What Decor to Hang Above Your Bed
Certain spots throughout the home can seem incredibly difficult to decorate. Whether that’s because the area is large, a focal point, or oddly shaped, the perfect decor remains elusive. One such space is the area above the bed; it is typically a focal point of your bedroom, and it can be challenging to figure out exactly what to put above it. If you are having trouble decorating above your bed, look no further for guidance.
Read on to discover tips on what decor to hang above your bed.
Plants
Not only do plants look lovely in most areas of the home, but they also help purify the air and give you a sense of well-being. There’s no better place to cultivate a sense of well-being than your bedroom. If you have shelving above your bed, consider placing a few plants of different shapes and sizes. Think flowering cacti, vines, and succulents. Pots of different colors and patterns will act as additional decor beyond the greenery itself. If you can, consider hanging plants from the ceiling with hooks and baskets, though be sure you aren’t susceptible to hitting your head in the morning!
Wall art
Hanging art above your bed is a straightforward solution to solving the issue of a large blank space. However, it would be best if you chose the right pieces. If you have a favorite large art piece that you haven’t committed to hanging yet, consider placing it above your bed to act as the room’s focal point. Gallery walls are another great option, especially if you have different pieces that work well and tie your space together. If you find choosing art overwhelming, don’t fret! Photographs also work; a gallery wall of family or vacation photographs is an excellent option.
Shelves
Shelving above your bed not only provides extra storage for knick-knacks, but it also looks beautiful when done right. You can really curate what is on your shelves and make something that works aesthetically and functionally. If you read often, consider having your favorite (or current) books displayed on your shelves. A few framed photographs add a personal touch. Or, you can simply display knick-knacks that you love but can’t find a place for or swap it out based on the seasons.
Lighting
Hanging unique lighting above your bed is a fantastic option if you prefer a minimalist style. Chic wall sconces on either side of the bed are a no-brainer, especially if you lack the space for a side table and lamp, says a Morganville, NJ, interior decorator. Another option is to invest in a chandelier. Chandeliers are great because they come in such a variety of styles, from art deco sputnik pieces to antique brass ones. For added flair, hang mirrors behind your bed which can help reflect the light.
Headboard
Headboards are making a comeback and are a versatile option for any bedroom. A large and tall headboard can be the focal point of your entire room and tie together your bedding and color scheme. Headboards also have the added benefit of allowing for different fabric patterns and textures, meaning you can choose one uniquely suited to your taste and style.
Don’t let a large blank canvas deter you from decorating your bedroom. Use these design tips as inspiration, and pick out what decor you want to hang above your bed!
How to Pick Furniture for Your Deck
Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on evenings spent outside on your deck. If you feel like your deck space isn’t living up to its full potential, a furniture upgrade might be the solution. Choosing the right furniture for your deck can transform your space and make it more usable for whatever you intend to do out there.
Read on to discover five tips on how to pick furniture for your deck.
- Plan ahead.
Before rushing to buy the first available furniture set, take some time to plan. Think about what you currently use your deck for and what you would like to use it for in the future. Then, get rid of any furniture you no longer wish to keep. When you know what you’re going to remove, you’ll have a better idea of your deck layout. Next, a Sparta, NJ, interior decorator recommends you measure the space, as this is a critical step in buying any type of furniture. Is your deck large enough to accommodate a 7-piece set? Or is it better suited for a couple of chairs and a side table? Be sure to know what you want and what can fit into your space before making any decisions. - Be aware of the weather
When choosing the materials for your outdoor furniture, it is critical to understand the weather patterns of your particular area. While any piece of outdoor furniture is bound to take a beating from the elements, a well-chosen material will last longer than one poorly thought-out piece. For areas that receive more rainfall, avoid wooden pieces susceptible to rot and iron furniture that will rust. In especially sunny areas, remember that the sun can bleach fabric and wood over time. - Consider comfort
If you are in the market for new furniture for your deck, you clearly enjoy spending time out there. As such, prioritize your comfort when searching for new furniture. Check the feel of any piece you intend to buy if you are able. If you are drawn to a metal set, be sure to find cushions for the sake of your back. Cushions are an excellent option for wooden sets as well. For those who like to lounge on their deck, consider rattan and wicker pieces. - Choose furniture that matches how you will use the space
Do you host a lot of dinner parties? A complete outdoor dining set is a no-brainer since you can take your regular gatherings outside when the weather permits. Do you simply like to relax and unwind outdoors? An outdoor bar cart containing everything you need to prepare and serve drinks is a must for some, while a fire pit and benches for family gatherings are essential for others. For a smaller space such as an apartment patio, a café table and chairs to read at and drink coffee might be a perfect choice. Whatever your needs are, be sure to pick your furniture wisely. - Prioritize storage
When choosing furniture for your deck, opting for pieces that double as storage units is practical. A bench that lifts to store cushions is a great option, especially if you want your cushions to last a bit longer. Another popular choice is a large coffee table that lifts for even more hiding spots. If you intend to store away your furniture over the winter months, opt for pieces that are easily foldable or stack well so you can easily cover them during inclement weather.
We hope the tips above help you to select the best furniture for your deck!
Guide to Decorating with Clocks
Before the digital age, clocks were an essential part of any household. When smartphones hit the market, these basic timepieces were almost deemed useless. Now, clocks seem to be making a comeback, thanks to Gen-Z and millennials. They make excellent décor features because they come in a variety of styles, including modern, vintage, and eclectic, and add visual interest to any wall.
Read on to discover our guide to decorating with clocks.
Creative gallery wall
A wall clock can make a unique addition to an already established gallery wall. To take it a step further, consider creating an entire collection of different clocks instead of just adding one in with other art pieces. Think of using different-sized clocks to provide spatial variety. In addition, you can include clocks of different aesthetics, such as a retro metal one or a modern chrome clock without numbers. For even more visual interest, consider setting the clocks to different, haphazard times.
Different time zones
Clocks with different time zones aren’t just reserved for multinational office buildings and, in fact, can look stunning in your home. The beauty of this look is you can choose whatever style of clock you want and simply hang three or four side by side or vertically. Consider setting the clocks to times local to family or friends living abroad. If you don’t know anyone located globally, consider choosing locations that you want to visit or are far enough away to include vastly different time zones.
Oversized focal point
Consider hanging an oversized clock if you have a large, blank space that you don’t know how to decorate. Like a gallery wall, a large clock will provide visual interest while creating a focal point for the room. One option is to hang a sunburst clock, which features rays bursting out from the center. You can also choose a minimalist clock or one where the mechanism is built into the wall, and your numbers are free-floating. An oversized clock also works well on an accent wall.
Neon glow
While most of the ideas listed here involve analog clocks, digital clocks also make an excellent décor piece. Trending lately is neon digital clocks hung up on the wall. The beauty of a neon digital clock is that neon comes in many different colors; pink neon will look fun and whimsical in a bedroom, while red neon adds a retro look to any gallery wall. Not only will a neon digital clock look cool, but it will also provide an ever-present, ethereal glow to your room.
Old-fashioned statement
More commonly known as grandfather clocks, floor clocks are often seen as old-fashioned. However, floor clocks are moving beyond your grandparent’s home and are making a comeback in modern households, says a Norman, OK, interior decorator. If the traditional dark wood is not your preference, consider stripping the stain and refinishing the wood to your liking. Floor clocks are a great option to fill an empty corner that you’re having trouble utilizing. Not only do they take up space, but they command attention and add a sense of elegance to your room.
Are you ready to add clocks to your home decor? Whether you want to incorporate them in a gallery wall or use them as a focal point, clocks are sure to add visual interest as well as create conversations in your home.
How to Update Your Home Amidst COVID Delays
Over the last year and a half, home updates have risen in popularity due to more people spending time inside. This desire has created a huge demand for home furnishings. If you’re one of the people trying to update your home, chances are you’ve run into delays for a lot of furniture and home goods. Production shutdowns in other countries, ports that have no room to unload cargo, and worker shortages for ports and shipping companies have created these unprecedented delays. Often, the most considerable delays are with pieces that use wood or motorized parts.
But this doesn’t mean that you can’t update your home amidst these COVID delays. Instead, look for alternative options that can help you makeover your home in no time.
Here are seven tips for updating your home amidst COVID delays:
1. Buy Local
A Chagrin Falls, Ohio interior decorator says, “Seek out local craftsmen instead of traditional furniture stores. Local artisans can be a great source for side, coffee, dining, and kitchen tables. Some of these designers even have upholstered pieces such as chairs and loveseats.” When you shop locally, you’re supporting your community, and you may have less of a wait time since you might be able to buy pieces already in stock.
2. Go Vintage
Another option is to go vintage. Depending on your style, this could be mid-century, classic, retro, or traditional. Timeless pieces and styles retain their value, especially when they are high-quality pieces. You can search eBay, Etsy, 1stdibs, and other auction sites for vintage pieces. Just be sure to get lots of pictures from all angles before buying, so you know what you are getting.
3. Don’t Customize
Right now is not the time to splurge on custom-designed pieces. In some cases, it can take up to 40 weeks for a customized piece of furniture to arrive at your doorstep. So, if you really need new furniture and can’t wait, don’t customize your selections. Stick with fabrics and models that the retailer has in stock.
4. Refurbish
Another way you can refresh your home amid COVID is to save the new furniture purchases for a later date and update what you have. You can refurbish and reupholster old furniture, which can completely transform a piece and in less time. Who knows? Maybe with a fresh new look, you won’t even want that new furniture down the line.
5. Try Floor Samples
If you still must have new furniture, another option is to check with the retailer about purchasing floor samples. Since these pieces are already on-site, there’s virtually no wait time. And because these are floor samples, you may even be able to negotiate a discount, saving you some money.
6. Shop at a Thrift Store
Another option to avoid long wait times is to visit a thrift store. If you haven’t considered this in the past, it’s worth giving it a try now. With so many people updating their houses, there can be some good home furnishing finds at these places. Make sure to stop in your local thrift stores frequently since items don’t stick around long at these places.
7. Don’t Delay
And lastly, if you’re looking at new home furnishings and see something you like, don’t delay. Now is not the time to wait and see if the price will come down. It might be gone before you decide, and the website or store may not know when, if ever, they will get it back in stock again. So, if you see something you really want, be sure to buy it right away.
Refresh Your Home With No Delay
Long delays don’t mean you can’t update your home right now. Consider it an opportunity to explore some new places. That could be a local artisan, auction sites, or even shopping at a thrift store. If you must purchase new pieces, don’t customize. Instead, ask about floor samples, or buy what’s in stock. And lastly, don’t delay, as it could be gone for good if you wait.
How to Elevate Your Dorm Room Decor
For many people, the college dorm room presents the first opportunity to take the reins in decorating their own space for the first time. If you are headed to college and living in a dorm, decorating your space can feel overwhelming, especially if you have a roommate with whom to coordinate. Think of this exciting time as an opportunity to express yourself fully and create the space you have always wanted.
Read on to discover five ways you can elevate your dorm room decor.
Smarter Storage
Dorms are notoriously small, so storage is essential. First, if you can, don’t bring your out-of-season clothes with you, as they only take up much-needed space in your closet. An interior decorator in Northern Virginia recommends elevating your bed frame to create additional space for storage underneath. Bonus; what’s under there will also be out of sight. Hooks and temporary hangers are other terrific options, as they allow you to make use of empty wall space. Don’t forget your desk, either; look for desk organizers that keep your supplies in one place and allow you to focus on studying.
Lively Lighting
Lighting is crucial in any room, but dorm rooms often suffer from harsh, fluorescent lights. Fix this by bringing in your own lighting. Stringing up some twinkle lights might be a college stereotype, but that’s because it’s a fun and easy way to add light and decor to your dorm. Add a few floor lamps if your room is dim to prevent your space from looking drab and dreary. Improving your lighting will enhance the look of your entire space.
Cozier Conditions
Many dorms are functionally a slab of concrete and can feel physically and aesthetically cold. Adding some warmth back in will elevate your space and make it more cozy and comfortable. Putting a rug down can keep your feet from freezing and also add texture to your room. Utilize ample throw blankets and pillows for an extra cozy look that is sure to be difficult to part from for classes.
Beautiful Bedding
Your bed often acts as the focal point of your room, so give it the attention and thoughtfulness it deserves. When choosing your bedding, think about how you want to anchor your space. If you have a lot of colorful art or decor, try to keep your bedding neutral, so the art pops in contrast. If you have a more minimal style, a bright solid colored bedding will add visual interest and vibrancy without being too busy.
Delicate Decor
Arguably the most fun part of your dorm is decorating it how you please. Now is the time to really make your space your own. Consider finding art or prints that you like and create a gallery wall. Some online art shops even have curated collections of visually cohesive images, so it takes the guesswork out of creating a gallery wall. If you’re missing your family and friends from home, incorporate their photos in a photo gallery and hang them up above your bed or desk.
College is an exciting time filled with memories and new experiences. We hope the tips above help you create a dorm room that reflects your personality and makes you feel at home during this exciting time.