller piece. Adding a sectional can be a great way to maximize seating in a smaller room.

Creates Boundaries

One of the current housing trends is having an open floor plan. While it can be great to have a lot of space and one room flowing into another, it can also be tricky to know how to position furniture. If you add a sectional to your home, this can create a boundary and distinguish one room from another.

Different Sectional Options

Now that you know that a sectional can work in any space, it’s important to know what options exist. There are many different configurations to choose from, and that means you’ll get exactly what you want and need for your home. However, before getting overwhelmed by your options, it’s a good idea to know what’s available.

L-Shape

This sectional is shaped like an L, or two couches that come together to form a right angle. This shape makes the sectional incredibly versatile, and you can place it in the corner of a room or have it floating in the middle with a coffee table or ottoman in between.

A U-shaped sectional is great if you have a large space to fill or you want to maximize your seating space as much as possible. The great thing about this piece is that it’s perfect for encouraging intimate conversations because it has extended arms that face one another.

Curved

If you’re looking to add some modern flair to your living space, then you’ll want to consider getting a curved sectional. These are an ideal choice if you have a large space to fill. They work best when placed in the middle of the room, and their curve will bring an artistic appeal to any space.

Should you desire to change your sectional configuration every once in a while, then you’ll want to get a modular. This piece comes with multiple components that are quick and easy to change, so you can have a new style or look in your home as often as you wish.

Chaise

At the end of a long day, there’s nothing more relaxing then laying down on the couch and watching TV. When you add a chaise lounge to the end of your sectional, you’ll be able to put your feet up with ease.

Adding a sleeper to your sectional gives you what you need to entertain overnight guests. If you don’t have a dedicated guest bedroom, then adding this to your piece will ensure that everyone is comfortable and sleeps through the night.

Finding the Right Sectional

Adding a sectional to your home is a great way to add more seating for your family or for guests. However, when it comes to adding large furniture to your space, you need to make sure you are getting the right piece. To find the right sectional, you’ll need to consider the following.

The Size and Shape of Your Space

When it comes to adding a sectional to your home, it should enhance the space, not make it challenging to walk through the living room. Thus, having precise measurements and knowing how you want to lay out the piece is important.

If you are getting an L-shaped sofa or adding a chaise to the end, you’ll need to decide if they are going to be right or left oriented. To determine how it will fit in your space, you need to imagine yourself standing in front of your sectional. This will how you will determine if you want a left- or right-facing sofa.

How Many People You Want to Seat

Knowing how many people you want to seat on your sectional will help you determine what size and sections you can get for your home. How you want them to interact with one another can also help you determine what type of sectional to get.

Material Type

The fabrics that you get on your sectional can come in a wide variety of options, and when it comes to finding the right one for your home, you’ll need to consider who will be sitting on the furniture. If you have kids and pets, then you’ll probably want to get fabric that is easy to clean. The same is true if you host a lot of parties and people have a tendency to spill. You’ll also want to choose colors and patterns that match your décor.

If you’re thinking about adding a sectional to your home, this is a great way to create more seating and place something unique and stylish in your space. There are a lot of things to consider before you make a purchase, but investing the time in this endeavor will ensure you get furniture that you love.

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Bedrooms Featured Mattresses

Mattress Buying Guide – The RoomPlace

Mattress guide 1

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 Featured Room Makeovers

Must-Have Furniture for Your Small or Studio Apartment

Apartment Furniture

Just because you have a small living space doesn’t mean it has to be small on style and functionality. You can create a highly impressive and efficient home with the right touches, starting with must-have furniture that no small or studio apartment should live without. These tips from The RoomPlace tell you how.

Designate Specific Zones

One of the keys to effective studio apartment design is to create different zones where different activities will take place. Creating these zones makes smaller areas more comfy, with specified areas for sleep, work and play. Small apartments may already have different rooms designated for you, but you can still break up larger rooms into distinct zones for different activities.

Living Zone

This area is for relaxation and entertaining, which means it requires apartment-sized furniture where you and any guests can kick back as needed. Small apartment furniture can include smaller sectionals or sofa sets that fit neatly into the area. The easier you can move the furniture around, the more versatile you can make the layout as needed.

Look for pieces that do double or even triple-duty, such as an ottoman with storage. You can use it as a seat, a coffee table and a storage bin.

Sleeping Zone

Make the most of your bedroom area by making it absolutely private. In a studio apartment, this can be done by using a bookshelf as a makeshift wall, creating a cozy corner for sleeping. Consider a platform bed with built-in storage to maximize storage space.

If you’d rather not make the sleeping zone a separate area, you can incorporate it into your living zone. In this case, ideal options would be a sleeper sofa, or a daybed that lets you tuck away the sleeping platform when not in use.

Eating Zone

The kitchen and dining area are often one in the same for studio and smaller apartments. Making the most of this area involves choosing a dining table that doesn’t take up too much space, or can double as a counter area. Ideal choices can include a pub table or bar table with matching stools, or a counter-height table you can position against the wall to double as extra counter space. Try a one with built-in storage for an added perk.

Working Zone

Creating an office area in small or studio apartments involves picking office furniture that has multiple uses. Opt for desks with cubbies or other storage space you can file documents and paperwork. Borrow a chair from the kitchen area when you need to sit down and work, or choose a small rolling stool or chair you can easily move to different locations.

If you don’t have room for or would rather not invest in a separate desk, look for a kitchen table that can also function as a desk.

Studio Apartment Furniture

Additional Pieces

Now that you have the basics covered, the final step is to look for additional pieces for any remaining storage needs. Get creative with options to get the most use out of any single piece. A dresser can double as a TV stand, for instance, or you can use an entertainment center wall unit as a place to store shoes, clothes and personal items.

Top it your apartment decorating with different decorative rugs to further designate the different zones, and add stylish home décor that pulls it all together. Mirrors are always fabulous for making spaces appear larger, while a mix of light fixtures can add a cozy ambiance. Check out the furniture, home décor and lighting options at The RoomPlace today.

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Design Tips Featured Home Decor Room Makeovers

Area Rugs: Where to Put Them and Which to Choose

Area Rug Decor

Area rugs serve as artwork for the floor, but they also do so much more. They can add warmth, comfort and excitement to you living space, in so many different locations. We here at The RoomPlace are big on rugs, which is why we created this guide to help you determine where to put area rugs in your home and which rugs to choose.

Where to Put Area Rugs

Rugs can enhance nearly any space, as long as you have enough room to adequately accommodate them. You don’t want to shove one into a tight entryway, for instance, but you can use one in a cramped bathroom to make the room look larger. Here come a variety of areas you can spruce up with a rug.

Entryways and Foyers: The right rug here can make a fine first impression the moment someone walks in your door. Opt for one that’s wider than the doorway. In a larger foyer, center the rug under the lighting source.

Hallway: Runners work well in hallways. They look best with at least 6 inches of space on all sides, and preferably in the center of the hall.

Living Room: A dashing rug can serve as the focal point of the room, and you can even use more than one if you have a particularly large living room. When placing a rug in the center of a furniture ensemble, make sure it extends beyond the coffee table and under the first set of legs on the sofa and chairs. Rugs placed in front of couches should be at least the same length as the couch.

Bathroom: Small bathrooms can appear larger with rugs featuring bold patterns and a mélange of colors. Put one in front of the sink.

Kitchen: Several rugs in the kitchen can spruce up the look while adding a layer of comfort for your legs, feet and lower back. Try one in front of the stove, another in front of the sink. Use smaller, individual rugs or runners, with runners placed at least 6 inches away from the cabinets.

Dining Room: Rugs can look amazing beneath the dining room table and chairs. Pick a rug that’s the same shape as the table, and make sure it extends at least 2 feet on all sides of the table.

Bedroom: Bedroom rugs add a dash of coziness to the space. Place one under the bed, with the rug extending at least 2 feet beyond the bed. You can also use runners along the sides of the bed for extra cushioning and comfort when you get up in the morning.

persian rugs

How to Choose Area Rugs

Now that you have a good idea of where you might want to put area rugs, it’s time to choose the right rugs for each space.

Determine the Atmosphere You Want to Create

Do you want the rug to add cozy comfort? An exotic splash of color? A modern vibe? Review the variety of rugs available to determine what type of atmosphere you want the rug to create. While rugs don’t need to perfectly match everything in the space, it does need to align with the tones and textures of the existing furniture and décor.

Pick the Color, Pattern

Color and pattern play huge roles for setting the tone of the room, so choose carefully. Do you want the rug to stand out or blend in? If the space is already packed with tons of colors, select a solid neutral rug. Rooms that could use a boost can do well with bolder, more colorful, or patterned rugs.

Select a Shape

Rectangle rugs are the most common, but they’re not the only choice. Round rugs can help create a cozy niche in a corner of the room or add interest to an entryway. Other choices include square, oblong and animal hides.

Choose the Size

Many folks make the mistake of choosing a rug that’s too small for the space. If you’re selecting a rug to cover the floor for the entire room, you want to center the rug and leave between 10 to 20 inches of bare floor between the walls and the edge of the rug.

If you’re using rugs to define spaces within a room, different rules apply. You can find some of those rules above, when we outlined where area rugs can be placed.

area rug cleaning

 

Consider Lifestyle and Maintenance

Even the most plush and glorious rug can end up making you unhappy if all you’re doing is cleaning or maintaining it. Consider your family’s lifestyle and where the rugs will be placed to narrow down choices that are easy to maintain.

Low-pile rugs work well in high-traffic areas, like kitchens and hallways. High-pile and plusher rugs do better in areas that don’t get a lot of traffic. Darker colors and patterns will hide dirt and stains better than lighter, solid colors.

Whatever type of rug you choose, make sure you get the right type of rug pad to go with it. Choose one that’s compatible with the flooring below the rug, whether it’s carpet, tile or hardwood floors.

Now that you have all the basic info you need, it’s time to start looking for rugs that make the perfect statement in every area of your home. Shop the area rug collection at The RoomPlace now.

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Design Tips Home Decor Miscellaneous

Choosing Wall Decorations to Fit Your Design Aesthetic

Wall Decor ideas

Wall decorations are a must to put the final touches on your interior, but it’s imperative that they fit your existing design aesthetic. If you’re not sure where to begin, The RoomPlace is here to fill you in. We put together a rundown on some of the most common interior styles, along with wall decoration ideas that align with each.

Minimalism

While some folks mistake minimalism as stark and cold, it can actually be quite warm and inviting. The minimalist aesthetic is all about clean, hassle-free elegance. The furniture and wall decorations may be spare, but they are chosen with extreme care. Wall decorations that align with minimalism include streamlined wall sculptures, empty frames and other bare essentials that make a statement.

Contemporary and Modern

Contemporary and modern design styles may seem similar, but they are two distinctly different aesthetics. Contemporary design incorporates what’s hot at the moment, while the modern aesthetic can incorporate any design styles from the late 1950s to the present.

Decorative wall art that aligns with contemporary style can include whatever is currently in vogue, whether it’s a specific artist’s reproduction or a certain trend. Modern wall decorations will mesh with whatever era is making a statement throughout your space. This can include retro clocks colorful wall plates reminiscent of the 1960s.

Traditional

Traditional interior design is the foundation of all other aesthetics, and it boasts a classic feel that never goes out of style. That doesn’t mean, however, you can’t add a personal or even whimsical touch with your wall décor. Keep the vibe traditional with classic wall clocks or mirrors. Mix it up a bit with colorful paintings or other artwork that exude an edgy feel.

Shabby Chic and Vintage

Although shabby chic and vintage are two different styles, certain wall decorations can work with both. Shabby chic features a laidback take on vintage and antique furnishings. Vintage can take a more formal tone with the same. The two meet with wall décor that can include metal fleur de lis and other metal scrollwork, along with baroque and antique-inspired frames, paintings and mirrors.

wall decore and accessories

Bohemian

Bohemian pulls together a variety of wall decorations and furnishings from across the world, giving an alluring, captivating and exotic feel. It can also capitalize on the unexpected. With the Bohemian style, wall decorations can range from brilliant wall sculptures to charming tapestries and folk art.

Rustic

Inspired by the great outdoors, the rustic look can incorporate a wide range of wall décor. Anything with rugged wood, depictions of pastoral or prairie scenes, and gorgeously weathered metal can work as wall decorations for the dining room, bedroom, hallway and any other area that begs for a touch of rustic charm.

While these examples don’t cover every single design aesthetic in the world, it does give you a great starting point and plenty of inspiration to outfit your walls with style. For even more inspiration, check out the full selection of artwork, sculptures and other wall décor at The RoomPlace now.

 

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Bedrooms Design Tips Home Decor Room Makeovers

Designing the Ultimate Girl’s Bedroom

Girls Bedrooms

Whether your daughter likes pink and frilly or bright green and silly, you want to design a bedroom she’ll absolutely adore. But you also want to design one that remains functional and fashionable when she eventually outgrows her frilly pink or silly bright green stage. That’s why we here at The RoomPlace put together this step-by-step guide to help you design the ultimate girl’s bedroom that meets both parent and daughter approval.

Choose the Colors or Theme

Even though pink may immediately come to mind for a girl’s bedroom, it’s certainly not the only color in the world. Ask your daughter what colors she likes, then use her choice as a springboard for selecting a color palette for the room. Bring her paint samples you’ve pre-approved to help you choose the wall colors, along with any materials or patterns you’ve selected for the curtains, bedspread or other furnishings.

Working with an entire color palette makes it easier to change out specific variations of the color that may no longer appeal to her. Like last week’s favorite color of bright green that suddenly switched to dark purple. Also remember that repainting the walls can be done rather inexpensively and quickly, but changing the custom curtains, linens and other elements can be more costly.

If you want to go beyond the world of color for your foundation, you can brainstorm with your daughter to create an overall theme for the room. Use her ideas as the basis of an aesthetic. If she wants a princess room, opt for a shabby chic style. If she begs for a crazy animal theme, fashion the room in a Bohemian style with plenty of playful animal folk art.

Select the Right Bed

Moving from a crib to a bigger bed has several options, with your choice based on how comfy your daughter is making the transition. For those who want to make a slow and secure transition, a girl’s toddler bed is a wise choice. Toddler beds are smaller than twin beds, and they have side rails you can use to provide a sense of safety.

If your daughter is ready for a twin bed, you can opt for a traditional twin bed, a platform bed with storage, girl bunk beds, or a twin bed that comes as part of a bedroom set. A twin bed is large enough to last your daughter through her teenage years, so select a style she’s not likely to quickly outgrow.

Girls bedrooms

Invest in Quality Furniture

Whether it’s the bed, the dresser or the storage cabinet, quality bedroom furniture will be worth your investment. Choose a timeless style that can adapt to your daughter’s changing preferences over the years without the need to purchase a whole new set of furniture. You and your daughter have many options when it comes to bedroom sets for girls that can withstand the test of time.

Storage space is also important, and you want both open and closed storage spaces to keep things tidy. Open storage spaces, like bookshelves, are ideal for items she uses on a daily basis. Closed storage areas, like dressers and cabinets, work well for clothes, shoes and jackets.

If you just can’t help but add a bit of whimsy, you can still do so. Just not for the staple items. Pick an adorable chair, play table set, girl’s vanity or other smaller items you can painlessly swap out when the time is right.

Create a Cozy Bedside Space

Bedtime rituals can go a long way toward helping your daughter get a good night’s sleep, and you want to make sure she has everything she needs for it. Select a quality nightstand with storage drawers or shelves where she can store her favorite bedtime book. Add a darling lamp with an easily accessible switch she can turn on and off as needed. Keep a decorative canister or jar on the nightstand for hair ties, jewelry and other small items that may otherwise end up in the bed.

girls finishing touches

Pull it All Together

Once the foundation and necessities are taken care of, it’s time for the finishing touches. This means taking care of all the remaining details that transform your girl’s bedroom into the ultimate bedroom. An area rug provides comfort, coziness and a dash of color. Wall decorations can run the gamut from her own original art to posters or pictures of her favorite animals.

Window treatments are important to keep out light, add privacy and add a unified look to the room. Blinds, shutters and curtains are all options to consider.

Now that you have a firm foundation, important details and the basic framework for designing the ultimate girl’s bedroom, all you have left to do is shop. Check out the selection of girl’s bedroom furniture and furnishings at The RoomPlace to get started now.

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Bedrooms Design Tips Featured Room Makeovers

Designing the Ultimate Boy’s Bedroom

baby beds

When it’s time for your little boy to move out of the crib and into a larger bed, it’s time to design his ultimate boy’s bedroom. The transition is exciting and fun, and one of the best tips is to keep it that way. We here at The RoomPlace put together this handy guide to help you choose boy’s bedroom furnishings and finishing touches that are as functional as they are fantastic.

Determine the Color Palette or Theme

Before you start buying every type of bedroom furnishing that excites you or your kid, it’s best to set the foundation. That starts by determining the color palette for the room. Letting your boy pick his favorite color is a fun way to narrow it down while also ensuring he’ll absolutely love his new room.

Use whatever color he picked as a starting point for paint samples for the wall color, then bring them back for his approval. Before you deck out the entire room in bright purple, however, keep a few things in mind. Changing the color of the walls and accessories is relatively easy and inexpensive if he happens to change his favorite color as frequently as he changes his socks. Changing curtains, upholstery and furniture can be much more costly and time consuming.

Choosing an overall theme is another way to set a foundation, whether the theme is rustic, deep sea, outdoor adventure or outer space. The theme can help guide you on colors, furniture style and other furnishings with which to outfit his room.

Pick Furniture that Lasts

When it comes boys’ bedroom sets, you want to opt for quality materials that last. Instead of buying a racecar bed and bright yellow dresser, invest in handsome wood furniture and a classic twin bed. Doing so ensures your young chap can continue to use the furniture all the way through his teenage years, even if the wall color, wall décor and other accessories change.

If you boy must have a racecar-shaped or themed something, choose a decorative nightstand lamp, inexpensive chair or other item that can be painlessly passed on when he outgrows it. For the big items, purchase a boy’s bedroom set or staple furniture that he won’t outgrow.

Incorporate Plenty of Storage Space

For best results, your boy’s bedroom should include a combination of open and closed storage areas. Open storage areas can include bookshelves, cubbies and other easy-to-reach areas to store items he uses all the time. This can include school books and supplies, toys and his favorite books. Closed storage areas include dresser drawers, platform beds with storage options, and cabinets. These are places you’ll want to organize his clothes and other items he doesn’t use multiple times a day.

Boys Bedrooms

Provide Bedside Necessities

Even if you don’t go for a racecar bedside lamp, you will want to set up his bed area with all the necessities he’ll need for a good night’s sleep. Bedtime rituals are typically an important part of bedtime for children, and you want all needed items close at hand. Choosing a nightstand with a storage area is a good idea, giving you space for his favorite bedtime book of the moment.

Some type of lamp is also a must, preferably one with a pull cord or switch that is easy for your little lad to reach. Keeping a little jar or box on the nightstand is another good idea. It can serve as storage for small toys or other items that somehow end up in the bed right before sleep.

Choose the Right Lighting

In addition to the bedside lamp, it’s essential to have overhead lighting and task lighting. Overhead lighting lets your child safely move around his room at night, while task lighting adds extra light to the desk or play area.

Window treatments are another necessity for proper lighting as well as privacy. If your boy’s bedtime is before sundown, you’ll want a window treatment that blocks out the light so he can more easily fall asleep. Depending on the style of the room, you can choose curtains, blinds or shutters to align with the aesthetic.

finishing touches

Add the Finishing Touches

Finishing touches can pull the entire room together, and they include things like linens, wall decorations and an area rug. Feel free to be a bit lenient if he insists on racecars or a space scene for these items, as they can be easily swapped out when he outgrows them down the road.

The most important thing to remember is to let your kid have a say in some of the choices. Even if you end up not agreeing with his exact choices, you can give him options that are parent-approved and along the same lines. This way his room is not only stylish and functional, but it doubles as a space that’s truly his own. Shop boys’ bedroom sets at The RoomPlace now.

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Bedrooms Design Tips Featured Home Decor Room Makeovers

Maximizing Storage Space in Your Home’s Bedrooms

kids bedrooms

Packed with clothes, shoes, toys, knickknacks and personal accessories, your home’s bedrooms can quickly become the most cluttered spaces in your house. While getting rid of some of the clutter is one way to combat it, it’s certainly not the only way. Creating more storage options is another. Check out these nifty tips from The RoomPlace to maximize storage space in your home’s bedrooms.

Open Up Space with a Daybed

Instead of having a full-size bed in the guest room, or two twin beds in the kids’ room, try a daybed in either one. Daybeds look like stylish sofas, and daybeds with trundles feature a pull-out bed that can come out at night and put back into place during the day. This gives you more space for a dresser, cabinet or other bedroom storage options that might otherwise be impeded by a larger bed.

Take Advantage of Bunk Beds

Bunk beds are a fun solution for kids’ rooms, opening up space by stacking beds on top of each other. They can also work if you only have one child in the room. The top area of the bunk can become instant storage space for toys, games, stuffed animals or other stuff that is often found cluttering the bedroom floor. Instead of a standard ladder, you could maximize storage space even further by opting for a wooden stairway that doubles as a storage chest.

Go for a Bed with Built-in Storage

While you may be used to shoving things under the bed for storage, there’s an even better option that makes more organized use of the space. Go for a bed that already has storage options built right in. An ideal choice for the kid’s room is a storage bed with a built-in bookcase, while the master suite would look dashing with a full-sized bed or queen-sized bed featuring storage drawers.

bedrooms

Try Benches and Ottomans with Storage

Seating areas in bedrooms can be handy, and they’re even handier when they come with built-in storage spaces. Storage benches make a delightful addition to any bedroom, and they can be more stylish and useful than the standard toy box.

Storage ottomans can be placed anywhere in the bedroom, from the foot of the bed to the walk-in closet, bringing extra storage along the way. You can even find fun styles for kids’ rooms, such as the alligator ottoman that can keep smaller toys and accessories safe and out of sight.

Get Creative

A number of other creative storage solutions are also available for your bedrooms. A bunk bed caddy can hold items on the side of the bunk bed. Under-bed storage options include clear boxes or even wooden drawers. Shelving units that reach from the floor to the ceiling can create a slew of extra storage space – and you can even use your storage ottoman as a footstool to reach the highest heights.

With all these solutions at the ready, you can easily say goodbye to bedroom clutter — and hello to maximized storage space. Shop storage options at The RoomPlace now.