Posts Tagged ‘Bedroom Furniture’

Tips for Decorating Small Spaces (Part 2)

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

The right amount and placement of lighting can make a room appear bigger. If you have a really small room, you should use as much lighting as possible. The best types of lighting for enhancing the space of a room are overhead fixtures and wall sconces, but you can also add a table lamp or two to achieve better results. Also, make sure that there is enough light coming through the window. It is recommended that you use a thin and light-colored curtain, because such a curtain will allow sunlight to flood into the room and make it look more spacious.                                                              

Collette Mirrored Jewelry Armoire

Collette Mirrored Jewelry Armoire

If you are planning to hang decorative items, such as artworks, posters and photographs, on the walls of your room, you should take care not to clutter the walls with too many items. Having just one or two pieces on each wall is good enough, and you have to make sure that their sizes are proportionate to the size of the room. A large poster on the wall of a small room will make the room look even smaller. It is also a good idea to place mirrors in the room, because their reflections can create an illusion of space. Mirrored furniture can be a great addition to a small room.

If you are looking for furniture pieces for decorating a small room, Grand Furniture Gallery has plenty of high quality and affordable furniture pieces that are suitable for your purpose.

The History of Mission Furniture (Part 2)

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

In the beginning of the 20th century, many households were furnished with either Victorian furniture or mission furniture. To meet the increasing demand for mission furniture, many major furniture makers and individuals started to create their own lines of mission style furnishings, including the Craftsman Workshops of Gustav Stickley, Stickley Brothers, L&JG Stickley, Chair Company, The Shop of the Crafters, Greene and Greene, Charles Rohlfs, Charles Limbert and Frank Lloyd Wright.                                                                                                                                                                                                

Autumn Park 7-Piece Trestle Table Group

Autumn Park 7-Piece Trestle Table Group

Later on, an expert on the arts and crafts movement, Bruce Johnson, wrote about the differences between arts and crafts furniture and mission furniture. He said that the former is characterized by high quality furniture that features more elaborate designs, whereas mission furniture is low quality furniture with very basic designs. By 1910, almost every furniture manufacturer was producing mission furniture pieces, and much of these were poorly designed and constructed, which somehow fitted the Johnson’s description of the mission furniture. Today, mission style furniture is produced by all types of furniture makers, ranging from large international manufacturers to one-man craft shops. There is also a wide selection of such furniture in the market, and come in different designs and materials.

If you want to buy mission furniture online, you can take a look at Grand Furniture Gallery’s wonderful collection of high-quality and beautifully designed mission furniture products.

The History of Mission Furniture (Part 1)

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

The term “mission furniture” was coined during the late 19th century by a New York furniture retailer and manufacturer called Joseph McHugh. It was used to describe a line of rustic and straight-lined furniture that he was producing. This design was based on a rush-seated chair that was initially created for a San Francisco church, the Swedenborgian Church of the New Jerusalem. The chair displayed influence of a style that was commonly featured in buildings and furniture used by Spanish missionaries in San Francisco, and this is the reason why McHugh decided to name his furniture line “mission furniture”.                                                                                                                                                         

Crossings Espresson Laptop Computer Desk and Chair

Crossings Espresson Laptop Computer Desk and Chair

At the time when McHugh was trying to commercialize his new line of furniture, furniture-maker Gustav Stickley and artisan Elbert Hubbard were also creating a kind of furniture that was similar in style. Many furniture pieces that were produced by Stickley and Hubbard featured transitional designs with Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts influences. By the year 1900, Stickley’s creations began to show more straight lines, and soon, they became more similar to the mission style furniture of today.

It was after the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo that many people started to buy mission furniture. The exposition featured furniture exhibitions by McHugh and Stickler, and the former was awarded a silver medal.

The Pros and Cons of Wrought Iron Furniture

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

The use of wrought iron as a material for furniture-making dates back to the time of the Roman Empire. Despite the introduction of other metals such as cast iron and aluminum, it is still one of the most preferred materials for many different types of furniture, including tables and chairs, benches, bar stools, wine racks, baker’s racks, beds, and others.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Dublin Metal Bed

Dublin Metal Bed

One of the main reasons why homeowners buy wrought iron furniture is because of its superior durability. Wrought iron is exceptionally strong, and it can hold a lot of weight without being damaged. Also, it has good resistance against corrosion, which makes it the perfect material for outdoor furniture. Other than its durability, wrought iron furniture also adds a touch of elegance and timelessness to any environment. It looks good in both contemporary and traditional settings, and it is suitable for formal or casual occasions.

However, wrought iron furniture also has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, high quality wrought iron furniture pieces can be expensive, especially those that are used in the patio or garden. Nevertheless, since they can last for a long time, they are actually a sound investment. Additionally, wrought iron is a good conductor, and this makes the furniture more susceptible to climate change. It will become very hot or cold when it is exposed to extreme temperatures.

Use Mirrored Furniture to Liven Up Your Room

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Mirrors are often used by interior designers and homeowners to enhance the presence of light in a room. However, most mirrors are not large enough to brighten up a room that has very limited sunlight, and it can be costly for homeowners to install mirror tiles on a wall. The best way to add brightness and space in a room is to buy mirrored furniture.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Collette Hall Chest

Collette Hall Chest

There are many different types of mirrored furnishings in the market, and they include mirrored tables, closets, dressers, armoires, desks, and others. In structure and design, they are the same as other types of furniture. They are mostly made of wood, and their surfaces are either partly or entirely covered with mirrors. Mirrored furniture pieces are highly sought after by homeowners because they can create a camouflage effect and adapt to any color scheme. Also, they come in many different styles to suit any décor, ranging from curvy traditional designs to angular modern pieces.

Mirrored furniture pieces are not widely available because they are comparatively more difficult to make than other types of furniture items. Also, they require special care when they are being transported. If you are looking for a reliable furniture store to order mirrored furniture online, you can check out Grand Furniture Gallery’s excellent collection of mirrored furniture items.

Enjoy a Comfortable Sleep with the Right Bed Linens

Monday, April 12th, 2010

The bed is a very important thing in life. You spend about one third of your life on it, and you will surely want it to be as comfortable as possible. After you have found the right bed frame and mattress, you should try to get the right bed linens to attain optimal comfort.                                                                                                                                                  

Duvet Ensemble Set

Duvet Ensemble Set

There are several different types of bed linens for you to choose from, and they include high thread count linens, low thread count sheets, flannel sheets, stain sheets, and silk sheets. High thread count linens are very comfortable because they are silky. However, they are not durable, and they can easily become worn from frequent washing. You will need at least four or five sets of linens to rotate if you want to use high thread count sheets. On the other hand, low thread count sheets can last a long time, but they can be a bit rough on the skin, and they are not recommended for people with sensitive skin.

Flannel sheets are the best option for winter bedding, because they can keep you warn and toasty during winter. If you want to have a seductive set of bed sheets for romantic purposes, you should use satin sheets. However, these sheets can cause sweating, and they should not be used on a daily basis. Silk sheets offer great comfort, and they make a bedroom look more elegant. If you do not mind the hassle of having to dry clean them, they can be the perfect choice for you.

Why Choose White?

Friday, April 9th, 2010

In the past, white furniture was not a popular choice among homeowners, because it was vulnerable to stains. It was especially impractical for those who have kids at home. Now, most white furniture pieces are made of stain-resistant materials and fabrics, and they gather less dust than dark-colored ones. Some of them come with slipcovers that can be easily removed for washing.                                                     

Camden White Dining Set

Camden White Dining Set

In recent years, white furnishings are becoming more sought after, because they can blend well with any style of décor. Additionally, they can enhance the color scheme of a room, because they make other colors shine. A room with white furniture will look brighter and more cheerful. White is a neutral color, and it can be used to unify other colors. If you have mismatched furniture pieces or accessories in your home, you can replace them with white furniture.

Also, white comes in hundreds of different shades, ranging from cream white to white with hint of peach or tan. You can choose a specific shade of white that suits your home décor perfectly. White furniture also makes it easy for you to change decorating schemes. You can use pillows of different colors in summer and winter, and your home will look totally different. Another great advantage of using white furniture is that it can make your room look more spacious.

Rugs Bring More Than Just Comfort to Your Home

Monday, March 29th, 2010

The feel of a soft and lush rug under the feet is a simple pleasure of life. A good piece of rug can make a home cozier and more inviting, and it can keep you warm during winter time. Other than providing comfort, it also has many other benefits.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Ultra Suede Custom Rug

Ultra Suede Custom Rug

A rug is functional art on the floor. It can add artistic expression and reflect the personality of a homeowner. A neutral-colored rug shows that a person is neat and well-organized, while a brightly-colored one is the perfect choice for the home of an artistic person. A rug can also be used to create themes and divide rooms into different sections. Nowadays, there is an extensive selection of rugs for you to choose from, and they are available in different colors, styles, and fabrics.

If you have children or seniors living in your home, a rug can also serve as a safety measure if it is used in combination with a rug pad. It provides a non-slip walking surface, and it can also reduce the impact of a fall. Also, when it is placed under a chair, table, or sofa, it can protect the floor from furniture scratches.

Another great benefit of having a rug in a room is that it can help to reduce noise. A rug has excellent noise-absorption qualities, and it can effectively reduce noise that travels between floors of an apartment building or house.

Children’s Furniture – Ensuring Your Child’s Success

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010
Just one of our children's furniture sets.

Just one of our children's furniture sets.

Children are people too. They need their own personal space where they can hang out and relax. They need a cozy place where they can fantasize and develop their imagination. They need a place where they can express their tastes and preferences just like us grownups.

That’s why children’s furniture is so important. Allowing your child to participate in selecting some of the furnishings will make them feel big and responsible. They will learn the important lesson that they need to literally live with their choices. Shopping with your child is also an opportunity to teach them esthetics and how to balance it with functionality.

Of course, you as the parent will want to ensure that they are getting furniture that will provide them a healthy space to live and grow. Pay careful attention to their beds, mattresses and bedding accessories. Additionally, you will want to plan for their future when they might need more closet more clothes or equipment for one of their hobbies. Their desk should be comfortable for them to work on homework or other projects.

Perhaps include a design that accommodates a computer and keyboard.  For younger children, having quiet time for bedtime is a great way to wind down before going to sleep.

You can also plan to have a comfy recliner for you to hang out there until the little ones are asleep. Using dimmers or bedside lamps is a good way to send the kids a message that it’s time to get ready for sleep.

Whatever you are looking for, Grand Furniture Gallery will provide you with a huge selection of functional and beautiful furniture.