IconCurtains – Early Window Dressing

curtainsThere was a hairstyle some years ago known as ‘curtains’ where bangs of hair draped down over the forehead either side of the eyes – the windows of the soul. Curtains or drapes as household décor hang either side of a building’s windows for both practical and decorative reasons. Way back in time before there was glass to fill a window space, light could only get through to the room if the space was unobstructed so there was no covering for it during the day time. Once night fell though, the air got chillier, curious nocturnal animals came investigating and it became necessary to provide a covering to keep out animals and the cold as the opening did not serve a light providing purpose during the dark night. Poles with skins draped from them probably were the first ‘curtains’ and they were easy to use. Skins could be strung or crudely stitched together to fit the gap and keep the elements and animals out of a dwelling. They were much easier to utilise than shutters or rigid covers on the ancient structures from long ago.

Windows or ‘lights’ as they are otherwise known became paned with glass during the reign of Elizabeth I. They were very expensive items for householders to own as the glass making process at the time depended on blowing glass and cooling it on a flat surface then cutting out small panes, which were joined together in a frame with lead providing the joins and creating the lattice effect in casement windows that were hinged and able to open out and let air and light in. When homeowners moved they often took their windows with them! By allowing so much more natural light into a room than candles alone could provide, houses appeared more spacious and owners to demonstrate their considerable wealth to their neighbours could display furniture and objets all around them. Details of carving on wood and works of art could be better seen and ‘keeping up with Joneses’ became something of a game for the nobility and the wealthy upper classes of England. Being such indications of opulence the windows were seldom dressed though other areas of the house received curtain treatment. Four-poster beds were curtained or draped and canopied to provide privacy and retain heat or an arras hung on the wall for decoration and sometimes screening purposes. Mobile standing screens and tapestries acted as a divider in rooms and it is from these objects that the first curtains, as we know them now, were probably inspired.

Rather than having to move screens to block out early morning light from paned windows or operate interior or exterior shutters, which provided an added insulating benefit, curtains soon solved the problem of light requirements and temperature control in a room where draughts were prevalent. Not only could they be practical but also they could actually draw attention to the wonderful glazed window in a style and colour that suited the room befitting the owner’s status.

Fashionable curtains can be acquired from many UK stores, big retailers such as Tesco or Marks and Spencers, but also many smaller retailers such as Laura Ashley or Terrys Fabrics (their curtains section) for example. Advice is always to shop around, and never be afraid to request fabric samples if you have doubts over the quality!

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IconCleaning Hardwood Floor

hardwood floorHardwood floors are very fashionable and popular these days. It gives you a fine old fashion look to interior of your house. However, it is very important to keep it clean and take proper care of it. The thing is, wood is natural, beautiful, expensive and timeless design. So, proper caring, maintenance will insure it remain that way.

The tools you need
For cleaning the hardwood floor you need good quality of broom. Make sure that, the brooms you use to sweep the floor are soft. Also use vacuum cleaner without the beater bar. You will also need spray and soft mop. These are the basic tools you actually need.

Shoe problem
The most common and easy way the hardwood floor can be damage is by shoe. The tiny particles from the shoes like dirt and grit acts like sandpaper and will scratch your floor.

Stains
Another common way you precious hardwood floor can be damage is by the stains. There can be many different kinds of stains and cleaning suggestions are also different for various types of stains,

  • Liquor: Use a cloth dampened with warm water and detergents and rub the floor with it. You can also use cloth dampened with denatured alcohol for rubbing.
  • Fruit: Warm water and detergent should work, and if it doesn’t then try rubbing with a solution of water and oxalic acid.
  • Ink: First try warm water and detergent, if it doesn’t work then go for commercial ink remover.
  • Nail polish: Detergent solution like scouring powder, water, and a plastic mesh pad should work for removing nail polish.
  • Lipstick: Detergent and warm water are best solution. You can also try light pressure with a plastic scouring pad if it’s a tough stain.
  • Dye: Firstly, DO NOT soak the area. Try rubbing with a cloth moistened with a 1:3 solution of bleach and water.
  • Grease: First, let the grease clot by applying bag of frozen peas then gently scrap it off with knife. Remove any kind of remains by putting a rag on it and then carefully ironing the rag.
  • Blood: Sponge the area with cold water, and if it is extra strong then use the solution of ammonia and cold water and sponge it.
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IconTips Choosing Bedroom Lamp

bedroom lampAs there is vast verity of table lamps to choose from, you will surely find the appropriate lamp that will look good in your room. But first you should consider the basic style of the table lamps.

Contemporary
Contemporary table lamps add beauty and elegance to your living or working spaces while giving you the general lighting you need.

Tiffany Style
Tiffany style lamps, French impressionist glass art with flower-patterned and subtle landscape patterns.

Modern
Modern style will add style to your home interior as it softly illuminates at any angle.

Wrought iron
This style will provide you with (a timeless looking using wrought iron table lamps and floor lamps for any style of home décor.

The main things you should consider for wile purchasing table lamp are:

  • The shade and the base of the lamp must be proportion to each other.
  • Make sure the table lamp must also fit the size of your other furnishings as well.
  • Confirm that the shade of the lamp is at your eye level.
  • Make sure that the bulb is not visible

If you intend to buy a table lamp for the bedside then remember that the light is more important then style. Because you’re bedside lamp would also be the main source of light at the same time as it decorate the room. Apart from that, it would also be your light source when reading in bed as well.

Another important thing to concern is the height of the table lamp. The height is mainly depends on the current nightstand. If the nightstand is short, then a taller lamp would work best on your bedside. Twin Platform Bed in Black and Canopy Style.

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IconLiving Room Decoration Tips

livingroomLiving room is the part of the house which represents your personality. Spending more money and designing wonderfully will set your reputation in higher position. It’s not difficult to decorate your living room, attach with your interior style that harmonize with you and use some imagination with careful planning.

The major thing you should look for is the size of your living room. Both small and large living room contains different style of decoration. As you are about to spent lot of money for designing it, look for the proper layout and style that suit you and your living room, because it is essential to see the money you have spent is worth it. Here are some simple techniques to make your living room more dazzling then ever.

Place lot of accessories to your living room to give a finish look. Hang some of your family photo to provide your personal feel. If you have small living room then you can use a mirror to look the living room bigger.

Make your room colorful by sofa, pillow, curtain, rugs and thing like that. You can add potpourri, scented candles, and pretty packaged figurines for a luxurious, elegant feel. But be vary sure to maximizes the free space in your living room. Use coffee table with selves. The best thing is to be organized.

Do not always use expansible materials to decorate your living room. Use washable pillow case, certain and table cloths. Living room decorated like this will make you proud as well strike your neighbors with surprise.

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