Key Power Tips On Selecting Bedroom Furniture

A bedroom is a place in your house where you can rest after a long and stressful day. Remember, your bedroom should be both relaxing and welcoming. So how exactly can you transform your room into a restful retreat? With all the factors you need to consider, choosing new bedroom furniture can be quite overwhelming. Luckily, getting the right piece of furniture for your bedroom needs will be much easier with the help of some key power tips. In this article, we’ll provide some valuable information that will give you key power tips on selecting bedroom furniture.

Purpose

First things first, you should know why you’re buying new furniture. Ask yourself whether it’s for your master bedroom or your child’s room. Always keep in mind that you can choose the right bedroom furniture if you know where it will go. Not only that but you should also consider the user’s preferences both in design and style before making a purchase. What will the new piece of furniture be used for? Why is it necessary?

Budget

Finances are also an important factor in selecting bedroom furniture. While it’s fine to explore a variety of options, it then becomes unwise if you buy a piece before determining how much you can afford.

• Take note that purchasing furniture can be very costly. That’s why you should be honest and reasonable about your budget to avoid financial burdens later on. You don’t necessarily have to max out your credit card for the furniture of your dreams.
• You can decide on buying just one piece now and waiting until you have a budget for the rest. You may also opt to purchase second-hand furniture or go for lower quality but at a lower price.
• If you can do a bedroom makeover on a budget of $50, you can also make a bedroom furniture purchase on a budget.

Size of the room

Don’t buy anything if you’re unprepared. This means that you need to know the size of your room before going to a furniture store. What’s important is that the size of the furniture complements the size of the space.

• For example, if you have a tiny bedroom, it doesn’t make any sense to buy a large furniture piece.
• Likewise, you should also make sure that your chosen piece of bedroom furniture will reach its destination without worrying about the space. After all, you don’t want to discover that your dresser cannot make it around the hallway and through your bedroom’s doorway!

Quality

Buying bedroom furniture can be a considerable investment. That’s why it’s important to look for something that will last for a more extended period. While your budget plays a vital role in choosing the level of quality of the furniture, it’s also best to consider the intended use of the same.

• Since you probably don’t like the idea of ditching furniture that may fall apart within a few months, choose a high-quality piece of furniture for the master bedroom.
• On the other hand, it’s okay to sacrifice some quality for a kid’s bedroom. After all, furniture shops usually offer a great range of bedroom furniture that you can choose from – and your kid will probably outgrow the piece of furniture within a few years.

Decorating style and scheme color

These are all essential in selecting your bedroom furniture. First, you should know how you want your room to look when it’s complete.

• If you think of a specific decorating style, then you’ll probably want a piece of furniture that blends well with it.
• Similarly, it’s worthy to pick your preferable scheme color that will match your furniture color. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the same, but make sure it suits the room color.

Price

This is an essential choosing factor. Always make a habit of comparing the prices. Research online or visit several stores and suppliers to check the quality as well as the prices. Select a set of furniture that has good quality but also a reasonable price. Look for annual sales or package discounts.

 

The Bottom Line

You should know the essential things to make your bedroom furniture choices more effective. Keep in mind that selecting a new piece of furniture for your bedroom can be both exciting and scary. It’s exciting because you’ll get to have a new look for your space but be careful because any mistake you’ll make can cost you an enormous amount of money. Just follow these key power tips while choosing the right furniture set for your needs. If the new piece of bedroom furniture meets all your requirements, your primary and aesthetic needs will be satisfied!

Outdoor furniture makeover with hessian (burlap) cushions

One good thing about my new husband and I is that we love a bargain especially if it's free. He's right into recycling and making do like I am and if we see something put out on the side of the road, we'll grab it like the above 2 outdoor chairs.

We have a lot of little outdoor spaces that we like to sit at all year round so we had enough chairs but when I saw these 2 (2 of 6), I grabbed them. I didn't take the chair pads because they were in pretty poor condition and beyond saving.

We had major drainage works completed at the side of the house earlier this year and there was quite a mess left. Damien decided to make this little paved area reusing pavers we already had so we needed a couple of chairs so the finding the above two was perfect timing. This area down the side of the house is really warm and sunny in the morning so perfect for cold winter mornings and in complete shade by midday so perfect for hot summer days in the afternoon.

Damien gave the chairs a spray of black paint with paint we already had. Being a couple weeks out from the wedding, my first reaction was to go and buy some chair pads but I really couldn't justify the cost. My second choice was to buy some fade resistant fabric from the store and make some cushions but have you seen the price of that per metre? I wondered what I could use from my stash that would hold up to the weather. I was also wondering what I could use for the cushions and then I had a light bulb moment.

I have quite a few cushion inserts and pillows so I thought I could use them. They were exactly the same size as the chair but I thought I could disguise it by making the fabric a little bit bigger.

Then my brain went into overdrive and I remembered I had a few hessian (burlap) sacks in my stash for various crafts and they would be just perfect. When I measured the width and total length of the chair it was going to be a little bit short lengthwise and a little bit longer on the width. I didn't want to cut the hessian as it has a tendency to unravel so I just sewed in to fit. I also needed 20 centimetres of fabric because the hessian bag was just that little bit short and I really didn't have anything appropriate in my fabric stash until I remembered I had 1 black pillow case in the linen cupboard which probably wasn't going to be used for it's intended purpose and it worked out well for the extra 20 centemetres required for the length of the chair pad plus ties to tie it onto the chair.

After cutting the black fabric to size, sew onto the opening of the hessian sack which has been sewn in to fit the width of the chair.

Turn right side out ready for sewing ties on.

You'll need 6 ties per chair, two at the top, two at the middle and two at the front of the chair pad. Sew strips of black fabric and turn right side out. Insert open seam on ends into itself and sew to close.

Give the hessian sacks a bit of a press with a hot iron, ready for sewing the black ties onto.

I thought I'd get a little bit creative with the chair cushions and make a stencil with the word "CHILL" on it just for the sake of it. This was just typed up in Microsoft Word and using a Stanley knife cut out the letters.

Place on the hessian and mark out the letters with a permanent marker.

Colour in and finish with a full stop (which is just a circle). Make sure you have an old piece of card or paper underneath or the permanent marker will come through on the other side.

I toyed with the idea of making removable cushions but I just couldn't be bothered. I have quite a large washing machine so they would fit in there or a good scrub with a scrubbing brush and some soapy water would clean them with a rinse off with the hose. Once you've sewn the ties on in place, insert the chair seat cushion and sew into place.

Insert the cushion for the chair back and pin the top opening ready for sewing. It can be a little cumbersome with the cushions inserted but by taking my time and persevering, they worked out okay. It was a quick afternoon job and I didn't have to spend a cent. (Although technically I bought the hessian sacks some time ago, the black paint and cushion inserts, it's all about using what you've already got.)

So there you have it. Two outdoor chairs for our newly created outdoor space that didn't cost a thing. This space came in very handy on the wedding day because it was a great space to just 'chill out'.

They may not fit 100% or look professional like the store bought ones but they do the job and they're individual which is what I like. Next job is to paint the house and the fence. Slowly but surely we're getting through all the things on the to do list.

PS I must've been baking on this particular day and had greasy fingers which marked the camera lens.

Outdoor furniture makeover with hessian (burlap) cushions

One good thing about my new husband and I is that we love a bargain especially if it’s free. He’s right into recycling and making do like I am and if we see something put out on the side of the road, we’ll grab it like the above 2 outdoor chairs.

We have a lot of little outdoor spaces that we like to sit at all year round so we had enough chairs but when I saw these 2 (2 of 6), I grabbed them. I didn’t take the chair pads because they were in pretty poor condition and beyond saving.

We had major drainage works completed at the side of the house earlier this year and there was quite a mess left. Damien decided to make this little paved area reusing pavers we already had so we needed a couple of chairs so the finding the above two was perfect timing. This area down the side of the house is really warm and sunny in the morning so perfect for cold winter mornings and in complete shade by midday so perfect for hot summer days in the afternoon.

Outdoor Furniture Makeover

Damien gave the chairs a spray of black paint with paint we already had. Being a couple weeks out from the wedding, my first reaction was to go and buy some chair pads but I really couldn’t justify the cost. My second choice was to buy some fade resistant fabric from the store and make some cushions but have you seen the price of that per metre? I wondered what I could use from my stash that would hold up to the weather. I was also wondering what I could use for the cushions and then I had a light bulb moment.

I have quite a few cushion inserts and pillows so I thought I could use them. They were exactly the same size as the chair but I thought I could disguise it by making the fabric a little bit bigger.

Then my brain went into overdrive and I remembered I had a few hessian (burlap) sacks in my stash for various crafts and they would be just perfect. When I measured the width and total length of the chair it was going to be a little bit short lengthwise and a little bit longer on the width. I didn’t want to cut the hessian as it has a tendency to unravel so I just sewed in to fit. I also needed 20 centimetres of fabric because the hessian bag was just that little bit short and I really didn’t have anything appropriate in my fabric stash until I remembered I had 1 black pillow case in the linen cupboard which probably wasn’t going to be used for it’s intended purpose and it worked out well for the extra 20 centemetres https://theleafsnation.com/account/ required for the length of the chair pad plus ties to tie it onto the chair.

After cutting the black fabric to size, sew onto the opening of the hessian sack which has been sewn in to fit the width of the chair.

Turn right side out ready for sewing ties on.

You’ll need 6 ties per chair, two at the top, two at the middle and two at the front of the chair pad. Sew strips of black fabric and turn right side out. Insert open seam on ends into itself and sew to close.

Give the hessian sacks a bit of a press with a hot iron, ready for sewing the black ties onto.

I thought I’d get a little bit creative with the chair cushions and make a stencil with the word “CHILL” on it just for the sake of it. This was just typed up in Microsoft Word and using a Stanley knife cut out the letters.

Place on the hessian and mark out the letters with a permanent marker.

Colour in and finish with a full stop (which is just a circle). Make sure you have an old piece of card or paper underneath or the permanent marker will come through on the other side.

I toyed with the idea of making removable cushions but I just couldn’t be bothered. I have quite a large washing machine so they would fit in there or a good scrub with a scrubbing brush and some soapy water would clean them with a rinse off with the hose. Once you’ve sewn the ties on in place, insert the chair seat cushion and sew into place.

Insert the cushion for the chair back and pin the top opening ready for sewing. It can be a little cumbersome with the cushions inserted but by taking my time and persevering, they worked out okay. It was a quick afternoon job and I didn’t have to spend a cent. (Although technically I bought the hessian sacks some time ago, the black paint and cushion inserts, it’s all about using what you’ve already got.)

So there you have it. Two outdoor chairs for our newly created outdoor space that didn’t cost a thing. This space came in very handy on the wedding day because it was a great space to just ‘chill out’.

They may not fit 100% or look professional like the store bought ones but they do the job and they’re individual which is what I like. Next job is to paint the house and the fence. Slowly but surely we’re getting through all the things on the to do list.

PS I must’ve been baking on this particular day and had greasy fingers which marked the camera lens.

6 smart strategies to avoid buying 'stuff'

There's a bit of a phenomenon going on in Australia right now with a whole range of 'cheap' homewares being sold by the big discount department stores. I watched a piece on a nightly current affairs show about how people have gone 'crazy' buying up big with cheap copy 'designer' homewares, even to the point of shelves being emptied on the day the products go on sale. I just shook my head. I can't understand why. Maybe it's because I'll always make do with what I've already got and keep the money in my purse or it's because I hate the thought of these cheaply made products eventually ending up as landfill because the stores will inevitably bring out a new range every season. Here's 6 smart strategies I use to avoid buying this 'stuff'.

source

1. Do I really 'need' it

You have to ask yourself "do I really need it" when it comes to buying stuff you think you need. Knowing the difference between wants and needs is something I always ask myself before I purchase anything, even if it is secondhand. Needs are your basic requirements for living like food, clothing, shelter and water. A $20 'side table' that looks like an upturned waste paper basket is something I definitely don't need.

source

2.  Make do with what you have or source it for free or secondhand

We've been doing some landscaping recently and created a small paved area to enjoy a morning coffee or to find a quiet spot to read and enjoy the garden. It would be just perfect with a couple outdoor chairs and a small table. I do like the look of the chairs above but at $39 each I just couldn't justify the price. I did, however, find two outdoor chairs on the side of the road for free which are currently being made over with products I already have at home. I could've done without chairs and a side table for this area but the opportunity presented itself to grab these two free chairs so I saved spending any money and I helped the environment by not letting the chairs end up as landfill. There are plenty of free websites like Freecycle where you can list your 'wants' or check out recycle shops at your local tip for things you might 'need'. We pick up so many things for our home from these places and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them.

source

3.  Does it serve a purpose

Often I could be so tempted to buy some of these decorator items. They might just fill that spot on your night stand or on a bookshelf but really, does it serve a purpose. The above decorative apple is $25 and I just couldn't justify buying it even if I did have a spare $25. I'd rather use sentimental items that belonged to my Mum or grandmother to decorate with which mean something and I could look at them with fondness. Changing the look with a photo, a book on a book stand or an arrangement of greenery from the garden helps to decorate a home plus if you're displaying an old vintage vase that belonged to your grandmother, you've got the added bonus that it can hold flowers. Even things the kids make can be displayed and rotated on a regular basis.

source

4. Understand the value of the product

I did happen to see this rhinoceros planter at my local store last week and I was so tempted to buy it even at only $6. It would look great in my new outdoor area with a plant in it and even though it was only $6 I told myself I have many empty ceramic pots at home that could serve the same purpose and for $6 I could buy 6 loaves of bread, three 250gm blocks of butter or 2 kilos of sausages for example. I passed at buying it and felt so much better for it.

source

5. Can I make it myself

This is one strategy that I always ask myself. Needless to say I have about 100 projects I'd like to get busy with and about 100 unfinished projects. Even though the above cushions are only $10 each, ask yourself "does it serve a purpose" and understand the value of the item. Really, why do we need a dozen cushions on the lounge or bed (even though I'm a little guilty of having a lot of cushions)? They are purely for decorative purposes. If you want people to use them to rest their heads, have a couple very plain cushions that can be easily unzipped and thrown in the wash. Styles come and go and you'll soon get sick of the cushion. I know because I buy them all the time from markets or online garage sales for about $1 each and sometimes get them for free. Even if you aren't crafty, there a million and one ways to cover a cushion using a no sew method or even an old woolen jumper. You'll be saving money, saving the environment and maybe feeling a little proud that you made it yourself.

source

6. Throw out the junk mail and only get what you need from the store

I don't look at the junk mail from these stores. It would be quite easy to fall in love with the styling they use in their photographs and think that you could create that same look in your home. When I was tempted by the yellow rhino above, I did have a purpose going into that store to only buy some stakes for my garden. That's where I saw the rhino, I pondered for a moment and then kept walking. If you don't look at the junk mail, you won't even know what they've got for sale. Easy!

***************

The marketing teams from these stores really have worked out a fantastic formula to entice people to want to have all these new decorator homewares. I know they won't be getting my money. I'll look out for them all in the second hand stores or the tip shop because that's where they'll all end up when the store brings out next season's range. Save your money and spend it on an experience or put it towards something the whole family can enjoy. I bet your homes all look lovely as they already are. Your wallet will thank you, your family will thank you and you won't be increasing the profits of these stores who make one hell of a profit by having everything cheaply made from overseas suppliers.

At the end of the day, I'm not going to dictate what you should and shouldn't spend your money on but something needs to be said about social media and clever marketing and how easily people are influenced by consumerism and what everyone else is doing. I'll keep my money thanks and when those little trinkets finish up at the second hand store, I might think about buying them. 

6 smart strategies to avoid buying 'stuff'

 

There’s a bit of a phenomenon going on in Australia right now with a whole range of ‘cheap’ homewares being sold by the big discount department stores. I watched a piece on a nightly current affairs show about how people have gone ‘crazy’ buying up big with cheap copy ‘designer’ homewares, even to the point of shelves being emptied on the day the products go on sale. I just shook my head. I can’t understand why. Maybe it’s because I’ll always make do with what I’ve already got and keep the money in my purse or it’s because I hate the thought of these cheaply made products eventually ending up as landfill because the stores will inevitably bring out a new range every season. Here’s 6 smart strategies I use to avoid buying this ‘stuff’.

source

1. Do I really ‘need’ it


You have to ask yourself “do I really need it” when it comes to buying stuff you think you need. Knowing the difference between wants and needs is something I always ask myself before I purchase anything, even if it is secondhand. Needs are your basic requirements for living like food, clothing, shelter and water. A $20 ‘side table’ that looks like an upturned waste paper basket is something I definitely don’t need.

source

2.  Make do with what you have or source it for free or secondhand


We’ve been doing some landscaping recently and created a small paved area to enjoy a morning coffee or to find a quiet spot to read and enjoy the garden. It would be just perfect with a couple outdoor chairs and a small table. I do like the look of the chairs above but at $39 each I just couldn’t justify the price. I did, however, find two outdoor chairs on the side of the road for free which are currently being made over with products I already have at home. I could’ve done without chairs and a side table for this area but the opportunity presented itself to grab these two free chairs so I saved spending any money and I helped the environment by not letting the chairs end up as landfill. There are plenty of free websites like Freecycle where you can list your ‘wants’ or check out recycle shops at your local tip for things you might ‘need’. We pick up so many things for our home from these places and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them.

source

3.  Does it serve a purpose


Often I could be so tempted to buy some of these decorator items. They might just fill that spot on your night stand or on a bookshelf but really, does it serve a purpose. The above decorative apple is $25 and I just couldn’t justify buying it even if I did have a spare $25. I’d rather use sentimental items that belonged to my Mum or grandmother to decorate with which mean something and I could look at them with fondness. Changing the look with a photo, a book on a book stand or an arrangement of greenery from the garden helps to decorate a home plus if you’re displaying an old vintage vase that belonged to your grandmother, you’ve got the added bonus that it can hold flowers. Even things the kids make can be displayed and rotated on a regular basis.

source

4. Understand the value of the product


I did happen to see this rhinoceros planter at my local store last week and I was so tempted to buy it even at only $6. It would look great in my new outdoor area with a plant in it and even though it was only $6 I told myself I have many empty ceramic pots at home that could serve the same purpose and for $6 I could buy 6 loaves of bread, three 250gm blocks of butter or 2 kilos of sausages for example. I passed at buying it and felt so much better for it.

source

5. Can I make it myself

 

This is one strategy that I always ask myself. Needless to say I have about 100 projects I’d like to get busy with and about 100 unfinished projects. Even though the above cushions are only $10 each, ask yourself “does it serve a purpose” and understand the value of the item. Really, why do we need a dozen cushions on the lounge or bed (even though I’m a little guilty of having a lot of cushions)? They are purely for decorative purposes. If you want people to use them to rest their heads, have a couple very plain cushions that can be easily unzipped and thrown in the wash. Styles come and go and you’ll soon get sick of the cushion. I know because I buy them all the time from markets or online garage sales for about $1 each and sometimes get them for free. Even if you aren’t crafty, there a million and one ways to cover a cushion using a no sew method or even an old woolen jumper. You’ll be saving money, saving the environment and maybe feeling a little proud that you made it yourself.

 

 

source

6. Throw out the junk mail and only get what you need from the store

 

I don’t look at the junk mail from these stores. It would be quite easy to fall in love with the styling they use in their photographs and think that you could create that same look in your home. When I was tempted by the yellow rhino above, I did have a purpose going into that store to only buy some stakes for my garden. That’s where I saw the rhino, I pondered for a moment and then kept walking. If you don’t look at the junk mail, you won’t even know what they’ve got for sale. Easy!

 

***************

 

The marketing teams from these stores really have worked out a fantastic formula to entice people to want to have all these new decorator homewares. I know they won’t be getting my money. I’ll look out for them all in the second hand stores or the tip shop because that’s where they’ll all end up when the store brings out next season’s range. Save your money and spend it on an experience or put it towards something the whole family can enjoy. I bet your homes all look lovely as they already are. Your wallet will thank you, your family will thank you and you won’t be increasing the profits of these stores who make one hell of a profit by having everything cheaply made from overseas suppliers.

 

At the end of the day, I’m not going to dictate what you should and shouldn’t spend your money on but something needs to be said about social media and clever marketing and how easily people are influenced by consumerism and what everyone else is doing. I’ll keep my money thanks and when those little trinkets finish up at the second hand store, I might think about buying them.