Category: Entertaining

Entertaining

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Design Tips Entertaining Home Decor Miscellaneous

Modern Entertainment Center Ideas For Every Style

Sierra 3 Pc. 54" Entertainment Wall from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Sierra 3 Pc. 54" Entertainment Wall from The RoomPlace
Sierra 3 Pc. 54" Entertainment Wall from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Sierra 3 Pc. 54″ Entertainment Wall from The RoomPlace

An entertainment center serves as the centerpiece of a living area, and the right unit can make a huge difference in the style and look of your space. Whether your living room is elegant, chic, simple or classic, complete the look with a wall unit or TV stand that suits your style. Here’s a quick guide to finding the perfect entertainment center ideas for contemporary, minimalist, mid-century and traditional living room styles.

Larson Turquoise TV Stand from The RoomPlace
Image: Larson Turquoise TV Stand from The RoomPlace

Contemporary

The modern-yet-rustic Gilbert Wall Unit features two glass doors, rough sawn distressing and plenty of shelves for storage. Lovers of contemporary style will also appreciate this Novak 47-Inch TV Console—the perfect blend of function and modern rustic styling.

Hale Cappuccino TV Stand from The RoomPlace
Image: Hale Cappuccino TV Stand from The RoomPlace

Minimalist

Minimalist design is all about function, but that doesn’t mean your space should lack style. The Ferris Cappuccino TV Stand is sleek, functional, simple and contemporary, but it still makes a statement. Likewise, this Burton White TV Stand will easily match with any living space and give it a clean, sophisticated look.

Torrey Wall Unit Entertainment Center from The RoomPlace
Image: Torrey Wall Unit Entertainment Center from The RoomPlace

Mid-Century

Mid-century-inspired furniture is a must-have trend. Whether you want to go all-out or just add a few mid-century touches here and there, your entertainment center is a great place to start. The Aron White TV Stand has a mid-century-modern feel thanks to its geometric design and simple construction. If you’re looking for something smaller, we recommend this sleek black Harris TV Stand.

Lenox 5 Pc. Entertainment Wall Unit from The RoomPlace
Image: Lenox 5 Pc. Entertainment Wall Unit from The RoomPlace

Traditional

To achieve a classic look in your living room, go traditional with the regal Lenox Entertainment Wall Unit. This refined entertainment center features a five-piece design with bookcases on either side, perfect for storing books, décor, knickknacks and more.

If you don’t have enough floor space for a large wall unit, the rich, sleek Parkwood Media Cabinet is a great traditional option. With adjustable end shelves and two stationary middle shelves, there’s plenty of room for storage and media equipment.

No matter what kind of design style you adhere to, an entertainment center or TV stand is a must-have piece of living room furniture. The RoomPlace has a wide range of styles to suit any space, so start shopping for the perfect piece today.

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Entertaining Home Decor Miscellaneous

Entertainment Centers for Small Spaces

Manhattan 3 Piece Entertainment Center From The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Manhattan 3 Piece Entertainment Center From The RoomPlace

Manhattan 3 Piece Entertainment Center From The RoomPlaceFeatured Image: Manhattan 3 Piece Entertainment Center from The RoomPlace

While some entertainment centers can be on the large side, they certainly do not have to take over your living room. If you have a smaller living room, you might not want an extravagant TV stand that takes up half the room.

How Do I Make My TV Fit in Small Spaces?

Whether you’re trying to fit a TV in a smaller bedroom or living room, you want to find the right stand or entertainment center. To do this, you’ll want to focus on entertainment centers with more minimalist designs. These can still add style and even storage options to the space without being overbearing in size. If you’re worried you don’t have enough space for another piece of furniture, wall-mounted stands are always a great option.

How Big Should my Entertainment Center Be?

The size of your entertainment center depends just as much on the size of your television as it does the size of your room. If you don’t already have your TV picked out, be sure to choose on that doesn’t take up too much space. Remember, the screen size doesn’t always equal the entire TV size, so you’ll want to find the full width. For your entertainment center, you should look for ones that are a few inches wider than your TV.

So, what are the best entertainment centers for small spaces? It all depends on your style and storage preferences and how small your space is. Leave room for seating your guests on those big Game Day gatherings and other events with these stylish entertainment center ideas for small spaces.

#1: Minimalist Wall Units

If you like the storage capacity and traditional look of a wall unit entertainment center, you can still get the best of both worlds by choosing a minimalist style. In fact, a wall unit can be great for smaller rooms since it helps utilize wall space for storage purposes. In general, try to find an entertainment center that uses more vertical space and features a simple, sleek design. Even a minimalist unit, like our Crestview 3 Pc. Entertainment Wall, can become a stylish focal point of your living room.

Sierra 64” TV Stand From The RoomPlaceImage: Sierra 64” TV Stand From The RoomPlace

#2: TV Stands

A small TV stand is a practical choice if you’ve been searching for an entertainment center for a small living room. Offering a contemporary look, TV stands often take up less space than wall units while still providing some storage for media and electronics. Look for stands that are 60” wide or smaller so you can preserve your living space as much as possible.

To make your entertainment stand a greater focal point in your living room, consider framing it on either side with shelves or wall décor for an added touch of style.

Monticristo Fireplace From The RoomPlaceImage: Monticristo Fireplace From The RoomPlace

#3: Fireplace Entertainment Stands

For a dual-purpose entertainment center, consider opting for a fireplace that doubles as a TV stand. This option can deliver warmth when you need it and provides an intimate glow perfect for entertaining or everyday relaxation. Available in a range of sizes, fireplace entertainment centers offer all the storage and functionality of a traditional TV stand with the charming elegance of simulated fire.

LG 60" 4K Super UHD Smart LED TV W/ WebOS™ 3.0 From The RoomPlaceImage: LG 60″ 4K Super UHD Smart LED TV W/ WebOS™ 3.0 From The RoomPlace

#4: Wall-Mounted HDTV

For a truly minimalist look, a simple wall-mounted flat screen television can give your living area a fresh, modern look. If you need additional space to store your electronics and media, try adding a few rows of stylish wall shelving beneath the TV. This arrangement leaves plenty of room for seating and other furniture so you can enjoy your living room to its fullest potential.

Whether you choose a minimalist stand for your TV, a fireplace entertainment center that exudes warmth, or something in between, each of these ideas is perfect for adding both style and function to a small living room.

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Bedrooms Cleaning & Organizing Design Tips Dining Rooms DIY Entertaining Home Decor Living Rooms Mattresses Room Makeovers

Eco-Friendly at The Roomplace

Make your choice Green!

What do you consider when you are choosing a place to buy furniture? We’re sure you probably think about the quality, cost, delivery options, financing, warranties, selection and reputation of the brand and/or furniture retailer. Is it fair to say that those are the most important factors? Maybe not. Have you ever considered not purchasing furniture from a retailer because they aren’t green, as in eco-friendly?

With the changes in the earth’s atmosphere, the concept of “going green” has gone from being a craze to being a lifestyle change for many people. Blue recycling bins can be found virtually everywhere, along with people who are willing to play their part to save our environment. However, saving our environment only begins with the small things that can fit into a can. What about larger items, such as a mattress, living room furniture or bedroom furniture? Do you think recycling furniture is eco-friendly?

How do I dispose of old furniture?

There are quite a few ways you can dispose of your old furniture to make room for a new set. If your furniture is still in decent condition, one of the best and most eco-friendly ways to get rid of it is by selling. This might take a little longer than calling a junk removal company, but it’s better for the planet. Plus, it will give you some extra money to spend on new The RoomPlace furniture. When you have furniture that’s in less-than-great condition, consider recycling. Not all furniture is easy to recycle, but you can usually find a way to do it depending on the base materials. For example, metal can be taken a scrap dealer.

How do I dispose of old mattresses?

If you’ve been browsing our selection of The RoomPlace mattresses and are wondering what to do with your current one, you have a few options. Mattresses aren’t something you usually want to sell, and depending on your state, there can even be some legal restrictions for selling a used mattress. This doesn’t mean you have to take a trip to the dump, though.

Here’s an interesting fact: While mattresses are one of the most difficult items to recycle, “95% of the material in mattresses is recyclable. Metal springs can be recycled and the steel reused. Polyurethane foam can be shredded and used for carpet pads and insulation. Wood in foundations can be processed by wood chippers used for fuel or mulch. (Source: Enviro-Recycle)” Powered with that knowledge, let us ask what do you think about recycling your old mattress. Would you go through a few extra steps to make sure your mattress is disposed of in an eco-friendly way? Or better yet, will your furniture retailer recycle your old mattress?

Do I have to call a private service to get rid of my old mattress?

You don’t always have to use a private service to dispose of your mattress. The furniture store you’re buying from will likely pick up your old mattress when they deliver your new one. However, it’s what they do with your mattress that matters.

While many companies prefer just throwing away that old mattress, The RoomPlace and our 300,000 square foot Distribution Center is playing a role in protecting our planet by being eco-friendly and recycling it. In fact, we are not only recycling mattresses, but The RoomPlace also recycles the packing materials such as the cardboard, Styrofoam and the plastic that is used to protect your bedroom or living room furniture prior to delivery.

Now, this is no small feat as the Distribution Center is responsible for supporting 21 stores within the Chicagoland and Indiana area. That means literally tons of recyclable material enter and exit those doors daily. For a better understanding of how much is recycled on a monthly basis, let’s review the numbers:

The Room Place recycles 41.835 tons of cardboard per month on average.

Fun Fact: Recycling 1 ton of cardboard saves 9 cubic yards of landfill space and 46 gallons of oil. (Source: Earth911)

Monthly The Room Place recycles 675 pounds of Styrofoam per month on average.

Fun Fact: A male Siberian Tiger (Amur Tiger) typically weighs between 450 – 675 lbs. (Source: Pittsburgh Zoo)

1,116 pounds of plastic is recycled through The Room Place’s Plastic Bailer Per Month.

Fun Fact: 1,116 pounds is equivalent to lifting 11 couches or 13 love seats from the Bravado Collection. By the way, the Bravado Living Room Collection is made of eco-leather and from an eco-friendly manufacturer.

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Design Tips Entertaining Featured

Creating the Perfect Patio Fire Pit Gathering Space

Patio

A patio fire pit is an automatic draw for its warmth and ambiance, and it gets even better when you create the perfect gathering space to experience it. You have several factors to consider when designing your ideal patio fire pit gathering space, and The RoomPlace is ready to walk you through all of them.

Make It an Exclusive Space

While your fire pit is best located on your patio, you want it separate from your main dining area. People tend to sit around the fire after dinner, not during it, and you want to set aside a special place for after-dinner relaxation. Make sure there is a clear path from the dining area to the fire pit area with no obstacles or hazards to impede traffic from one area to the other.

Choose an Optimum Location

Choose a location that has enough room for the fire pit as well as ample seating around it. Most fire pits are about no larger than about 4 feet across, and you’ll want an additional 6 feet around it on all sides. Consider the type of seating you plan to use, as some outdoor patio furniture takes up more space than others. An Adirondack bench or chair, for instance, is going to take up more room than a standard patio dining chair.

You may also want to position the fire pit in a place where you can view it from inside the house. That way you’ll be able to enjoy its ambiance even if the weather is too frightful to do it from outside.

Select the Fire Pit Type

Once you determine the fire pit location, the next step is to choose the fire pit type. If you’re not intending to have one built into your patio, you can purchase a portable wood-burning fire pit or a modern fire pit that runs on propane. Options run the gamut from shallow wood-burning bowls to fire pit tables you can switch on with the turn of a switch. Keep the overall look of your patio in mind, whether it’s rustic or contemporary, to retain a cohesive look.

firepits

Select the Fire Pit Seating

Most fire pit gatherings are rather casual and intimate, which makes cozy seating options ideal. You can opt for seating all the way around the fire pit, or choose to leave a pathway area open for easier access. The type of seating you choose depends on the look and layout you want to achieve.

Some fire pit tables are part of a fire pit patio set, giving you an instant and easy put-together look. You could opt for an elegant look with wedge benches and other cushioned patio furniture, or choose a more rustic vibe with wooden Adirondack benches and chairs.

Once you put it all together, you’ll have the perfect gathering area around your fire pit. It will be in a prime location, provide a cozy retreat from the main patio area, and give your guests ample room to congregate around the fire for cozy conversation and relaxation. Shop outdoor patio sets and more at The RoomPlace now.

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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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Design Tips Entertaining

Finding the Right TV Stand for Your Fireplace

TV and fireplaces

Both the TV and the fireplace make an ideal focal point of a room, and now you don’t have to choose between them. You can combine the ambiance and warmth of a cozy fire with the enjoyment of your TV with specialized stands that put the two together. Choosing the right TV stand for your fireplace is easy with these savvy tips from The RoomPlace.

Measure Your TV

The first thing you want to do is measure the size of the TV and the size of the available area where you intend to place the TV stand. Measure your TV screen diagonally, from the top left to bottom right corners. TV stands list the maximum weight and size of televisions they can support, and you’ll want yours to fall within the parameters of your selected stand.

Measure the Available Area

Measuring the area where you want to place the stand is also important to ensure a proper look and fit. Determine the maximum length, depth and height of a TV stand that would fit in the desired area. Take into account any overhangs or other elements that may limit the maximum height of your TV on top of the stand.

You want to leave enough room between the TV and the viewer, as well. The ideal distance depends on the size of the TV.

  • 29-inch TV: At least 3 feet away from viewer
  • 39-inch TV: At least 4 feet away from viewer
  • 46-inch TV: At least 5 feet away from viewer
  • Larger than 46: At least 7 feet away from viewer

One more measurement to consider is sitting height, or the best height of your TV stand for comfortable viewing. Sit on the sectional or sofa where you’ll be viewing, and measure the distance from your eyes to the floor. For the most comfortable viewing, the lower portion of the television screen should be level with your seated line of sight. That means the shelf where the TV sits needs to be no lower than 12 inches below your line of sight measurement.

tv stands

Determine the Best TV Stand Style

Once you have all the measurements done, you’re ready for the fun. This involves finding a TV stand that has just the right look and style to suit your space. If you’re aiming to block or cover an existing fireplace, your best bet would be an entertainment center wall unit. It can be placed as close to the wall as possible to conceal an unwanted built-in fireplace. Entertainment center wall units come in a variety of sizes, colors, styles and configurations to deliver the look you want.

A fireplace TV stand is the way to go if you want to enjoy both a cozy fire and the TV. The fireplaces built into TV stands use electricity for warmth and light, plugging into an outlet as easily as the TV itself. A wide variety of fireplace TV stands are available, with different colors, looks, materials, shelving availability and sizes. One more option is to hang your TV above your fireplace, as long as the wall material above the space is able to support the weight and size of the TV.

Start the fun by checking out the entertainment center wall units and fireplace TV stands at The RoomPlace now.

Categories
Design Tips Entertaining Room Makeovers

Guide to Designing Your Man Cave Decor – The RoomPlace

Man Cave

A man needs a place to call his own. Hanging out in the garage with your friends might be okay for a while, but eventually you’ll want something a bit more grown up. But not too grown up.

Creating a man cave in your home helps everyone by giving you a place to embrace all things sports and manliness without cramping the style of the rest of your household.

And a man cave doesn’t have to be an eyesore. Whatever your personal aesthetic — from upscale to understated and comfortable — this is the place to let your manly freak flag fly.

Read on for expert tips from the dudes at The RoomPlace for designing your man cave in modern style.

Watch This

The television is the focal point of many a man cave. Whether you’re obsessing over every game to make your fantasy football team picks or arguing Ant Man vs. the Avengers, the entertainment center in your space is paramount.

A wall unit creates a massive statement with ample room for all your TV, surround sound system and gaming equipment. Choose rich wood tones for a homey feel or go sleek and modern for a minimal look.

man cave 2

Fire, Good

The ultimate symbol of masculine power, fire adds a dynamic element to any man cave. If your space already has a fireplace and mantel — awesome! Line up your high school trophies, sports paraphernalia or keepsake liquor bottles on the mantel and haul in the firewood.

If a fireplace isn’t already there, get the look and feel of fire with an electric fireplace that avoids all the hassle of venting and ashy messes. Many models mimic real wood and stately woodwork, but linear wall units can create intense showy effects while keeping your space warm and cozy.

 

Dial in Your Aesthetic

For those about to rock, we salute you! Blast you tunes in style with audio equipment that looks old-school but keeps the techno up to date. A jukebox that plays your vinyl collection adds a fun vibe to your man cave. Or set up a turntable and speakers that let your buddies play DJ all night.

Whatever music you rock out to, opting for a retro-look sound system adds an instant cool factor to the space. Link it to your television for an integrated effect or pair it with a midcentury bar and glassware for more of a “Mad Men” atmosphere.

Chill Out

No matter what kind of aesthetic you want in your man cave, you’ll need somewhere to sit. Throw out that ratty sofa and bring in a faux leather sectional for flexible seating options that accommodate your entire crew.

Create a home theater effect that works for both long gaming sessions and movie marathons by opting for rocker recliners with adjustable features. Many include USB ports, cup holders and hidden storage, making them the Swiss Army knives of man cave seating.

 

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Color Design Tips Dining Rooms Entertaining Home Decor Living Rooms Miscellaneous Room Makeovers

Trending Designs & Décor for 2019

Featured Image: he RoomPlace
Featured Image: Oskar Cocktail Table from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: he RoomPlace
Featured Image: Oskar Cocktail Table from The RoomPlace

The New Year is almost here, and we’ve got the scoop on rising trends that are here to stay. Whether you’re renovating a whole room of your house or looking for chic, trendy ways to decorate any space, read on to see some of our favorite trending looks in furniture and décor for 2019.

Image: apoleon Back Chairs from The RoomPlace
Image: Lakewood Sage 5 Pc. Dinette w/Napoleon Back Chairs from The RoomPlace

Down-to-Earth Colors

Versatile, brooding and deep, earth tones are popping up as a colorful, charming alternative to the white-and-gray color schemes that dominated 2018. Behr’s Color of the Year, for instance, is Blueprint, a deep yet approachable blue-green tone inspired by the sea. It happens to pair perfectly with Cavern Clay, the smooth terracotta color that Sherwin-Williams named its 2019 Color of the Year. Also on Pantone’s 2019 radar is Night Watch, a strong hunter green that offers a lush and moody look.

Beyond just paint colors, look for furniture and décor that exudes earthy charm with hues like butter yellow, copper, amber, hazelnut, moss green, jade, mahogany and warm gray. As more designers and homeowners get inspired by looking back to the mid-century modern movement, these rich, bold earth and jewel tones are being used to add personality, charm and an inviting atmosphere to any space.

Keep your dining room on-trend with a dining set that features sumptuous earth tones, like this dinette with sage green chairs. In the living area, a brown, beige or warm gray sofa or sectional is perfectly inviting and stylish.

Sammi Gray Velvet Accent Chair from The RoomPlace
Image: Sammi Gray Velvet Accent Chair from The RoomPlace

Bohemian Inspiration

Eclectic design has never completely fallen out of style, but we’re seeing a resurgence in this trend as more people look for ways to infuse their home with color and a bit of whimsy. Along with the rising popularity of rich, earthy colors and jewel tones comes unexpected design choices, expressive color pairings, unique textures and boho charm.

Barrington Purple Linen Sofa from The RoomPlace
Image: Barrington Purple Linen Sofa from The RoomPlace

Aim for the unexpected and focus on complementary colors and natural finishes when designing a bohemian-inspired space. A velvet accent chair, mauve sofa, mid-century coffee table and a vintage-inspired area rug are chic, eclectic additions to a boho living room.

KAS Casablanca Teal Area Rug From The RoomPlace
Image: KAS Casablanca Teal Area Rug From The RoomPlace

High Contrast

Contrast is a timeless and essential aspect of any design, but 2019 will see some dramatic looks on the high-contrast front. Think white tile with dark grout, black-and-white floors, contrasting wood finishes and bold color choices for walls and cabinets. Add contrast easily to an existing room with new wall décor in a striking color, or a high-contrast area rug in an eye-catching pattern. Matte black is a particularly trendy color option for furniture finishes, lamps, tiles and more.

Micah Black Large Kitchen Cart from The RoomPlace
Image: Micah Black Large Kitchen Cart from The RoomPlace

Bar Carts

This trend may be a bit more specific than those above, but it’s one we can’t ignore. Bar carts and rolling kitchen islands are hot—for good reason. They offer convenience and portability paired with a unique elegance that instantly enhances your kitchen, dining room or living area. Perfect for entertaining or everyday use, a kitchen cart is a versatile accent that will let you roll 2019 style to any room in your home.

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Dining Rooms Entertaining Miscellaneous Room Makeovers

How to Organize Your Dining Room for the Holiday Season

Charlotte 9 Pc. Dining Room w/Linen Chairs from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Charlotte 9 Pc. Dining Room w/Linen Chairs from The RoomPlace
Charlotte 9 Pc. Dining Room w/Linen Chairs from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Charlotte 9 Pc. Dining Room w/Linen Chairs from The RoomPlace

Whether you usually host the important gatherings in your family or it’s your first year welcoming everyone into your home for the holidays, make sure your dining room is ready for the season. From cleaning to arranging furniture to decorating, there’s sure to be a few ways you can spruce up and organize your space before the holidays. For a dining room that will accommodate your guests efficiently while being warm and inviting, here are a few tips to get you started.

Declutter

The first step to organizing your dining room in preparation for holiday dinners is to declutter and clean. It may not be much fun, but chances are you’ll need as much space as you can muster—floor space and table space alike!

Fullerton Dining Table from The RoomPlace
Image: Fullerton Dining Table from The RoomPlace

Depending on the number of guests you’ll need to accommodate, chances are you’ll need to add an extra table (or at least a leaf to your adjustable table) to accommodate guests. In that case, you might want to remove unneeded furniture and décor from your dining room. Items that take up space but won’t serve a purpose during the festivities should be moved out of the way to a different room.

Rearrange

Once your dining room is cleaned and decluttered, you may wish to do a little rearranging to make your space efficient and comfortable. Guests will be getting up for seconds, kids will be underfoot and you’ll need to make sure there’s space for people to walk through the dining room and around the table. Here are a few tips for setting up your dining room furniture for the holidays:

  • It can be helpful, if you have the space, to set up one table for adults and another area for children. For the kid’s table, a tablecloth that can be wiped clean and non-breakable dishes are a must.

If you have a large enough table, set out food in the center to limit trips to the kitchen.

Image: Vista Server Cart from The RoomPlace
Image: Vista Server Cart from The RoomPlace
  • Make use of a buffet off to one side of the dining room—not only for setting out food and dishes, but also for storing items you might need in a pinch during meals, such as hot pads, napkins, serving utensils or extra wine glasses.
Image: Lakewood White Dining Bench from The Room Place
Lakewood White Dining Bench from The Room Place
  • To maximize floor space, bench seating can be a good alternative to bulky chairs, particularly for kids.

Decorate

Finally, it’s time to add the finishing touches to your newly organized dining room. From table cloths to centerpieces to festive décor, add your personal touch to create a dining space your friends and family will feel welcome in. Here’s a handful of ideas to inspire your holiday decorating:

Linden Area Rug (5’x8’) from The Room Place
Image: Linden Area Rug (5’x8’) from The Room Place
  • A cozy area rug can warm hardwood floors and give your dining room a homey, welcoming vibe.
Image: Markos Floor Lamp from The Room Place
Image: Markos Floor Lamp from The Room Place
  • Winter days are short, so make sure your dining room has plenty of lighting options to adjust the ambiance as needed.
  • Regardless of your decorating style, you can’t go wrong with simple, elegant décor like white or cream-colored tablecloths, gold-tone centerpieces and seasonal flowers such as mums or poinsettias.
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Bedrooms Design Tips Entertaining Home Decor Mattresses Miscellaneous

Ideas for Home Offices that Double as Guest Rooms

Barrington Faux Leather Daybed w/Trundle from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Barrington Faux Leather Daybed w/Trundle from The RoomPlace
Barrington Faux Leather Daybed w/Trundle from The RoomPlace
Featured Image: Barrington Faux Leather Daybed w/Trundle from The RoomPlace

If you have only occasional overnight visitors in your home, it may not make sense to reserve a whole room for accommodating them. If you don’t have an extra room to spare in your house, a dual-purpose guest room is a practical idea. Many people use their guest rooms as a home office to make the space more functional and practical.

In a case like this, your workspace needs to quickly and easily transform into a welcoming guest room when you have company—so you’ll need some tricks up your sleeve. Let’s take a look at a few tips and ideas for easily transforming dual-purpose guest rooms so you can welcome visitors to your home.

Klein Queen Sleeper Sofa from The RoomPlace
Image: Klein Queen Sleeper Sofa from The RoomPlace

#1: Sleeper Sofa or Daybed

Obviously, your guest room will need a bed. But you still need space for your desk, chair and any office supplies you need in order for it to be a comfortable workspace. One of the best solutions is choosing a bed that can fold up, slide away or otherwise hide when not in use. A few good options include sleeper sofas and daybeds. Sleeper sofas feature a bed frame and mattress inside that folds out to create a full-size bed for your guests. Daybeds are essentially beds that look like sofas, and often feature pull-out trundles for additional sleeping space. Either way, it’s a perfect solution for your dual-purpose room.

Solano Oak Desk And Chair from the RoomPlace
Image: Solano Oak Desk And Chair from the RoomPlace

#2: Desk

There are a few things to consider when choosing a desk for your home office/guest room combo. If it’s a sizeable room, you may have the space for virtually any desk. But if you’re working with a limited area, there are a few tricks you can follow to make the space work without feeling crowded:

  • Utilize corner space. A diagonal desk in the corner of the room can give you a functional area without taking up as much floor space as a traditional desk shape. If all you need room for is a laptop and a lamp, this is perfect for you.
  • Choose a slim desk design. A sleek desk with a slim profile takes up as little space as possible while still giving you a nice surface to use.
Paxton Aqua Office Chair from The RoomPlace
Image: Paxton Aqua Office Chair from The RoomPlace
  • Find a comfortable office chair. Not only do you need a comfortable desk chair if you’ll be using your office regularly, but be sure to choose a chair that can double as an accent chair for the room. This is another way you can leverage dual-purpose furniture to preserve floor space and make it easy to transform your office into a welcoming guest room. A stylish cushioned chair gives your guests a place to sit while winding down for the night.

#3: Privacy Screen

To give your guests a sense of privacy and a space their own, a privacy screen is a great idea—particularly if you’ll still need to use the office section of the room while they’re staying with you. A screen or partition also serves to keep the bedroom visually separated from your office area when you don’t have guests.

#4: Shelves & Storage

Make use of wall space in the room to keep as many items as possible off the floor but within easy reach. Wall cabinets or built-in wall storage are ideal, so you can quickly store any office materials to make room for your guests. Under-bed storage options like pull-out drawers or totes are also great for storing your visitors’ belongings if needed.