Using Swing Arm Wall Lamps For Reading Is a Great Idea
November 20, 2008
You curl up in bed with your favorite novel. The lighting on the nightstand does not provide enough light. Overhead lighting can just be way too hard on your eyes and fanlights just don’t help. Reading in bed requires careful thought to the lighting in the room. The swing arm wall lamp is far and away the best choice for reading. These provide the exact amount of light that you need to read without being so bright that they will disturb your partner.
There are some things you need to know about swing arm wall lamps. You will have to install it yourself. This means that it will be wired directly into your current electrical system. A professional electrician could arrange the wires for you to place it exactly where you choose. Because of this, there are no cords and none of the clutter that comes from that.
You can also mount the lamp with the hardware that is included. By using this application, you will take the electrical cord that is already there to hang it down the wall. You can always hide it with a cord. Even if the cord is covered, it will still be visible and disrupt the clean line of the wall if you have a cord hanging down.
Make sure to remember that cheap lamps don’t swing well and wont last long at all. For about $150, you can have a moderately priced lamp that will last for a long time. Most lamps come with a dimmer or 3-way switch. A few even come with an acrylic disk or diffuser on the shade’s bottom to produce soft light.
Several factors will determine what height you should place your lamp. Think about the height of your bed, and don’t forget your own height as you think about this. You should make sure that the lamp is 20 inches above the top of the mattress. You will have to adjust the item to fit the size of the person.
When you choose your lamp, you must consider how the room looks, and what you like as a person. If you want your library or study to seem like the Old World, keep an eye out for wrought iron or glass materials and styles. A modern metal design will give you a contemporary, even sleek look. The lamps come in a variety of styles including metals, woods, and ceramics. Some are even created with natural materials, such as antlers. Our sturdy lamp is great for a cabin theme.
You should also consider the bulb type. While you get a bright light from halogen bulbs, low-watt fluorescent bulbs may be less harsh on the eyes.
You can have the perfect reading spot with a swing arm lamp. This way, you can focus light on the reading materials, instead of needing to tilt toward a table lamp in order to see. All readers love to have a swing arm wall lamp placed above their favorite reading spot.
Richard Ramey provides wonderful info about reading with swing arm wall lamps, plus several other great articles, at his helpful swing arm wall lamp website.
Sphere: Related ContentWall Mounted Curio Cabinet - A Display of Treasured Art
November 20, 2008
Wall mounted curio cabinets can display and show off your valuables, collectibles and treasures. They are a wonderful solution if you do not have a lot of space or if you have a smaller collection. Not enough to fill a large cabinet. This piece of furniture could be the perfect choice for your needs.
The term curio is used to describe knick knacks and collectibles. A wall mounted curio cabinet provides a way to display our precious keepsakes. Curio cabinets have been around for many years and are themselves collectible as antique furniture pieces.
Curios come in a variety of styles and types so you are certain to find one that compliments the overall design and decor of your room. They can be both plain and fancy. They are not always rectangular boxes they can have curves, arches and flat backs.
Wall mounted curio cabinets create a focal point for any room while gracefully displaying your valuable collection. This piece will draw the attention of your guests just like any other fine piece of treasured art. You will experience pride and joy that comes with ownership of such a beautifully elegance piece of furniture. They are usually less expensive then a full size cabinet, so if price is an issue it again comes to your rescue.
Many curio cabinets have designs ranging from the renaissance period to contemporary designs. It is important to look for quality features such as; side columns, pediment, base, hardware, number of shelves and if the shelves are adjustable.
Wall mounted curios are made from various veneers and hardwoods. They are available in so many finishes you are certain to find one that will match the rest of your furniture. To name a few they come in: Golden oak, aged oak, dark walnut, honey maple, white wash, white oak, black and cherry.
Special features like interior lighting can definitely help show off your collection. Side windows, mirrored back panels, clocks and two way sliding doors are additional options many consumers choose.
To help give you an idea of what items are most displayed in these small cabinets, you can place shot glasses, spoons, ceramics, porcelain, bells, photographs, memorabilia and items that share a common theme.
For mounting just fasten to the wall by a bracket strip which screws to the wall then the wall curio slips over the top of this bracket securing to the wall.
You should avoid placing overly heavy items on the shelves this could compromise its strength and sturdiness on the wall. There is no special maintenance other then keeping it clean by dusting regularly and if applicable clean the glass. You should try to mount the curio cabinet out of direct sunlight and free from debris. If you do this one step you will find that your cabinet will last you for many years.
Through your own search you will find two top names of manufactures they are Howard Miller and Pulaski. If you wind up purchasing one of these curios you can rest assured you made a wonderful selection since they are both known for their quality.
Finding a hanging wall curio cabinet will not be a difficult task. There are numerous venders and websites available to you. For great style and intriguing elegance you just have to start looking.
Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on Wall Mounted Curio Cabinets, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com
Sphere: Related ContentWall Mounted Aquarium - Beautify Your Surroundings
November 20, 2008
The wall mounted aquarium hangs like a framed piece of art, but encompasses live fish. It is easy to see and enjoy your fish as they are mounted at eye level. With its ingenuity and eye pleasing design, as well as limited maintenance, the wall aquarium will become the centerpiece of conversation. Your home will receive a vibrant kick to the aesthetics from this moving picture on your wall.
We are just beginning to understand how stress affects our health and how important it is to relax. One of the many benefits that a wall mounted aquarium provides is its effect on a persons mind, body and spirit. Tranquility and harmony takes over and will help reduce your stress and improve your health. The aquarium will have an over all calming effect.
They are made with half tempered safety glass in an ordinary tank. They hang on ordinary wall studs and do not take up valuable floor or cabinet space. They are available in various colors and sizes from as small as two feet wide up to thirty feet wide. A small aquarium can weigh seventy five to one hundred pounds when full and a large one can weigh close to three hundred pounds when full of water. They also come with a beautiful scenic background or you may design one yourself. Some color options for finishes are natural grain, mahogany, cherry, red walnut, oak, black and stainless steel.
Wall mounted aquariums are sure to please any level of experience from a fish hobbyist to an active fish keeper. An important advantage of wall mounted aquariums, from a regular tank, is if you have small children or pets they are mounted out of reach. Accidents can happen and at least you can be reassured that this tank can’t be tipped over.
You can purchase fresh water and salt water aquariums. The advantage here is fresh water tanks. They are easier to maintain and the fish are less expensive. Salt water fish colors are beautiful, but they usually are large and this becomes an issue with this type of tank.
I would suggest you consider having a professional install the wall mounted aquarium. The advantage is that all the cables and equipment can be professionally hidden. All you will have to do is add your fish and plants. If you choose the installation yourself, the filters and heater come already installed.
You need to set the heater by simply turning a dial. With steel brackets securely fix and level your aquarium then carefully slide onto the brackets. Once the aquarium is mounted you can fill it right away with lime free water. The aquarium comes with water treatments that will condition the water. You then turn it on and let the aquarium sit for five days. To let the filters mature, start adding about five fish every week until your tank is fully stocked.
It is very important that you be patient and introduce the fish in small amounts rather then all at once. That would be a recipe for disaster. The wall mounted aquarium limits your fish selection to smaller fish. The fish size is limited to the width of the tank.
There are numerous companies that have websites online devoted to selling wall mounted aquariums. There are some that offer options custom made to your specifications. Your end result from this purchase will be hours of enjoyment and will add value to your home.
This art treasure will amaze your friends and family while beautifying your surroundings.
Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on Wall Mounted Aquariums, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com
Sphere: Related ContentWall Clocks Are an Ideal Way to Decorate
November 19, 2008
Interior design is very important to many. This is because when visitors come into one’s home, they form an impression regarding the owners of that home based on how the home is set up especially the living room. Researchers have also found that the appearance of a room can affect the mood of those that in the room and even aspects such as relaxation can be affected by the arrangement of the room. There are many ways to decorate one’s living room. While furniture plays a great role in this, people often forget that wall clocks can be a very effective way of both decorating and also time management.
There are different types of wall clocks. The first one is calendar wall clocks. These are the most common and can be found in many homes. They are the traditional clocks that can be purchased at any retail or department store and can easily be mounted on the walls. These are advantageous because they do not occupy a lot of space and can be conveniently stored whenever that needs to happen.
The other types of wall clocks are the antique wall clocks. These can be larger and among them are the famous “grandfather clocks” which we see in many ancient homes. These clocks can be expensive depending on when they were created and what materials were used. Antique wall clocks may not be readily available in department stores although a special order can be made. In order to buy antique wall clocks one has to do a search on the Internet. E Bay is an excellent place to start. eBay is the world’s largest online market and auction store and there you will find hard-to-find items especially antique items which cannot be found in regular stores. Some people have reservations when it comes to shopping on eBay because of identity theft but there is no need to worry when shopping at eBay because the site offers quality safety guarantees. They also use third party escrow companies which have the ability guarantee transactions which is important especially when it comes to antiques which are expensive. eBay is also great for doing price comparisons because there are many places that can be selling wall clocks at different prices and it is good to shop around.
Other types of wall clocks include hour glass clocks and shelf clocks. Shelf clocks are very cute and can be placed on any counter or shelf. These can come in many different designs and their popularity stems from the fact that they can be carried anywhere without in a moment’s notice. This may not be possible with antique grandfather clocks because they can be bulky and hence heavy.
But regardless of which wall clocks you have or prefer, one cannot but admit that the clocks are very classy and make a whole difference when it comes to decorating a living room, office or even bedroom. They can add a designers’ touch to the room not to mention help in managing time.
Theodore provides information about wall clocks and recommends the best wall clocks for your home or office.
Sphere: Related ContentKitchen Curtains - Tips and Advice
November 19, 2008
The kitchen is one of the most intimate places in the entire house. It is the place where meals are prepared and the place where families frequent in order to eat breakfast and to look for snacks. In families where the wife is a housewife and there are numerous children, time spent in the kitchen can be considerable. It is therefore important that the kitchen looks good and many have invested considerably in the appearance of the kitchen. One investment can be in kitchen tiles which can enhance the look of the kitchen. Others have invested in copper sinks which can be very ideal for modern homes because they are long-lasting and are very hygienic. Of all these enhancements, one of the best is kitchen curtains. Many homes have beautiful kitchen curtains and others prefer not to. There are a few tips you can consider before adding kitchen curtains.
The first thing to consider before putting kitchen curtains is the size. Size is important because it determines the amount of light that comes into the kitchen and indeed the whole house. Large windows will automatically mean you will have to pay more for curtains because they will have to correspond to the size of the windows.
Another point to note is how far your home is from the neighbors. If you are too far from the neighbors, like those who live out in the country or on a ranch, then kitchen curtains are not absolutely necessary and one can simply enjoy the view and also let in as much light as possible.
Before you add shower curtains, it is also essential to check and see where exactly the window is placed. If the window is near the stove, then it might not be a good idea because the curtains have a way of absorbing moisture especially the steam that comes from the food. This might cause a musky smell to permeate the whole house because of that. In some cases, the curtains may also absorb grease from the steam and from the different foods increasing the risk of a fire.
The best kitchen curtain can be bought at many department stores. Specialty stores like those that sell linen are also a great source of kitchen curtains. If you have access to the Internet, this is also one of the best ways to shop for kitchen curtains because you can do a price comparison. Because of market forces, different stores stock curtains at different prices and one of the best ways to check for the best deal is the Internet. The Internet also has many websites which sell kitchen curtains. eBay for instance offers affordable curtains and because eBay is the world’s largest market, it is highly unlikely that you will search for an affordable set of kitchen curtains and not find one.
Smart shopping for curtains can be very rewarding in the long run because kitchen curtains are a great way to accentuate your kitchen and indeed your entire house.
Theodore provides information about kitchen curtains and recommends the best kitchen curtains when buying.
Sphere: Related ContentSouthwest Bedspreads Will Make A Very Exciting Bedroom
November 19, 2008
Southwest bedspreads are a must have for any southwestern, western or even Native American style. Have fun and buy bedspreads online because they are growing in popularity everyday. The southwest is full of color and life and that beautiful feel is what you capture in the beautiful Indian pattern bedspreads. Western decor is also perfect for these rich fabrics.
Bed spreads with American Indian designs compliment any rustic decor and can be used in every bedroom with distinct colors and patterns to bring out the personality of each. If you are fortunate enough to have a cabin or even if you want to bring in the popular lodge style to your rooms southwestern bedspreads will deliver that special feeling you want.
When you purchase Native American style spreads, you will find a wide variety of patterns from the southwest. Arizona and New Mexico are rich in Native cultures like Navajo and Pueblo. You can choose from some of the most popular patterns throughout history and find them in modern textiles. Home decor is rapidly becoming the new frontier for many families. Many people are choosing to improve their home rather than think of moving. With the economy fluctuating as it does, inexpensive southwest bedspreads not only bring a rich culture into your home, but you can also order them online at a discount.
Some of the most popular southwestern bedspreads that we see today are those that include both beautiful colors and distinct patterns. While the traditional southwest bed spreads colors are bright, using turquoise and bright red the western style bedspreads use more muted colors with black and white or grey as a base and dark reds for life and a rich balance.
Southwest bedspreads are admired for their great color and fabric but also for their geometric patterns. These Native American designs have been used for centuries in all types of fabrics. The Navajo were particularly fond of the geometric designs using them in their ritual sand paintings as well as rugs and blankets. What was once done with hand spun cotton thread or carded wool has now been modernized and we see beautiful soft modern materials with rich vibrant colors that the early weavers could only imagine.
Now days, many of the modern southwest bedspreads are a joint effort between the past and present mixing together the best of the past and present. Being joined together to create new one-of-a-kind designs, southwestern bedspreads now display the popular earth tones and designs that make them perfect for rustic home decorating.
If you are searching for a great way to bring life and a touch of the Native culture into your home, buy a southwest bedspread. You will love the way it make your bedroom look. And don’t stop there. Use the same spreads as chair or couch covers. They even make great fabric for curtains. You can also fold them across the bottom of the bed or lay them across the bed at an angle or across the back of a sofa. Acrylic bedspreads are so versatile that you will find yourself using it all over your home, even in art projects, wall hangings or for throw pillows.
The bed spread you choose will probably depend on what your tastes are and what kind of decorating you are involved in. Whatever you are thinking of, you will find that southwest bedspreads make the perfect southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home decor and really look great with just about any type furniture. You can start with certain rooms and then move into others. You are going to find so many designs that you love and will want to use that you will want to bring them into every room.
Both home owners and professional home decorators love the feel that these bed covers bring to a room. Whatever your decorating style and whatever your decorating needs, you will definitely fall in love with the richness of color and warmth brought to life in your home by designing with southwest bedspreads.
Craig Chambers is an author specializing in southwest bedspreads and other rustic, southwestern, western and Native American home decor. Go to Mission Del Rey for more information, discounts and special offers.
Sphere: Related ContentWall Mounted Fireplace - Peaceful Sanctuary
November 19, 2008
If you live in a small house or apartment you may not have the luxury of having a built in fireplace. Or maybe there is a room in your house that you always wish you had one built. Today you can purchase a fireplace that would fit in the smallest of places in any room imaginable.
There are many flueless models on the market which means there is no need for a chimney in order to have one fitted. They don’t just heat the room they also look stylish and fashionable and add a sophisticated ambiance.
You have the option to mount these fireplaces directly on your wall and save precious floor space. They may be mounted at eye level and will provide an alluring and comforting focal point in the room. Since you mount them up high they are perfect for families with young children or pets. Their tiny fingers or wet noses can’t reach. Their appearance gives you the impression of a framed photo on the wall that happens to be ablaze with flames.
There is nothing like sitting down in front of a fireplace, during the long winter months, keeping you toasty and secure. A wall mounted fireplace adds a touch of warmth and elegance no matter where you live.
There are three types of wall mounted fireplaces. They are gas, electric and gel fuel. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
Vent free gas models must be installed by a qualified and licensed natural gas technician and this can be costly. The gel fuel models burn around three hours so that can run into an expense as well. Some consumers use these models for decorative purposes rather then for heat. They simply use pillar candles to create the warm glow and relaxing atmosphere. With gel fuel you still get the same sound effects as wood with its snaps and crackles but it leaves no smoke or odor.
The advantage of the electric wall mounted fireplace is the ease of use. Just plug it in and there is nothing to else to buy. Most units plug into your standard outlet. Your electric bill can increase a bit, but this can be remedied by monitoring the amount of time the fireplace is in use.
Each of the models are clean burning, non toxic and environmentally friendly. You will have no soot, smoke or ashes to clean up. You can use the flame only setting for ambiance or turn on the heat to add warmth to a chilly room. You may also decide to flip a switch to a cool air fan for circulation.
They combine the flame effect that you would expect from a real fire with a modern twist. Its ease of installation, flexibility and style have made them extremely popular. There prices vary depending on features and materials, but roughly start around two hundred dollars.
You can find models in classic, traditional and contemporary designs which include copper, brushed stainless steel, black stainless steel and unique wood finished models that will compliment anyone’s decor.
With the image of the hearth and fireplace tools conjuring the feeling of comfort and security, the wall mounted fireplace can transform your living space into a peaceful sanctuary whether the fire is lit or not.
Through my research I have noticed you can get better pricing and discounts from online retailers than from brick and mortar stores. So there is no excuse for you to delay bringing some warmth into your home today. There is nothing to compare to the tranquil feeling you get from relaxing by the fireplace.
Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on a Wall Mounted Fireplace, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com
Sphere: Related ContentWall Mounted Fountains - A Curtain of Cascading Water
November 19, 2008
Wall mounted fountains are extremely dynamic and ever changing and bring a different perspective and dimension to your room every time you walk into it. They add character while offering a calming serenity and added relaxation. The fountain brings a touch of elegance to any space and gives your room a sophisticated ambiance.
Fountains bring about an instant water feature for your interior or exterior. They make a great addition to any home or garden. Mount it on a wall, post or fence, fill it with water and plug the fountain in. It’s just that easy…
They add a pleasing focus to an otherwise unnoticed wall and are perfect for dressing up an area with limited floor space. You can locate wall mounted fountains in categories ranging from contemporary all the way to a more traditional look. There are fountains available for everyone’s decor and lifestyle.
You can choose from many different materials. Fiberglass is a good choice because it is strong but light weight. Some fountains have finishes of simulated aged stone, rock or other materials. They are also made from clay, wood, copper, resin, marble and slate.
The style and look of the fountains vary considerably. There are a whole range of additional features that can be added to enhance the design in order to be tailored to your needs.
You should look at the wall that you are planning to mount your fountain on. Take a step back and visualize how you will mount it. You should view this area in normal daylight, evening light, and with any added lighting you plan on using.
You can also purchase led wall mounted tube lights that project lighting that continuously mixes colors for a vibrant effect. There are other fountains designed to incorporate indirect lighting. Your result will be the casting of a subtle shimmer as a curtain of cascading water provides yet another layer of drama or tranquility to any setting.
As an indoor accessory fountains are becoming very popular. They are not only for larger homes, but are being added to studio apartments for a decorative feature. Costs for wall mounted fountains are surprising low for the luxury that they provide. By fitting neatly onto your wall they create the ultimate design statement.
Another benefit is they act as a natural air purifier. The water tumbles back into the indoor fountain reservoir releasing negative ions into the room. The air inside your home is often more polluted then the outside air. This fountain can make your environment a healthier place to live. The ions bond to dust particles and allergens purifying the air that you breathe. They also add humidity to the room which is good for certain areas of this country.
The sound depends on the level of water in the fountain and the rate at which the water falls, along with the depth of the basin. No two fountains sound alike. You can change the sounds by adding different materials in the basin, or changing the rate of water flow. The calming white noise has shown to improve concentration. Wall fountains also cancel out noise such as outside traffic or a loud neighbor. The sounds they make will lull you into total peace of mind.
The pumps for wall fountains work best with distilled water. Pumps can be adversely affected by mineral deposits found in tap water over time. Turning the pump on and off frequently can also damage the pump. You need not use harsh chemicals for care and cleaning. There are many safe cleaners made for your fountains. This is especially reassuring if accidentally your dog or cat takes a drink.
Now that you know some facts about wall mounted fountains you can make a better informed decision regarding the purchase, installation, maintenance and accessories.
Bring some peaceful serenity into you home by selecting an artful wall mounted fountain. Your results will not only be calming to your busy lifestyle, but all who enter the room will admire you for your excellent taste in wall decor.
Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on Wall Mounted Fountains, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com
Sphere: Related ContentWrought Iron Wall Decor - Renewable Sustainable Resource
November 18, 2008
Wrought iron wall decor has been used for thousands of years and it will continue through generations ahead mainly for its beauty and longevity. This metal is a renewable and sustainable resource. It may be repeatedly recycled and has benefits from reworking. Scrap from wrought iron can be gathered, reheated and forged again into a solid mass. This produces an iron of a higher quality. Wrought means any metal which is hammered, twisted or bent into a shape.
Decorating with wrought iron decor has become a trend . It adds the touch of being able to bring nature to ones surroundings. The beauty of placing wrought iron pieces is that it can fit well in any room of the house. It is available in various sizes small or large and comes in various shapes such as round, rectangular, square, oval and abstract designs that have intricate scrolls, swirls and leaves.
Wrought iron also blends well with most decors primarily because of its neutral color. The colors are usually shades of brown or black. However you can alter wrought iron to compliment your room’s decor by adding a coat of paint. You may also find pieces that are in distressed white and verdigris finishes which are unique and add a different dimension to your decor.
Wrought iron wall products reflect a fine blend of traditional designs and contemporary styles. It has brought a revolution to our homes in the form of home decor products. The list of wrought iron products is never ending. You just think of a product and you will find it made of wrought iron.
The prices of the wrought iron products are within reach of every pocket. The price is decided on three main factors. The complexity of the design, the type of welding carried out and the quality of the wrought iron used. The quality of the wrought iron depends on the amount of slag fibers present in the metal.
Walls can talk and they say a lot. Wall decor should be hung so that the center of the piece is at eye level for the average size person. Relate your wall decor size to the wall size. Choose smaller pieces for narrow walls and larger works for big wall spaces. A single large piece makes a statement. It brings focus and helps avoid a cluttered look.
Tall wall plaques or groupings should be hung in a vertical line. This will add to the feeling of height in the room. Hanging long pieces in a horizontal line tends to give a calming effect and the illusion of width to a narrow room. You should look for pieces that inspire you and use their themes and colors as the foundation for other room elements.
Wrought iron wall hangings can take on a completely new look depending on where they are hung. They go well with many decorating themes and styles. Best of all they will never go out of style and they can become family heirlooms and be passed down from generation to generation.
Here are a few ideas on where some wrought iron pieces would look great in your home.
Metal art work is the most popular and a great idea for large bare walls since many pieces are on the larger scale and they make a great accessory for contemporary or casual designs. For inspirational pieces in bedrooms or small wall areas try wrought iron plaques and signs. The hallmark of wrought iron plaques is that they display an inspiring word or phrase in an artistic fashion.
Wall scrolls combine the look of wrought iron in a beautiful painting. The wrought iron design around the edges of a painting gives a finished look. The best place to display the wall scroll is in the entryway of your home for a stunning first impression.
For expansive walls with high ceilings or to fill spaces above and around wall tapestries and mirrors use wall candle holders or sconces. These will highlight the areas best and give your room the feel of sophistication and beauty.
For something truly unique and unexpected mount a grouping of pressed wrought iron squares over the fire place and watch the reaction from others. The solution is to make your home uniquely yours with a wonderful assortment of wrought iron wall decor.
In my master bath I have a wrought iron towel basket that I have mounted to the wall. It is hand crafted with a black powder coated finish. Every time I step out of the shower and grab a towel it gives me the feel of being in a luxurious hotel.
For my guest bathroom I purchase a wrought iron wall shelf that I have placed essential items amongst the knick knacks. It brings the necessities out in the open for my guests with an elegant look and feel to the room.
In my bedroom and guest rooms I have placed wall candle holders on almost every wall. It compliments the rooms with a dramatic touch and feel of romance. It embellishes the room’s comfort while creating a warm ambience of grace and style.
Scattered around my entire house are wrought iron decorative wall hooks. These provide a quick home accessory that adds function with style. I use these hooks to hang kitchen towels, pot holders, keys, bath robes, small kitchen and gardening tools and other small hangable objects.
Curtain, drapery and tapestry decorative wrought iron rods are the perfect finishing touch for your window treatments and art work. They usually require simple assembly but make a striking statement to what they adorn. Make certain you place wall lighting effectively to enhance these features.
We are all in search of that perfect piece or entire room that screams out with our personality. With the vast variety of wrought iron wall decor available today it can’t get much easier to achieve. You too will have that regal, distinguished and sophisticated look you long for. All you need to do now is start shopping.
Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on Wrought Iron Wall Decor, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com
Sphere: Related ContentTeen’s Bedroom Wall Decor - Chill and Hangout
November 18, 2008
Tucked away behind pine trees and bushes and shrubs on a cul-de-sac in suburbia of Chicago is my home. The lawns are scalloped and there is a prestige walkway to the front door of my two story colonial.
From the outside you would never suspect the turmoil inside. You see I work full time and also take my work home with me so there never seems to be enough time in the day to accomplish a thing. I also have two teenagers so enough said.
With my nerves on end recently I had made up my mind not to enter either of their rooms. I had thought to myself they are old enough to be responsible and take care of their own surroundings. Until this time, the cleaning and tidying up had fallen on my shoulders. This big idea of mine that they would want to help out had occurred to me about a month before.
Saturday morning arrived and there were activities I needed to get my kids to. They both were still asleep so I first entered my son’s room. I should say just barley entered. His bedroom door would only open an inch. I tried to push my way through as I toppled to the floor. There were clothes, books, dirty dishes amongst other things all over the room that I could not even tell what they were. I woke him up and could feel my blood boiling.
Next I went to wake up my daughter and deep inside me I new I would find her room in shambles as well. Needless to say they both did not go to their scheduled activities that day.
They both worked for hours on their rooms but when they were finished they came to me and proclaimed that their rooms left much to be desired. Both rooms had been designed by me when they were younger and they did not feel it expressed who they were. They went on to tell me that their needs and stuff they had acquired over the years had far out grown their rooms. It lacked organization and a place that represented who they are now. I listened to them and together we all came up with creative ideas.
This article hopefully will help other families go in the right direction. It should give you the tools and ideas to help make your lives a little more organized and serene. I will begin by laying out the road map that my own family took to reach the goals we set for ourselves.
The most important thing when decorating a teens bedroom walls is to allow the teens input so that the room is a reflection of who they are. Teens live stressful lives just like the rest of us so they need a place to retreat and feel comfortable in. They are still searching for who they are and designing their own bedroom walls provides them an outlet to express themselves creatively.
Teen wall decor decisions will vary depending on the teen in question. There are a number of different ideas for you to explore which will hopefully produce for your teen a room they can enjoy and a look that the parent approves of.
Be sure to take in the size of the room, your budget and the practicality of the style. You also need to consider what end of the teenage scale your child is on. Teens taste and sense of self will change considerably between thirteen and eighteen. So be sure to tread lightly with fads and trends that are likely to go out of style. After all you do not want to take on this task again next year.
What we did is we all sat down together with pens and paper. I then asked this question. What are you crazy about and what really gets you excited? I then proceeded to ask them about their hobbies, sports, and a location they love to visit or a topic they want to learn more about. I had them write all these things down.
This is the list of ideas they came up with: Dolphins, Birds, Abstract, Flowers, Sports, Space, Fashion, Animals, Music, Numbers, Moon and Sky. I recommended that they choose one idea from the list and making this interest the centerpiece of their room.
We first looked at lots of pictures from books and magazines and spent hours on line at different decorating web sites. We also watched a couple of home decorating shows on television and went to a design center and talked with experts to get some ideas.
The first thing to realize is not to rush. Take your time since this will be the room that you chill and hang out in.
My daughter decided on fashion as her bedroom theme while my son choice was sports in particular football with the main theme being the Chicago Bears. We then gathered in our car and took a drive to the paint store.
We browsed through many selections of different colored paint chips until they found colors that caught their attention. My daughter picked candy apple green while my son stuck with the Bears colors of navy and orange. All of these being popular colors according to the many hours of research we had tackled.
For one of their walls in each of their rooms we bought a paint that had a faux texture that seemed to shimmer and shine. They decided they would keep this wall bare so they could keep adding additional items such as posters from a movie or concert that had seen. In this way they always had space set aside to be able to grow and develop the decor of their rooms.
My son had found online a beautiful hand woven wall tapestry of Soldier Field where the Bears make their home and play their games when in Chicago. He made this the focal point of the room and placed framed artwork of Bears Players all around it. He also hung pennants and his prime passion of an autograph jersey that his favorite player had signed. He is also handy with wood and built shelves along one entire wall. Then with wall paper borders displaying pictures of footballs went along the edges of the shelves. He was able to use these selves to display his trophies and had space left over for his entertainment system.
Meanwhile fashion was the main theme for my daughter’s room. She had also spent hours online in search of her perfect design.
Like most girls she loves to go shopping and purchase as many shoes and purses imaginable. So I was not at all surprised when I saw her selection for the focal point for her room. It was wall art made up of whimsical purses. It was defiantly cool, hip and certainly prissy. The purses came designed with stripes and swirls of polka dots and matched her candy apple green walls. They had white ribbon and are embellished by a metal snap closure and silver balled feet. This design is definitely unique and personal.
There are three inch letters attached and painted with matching silver. She named her space by hanging each letter of her name over her bed.
On the wall opposite the windows she purchased a silver frameless mirror that made the room look double in size. It also came with a pegboard message center and held colorful bins for plenty of storage.
We then commissioned a local art teacher from a public school located near our house to hand paint a mural on the wall opposite the display of purses. My daughter is artistically inclined and drew a sketch of abstract designs that the artist successfully copied on to her wall. It truly accomplished the customized look she was going for.
All I can tell you is it has been about a year since we finished making their rooms a place they can call their own. The best part is they have kept their belongings in place and they spend many hours studying, laughing, entertaining their friends and most importantly keeping their rooms neat and tidy. Be patient, creative, listen and if you follow these steps you will also have tranquility in you life.
Barbara Tobiasz is an expert in interior/exterior decorating. Along with her husband Joe, they own and operate Wall-Decor-Concepts.com. For more information on Teen’s Bedroom Wall Decor, go to: http://www.Wall-Decor-Concepts.com
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