How To Hang Wallpaper
Wallpaper can make a tremendous difference in the appearance of any room. It is relatively easy to learn how to hang wall paper but it takes patience and attention to detail, especially if you are hanging patterned wallpaper, which requires matching at the seams.
Gather your materials and read through these instructions and the manufacturer’s guidelines before starting.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies, but plan on several days for a whole room
Here's How:
Prepare the walls
If you're hanging wallpaper on new drywall, prime the wall first with wallpaper primer to seal the drywall and help the paper adhere to the wall.
Wash any dirt or dust from the old walls and sand smooth any chipped paint. Remove old wallpaper using wallpaper remover, a wide blade, and rags.
Remove electrical outlet and light switch covers.
Use a putty knife to apply spackle over holes or cracks. Allow the spackle to dry, then sand lightly until the surface is smooth.
Pick a starting point.
The first strip of wallpaper will line up with the last strip of wallpaper you hang and the pattern should match up at that place. You will want to start and finish wallpapering in a corner, near the curtains or behind a door so that the mismatch is less obvious. The focal point of the room should have the fewest seams.
Measure out from your starting point and use a level to lightly draw a vertical straight edge on the wall. This line marks where the first strip of wallpaper should be placed.
Cut the wallpaper
Lay the first roll of paper, print side down, on the flat work surface. Confirm the top and bottom of the pattern. Measure, then cut the first wallpaper strip to the proper length, adding a few extra inches at the top and bottom. (This will be trimmed off later). Measure and cut the next several strips in order, paying attention to pattern match.
There are four pattern types -- random match, drop match, straight across match and free match.
Activate the adhesive on pre-pasted paper.
If the wallpaper is pre-pasted, loosely roll up the first cut strip of paper right side out and immerse it in room-temperature water in the water tray or bathtub. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for immersion time. Pull the strip out of the water, allowing the wallpaper to unroll slowly.
Apply wallpaper paste.
For un-pasted wallpaper, apply pre-mixed paste using a large pasting brush or paint roller, working from the middle to the ends. Be sure that all areas are covered with paste with no un-pasted spots. Gently fold the top of the sheet down to the middle so that the pasted sides touch. Next, fold the bottom edge up to the middle. This allows the paste to cure and keep it from drying out. Do not crease the wallpaper.
Hang the wallpaper.
Starting at the ceiling, carefully unfold the top half of first piece of the wallpaper and gently place the side edge of the strip along the measured line. Don’t forget to leave a few extra inches of paper at the top and bottom for trimming later.
When the strip is in the right position, drop down the bottom half and gently smooth the paper against the wall with your hands, beginning at one edge and working your way across. Use a smoothing brush or damp sponge to smooth out any air bubbles. Use a seam roller to gently smooth down the edges of the wallpaper.
Trim the excess paper.
Use a wide-blade putty knife to hold down the top of the wallpaper strip at the ceiling. Use the utility knife or straight-edge razor to trim the excess wallpaper. Repeat at the bottom of the strip. Carefully clean any paste from the ceiling and baseboard.
Wipe the strip of wallpaper with a clean, damp sponge to remove any paste and remaining air bubbles.
Smooth the corners.
At the corners, measure from the last full-width strip of wallpaper to the corner. Add 1 inch to that measurement and cut the next strip of wallpaper to that width. Activate or apply paste to the strip.
Apply the wallpaper on the wall, making sure to smooth it totally into the corner for interior corners or around the corner for exterior corners.
At the corner, make a small slit from the top of the strip to the wall to allow the strip to lay flat at the ceiling. Repeat on the bottom to allow the strip to lay flat at the floor. Trim off the top and bottom and clean the strip.
Hang around the corner.
Place the next strip of wallpaper on the wall so that it overlaps the extra 1 inch of paper from the previous piece.
Repeat hanging the strips around the room.
Continue hanging the next strips of wallpaper, taking care to match the pattern, trimming at the ceiling and floor, removing any creases or air bubbles, securing the seams, and cleaning the paste off the paper.
Replace light switch and plug plates.
If desired, cover the switch and plug plates with wallpaper, taking care to match the wallpaper pattern.
Tips:
Don't be in a hurry. Work slowly to avoid making mistakes.
Have a large area to work in and don't crowd yourself.
Cover every area of the back of the wallpaper with paste. Any area left dry, even a small space, will bubble and not adhere to the wall.
Smooth paper surfaces gently. Don't put any pressure on the face of the wallpaper.
Carefully clean off the surface of the wallpaper before the paste dries.
What You Need:
Wallpaper and Paste
Large Flat Work Surface
Tape Measure and Level
Ladder
Drop Cloth
Sandpaper, Spackle, Putty Knife
Bucket, Water, Water Tray, Sponges, Rags
Utility Knife or Straight Edge Razor
Smoothing Brush
Seam Roller
Showing posts with label home decoration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home decoration. Show all posts
Sunday, November 9, 2008
How To Buy Wallpaper
How To Buy Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a great way to add color and texture to any room. Paper all four walls of the room or place it on just one wall as a way to create a sense of drama. The range of colors and patterns available in today’s wallpaper will complement any style, whether your room is traditional or ultramodern.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies, depending on how quickly you make up your mind. But leave yourself at least a week.
Here's How:
Match the product to the space.
Wallpaper isn’t just for walls. Like the look of a tin ceiling? You can get that same appearance for a fraction of the price by buying patterned wallpaper. Wallpaper can also be used to cover dressers and other furniture that may be worn or damaged or that no longer fit with your decor. Simply cover the entire item as if you were wrapping a present. For a bit of visual interest, line the back wall of built-in shelves with wallpaper in a contrasting color or pattern. Many wallpaper styles also can be painted, allowing you to color-coordinate with other items in the room.
Shop around.
Visit Big-box, home improvement retailers, paint stores and small boutique stores to check out products. Several stores allow you to shop online, but it’s better if you see the wallpaper before you buy. Colors may appear different than they do online, and you’ll want to able to see any subtle markings or texture. Obtain samples so you can see what the wallpaper actually looks like on the intended walls. Lighting, both natural and from lamps, can affect how the paper will appear in the room.
Determine the type of traffic in the room.
Vinyl wallpaper is ideal for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, because it is durable and can be cleaned with soapy water and a scrub brush. Standard wallpaper is more delicate and some types can be easily damaged. It is best for low-traffic areas.
Measure the size of the space where you will be using the wallpaper.
Measure the length around the room and the ceiling height. Note the size of windows, doors and other spaces where you will not need any wallpaper. Creating a simple sketch can be helpful. The store’s staff can also help determine how much wallpaper you will need for the project. Wallpaper is typically sold as a double roll, measuring about 20.5 inches wide by about 33 feet long. Remember, some patterned wallpaper requires pattern matching at the seams, so you will need extra.
Coordinate with other items in the room.
Take the measurements, fabric swatches from upholstered furniture and paint chips to the store when you shop. Look for wallpaper with colors and patterns that complement the items in the room.
Research the price.
The price of wallpaper varies greatly depending on the quality of paper, the pattern, and colors. Costs can run from about $25 a roll to hundreds of dollars per roll. Prices are quoted for a single roll but wallpaper is usually sold in double rolls. Ask the store employee whether the price can be discounted if you buy several rolls. If you see a special-order wallpaper that you like, write down the name of the manufacturer and pattern, then search online for discounted prices. In-stock wallpaper tends to be cheaper than special-ordered paper. Stores also may discount discontinued lines.
Mix and match.
If you are planning to wallpaper a room and you can’t find enough of your favorite paper in stock, consider using a second, complementary style of wallpaper. For example, mix striped wallpaper with a solid color.
Tips:
Consider ordering more wallpaper than you need in case you make a mistake.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions on installation before buying, especially if you plan to hang it yourself.
Patterned wallpaper with a drop match can be more difficult to hang.
What You Need:
Tape Measure
Fabric Samples
Room Measurements
Paint Color Samples
Wallpaper is a great way to add color and texture to any room. Paper all four walls of the room or place it on just one wall as a way to create a sense of drama. The range of colors and patterns available in today’s wallpaper will complement any style, whether your room is traditional or ultramodern.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies, depending on how quickly you make up your mind. But leave yourself at least a week.
Here's How:
Match the product to the space.
Wallpaper isn’t just for walls. Like the look of a tin ceiling? You can get that same appearance for a fraction of the price by buying patterned wallpaper. Wallpaper can also be used to cover dressers and other furniture that may be worn or damaged or that no longer fit with your decor. Simply cover the entire item as if you were wrapping a present. For a bit of visual interest, line the back wall of built-in shelves with wallpaper in a contrasting color or pattern. Many wallpaper styles also can be painted, allowing you to color-coordinate with other items in the room.
Shop around.
Visit Big-box, home improvement retailers, paint stores and small boutique stores to check out products. Several stores allow you to shop online, but it’s better if you see the wallpaper before you buy. Colors may appear different than they do online, and you’ll want to able to see any subtle markings or texture. Obtain samples so you can see what the wallpaper actually looks like on the intended walls. Lighting, both natural and from lamps, can affect how the paper will appear in the room.
Determine the type of traffic in the room.
Vinyl wallpaper is ideal for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, because it is durable and can be cleaned with soapy water and a scrub brush. Standard wallpaper is more delicate and some types can be easily damaged. It is best for low-traffic areas.
Measure the size of the space where you will be using the wallpaper.
Measure the length around the room and the ceiling height. Note the size of windows, doors and other spaces where you will not need any wallpaper. Creating a simple sketch can be helpful. The store’s staff can also help determine how much wallpaper you will need for the project. Wallpaper is typically sold as a double roll, measuring about 20.5 inches wide by about 33 feet long. Remember, some patterned wallpaper requires pattern matching at the seams, so you will need extra.
Coordinate with other items in the room.
Take the measurements, fabric swatches from upholstered furniture and paint chips to the store when you shop. Look for wallpaper with colors and patterns that complement the items in the room.
Research the price.
The price of wallpaper varies greatly depending on the quality of paper, the pattern, and colors. Costs can run from about $25 a roll to hundreds of dollars per roll. Prices are quoted for a single roll but wallpaper is usually sold in double rolls. Ask the store employee whether the price can be discounted if you buy several rolls. If you see a special-order wallpaper that you like, write down the name of the manufacturer and pattern, then search online for discounted prices. In-stock wallpaper tends to be cheaper than special-ordered paper. Stores also may discount discontinued lines.
Mix and match.
If you are planning to wallpaper a room and you can’t find enough of your favorite paper in stock, consider using a second, complementary style of wallpaper. For example, mix striped wallpaper with a solid color.
Tips:
Consider ordering more wallpaper than you need in case you make a mistake.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions on installation before buying, especially if you plan to hang it yourself.
Patterned wallpaper with a drop match can be more difficult to hang.
What You Need:
Tape Measure
Fabric Samples
Room Measurements
Paint Color Samples
How To Quick Clean Any Room in the House
How To Quick Clean Any Room in the House
Do you dread cleaning day? Make quick work of home cleaning with our quick tips on cleaning any room in the house.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Less than 30 minutes
Here's How:
Gather everything you'll need for cleaning into the target room. Include the vacuum and attachments, dust rags, furniture polish and glass cleaner.
Clear the room of clutter. Get rid of anything that doesn't belong there, including dishes, mail, toys (depending on the room), sports equipment, and old newspapers.
Choose a starting point. Spray a soft dust cloth liberally with furniture polish and dust and polish every wood surface, going around the room from start to finish. If the surfaces are particularly dusty or dirty, you might have to use several cloths. But keep these dusting rags for furniture polish only.
Now, go around the room again with glass cleaner and a clean, dust-free rag. Clean all the hard surfaces--mirrors, picture glass, light bulbs, window sills and blinds, tops of doors and door frames, door moldings, drapery rods, hanging art and collectibles. Spray the glass cleaner carefully. For large objects, spray directly on the object. For smaller pieces, spray the glass cleaner on the rag.
Next, straighten everything that is left in the room. Organize magazines and books, straighten lampshades, and rearrange the collectibles. By now, everything should be clean and in its right place.
Insert the edging wand attachment to the vacuum and clean corners, floor edges around the baseboards, tops of tall bookshelves, and ceiling corners.
Use the vacuum brush attachment to clean upholstered pieces such as chairs, sofas, bed headboards, valances and drapery panels.
You're almost finished! Clean the floor, using a vacuum if you have carpet or mop if you have hard floors. Start in the corner farthest from the door and work your way out the door.
Take one last look to make sure you didn't miss anything. Done!
Tips:
Collect all the cleaning products in a carrying tote which you can carry from room to room.
Don't try to organize drawers and closets this time. The point is to get things straightened up and clean. Save the bigger tasks for another time.
Have plenty of clean cloths or rags. When they get dirty, use a fresh one.
Do not wash dirty rags with other clothes. The cleaning chemicals can damage clothing or even leave spots.
What You Need:
Dust Rags
Wood Furniture Polish
Glass Cleaner
Vacuum with Attachments
Mop for Hard Flooring
Do you dread cleaning day? Make quick work of home cleaning with our quick tips on cleaning any room in the house.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Less than 30 minutes
Here's How:
Gather everything you'll need for cleaning into the target room. Include the vacuum and attachments, dust rags, furniture polish and glass cleaner.
Clear the room of clutter. Get rid of anything that doesn't belong there, including dishes, mail, toys (depending on the room), sports equipment, and old newspapers.
Choose a starting point. Spray a soft dust cloth liberally with furniture polish and dust and polish every wood surface, going around the room from start to finish. If the surfaces are particularly dusty or dirty, you might have to use several cloths. But keep these dusting rags for furniture polish only.
Now, go around the room again with glass cleaner and a clean, dust-free rag. Clean all the hard surfaces--mirrors, picture glass, light bulbs, window sills and blinds, tops of doors and door frames, door moldings, drapery rods, hanging art and collectibles. Spray the glass cleaner carefully. For large objects, spray directly on the object. For smaller pieces, spray the glass cleaner on the rag.
Next, straighten everything that is left in the room. Organize magazines and books, straighten lampshades, and rearrange the collectibles. By now, everything should be clean and in its right place.
Insert the edging wand attachment to the vacuum and clean corners, floor edges around the baseboards, tops of tall bookshelves, and ceiling corners.
Use the vacuum brush attachment to clean upholstered pieces such as chairs, sofas, bed headboards, valances and drapery panels.
You're almost finished! Clean the floor, using a vacuum if you have carpet or mop if you have hard floors. Start in the corner farthest from the door and work your way out the door.
Take one last look to make sure you didn't miss anything. Done!
Tips:
Collect all the cleaning products in a carrying tote which you can carry from room to room.
Don't try to organize drawers and closets this time. The point is to get things straightened up and clean. Save the bigger tasks for another time.
Have plenty of clean cloths or rags. When they get dirty, use a fresh one.
Do not wash dirty rags with other clothes. The cleaning chemicals can damage clothing or even leave spots.
What You Need:
Dust Rags
Wood Furniture Polish
Glass Cleaner
Vacuum with Attachments
Mop for Hard Flooring
How To Give Your Curtains Some Class by Making a Window Valance
How To Give Your Curtains Some Class by Making a Window Valance
You can make a window valance even if you don’t sew. Here are step-by-step instructions for making a window valance, with and without sewing.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies Depending on Size
Here's How:
Measure the width of the window.
Determine the desired length of the valance, starting at the curtain rod. It should be about 15 inches deep, but it can be longer if you have an especially wide window.
Lay the fabric on a flat surface, with the front of the material facing down. Measure the desired width of the valance onto the fabric. A valance can be hung straight on a rod, or gathered. A straight valance should be at least as wide as the distance between the outer edges of the drapes. For a gathered look, measure 2 ½ times the window width for lightweight to medium weight fabrics. Measure three to four times the width for sheer fabrics. You will likely need more than one valance panel.
Add 2 inches to the width of each valence panel for the hems. Cut.
Measure the desired depth of the valence onto the fabric. Double the measurement; the fabric will eventually be folded in half. Add 2 inches for the hems. Cut.
Keeping the fabric face down, measure a 1-inch hem from each side of the material and place straight pins down the length of the material.
Stitch the hem on both sides with the sewing machine. Remove the pins. Or, use iron-on tape or glue gun to seal the hem.
Turn the fabric over so that the hemmed sides face down. Fold the bottom of the fabric up to the top so that all the edges of the fabric meet.
Measure a 1-inch hem from the top and pin. Stitch the hem with the sewing machine. Or, use the iron-on tape or glue gun to seal the hem.
Turn the fabric right-side out. All of the hems should face inside.
Measure 1 ½ inches from the line you just sewed. This is where the standard-size curtain rod will go. If placing on a thicker rod, increase the size accordingly.
Pin across the width and sew. Or, use the iron-on tape or glue gun.
Slide in the rod and hang.
Or, stuff the valence with newspaper or tissue paper to give it a puffy look, and hang.
What You Need:
Fabric
Tape Measure
Sewing Machine or Glue Gun
Thread
You can make a window valance even if you don’t sew. Here are step-by-step instructions for making a window valance, with and without sewing.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies Depending on Size
Here's How:
Measure the width of the window.
Determine the desired length of the valance, starting at the curtain rod. It should be about 15 inches deep, but it can be longer if you have an especially wide window.
Lay the fabric on a flat surface, with the front of the material facing down. Measure the desired width of the valance onto the fabric. A valance can be hung straight on a rod, or gathered. A straight valance should be at least as wide as the distance between the outer edges of the drapes. For a gathered look, measure 2 ½ times the window width for lightweight to medium weight fabrics. Measure three to four times the width for sheer fabrics. You will likely need more than one valance panel.
Add 2 inches to the width of each valence panel for the hems. Cut.
Measure the desired depth of the valence onto the fabric. Double the measurement; the fabric will eventually be folded in half. Add 2 inches for the hems. Cut.
Keeping the fabric face down, measure a 1-inch hem from each side of the material and place straight pins down the length of the material.
Stitch the hem on both sides with the sewing machine. Remove the pins. Or, use iron-on tape or glue gun to seal the hem.
Turn the fabric over so that the hemmed sides face down. Fold the bottom of the fabric up to the top so that all the edges of the fabric meet.
Measure a 1-inch hem from the top and pin. Stitch the hem with the sewing machine. Or, use the iron-on tape or glue gun to seal the hem.
Turn the fabric right-side out. All of the hems should face inside.
Measure 1 ½ inches from the line you just sewed. This is where the standard-size curtain rod will go. If placing on a thicker rod, increase the size accordingly.
Pin across the width and sew. Or, use the iron-on tape or glue gun.
Slide in the rod and hang.
Or, stuff the valence with newspaper or tissue paper to give it a puffy look, and hang.
What You Need:
Fabric
Tape Measure
Sewing Machine or Glue Gun
Thread
How To Clean Tea Stains From a China Teapot
How To Clean Tea Stains From a China Teapot
Who'd know that a visit to the drug store is the first step to having the right supplies to clean tea stains from a teapot?
Follow these simple steps for a sparkling clean cup or teapot.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Less than 5 minutes, plus waiting time
Here's How:
Take the chill out of the pot or cup with a rinse of warm water.
Use very hot or boiling water to fill the stained teapot or cup to cover the stained area. Be sure that the hot water goes into the teapot's spout so it can be cleaned, too.
For a tea cup, cut a denture tablet into quarters and drop a piece into each cup. For a teapot, use one or two denture tablets.
Leave the denture tablets in the cups or teapot for one hour.
Check to see if the stains are gone.
For very stubborn stains, leave the water and tablets in overnight to give the solution longer to work.
When the stains have disappeared, wash the teapot in hot soapy water.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Wipe the teapot or cups dry with a soft, absorbent towel.
Before replacing the lid on the teapot, let the pot air dry for several hours.
Tips:
If you have a very valuable or collectible teapot or cup, you should consult an expert before using any corrosive cleaner on the piece.
Be sure to wash the teapot in hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaner.
Carefully wipe and air dry the teapot before you store it.
If the stain is particularly stubborn, try wiping the stain lightly with a soft damp rag dipped in baking soda. Rinse and dry.
What You Need:
Tea-Stained Cup or Teapot
Denture Cleaning Tablets
Hot Water
Soft Towel
Who'd know that a visit to the drug store is the first step to having the right supplies to clean tea stains from a teapot?
Follow these simple steps for a sparkling clean cup or teapot.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Less than 5 minutes, plus waiting time
Here's How:
Take the chill out of the pot or cup with a rinse of warm water.
Use very hot or boiling water to fill the stained teapot or cup to cover the stained area. Be sure that the hot water goes into the teapot's spout so it can be cleaned, too.
For a tea cup, cut a denture tablet into quarters and drop a piece into each cup. For a teapot, use one or two denture tablets.
Leave the denture tablets in the cups or teapot for one hour.
Check to see if the stains are gone.
For very stubborn stains, leave the water and tablets in overnight to give the solution longer to work.
When the stains have disappeared, wash the teapot in hot soapy water.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Wipe the teapot or cups dry with a soft, absorbent towel.
Before replacing the lid on the teapot, let the pot air dry for several hours.
Tips:
If you have a very valuable or collectible teapot or cup, you should consult an expert before using any corrosive cleaner on the piece.
Be sure to wash the teapot in hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly to remove any cleaner.
Carefully wipe and air dry the teapot before you store it.
If the stain is particularly stubborn, try wiping the stain lightly with a soft damp rag dipped in baking soda. Rinse and dry.
What You Need:
Tea-Stained Cup or Teapot
Denture Cleaning Tablets
Hot Water
Soft Towel
How To Make a Round Tablecloth
How To Make a Round Tablecloth
A round table of any size or height is an inexpensive piece of furniture that fits in many rooms and serves many purposes. Use one as a side table next to a bed, at the side of a chair, or for a party dining table. Cover the top with a decorative custom-made cover, and you have an accent piece for any room.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies, depending on sewing skill
Here's How:
Determine how much fabric you'll need.
Measure the diameter of the top of the table. To that number, add 2 times the amount you want the tablecloth to hang from the top all the way around. If you want a floor length tablecloth, measure from the top of the table to the floor. Double that number and add the result to the diameter. Add 1 1/2 inches (3/4" all the way around) for the diameter of the piece of fabric you'll need.
Prepare the fabric.
Sew panels of fabric together to create a square whose width is the diameter of the circle you've planned to make. Use the full width of the fabric panel for the center section and add the needed widths on each side.
Sew the fabric.
Sew the side panel or panels to the center panel, keeping the seams straight. Finish the seam allowance on the underside by zigzagging or overstitching.
Carefully press the seams flat, pressing the seam allowance to one side of the panel.
If your fabric has a pattern or plaid, be sure to match the pattern or lines of the plaid so that the top of the tablecloth is perfect.
Measure for the round.
Fold the panel in half, corner to corner.
Fold the panel again along the folded edge from corner to corner. You now have a square of fabric, four layers thick, with all the folded edges along one side.
Get ready to trace the outline.
Tie a pencil or piece of fabric-marking chalk onto the end of a piece of string. Cut the string to a length 1/2 the diameter of the desired finished tableclotha plus the hem allowance. Tie a knot in the free end.
Secure the knot of the sting into the folded corner of the fabric panel with a pin.
Mark the pattern.
Starting at one side edge, trace the length of the string onto the fabric, marking an arc onto the fabric.
Cut the round.
Remove the string and cut through all four layers of fabric along the marked outside edge. You'll now have a circle of fabric the desired diameter for your tablecloth, plus the hem allowance.
Prepare the hem.
Place the fabric circle right-side-down on an ironing board. Fold up the 3/4 inch hem and press up all the way around.
With pins, fold under the raw cut edge of the fabric and pin the hem in place.
Sew the hem.
Carefully either hand-sew or machine-sew the hem around the outer edge, taking care to keep the stitches an even distance from the edge.
Finishing touches.
Press the finished panel, carefully keeping the hem flat and even.
Tips:
Be sure to purchase enough fabric. A round tablecloth takes much more fabric than you'd think.
Consider using a decorative king-size sheet for your fabric. You'll get a lot of coverage for the money and might not have to piece the panels together.
Be sure your scissors are sharp and strong. It might be difficult to cut through four layers of fabric.
Have a large, clear surfact to work on. A dining room table or clean floor is the best place so that you can spread things out.
For a decorative touch, add fringe, beading, or cording around the bottom edge.
What You Need:
Your round table to be covered
Enough fabric to make the tablecloth
A marking pen or chalk
String
Sharp scissors
A sewing machine or needle and thread
Iron and ironing board
Trim or tassels if desired
A round table of any size or height is an inexpensive piece of furniture that fits in many rooms and serves many purposes. Use one as a side table next to a bed, at the side of a chair, or for a party dining table. Cover the top with a decorative custom-made cover, and you have an accent piece for any room.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies, depending on sewing skill
Here's How:
Determine how much fabric you'll need.
Measure the diameter of the top of the table. To that number, add 2 times the amount you want the tablecloth to hang from the top all the way around. If you want a floor length tablecloth, measure from the top of the table to the floor. Double that number and add the result to the diameter. Add 1 1/2 inches (3/4" all the way around) for the diameter of the piece of fabric you'll need.
Prepare the fabric.
Sew panels of fabric together to create a square whose width is the diameter of the circle you've planned to make. Use the full width of the fabric panel for the center section and add the needed widths on each side.
Sew the fabric.
Sew the side panel or panels to the center panel, keeping the seams straight. Finish the seam allowance on the underside by zigzagging or overstitching.
Carefully press the seams flat, pressing the seam allowance to one side of the panel.
If your fabric has a pattern or plaid, be sure to match the pattern or lines of the plaid so that the top of the tablecloth is perfect.
Measure for the round.
Fold the panel in half, corner to corner.
Fold the panel again along the folded edge from corner to corner. You now have a square of fabric, four layers thick, with all the folded edges along one side.
Get ready to trace the outline.
Tie a pencil or piece of fabric-marking chalk onto the end of a piece of string. Cut the string to a length 1/2 the diameter of the desired finished tableclotha plus the hem allowance. Tie a knot in the free end.
Secure the knot of the sting into the folded corner of the fabric panel with a pin.
Mark the pattern.
Starting at one side edge, trace the length of the string onto the fabric, marking an arc onto the fabric.
Cut the round.
Remove the string and cut through all four layers of fabric along the marked outside edge. You'll now have a circle of fabric the desired diameter for your tablecloth, plus the hem allowance.
Prepare the hem.
Place the fabric circle right-side-down on an ironing board. Fold up the 3/4 inch hem and press up all the way around.
With pins, fold under the raw cut edge of the fabric and pin the hem in place.
Sew the hem.
Carefully either hand-sew or machine-sew the hem around the outer edge, taking care to keep the stitches an even distance from the edge.
Finishing touches.
Press the finished panel, carefully keeping the hem flat and even.
Tips:
Be sure to purchase enough fabric. A round tablecloth takes much more fabric than you'd think.
Consider using a decorative king-size sheet for your fabric. You'll get a lot of coverage for the money and might not have to piece the panels together.
Be sure your scissors are sharp and strong. It might be difficult to cut through four layers of fabric.
Have a large, clear surfact to work on. A dining room table or clean floor is the best place so that you can spread things out.
For a decorative touch, add fringe, beading, or cording around the bottom edge.
What You Need:
Your round table to be covered
Enough fabric to make the tablecloth
A marking pen or chalk
String
Sharp scissors
A sewing machine or needle and thread
Iron and ironing board
Trim or tassels if desired
How To Use Fresh Fruit for a Centerpiece
How To Use Fresh Fruit for a Centerpiece
Here's How:
Look at your room's or table's color scheme and decide what fruits will look best. Citrus run yellow, orange, and green. Apples, grapes, persimmon, pomegranates are reds, purple, and pink.
Select a container that will allow the fruits to show. A clear footed bowl will stand off the table and the fruits will show through the glass. A decorative bowl will allow the fruits to show only at the top. You decide what will be best for your setting.
Measure the height and width of the container. You'll need to buy enough fruit to fill it generously.
Select the chosen fruit at a grocery store or farmer's market. Stick to inexpensive basics for filling the container. You might see some unusual fruits that you had not thought of, like star fruit, kiwi, or mangoes. If there is something interesting that will enhance your color scheme, buy one or two for accents.
Find fruit with leaves or cut some greenery from bushes around your home. You'll use these to fill in the gaps between the fruit. Be sure to rinse and dry the leaves before placing them in the arrangement.
Place a small pad or small folded towel in the bottom of your container to protect delicate fruit. If the container is clear, be sure to camouflage the pad with leaves. If the container is opaque, you can build up the bottom to save on fruit.
Carefully arrange the fruits in the container. Save the best looking pieces for the top where they'll show the most. If the pieces do not stay in place, secure them to each other with a few toothpicks.
Arrange sprigs of leaves between the fruits at all layers and insert some nice sprigs between the fruits on the top.
Place the finished arrangement in its intended place. This type of arrangement can be easily moved from room to room as needed.
Check the arrangement regularly and replace rotting or withering fruits as needed.
Do not eat the fruit when you disassemble the arrangement. Dispose of the pieces as they age.
Tips:
Select fruits that coordinate with your room or table linens.
Make an arrangement of all one type of fruit for a color statement or select different varieties of fruit for extra interest and texture.
If you can do it easily, place the arrangement in a refrigerator or other cool place when not on display. This will keep it fresh longer and retard rotting.
Check daily for freshness and replace the fading fruit.
What You Need:
Container
One or many types of very fresh fruit
Leaves
A small towel or foam pad
Scissors or clippers
Here's How:
Look at your room's or table's color scheme and decide what fruits will look best. Citrus run yellow, orange, and green. Apples, grapes, persimmon, pomegranates are reds, purple, and pink.
Select a container that will allow the fruits to show. A clear footed bowl will stand off the table and the fruits will show through the glass. A decorative bowl will allow the fruits to show only at the top. You decide what will be best for your setting.
Measure the height and width of the container. You'll need to buy enough fruit to fill it generously.
Select the chosen fruit at a grocery store or farmer's market. Stick to inexpensive basics for filling the container. You might see some unusual fruits that you had not thought of, like star fruit, kiwi, or mangoes. If there is something interesting that will enhance your color scheme, buy one or two for accents.
Find fruit with leaves or cut some greenery from bushes around your home. You'll use these to fill in the gaps between the fruit. Be sure to rinse and dry the leaves before placing them in the arrangement.
Place a small pad or small folded towel in the bottom of your container to protect delicate fruit. If the container is clear, be sure to camouflage the pad with leaves. If the container is opaque, you can build up the bottom to save on fruit.
Carefully arrange the fruits in the container. Save the best looking pieces for the top where they'll show the most. If the pieces do not stay in place, secure them to each other with a few toothpicks.
Arrange sprigs of leaves between the fruits at all layers and insert some nice sprigs between the fruits on the top.
Place the finished arrangement in its intended place. This type of arrangement can be easily moved from room to room as needed.
Check the arrangement regularly and replace rotting or withering fruits as needed.
Do not eat the fruit when you disassemble the arrangement. Dispose of the pieces as they age.
Tips:
Select fruits that coordinate with your room or table linens.
Make an arrangement of all one type of fruit for a color statement or select different varieties of fruit for extra interest and texture.
If you can do it easily, place the arrangement in a refrigerator or other cool place when not on display. This will keep it fresh longer and retard rotting.
Check daily for freshness and replace the fading fruit.
What You Need:
Container
One or many types of very fresh fruit
Leaves
A small towel or foam pad
Scissors or clippers
How To Create a Baby's Room on a Budget
How To Create a Baby's Room on a Budget
You don't have to spend a fortune to create a fun and wonderful baby's room. Pull all the elements together without breaking the bank.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Planning Time
Here's How:
The first thing is to think "SAFE." Be sure to check out safety guidelines before buying or borrowing nursery furniture.
Start visiting swap meets, tag sales, and garage sales as soon as you know you'll be needing baby things. Use any secondhand sources you can think of, particularly for items that you'll use for a very short time, such as a bassinette, walker, baby bath, or jumper.
Select furniture and furnishings that will convert to good use as the child grows from infancy to the toddler stage. Planning ahead now will really pay off in the future. You'll only have to buy once!
Choose colors for the nursery that will coordinate with the colors of toys. Then the toys become decorative items themselves!
The best way to save lots of money is to do as much of the work as you can yourself! Paint furniture, sew curtains and quilts, paint the walls, and put up wallpaper. One of the biggest expenses in decorating is the labor, so the more you can do yourself, the more you'll save.
Use your money to buy things that will last through childhood - or at least a few years. Invest in a good bed and chest, but borrow or shop at discount stores for everything else.
If friends will be having a baby shower for you, this is a great time to get some things that will enhance your chosen room theme. Register for some things to decorate the room, such as bedding, furniture, and accessories.
Select a paint color for the walls that will "grow" with the child. Pale pink or baby blue are adorable for an infant, but may not last long.
Use baskets, drawers, and shelves to store toys, clothing, and other infant essentials.
Expand storage space by building shelves and adding extra clothes rods for the closet. You can buy simple do-it-yourself kits at home centers.
Instead of trying to wallpaper the whole room, paint the walls and decorate with a simple border or stencil a design around the windows, ceiling, and doors.
Your best resource for budget ideas will be other moms who have just been where you are now. Everyone is happy to share their ideas and their outgrown items.
Tips:
Be sure to think SAFE! If you borrow or buy an old crib, playpen, or car seat, be sure that it complies with current safety standards. Always think of your child's safety before good looks!
You can achieve a decorator look by choosing coordinated wallpaper and fabrics for a wall hanging, quilt, and window coverings.
Be sure to have all the baby essentials conveniently located where you'll use them. You won't want to have to walk away from the infant to get some needed supplies.
Don't forget a comfortable rocking chair with soft seat and arm cushions for those inevitable late-night feedings.
You don't have to spend a fortune to create a fun and wonderful baby's room. Pull all the elements together without breaking the bank.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Planning Time
Here's How:
The first thing is to think "SAFE." Be sure to check out safety guidelines before buying or borrowing nursery furniture.
Start visiting swap meets, tag sales, and garage sales as soon as you know you'll be needing baby things. Use any secondhand sources you can think of, particularly for items that you'll use for a very short time, such as a bassinette, walker, baby bath, or jumper.
Select furniture and furnishings that will convert to good use as the child grows from infancy to the toddler stage. Planning ahead now will really pay off in the future. You'll only have to buy once!
Choose colors for the nursery that will coordinate with the colors of toys. Then the toys become decorative items themselves!
The best way to save lots of money is to do as much of the work as you can yourself! Paint furniture, sew curtains and quilts, paint the walls, and put up wallpaper. One of the biggest expenses in decorating is the labor, so the more you can do yourself, the more you'll save.
Use your money to buy things that will last through childhood - or at least a few years. Invest in a good bed and chest, but borrow or shop at discount stores for everything else.
If friends will be having a baby shower for you, this is a great time to get some things that will enhance your chosen room theme. Register for some things to decorate the room, such as bedding, furniture, and accessories.
Select a paint color for the walls that will "grow" with the child. Pale pink or baby blue are adorable for an infant, but may not last long.
Use baskets, drawers, and shelves to store toys, clothing, and other infant essentials.
Expand storage space by building shelves and adding extra clothes rods for the closet. You can buy simple do-it-yourself kits at home centers.
Instead of trying to wallpaper the whole room, paint the walls and decorate with a simple border or stencil a design around the windows, ceiling, and doors.
Your best resource for budget ideas will be other moms who have just been where you are now. Everyone is happy to share their ideas and their outgrown items.
Tips:
Be sure to think SAFE! If you borrow or buy an old crib, playpen, or car seat, be sure that it complies with current safety standards. Always think of your child's safety before good looks!
You can achieve a decorator look by choosing coordinated wallpaper and fabrics for a wall hanging, quilt, and window coverings.
Be sure to have all the baby essentials conveniently located where you'll use them. You won't want to have to walk away from the infant to get some needed supplies.
Don't forget a comfortable rocking chair with soft seat and arm cushions for those inevitable late-night feedings.
How To Enjoy a Perfect Christmas Tree
How To Enjoy a Perfect Christmas Tree
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Dig your Christmas tree stand out of your storage area and set it where you want to locate your tree. Measure the diameter of the opening in the bottom. This will determine the maximum size of tree trunk that will fit into the stand. Before you go shopping for a tree, measure your space (both height and width) so you can find just the right size tree.
Decide if you need a tall narrow tree, a tall wide tree, or a short tree. Measure from floor to ceiling for height (remember that you'll put a star or other decoration on the top.) Then measure the floor space that you can use to determine the diameter of the base branches. You can always trim off the branches at the bottom if the tree is too wide, but this might ruin the symmetry of the shape of the tree. The better the tree fits in the space, the better it will look in the room.
Before going off to the Christmas tree lot, collect gloves, a tape measure, an old blanket or plastic for the top of your car, rope (some places provide this), and a wood saw (if you're going to be cutting your own tree).
Decide what type of tree you like. The most popular are Frasier Fir, which lasts longer but the branches aren't very close together, Balsam, Douglas Fir, or Scotch Pine. Find a tree you like, and then measure the height, width, and trunk diameter to confirm that it will fit in your space.
If you're shopping for a cut tree, check the tag to see when the tree was cut. The fresher the better, no matter what variety you choose. Lift the tree off the ground and drop it back to the pavement, base first. If it's dry and drops lots of needles, it's probably not so fresh! Also, grip a branch in the palm of your hand and pull toward the end. Again, no needles should fall off. Make sure that the needles on the tree are bright green, glossy, green, and pliable.
If the tree is too tall, you can ask to have some bottom branches cut off. Be sure to keep these for decorations around your home. Have about 2" cut off the bottom of the trunk of the tree to open up the pores.
If the tree is small enough, you might be able to fit it into your car or trunk. If it's larger, place it on a blanket or tarp on the roof of the car and tie it down carefully. Some tree lots will put a sleeve of netting around the tree and help you tie it onto the car. You might offer the person a tip for the great help! Drive home slowly, checking to make sure the tree doesn't shift on the top of the car.
Place a heavy plastic sheet on the floor beneath the Christmas tree stand to protect you floor. Cut another 1/2" off the bottom of the tree (more if possible) and place it in the tree stand. Secure the tree with the bolts and fill the reservoir with water immediately.
If your tree doesn't seem very stable, secure it to something fixed with fishing line or wire. With children and pets wandering around the tree, you want to be sure it won't topple over.
Trim off any branches that are too long and choose which tip branch will hold the star or other tree top decoration. Trim it carefully to hold the decoration. Reserve any cut branches for small decorations around the house.
A cut Christmas tree will drink a lot of water, especially during the first week. Keep the Christmas tree stand filled with water at all times to keep it from drying out.
Now comes the time everyone has been waiting for--decorating the Christmas tree! Put on lights first, then garlands, then filler ornaments, and lastly, the specialty ornaments.
When you're ready to take the tree down, take the ornaments off in the opposite order you put them on the tree. Pack them away carefully and neatly so that they won't get damaged. Wind up the light strings carefully, making sure to keep the light bulbs in the sockets.
Contact your local trash company or city works department to get information about disposing of your Christmas tree. Under no circumstances should you every burn your Christmas tree!
Tips:
Your Christmas tree lot may offer a cut-tree preservative to put in the water. Use it! Or they may treat their trees with a preservative.
Water, water, water! Make yourself reminders to water the tree often.
Have a towel handy to wipe up any water spills. There are bound to be some and you wouldn't want to ruin your hardwood floors or carpeting.
Do not burn your Christmas tree! Dispose of it properly.
What You Need:
Heavy cotton or leather gloves
A tape measure
Blanket or tarp for the top of your car
Twine or bungee cords to secure your tree to top of your car
Plastic sheeting to put under the tree stand
Christmas tree stand
Twine, fishing line, or wire to secure the tree
Saw to cut off the bottom of the tree when you get it home
Clippers to get rid of extra branches
Big pitcher or long funnel for watering
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Dig your Christmas tree stand out of your storage area and set it where you want to locate your tree. Measure the diameter of the opening in the bottom. This will determine the maximum size of tree trunk that will fit into the stand. Before you go shopping for a tree, measure your space (both height and width) so you can find just the right size tree.
Decide if you need a tall narrow tree, a tall wide tree, or a short tree. Measure from floor to ceiling for height (remember that you'll put a star or other decoration on the top.) Then measure the floor space that you can use to determine the diameter of the base branches. You can always trim off the branches at the bottom if the tree is too wide, but this might ruin the symmetry of the shape of the tree. The better the tree fits in the space, the better it will look in the room.
Before going off to the Christmas tree lot, collect gloves, a tape measure, an old blanket or plastic for the top of your car, rope (some places provide this), and a wood saw (if you're going to be cutting your own tree).
Decide what type of tree you like. The most popular are Frasier Fir, which lasts longer but the branches aren't very close together, Balsam, Douglas Fir, or Scotch Pine. Find a tree you like, and then measure the height, width, and trunk diameter to confirm that it will fit in your space.
If you're shopping for a cut tree, check the tag to see when the tree was cut. The fresher the better, no matter what variety you choose. Lift the tree off the ground and drop it back to the pavement, base first. If it's dry and drops lots of needles, it's probably not so fresh! Also, grip a branch in the palm of your hand and pull toward the end. Again, no needles should fall off. Make sure that the needles on the tree are bright green, glossy, green, and pliable.
If the tree is too tall, you can ask to have some bottom branches cut off. Be sure to keep these for decorations around your home. Have about 2" cut off the bottom of the trunk of the tree to open up the pores.
If the tree is small enough, you might be able to fit it into your car or trunk. If it's larger, place it on a blanket or tarp on the roof of the car and tie it down carefully. Some tree lots will put a sleeve of netting around the tree and help you tie it onto the car. You might offer the person a tip for the great help! Drive home slowly, checking to make sure the tree doesn't shift on the top of the car.
Place a heavy plastic sheet on the floor beneath the Christmas tree stand to protect you floor. Cut another 1/2" off the bottom of the tree (more if possible) and place it in the tree stand. Secure the tree with the bolts and fill the reservoir with water immediately.
If your tree doesn't seem very stable, secure it to something fixed with fishing line or wire. With children and pets wandering around the tree, you want to be sure it won't topple over.
Trim off any branches that are too long and choose which tip branch will hold the star or other tree top decoration. Trim it carefully to hold the decoration. Reserve any cut branches for small decorations around the house.
A cut Christmas tree will drink a lot of water, especially during the first week. Keep the Christmas tree stand filled with water at all times to keep it from drying out.
Now comes the time everyone has been waiting for--decorating the Christmas tree! Put on lights first, then garlands, then filler ornaments, and lastly, the specialty ornaments.
When you're ready to take the tree down, take the ornaments off in the opposite order you put them on the tree. Pack them away carefully and neatly so that they won't get damaged. Wind up the light strings carefully, making sure to keep the light bulbs in the sockets.
Contact your local trash company or city works department to get information about disposing of your Christmas tree. Under no circumstances should you every burn your Christmas tree!
Tips:
Your Christmas tree lot may offer a cut-tree preservative to put in the water. Use it! Or they may treat their trees with a preservative.
Water, water, water! Make yourself reminders to water the tree often.
Have a towel handy to wipe up any water spills. There are bound to be some and you wouldn't want to ruin your hardwood floors or carpeting.
Do not burn your Christmas tree! Dispose of it properly.
What You Need:
Heavy cotton or leather gloves
A tape measure
Blanket or tarp for the top of your car
Twine or bungee cords to secure your tree to top of your car
Plastic sheeting to put under the tree stand
Christmas tree stand
Twine, fishing line, or wire to secure the tree
Saw to cut off the bottom of the tree when you get it home
Clippers to get rid of extra branches
Big pitcher or long funnel for watering
How To Add Your Own Personality to a Room
How To Add Your Own Personality to a Room
It's nice to walk into a room and feel you know a little bit about the person who uses it. Find ways to add your own personality to any room in your house.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Use a special collection of objects or art as a focal point. Collect things that have special meaning to you, such as dolls, airplanes, pens, musical instruments, or hats. Use them as the theme of your room. Choose colors, patterns, and fabrics to highlight the collection.
Select one unique antique or piece of memorabilia. Gather together supporting items, arrange furniture, and focus lighting to create a room that highlights that special piece.
Choose a theme for a room. It could be industrial, floral, bright and bold, or serene. Gather together things that will reinforce the theme and decorate the whole room around that them. Camping, aeronautics, gardens, or a spa are just a few ideas.
If you've enjoyed a wonderful trip, gather together your souvenirs to decorate the room. Choose colors that highlight the area of travel and select wall coverings and fabrics to expand on and reinforce the theme.
Choose your favorite colors for the color scheme for your room. Select several shades to use on furniture, walls, and trim.
Create some personal art for your room. Personal art is a true sign that the room reflects the person who inhabits it.
Collect several generations of family photos. Frame them to match or coordinate, selecting mats of complimentary or uniform colors. Arrange them on a main wall to create a "rogues gallery." If you have enough, surround windows and doors too.
Tips:
Choose your theme or color scheme before starting.
Gather things together and plan ahead.
Start your planning with the end result in mind.
Resist the temptation to add anything that doesn't support the original theme.
It's nice to walk into a room and feel you know a little bit about the person who uses it. Find ways to add your own personality to any room in your house.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Use a special collection of objects or art as a focal point. Collect things that have special meaning to you, such as dolls, airplanes, pens, musical instruments, or hats. Use them as the theme of your room. Choose colors, patterns, and fabrics to highlight the collection.
Select one unique antique or piece of memorabilia. Gather together supporting items, arrange furniture, and focus lighting to create a room that highlights that special piece.
Choose a theme for a room. It could be industrial, floral, bright and bold, or serene. Gather together things that will reinforce the theme and decorate the whole room around that them. Camping, aeronautics, gardens, or a spa are just a few ideas.
If you've enjoyed a wonderful trip, gather together your souvenirs to decorate the room. Choose colors that highlight the area of travel and select wall coverings and fabrics to expand on and reinforce the theme.
Choose your favorite colors for the color scheme for your room. Select several shades to use on furniture, walls, and trim.
Create some personal art for your room. Personal art is a true sign that the room reflects the person who inhabits it.
Collect several generations of family photos. Frame them to match or coordinate, selecting mats of complimentary or uniform colors. Arrange them on a main wall to create a "rogues gallery." If you have enough, surround windows and doors too.
Tips:
Choose your theme or color scheme before starting.
Gather things together and plan ahead.
Start your planning with the end result in mind.
Resist the temptation to add anything that doesn't support the original theme.
How To Cover a Lamp Shade With Fabric
How To Cover a Lamp Shade With Fabric
You can add a custom touch to a lamp shade with fabric that coordinates with your room's decor. Gather together the shade, paper for a pattern, fabric, scissors, glue, and trim, and you're half way there. Follow our instructions for a one-of-a-kind lamp shade for your home.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Lay a large sheet of newspaper, butcher paper, or brown wrapping paper on a large table or the floor.
Place the lamp shade on its side with the seam on one edge of the paper, leaving enough room to roll the shade over the paper.
Starting at the seam on the lamp shade, trace the shape of the top and bottom edges of the shade onto the paper, being careful not to get pen or pencil marks on the lamp shade.
Carefully roll the shade along the paper, marking the top and bottom edges on the paper until you get to the seam again.
Remove the shade from the paper.
Adding 1" at the top and bottom and at the seam line, cut the pattern of the shade from the paper.
Place the fabric, face down, on a clean, flat surface. Place the paper pattern on the desired fabric. Pin the pattern in place on the fabric.
Cut out the fabric, using your pattern as your guide.
Test fit the fabric on the shade and trim as necessary.
Cover your work surface with plastic or other protective covering. Spray the wrong side of the fabric with spray adhesive or apply diluted craft glue or fabric glue to the wrong side of the fabric with a soft brush, being careful not to get glue on the right side of the fabric.
Beginning at the seam area of the shade, lay the shade on one edge of fabric and carefully roll it onto the fabric a few inches.
Carefully pick up the shade and continue smoothing the fabric on the shade, lightly stretching and smoothing the fabric until the whole shade is covered.
In order to allow the fabric to curl over the top and bottom of the shade to the inside of the shade, you might want to carefully clip the edges of the fabric every half inch.
Smooth down all areas of fabric, clip in place with wooden clothes pins if necessary, and allow the adhesive to dry.
Decorate the top and bottom edges, to achieve a finished look, with a band of braid, ribbon, lace, beads, or fringe.
Tips:
Test-roll the shade on a tabletop to see how much paper and fabric you'll need.
Measure the lower edge length and upper edge length to determine how much trim you'll need to buy.
Before applying the glue to your fabric, test it on a small piece of fabric. Be sure the glue does not soak through the fabric and discolor it or leave spots. If it does, try another adhesive.
Use wooden clothes pins to clip the fabric in place at the top and bottom edges as the adhesive dries.
What You Need:
Plain white lamp shade
Large sheet of paper for the pattern
Decorative fabric
Large work surface
Good pair of scissors to cut paper and fabric
Spray adhesive, craft glue, or fabric glue
Braid or trim for the inside edge of the shade
Decorative trim, if desired, for the top and lower outside edge of the shade
You can add a custom touch to a lamp shade with fabric that coordinates with your room's decor. Gather together the shade, paper for a pattern, fabric, scissors, glue, and trim, and you're half way there. Follow our instructions for a one-of-a-kind lamp shade for your home.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Lay a large sheet of newspaper, butcher paper, or brown wrapping paper on a large table or the floor.
Place the lamp shade on its side with the seam on one edge of the paper, leaving enough room to roll the shade over the paper.
Starting at the seam on the lamp shade, trace the shape of the top and bottom edges of the shade onto the paper, being careful not to get pen or pencil marks on the lamp shade.
Carefully roll the shade along the paper, marking the top and bottom edges on the paper until you get to the seam again.
Remove the shade from the paper.
Adding 1" at the top and bottom and at the seam line, cut the pattern of the shade from the paper.
Place the fabric, face down, on a clean, flat surface. Place the paper pattern on the desired fabric. Pin the pattern in place on the fabric.
Cut out the fabric, using your pattern as your guide.
Test fit the fabric on the shade and trim as necessary.
Cover your work surface with plastic or other protective covering. Spray the wrong side of the fabric with spray adhesive or apply diluted craft glue or fabric glue to the wrong side of the fabric with a soft brush, being careful not to get glue on the right side of the fabric.
Beginning at the seam area of the shade, lay the shade on one edge of fabric and carefully roll it onto the fabric a few inches.
Carefully pick up the shade and continue smoothing the fabric on the shade, lightly stretching and smoothing the fabric until the whole shade is covered.
In order to allow the fabric to curl over the top and bottom of the shade to the inside of the shade, you might want to carefully clip the edges of the fabric every half inch.
Smooth down all areas of fabric, clip in place with wooden clothes pins if necessary, and allow the adhesive to dry.
Decorate the top and bottom edges, to achieve a finished look, with a band of braid, ribbon, lace, beads, or fringe.
Tips:
Test-roll the shade on a tabletop to see how much paper and fabric you'll need.
Measure the lower edge length and upper edge length to determine how much trim you'll need to buy.
Before applying the glue to your fabric, test it on a small piece of fabric. Be sure the glue does not soak through the fabric and discolor it or leave spots. If it does, try another adhesive.
Use wooden clothes pins to clip the fabric in place at the top and bottom edges as the adhesive dries.
What You Need:
Plain white lamp shade
Large sheet of paper for the pattern
Decorative fabric
Large work surface
Good pair of scissors to cut paper and fabric
Spray adhesive, craft glue, or fabric glue
Braid or trim for the inside edge of the shade
Decorative trim, if desired, for the top and lower outside edge of the shade
How To Modernize and Update the Lighting in Your Home
How To Modernize and Update the Lighting in Your Home
Bring more light to your home with these tips. From bulbs and switches to fixtures and lamps, simple changes will help to brighten things up.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Install dimmer switches on as many lamps and light fixtures as you can. In the bathroom, you can really create a soothing mood for bathing. A bedroom becomes more romantic. You'll have control over the intensity of light around your home and save energy at the same time.
For dark corners, use metal can up-lights. They can be purchased in a variety of styles and only need to be plugged in, with the light directed at the dark area. These are small and work great in a potted floor plant or on the top of a chest or armoire. Be sure to camouflage the fixture and just enjoy the light.
Install under-cabinet light strips in the kitchen, desk area, or workroom. The light will shine directly on the work area and make any task easier. Switch them off when you leave the job.
Add a decorative lamp to a bookshelf. It will not only break up the long line of books, but make it easier to find what you're looking for.
Place a small decorative lamp on the kitchen or bathroom, tucked into a corner. (Be sure to keep it away from any water!) It can serve as a night light but also be decorative.
Be sure that every room in your home has a light connected to a dimming wall switch at the entrance. You'll be able to turn it on when you walk into the room, then adjust the lighting as you find your way.
If your table space is limited, install a reading light on the wall near the bed or lounge chair. Reading will be a pleasure!
Remove boring ceiling fixtures and install can lights around the room. While you might need to bring in professional help for this one, it will be well worth it! You can direct the light to artwork, reading nooks, or work spaces.
Light your artwork with small fixtures attached on the top. There are many styles designed just for lighting art. Find them at a local home center, attatch it to the frame of the art, and plug in to the wall.
Install a dimming wall switch to control the light and fan on a ceiling fan. For even more convenience, purchase and program a remote control to turn the light or fan on and off.
Install a motion sensor on outdoor light fixtures to control the light when people walk too close to the house. Or, at a dark hallway or staircase, or in the garage or attic so that you never have to enter the space in the dark.
Add a light sensor to an outdoor light. You'll have light whenever it's dark outside, but the light will go off at daybreak.
Tips:
Use a lamp, up-light, and ceiling fixture all in one room. The layers of light will add interest and provide numerous lighting options.
Be sure to keep the light bulbs clean with frequent dusting. The light will be cleaner, too.
Bring more light to your home with these tips. From bulbs and switches to fixtures and lamps, simple changes will help to brighten things up.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Install dimmer switches on as many lamps and light fixtures as you can. In the bathroom, you can really create a soothing mood for bathing. A bedroom becomes more romantic. You'll have control over the intensity of light around your home and save energy at the same time.
For dark corners, use metal can up-lights. They can be purchased in a variety of styles and only need to be plugged in, with the light directed at the dark area. These are small and work great in a potted floor plant or on the top of a chest or armoire. Be sure to camouflage the fixture and just enjoy the light.
Install under-cabinet light strips in the kitchen, desk area, or workroom. The light will shine directly on the work area and make any task easier. Switch them off when you leave the job.
Add a decorative lamp to a bookshelf. It will not only break up the long line of books, but make it easier to find what you're looking for.
Place a small decorative lamp on the kitchen or bathroom, tucked into a corner. (Be sure to keep it away from any water!) It can serve as a night light but also be decorative.
Be sure that every room in your home has a light connected to a dimming wall switch at the entrance. You'll be able to turn it on when you walk into the room, then adjust the lighting as you find your way.
If your table space is limited, install a reading light on the wall near the bed or lounge chair. Reading will be a pleasure!
Remove boring ceiling fixtures and install can lights around the room. While you might need to bring in professional help for this one, it will be well worth it! You can direct the light to artwork, reading nooks, or work spaces.
Light your artwork with small fixtures attached on the top. There are many styles designed just for lighting art. Find them at a local home center, attatch it to the frame of the art, and plug in to the wall.
Install a dimming wall switch to control the light and fan on a ceiling fan. For even more convenience, purchase and program a remote control to turn the light or fan on and off.
Install a motion sensor on outdoor light fixtures to control the light when people walk too close to the house. Or, at a dark hallway or staircase, or in the garage or attic so that you never have to enter the space in the dark.
Add a light sensor to an outdoor light. You'll have light whenever it's dark outside, but the light will go off at daybreak.
Tips:
Use a lamp, up-light, and ceiling fixture all in one room. The layers of light will add interest and provide numerous lighting options.
Be sure to keep the light bulbs clean with frequent dusting. The light will be cleaner, too.
How To Decorate For a Memorable Holiday Party
How To Decorate For a Memorable Holiday Party
If you're planning a Christmas party, you'll find some good and simple ideas for making it a memorable occasion.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Plan your party around a theme or a seasonal color scheme. Finding decorations and making plans will be easier. Choose anything from Santa to snowmen, music to angels. Find some other ideas for holiday theme ideas. Red, white, green, gold, and silver are traditional holiday colors. Use just one color or combine several for your decorations.
Making a simple phone call to invite your guests is easiest for a spur-of-the-moment party. But if you're planning ahead, design your party invitation after you've chosen your theme. Create an invitation that your guests will really remember. Cut out a paper shape for your theme and write the party information on the back. Embellish it with ribbon or glitter and add a tie for hanging.
Make an impression right from the start. Think about wrapping your front door with Christmas gift wrapping paper. Create a giant bow and tie it around the door. Don't forget a beautiful wreath. Arrange luminarias along the sidewalk and have Christmas music playing from the minute the guests arrive.
To add a holiday touch to every room in your home, tie bows on everything from candlesticks to doorknobs, teddy bears to chair backs. If you know how, make the bows with a wire tie. They'll be easy to remove and reuse year after year.
Place a small floral centerpiece or cluster of candles on a coffee table, piano, desk, or side table. Select a color to enhance your decorating theme and color scheme.
To add a festive look everywhere, sprinkle glitter on every surface you can see. Think lamp shades, table tops, buffet, bathroom countertops, buffet, table, dining table, and under glass serving plates. Be sure you don't get the glitter on food service dishes.
Select several tapes or CDs and play Christmas music all evening. Choose a type of music that compliments your decorating theme.
If you have a fireplace, pile it high with logs and keep it blazing all through the party. Recruit a friend to keep it going. If your fireplace does not burn real logs, arrange pillar candles at different heights and burn them. They'll cast a beautiful flickering light around the room.
Whether you're serving food as a buffet or seating your guests at the table, decorate the table with elements of your chosen theme or color scheme. In this case, "more" is good. Sprinkle glitter around the table. Your centerpiece, table linens, even the food, can compliment your decorating plan. Arrange colored, candied apples around a roast, green parsley or rosemary on white potatoes, white pearl onions mixed with green peas. The possibilities are endless.
Offer a small gift to each guest at the table. Decorate and personalize a tree ornament and use it as a place card. Or decorate cut-out cookies with your guests' names. Tie a small sheer bag with pot pourri or have a mini pointsettia at each place. Place your guest's name at the favor and date it as a memento of the occasion.
Even if you don't have enough for every guest, use your holiday china. For a buffet service, alternate holiday plates with plain, regular ones on the pile. If guests are seated, alternate the patterns around the table. Be sure to use a tablecloth or mats and napkins to continue your color scheme. And don't forget the polished silver and crystal. After all, it's a party!
Have a simple holiday decoration in every room that your guests will enter. Use a pretty wreath on the door of the room where they'll leave their coats, a glowing candle in the powder room, a beautiful pointsettia in the kitchen, small arrangement on the hall table, or mini Christmas tree on the coffee table. The possibilities are endless. And what a difference these special touches will make!
For a fun addition, and for the fun-at-heart, hang some mistletoe or a kissing ball from a chandelier.
Tips:
If you're on a budget, you'll find that candle tapers, pillars, or votives give a beautiful glow and festive look to any room.
A footed clear glass bowl piled high with colored glass tree ornaments makes a pretty centerpiece in place of flowers.
Don't forget to turn on all your Christmas lights before your guests arrive.
Place candles all around the house and turn out all the lights except the ones on the Christmas tree. Everything will look romantic and cozy for your party.
What You Need:
Candles-- lots of them!
Holiday Lights- lots of them!
Holiday Patterned China
Glitter-- lots of it!
CD's of Your Favorite Christmas Music
Lots of Firewood and Matches
A Beautiful Christmas Tree
Ivy, Holly, and Pine Boughs
Pointsettias
If you're planning a Christmas party, you'll find some good and simple ideas for making it a memorable occasion.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Plan your party around a theme or a seasonal color scheme. Finding decorations and making plans will be easier. Choose anything from Santa to snowmen, music to angels. Find some other ideas for holiday theme ideas. Red, white, green, gold, and silver are traditional holiday colors. Use just one color or combine several for your decorations.
Making a simple phone call to invite your guests is easiest for a spur-of-the-moment party. But if you're planning ahead, design your party invitation after you've chosen your theme. Create an invitation that your guests will really remember. Cut out a paper shape for your theme and write the party information on the back. Embellish it with ribbon or glitter and add a tie for hanging.
Make an impression right from the start. Think about wrapping your front door with Christmas gift wrapping paper. Create a giant bow and tie it around the door. Don't forget a beautiful wreath. Arrange luminarias along the sidewalk and have Christmas music playing from the minute the guests arrive.
To add a holiday touch to every room in your home, tie bows on everything from candlesticks to doorknobs, teddy bears to chair backs. If you know how, make the bows with a wire tie. They'll be easy to remove and reuse year after year.
Place a small floral centerpiece or cluster of candles on a coffee table, piano, desk, or side table. Select a color to enhance your decorating theme and color scheme.
To add a festive look everywhere, sprinkle glitter on every surface you can see. Think lamp shades, table tops, buffet, bathroom countertops, buffet, table, dining table, and under glass serving plates. Be sure you don't get the glitter on food service dishes.
Select several tapes or CDs and play Christmas music all evening. Choose a type of music that compliments your decorating theme.
If you have a fireplace, pile it high with logs and keep it blazing all through the party. Recruit a friend to keep it going. If your fireplace does not burn real logs, arrange pillar candles at different heights and burn them. They'll cast a beautiful flickering light around the room.
Whether you're serving food as a buffet or seating your guests at the table, decorate the table with elements of your chosen theme or color scheme. In this case, "more" is good. Sprinkle glitter around the table. Your centerpiece, table linens, even the food, can compliment your decorating plan. Arrange colored, candied apples around a roast, green parsley or rosemary on white potatoes, white pearl onions mixed with green peas. The possibilities are endless.
Offer a small gift to each guest at the table. Decorate and personalize a tree ornament and use it as a place card. Or decorate cut-out cookies with your guests' names. Tie a small sheer bag with pot pourri or have a mini pointsettia at each place. Place your guest's name at the favor and date it as a memento of the occasion.
Even if you don't have enough for every guest, use your holiday china. For a buffet service, alternate holiday plates with plain, regular ones on the pile. If guests are seated, alternate the patterns around the table. Be sure to use a tablecloth or mats and napkins to continue your color scheme. And don't forget the polished silver and crystal. After all, it's a party!
Have a simple holiday decoration in every room that your guests will enter. Use a pretty wreath on the door of the room where they'll leave their coats, a glowing candle in the powder room, a beautiful pointsettia in the kitchen, small arrangement on the hall table, or mini Christmas tree on the coffee table. The possibilities are endless. And what a difference these special touches will make!
For a fun addition, and for the fun-at-heart, hang some mistletoe or a kissing ball from a chandelier.
Tips:
If you're on a budget, you'll find that candle tapers, pillars, or votives give a beautiful glow and festive look to any room.
A footed clear glass bowl piled high with colored glass tree ornaments makes a pretty centerpiece in place of flowers.
Don't forget to turn on all your Christmas lights before your guests arrive.
Place candles all around the house and turn out all the lights except the ones on the Christmas tree. Everything will look romantic and cozy for your party.
What You Need:
Candles-- lots of them!
Holiday Lights- lots of them!
Holiday Patterned China
Glitter-- lots of it!
CD's of Your Favorite Christmas Music
Lots of Firewood and Matches
A Beautiful Christmas Tree
Ivy, Holly, and Pine Boughs
Pointsettias
how to chose a color scheme
Follow this simple how-to to help you choose a color scheme for your home. Learn to mix colors and fabrics and how to repeat color throughout the room. Read some of the principles of decorating and learn how to use coordinating fabrics and dressmaker details.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
First, choose a style (formal or casual) and a theme for your room (such as American country, English garden, techno modern).
With the style and theme in mind, decide on an 'anchor' fabric that has 3 or more colors.
Use the background color from the fabric as a wall color.
Pick a mid-toned color from the fabric for flooring and large furniture pieces, which could be a solid or patterned design. Upholstery can also be done in your anchor fabric or coordinating fabric.
Use the brightest colors from the fabric for accessories and accents like welting, picture mats, and decorative pillows.
Place your anchor fabric in at least three places in the room (upholstery, pillows, curtains, etc).
Use coordinating fabrics in other scales (larger or smaller) as accent fabrics on chairs, pillows, cording, and tablecloths.
For example, to use an 'anchor' fabric with an American flag design: use white (the background color) for walls, navy (a mid-toned color) on floor, blue and white ticking on the sofa, and red (the brightest color) for accessories and accents.
To continue this example, the coordinated prints could be the blue and white ticking stripe, a navy star print fabric, and a red and white mini-check used on chairs, curtains, and pillows.
Tips:
Repeat colors evenly throughout the room, and in at least 3 places.
Adding dressmaker details in cording and trims is one way to disperse color and add interest.
Divide color use to approximately 60% of the room in the background (lightest) color, 30% in the mid-tone color, and 10% in the brightest, accent colors.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
First, choose a style (formal or casual) and a theme for your room (such as American country, English garden, techno modern).
With the style and theme in mind, decide on an 'anchor' fabric that has 3 or more colors.
Use the background color from the fabric as a wall color.
Pick a mid-toned color from the fabric for flooring and large furniture pieces, which could be a solid or patterned design. Upholstery can also be done in your anchor fabric or coordinating fabric.
Use the brightest colors from the fabric for accessories and accents like welting, picture mats, and decorative pillows.
Place your anchor fabric in at least three places in the room (upholstery, pillows, curtains, etc).
Use coordinating fabrics in other scales (larger or smaller) as accent fabrics on chairs, pillows, cording, and tablecloths.
For example, to use an 'anchor' fabric with an American flag design: use white (the background color) for walls, navy (a mid-toned color) on floor, blue and white ticking on the sofa, and red (the brightest color) for accessories and accents.
To continue this example, the coordinated prints could be the blue and white ticking stripe, a navy star print fabric, and a red and white mini-check used on chairs, curtains, and pillows.
Tips:
Repeat colors evenly throughout the room, and in at least 3 places.
Adding dressmaker details in cording and trims is one way to disperse color and add interest.
Divide color use to approximately 60% of the room in the background (lightest) color, 30% in the mid-tone color, and 10% in the brightest, accent colors.
How To Change Your Decor With the Seasons
How To Change Your Decor With the Seasons
It's fun to feel cozy in the winter with warm colors and soft, fluffy fabrics. In the summmer, a cool, airy look is appealing. Read here to get some simple ideas for transforming the look of your home with the seasons.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
When the cold weather arrives, have a collection of cozy, fluffy throws to place on your furniture for snuggling. Remove them or replace with soft cotton or silk throws for warmer months.
Remove the toasty down-filled duvet from your bed in the spring and substitute a light cotton matalasse bed cover or a simple cotton blanket.
Floral arrangements of pine and holiday colors can be changed for light, colorful ones for the spring and summer. Put away dark brass or pottery containers and bring out clear glass or crystal vases.
Change dark-patterned decorative pillows by covering them with fresh, floral prints or plaids for warmer weather. Either change out the pillows with a second set or alternate the decorative covers.
If you have a collection of plates on display, put classic holiday designs away for the winter and replace with pretty floral china from grandma.
Have your draperies made so they are reversible allowing you to easily turn them from lively to neutral with the seasonal changes.
Be sure to put garden magazines and flower books out on the coffee table in the spring and summer. That will help bring the outside in and add color to your interior.
Tips:
Keep spring and summer colors and accessories light, both in feel and color.
Changing with the seasons gives you an opportunity to get out some long-lost pieces and make them the center of attention for a while.
The change of decor can come all at one time, like spring house cleaning, or over a period of several days or weeks. You'll be surprised what a difference just a small change can make.
If winter seems especially long, forget the calendar and get your spring things out even if there's snow on the ground. You may still need the warm blankets, but the look can be light and uplifting.
It's fun to feel cozy in the winter with warm colors and soft, fluffy fabrics. In the summmer, a cool, airy look is appealing. Read here to get some simple ideas for transforming the look of your home with the seasons.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
When the cold weather arrives, have a collection of cozy, fluffy throws to place on your furniture for snuggling. Remove them or replace with soft cotton or silk throws for warmer months.
Remove the toasty down-filled duvet from your bed in the spring and substitute a light cotton matalasse bed cover or a simple cotton blanket.
Floral arrangements of pine and holiday colors can be changed for light, colorful ones for the spring and summer. Put away dark brass or pottery containers and bring out clear glass or crystal vases.
Change dark-patterned decorative pillows by covering them with fresh, floral prints or plaids for warmer weather. Either change out the pillows with a second set or alternate the decorative covers.
If you have a collection of plates on display, put classic holiday designs away for the winter and replace with pretty floral china from grandma.
Have your draperies made so they are reversible allowing you to easily turn them from lively to neutral with the seasonal changes.
Be sure to put garden magazines and flower books out on the coffee table in the spring and summer. That will help bring the outside in and add color to your interior.
Tips:
Keep spring and summer colors and accessories light, both in feel and color.
Changing with the seasons gives you an opportunity to get out some long-lost pieces and make them the center of attention for a while.
The change of decor can come all at one time, like spring house cleaning, or over a period of several days or weeks. You'll be surprised what a difference just a small change can make.
If winter seems especially long, forget the calendar and get your spring things out even if there's snow on the ground. You may still need the warm blankets, but the look can be light and uplifting.
How To Organize Your Bathroom to Work for You
How To Organize Your Bathroom to Work for You
Get rid of the clutter and organize your bathroom space to work for you with this simple How-To from About. After spending a little time, your bathroom will feel squeaky-clean and luxuriously orderly.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Here's How:
Find 2 good-sized boxes and bring them into the bathroom. Collect all the items on the bathroom counter, in drawers and cupboards, and put them into the boxes. All means everything. Don't leave a single thing out, including soap, toothbrushes, and deodorant.
If you can sort the things in the boxes, do so. Mark one box Must Have and the other Optional.
Clean off every surface, including the counters, cupboards, shelves, drawers and everything you've decided you need to keep. Wipe everything dry with a towel.
Start to replace items, beginning with the medicine cabinet. Put back only the things that you can not live without or use frequently. This prime location should have only essential items in it.
Place clean decorative item back onto the countertop. The counter is not a storage place. It's for items you use daily or are part of the decor.
Set conveniently-sized drawer dividers into the drawers. Place often-used items by category. Have a section for hair items, makeup, shaving supplies, nail care items, etc.
Store bathroom cleaning supplies under the sink, placed neatly on one side of the cupboard. Place extra bath items neatly on the other side, keeping the two categories separated. Turntables made for kitchen items work well under the sink, as they make it easy to get at tall bottles. Simply turn the turntable around and you'll be able to grab the shampoo or conditioner.
If you have extra room in the cabinet under the sink, collect small items into plastic shoe boxes with lids and stack them to save space. Label the boxes. You'll be able to see what's in the boxes, but the items will stay orderly until you need them.
As you're going through things to put back in the cupboards, consider whether you really need them. Get rid of half-used products that you don't like and will never use. Toss those small sample bottles of products that you got free-with-purchase. Remember - less is more!
If there are things in either of the boxes you used for sorting, you probably don't need them. If they don't fall into the must-have category, you should get rid of them.
If there are any things that you don't need now but can't part with, store them somewhere else. Get them out of the bathroom and out of sight.
If you've followed the first 11 steps, you can now enjoy your neat, orderly, and organized "new" bathroom. Congratulations to you!
Tips:
It's much easier to do this job if you're not distracted. Try to map out an hour where you won't be distracted. If you can't finish the job in one work session, you might be tempted to just throw everything back where it was. Best to get it done all at once!
Wipe off everything you take out of the drawers and off shelves as you remove them. Then clean the shelves and drawers too. When it's time to put things back, they'll be ready.
Follow the rule 'when in doubt, throw it out!' The less you have the better things will look.
What You Need:
Two boxes to sort all your stuff
Cleaning rags
Cleaning products
Get rid of the clutter and organize your bathroom space to work for you with this simple How-To from About. After spending a little time, your bathroom will feel squeaky-clean and luxuriously orderly.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 15 minutes to 1 hour
Here's How:
Find 2 good-sized boxes and bring them into the bathroom. Collect all the items on the bathroom counter, in drawers and cupboards, and put them into the boxes. All means everything. Don't leave a single thing out, including soap, toothbrushes, and deodorant.
If you can sort the things in the boxes, do so. Mark one box Must Have and the other Optional.
Clean off every surface, including the counters, cupboards, shelves, drawers and everything you've decided you need to keep. Wipe everything dry with a towel.
Start to replace items, beginning with the medicine cabinet. Put back only the things that you can not live without or use frequently. This prime location should have only essential items in it.
Place clean decorative item back onto the countertop. The counter is not a storage place. It's for items you use daily or are part of the decor.
Set conveniently-sized drawer dividers into the drawers. Place often-used items by category. Have a section for hair items, makeup, shaving supplies, nail care items, etc.
Store bathroom cleaning supplies under the sink, placed neatly on one side of the cupboard. Place extra bath items neatly on the other side, keeping the two categories separated. Turntables made for kitchen items work well under the sink, as they make it easy to get at tall bottles. Simply turn the turntable around and you'll be able to grab the shampoo or conditioner.
If you have extra room in the cabinet under the sink, collect small items into plastic shoe boxes with lids and stack them to save space. Label the boxes. You'll be able to see what's in the boxes, but the items will stay orderly until you need them.
As you're going through things to put back in the cupboards, consider whether you really need them. Get rid of half-used products that you don't like and will never use. Toss those small sample bottles of products that you got free-with-purchase. Remember - less is more!
If there are things in either of the boxes you used for sorting, you probably don't need them. If they don't fall into the must-have category, you should get rid of them.
If there are any things that you don't need now but can't part with, store them somewhere else. Get them out of the bathroom and out of sight.
If you've followed the first 11 steps, you can now enjoy your neat, orderly, and organized "new" bathroom. Congratulations to you!
Tips:
It's much easier to do this job if you're not distracted. Try to map out an hour where you won't be distracted. If you can't finish the job in one work session, you might be tempted to just throw everything back where it was. Best to get it done all at once!
Wipe off everything you take out of the drawers and off shelves as you remove them. Then clean the shelves and drawers too. When it's time to put things back, they'll be ready.
Follow the rule 'when in doubt, throw it out!' The less you have the better things will look.
What You Need:
Two boxes to sort all your stuff
Cleaning rags
Cleaning products
How To Carve a Halloween Pumpkin
How To Carve a Halloween Pumpkin
Use these basic pumpkin-carving tips from this how-to to help you carve the perfect pumpkin for Halloween.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Be sure to cover your work area (a countertop, table, or floor) with newspapers or a sheet of heavy plastic. If you plan to carve lots of pumpkins, you might want to work outside where any debris can be hosed off or swept away.
Decide whether you will be cutting the top or the bottom off of the pumpkin in order to remove the seeds. If you cut a hole in the top, you'll have an easy way to vent the heat from a candle. If you cut off the bottom, you'll have easier access for an electric light cord.
Before cutting into the pumpkin, determine how wide to cut the access hole. The hole should be large enough to fit your hand through, as well as accommodate a spoon or other scraping tool. If you're not quite sure how large a hole to cut, try a hole about 6 inches in diameter.
You can draw your jack-o-lantern design on a piece of paper and transfer the design to the pumpkin. You can also draw right on the pumpkin. Be aware, however, that a pencil or pen can dent the flesh of the pumpkin and a permanent marker may not wash off. If you're drawing directly on the pumpkin, use washable markers or waxy china pencils instead.
Once you have drawn the circular area for the lid (or bottom), begin cutting with a knife or pumpkin saw. Knives will cut faster, but not quite as accurately. Saws are fairly delicate and it may take longer to patiently saw out the opening. If you use too much pressure on a pumpkin saw, (sold in kits) the blade may snap off.
Be sure to cut the top out holding the knife at a 45 degree angle, with the tip of the knife pointing toward the center of the pumpkin. Why? So the lid has a surface to sit on and it won't slip through the opening into the pumpkin.
Choose which side of the pumpkin will be the "front". Then on the back side make a mark with a pen or cut a slit in both the lid and the adjoining pumpkin edge to mark how the lid should be realigned after carving.
Next, get your hands slimy by reaching in to pull out the strings and seeds. Scrape this material away from the sides and the bottom with a heavy serving spoon (don't use your best silver!) or another kitchen utensil such as an ice cream paddle.
Continue scraping until all of the strings have been dislodged then reach in to remove everything that is loose. You should end up with a clean inside, free from pumpkin seeds or strings.
For easier carving, keep scraping the areas of the pumpkin where you plan to carve. Scraping the inner walls down to a thickness of about an inch will allow knives and carving tools to more easily pierce the pumpkin's flesh. (Test the depth of the skin by inserting a pin or small knife into an area that will be cut away.)
Remove all of these additional scrapings so the interior of the pumpkin is clean.
Draw a face or other design onto the pumpkin. Do a casual pumpkin with a freehand design or trace a pattern especially designed for pumpkins. Use a combination of non-permanent markers, china pencil, or pin pricks to mark the design. Make sure that the design does not start too low on the pumpkin or some if it may be hidden when you set it on the porch.
Carve your pumpkin where you will be comfortable -- sitting at table, standing over it, or holding it in your lap. Begin carving the design. Use tools you have including paring knives, utility blades, exacto knives, wood carving tools, or pumpkin saws and tools that are readily available in pumpkin carving sets sold in grocery stores during October.
Keep carving until the design is complete. If you cut too much out by mistake, you might be able to repair the pumpkin by reattaching a piece using toothpicks or straight pins.
Test the look of your design by inserting a votive candle or flashlight into the pumpkin. Dim the room's lights to get the full effect. You'll be able to see where additional areas may need to be carved away or expanded to better showcase the design.
Tips:
Running short of time? Plan to clean out your pumpkin one day and carve it a day or two later.
Patience and care may result in the most beautiful designs, however even haphazardly cut pumpkins can look happy and festive.
It can help to insert a tool in the center of an area to be cut away, working your way out to the actual cutting line. It may also help to begin with shallow cuts, retracing them more deeply until the pieces are removed.
Keep cut pumpkins in a cool place whenever possible. Setting them inside large plastic bags may also help keep pumpkins from drying out.
Coating all cut edges with petroleum jelly will help keep pumpkins from drying out.
Use these basic pumpkin-carving tips from this how-to to help you carve the perfect pumpkin for Halloween.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Varies
Here's How:
Be sure to cover your work area (a countertop, table, or floor) with newspapers or a sheet of heavy plastic. If you plan to carve lots of pumpkins, you might want to work outside where any debris can be hosed off or swept away.
Decide whether you will be cutting the top or the bottom off of the pumpkin in order to remove the seeds. If you cut a hole in the top, you'll have an easy way to vent the heat from a candle. If you cut off the bottom, you'll have easier access for an electric light cord.
Before cutting into the pumpkin, determine how wide to cut the access hole. The hole should be large enough to fit your hand through, as well as accommodate a spoon or other scraping tool. If you're not quite sure how large a hole to cut, try a hole about 6 inches in diameter.
You can draw your jack-o-lantern design on a piece of paper and transfer the design to the pumpkin. You can also draw right on the pumpkin. Be aware, however, that a pencil or pen can dent the flesh of the pumpkin and a permanent marker may not wash off. If you're drawing directly on the pumpkin, use washable markers or waxy china pencils instead.
Once you have drawn the circular area for the lid (or bottom), begin cutting with a knife or pumpkin saw. Knives will cut faster, but not quite as accurately. Saws are fairly delicate and it may take longer to patiently saw out the opening. If you use too much pressure on a pumpkin saw, (sold in kits) the blade may snap off.
Be sure to cut the top out holding the knife at a 45 degree angle, with the tip of the knife pointing toward the center of the pumpkin. Why? So the lid has a surface to sit on and it won't slip through the opening into the pumpkin.
Choose which side of the pumpkin will be the "front". Then on the back side make a mark with a pen or cut a slit in both the lid and the adjoining pumpkin edge to mark how the lid should be realigned after carving.
Next, get your hands slimy by reaching in to pull out the strings and seeds. Scrape this material away from the sides and the bottom with a heavy serving spoon (don't use your best silver!) or another kitchen utensil such as an ice cream paddle.
Continue scraping until all of the strings have been dislodged then reach in to remove everything that is loose. You should end up with a clean inside, free from pumpkin seeds or strings.
For easier carving, keep scraping the areas of the pumpkin where you plan to carve. Scraping the inner walls down to a thickness of about an inch will allow knives and carving tools to more easily pierce the pumpkin's flesh. (Test the depth of the skin by inserting a pin or small knife into an area that will be cut away.)
Remove all of these additional scrapings so the interior of the pumpkin is clean.
Draw a face or other design onto the pumpkin. Do a casual pumpkin with a freehand design or trace a pattern especially designed for pumpkins. Use a combination of non-permanent markers, china pencil, or pin pricks to mark the design. Make sure that the design does not start too low on the pumpkin or some if it may be hidden when you set it on the porch.
Carve your pumpkin where you will be comfortable -- sitting at table, standing over it, or holding it in your lap. Begin carving the design. Use tools you have including paring knives, utility blades, exacto knives, wood carving tools, or pumpkin saws and tools that are readily available in pumpkin carving sets sold in grocery stores during October.
Keep carving until the design is complete. If you cut too much out by mistake, you might be able to repair the pumpkin by reattaching a piece using toothpicks or straight pins.
Test the look of your design by inserting a votive candle or flashlight into the pumpkin. Dim the room's lights to get the full effect. You'll be able to see where additional areas may need to be carved away or expanded to better showcase the design.
Tips:
Running short of time? Plan to clean out your pumpkin one day and carve it a day or two later.
Patience and care may result in the most beautiful designs, however even haphazardly cut pumpkins can look happy and festive.
It can help to insert a tool in the center of an area to be cut away, working your way out to the actual cutting line. It may also help to begin with shallow cuts, retracing them more deeply until the pieces are removed.
Keep cut pumpkins in a cool place whenever possible. Setting them inside large plastic bags may also help keep pumpkins from drying out.
Coating all cut edges with petroleum jelly will help keep pumpkins from drying out.
Tips for Furnishing a Small Apartment
Tips for Furnishing a Small Apartment
Whether you are in a temporary space or move from rental to rental, you'll probably want to make your home feel homey and personal. Read how to plan for your needs and create a space that reflects your likes and dislikes.
Turn a Rental Into "Home Sweet Home"
Decorating a first, second, or tenth apartment can be a challenging process. For most renters, the question might be "why spend the time and effort on a space I’ll never own?"
There are many ways to "glam" up an apartment without investing a large sum of money. You can find wonderful, vintage pieces of furniture at secondhand stores and yard sales. Check out stores such as IKEA, Home Goods, and Cost Plus World Market. They offer great options for stylish décor and affordable furniture pieces. Be sure to choose pieces that reflect your personal style. Invest more in items that you can take with you and can be used in future homes.
To bring vibrancy to any room, rented or owned, introduce color. If allowed by your landlord, add an accent wall with paint. Be careful of the color you chose because colors are often associated with moods. For example, shades of green are a good choice for a bedroom because of this hue's calming influences. If you can't paint, you can add color through your bedding, window coverings, and artwork.
As you begin to select furnishings for your new, small, perhaps temporary home, think of the main ways you'll be using the space. Everyone's needs are different--to some extent. But everyone needs a place to sleep, to relax, to eat, to work, and to store things.
Regardless of your lifestyle, any home turf should to be ready to provide you with the main needs of living. Plan your space and purchases to meet those needs and fit the space available.
Bedroom
Whether you "crash" or "escape" to your apartment, you'll need a bed. Choose the best bed you can afford and the largest one that will fit your space. Add a night stand or bedside table and lamp. If the space will allow, add a comfortable chair.
Living Room
If your apartment is really small, this room will probably need to be multi-functional. You should find a chair or two or a loveseat or sofa. Add a television and sound system and you'll be ready to entertain guests and relax. Use either wall-mounted or free-standing shelving to store books and display knick knacks you may have. Add color and comfort with an area rug.
Kitchen
Some small apartments have a closet-size kitchen and many apartments provide the appliances you'll need. In any case, you will need a safe place to cook and store food. A microwave, cook-top, and mini-frig would fit even the smallest space. A real luxury would be a small seating area that would hold a bistro table and pair of chairs.
Office
I don't know many people who don't do at least some work at home. A desk would be a luxury in a really small apartment. But you'll need some place for your computer, a comfortable working chair, and storage for your office supplies and books.
Storage
Try to be creative when it comes to storage. Every inch of a small apartment will be used for some necessary purpose. Hang a broom and mop from wall-hooks. Use under-bed boxes for cleaning supplies. Install shelving around the top of the walls for linens, tissue, out-of-season clothes, and extra bedding.
It may seem as though it would cost a lot of money to establish a comfortable, chic, and workable small apartment. But if you keep the basics at the top of your list, you’ll probably realize quickly that you don’t need a huge budget to accomplish your goal of a comfortable temporary home. Be patient. Don't try to get everything at one time. Buy as the need arises. Keep the big picture in mind.
Keep the main functions of your home in mind as you begin the process of transforming an apartment from a dull and boring space to one that's dazzling and chic.
Whether you are in a temporary space or move from rental to rental, you'll probably want to make your home feel homey and personal. Read how to plan for your needs and create a space that reflects your likes and dislikes.
Turn a Rental Into "Home Sweet Home"
Decorating a first, second, or tenth apartment can be a challenging process. For most renters, the question might be "why spend the time and effort on a space I’ll never own?"
There are many ways to "glam" up an apartment without investing a large sum of money. You can find wonderful, vintage pieces of furniture at secondhand stores and yard sales. Check out stores such as IKEA, Home Goods, and Cost Plus World Market. They offer great options for stylish décor and affordable furniture pieces. Be sure to choose pieces that reflect your personal style. Invest more in items that you can take with you and can be used in future homes.
To bring vibrancy to any room, rented or owned, introduce color. If allowed by your landlord, add an accent wall with paint. Be careful of the color you chose because colors are often associated with moods. For example, shades of green are a good choice for a bedroom because of this hue's calming influences. If you can't paint, you can add color through your bedding, window coverings, and artwork.
As you begin to select furnishings for your new, small, perhaps temporary home, think of the main ways you'll be using the space. Everyone's needs are different--to some extent. But everyone needs a place to sleep, to relax, to eat, to work, and to store things.
Regardless of your lifestyle, any home turf should to be ready to provide you with the main needs of living. Plan your space and purchases to meet those needs and fit the space available.
Bedroom
Whether you "crash" or "escape" to your apartment, you'll need a bed. Choose the best bed you can afford and the largest one that will fit your space. Add a night stand or bedside table and lamp. If the space will allow, add a comfortable chair.
Living Room
If your apartment is really small, this room will probably need to be multi-functional. You should find a chair or two or a loveseat or sofa. Add a television and sound system and you'll be ready to entertain guests and relax. Use either wall-mounted or free-standing shelving to store books and display knick knacks you may have. Add color and comfort with an area rug.
Kitchen
Some small apartments have a closet-size kitchen and many apartments provide the appliances you'll need. In any case, you will need a safe place to cook and store food. A microwave, cook-top, and mini-frig would fit even the smallest space. A real luxury would be a small seating area that would hold a bistro table and pair of chairs.
Office
I don't know many people who don't do at least some work at home. A desk would be a luxury in a really small apartment. But you'll need some place for your computer, a comfortable working chair, and storage for your office supplies and books.
Storage
Try to be creative when it comes to storage. Every inch of a small apartment will be used for some necessary purpose. Hang a broom and mop from wall-hooks. Use under-bed boxes for cleaning supplies. Install shelving around the top of the walls for linens, tissue, out-of-season clothes, and extra bedding.
It may seem as though it would cost a lot of money to establish a comfortable, chic, and workable small apartment. But if you keep the basics at the top of your list, you’ll probably realize quickly that you don’t need a huge budget to accomplish your goal of a comfortable temporary home. Be patient. Don't try to get everything at one time. Buy as the need arises. Keep the big picture in mind.
Keep the main functions of your home in mind as you begin the process of transforming an apartment from a dull and boring space to one that's dazzling and chic.
Decorating Tricks to Make a Small Space Look Larger
Decorating Tricks to Make a Small Space Look Larger
Decorating Your First Apartment
Find tips from the net on putting together your first apartment. Get strategies for storage, decorating ideas, furniture sources, and more! Good info as well as some fun stuff!
Lots of people live in a small home, a small room, or just a small space. Some people live in a small apartment because that's all they can afford, and they're grateful for it.
Some people live in a small apartment or home because they're tired of taking care of a larger place and want to "downsize."
Others just don't want a large home. Small is beautiful! And easy, and practical, too!
But no matter what your reason for living in a small space, you'll undoubtedly have to make some compromises in your decorating, get really organized, and make some adjustments to your lifestyle in order to make everything fit and not feel cramped.
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate space, you're in luck. By using soft, snuggly upholstered pieces, dark, warm tones, and dramatic lighting, your tiny corner can become a wonderful private space.
But if you really feel the need to stretch out in your small space, you can make some decorating changes to make the area look and feel larger without moving any walls! With color, furniture arranging, and interesting lighting, your space won't feel so cramped.
See if some of our tips will work for your small space.
Clear Out the Clutter
There's nothing that makes a small space feel cramped more than having too much stuff. Work out ways to get collections out of view, organized behind doors, table skirts, or on shelves. With things neatly arranged and out of sight, the space that is in view will feel orderly and open.
Open the Way
With furniture and accessories blocking the view into a room and out to open spaces, a room will look cramped. By moving furniture out and away from walkways, you'll open up the space and make it feel larger. You can also choose short pieces of furniture like an ottoman, an armless, open chair, or a low table, and place large, tall pieces along a wall rather than out in the open space. If you can see the floor, the room will look larger.
Decorating Your First Apartment
Find tips from the net on putting together your first apartment. Get strategies for storage, decorating ideas, furniture sources, and more! Good info as well as some fun stuff!
Lots of people live in a small home, a small room, or just a small space. Some people live in a small apartment because that's all they can afford, and they're grateful for it.
Some people live in a small apartment or home because they're tired of taking care of a larger place and want to "downsize."
Others just don't want a large home. Small is beautiful! And easy, and practical, too!
But no matter what your reason for living in a small space, you'll undoubtedly have to make some compromises in your decorating, get really organized, and make some adjustments to your lifestyle in order to make everything fit and not feel cramped.
If you're looking for a cozy, intimate space, you're in luck. By using soft, snuggly upholstered pieces, dark, warm tones, and dramatic lighting, your tiny corner can become a wonderful private space.
But if you really feel the need to stretch out in your small space, you can make some decorating changes to make the area look and feel larger without moving any walls! With color, furniture arranging, and interesting lighting, your space won't feel so cramped.
See if some of our tips will work for your small space.
Clear Out the Clutter
There's nothing that makes a small space feel cramped more than having too much stuff. Work out ways to get collections out of view, organized behind doors, table skirts, or on shelves. With things neatly arranged and out of sight, the space that is in view will feel orderly and open.
Open the Way
With furniture and accessories blocking the view into a room and out to open spaces, a room will look cramped. By moving furniture out and away from walkways, you'll open up the space and make it feel larger. You can also choose short pieces of furniture like an ottoman, an armless, open chair, or a low table, and place large, tall pieces along a wall rather than out in the open space. If you can see the floor, the room will look larger.
Tips for Hanging Art
Tips for Hanging Art
Decorating Your First Apartment
Find tips from the net on putting together your first apartment. Get strategies for storage, decorating ideas, furniture sources, and more! Good info as well as some fun stuff!
Hanging artwork baffles many home decorators. How high should a picture be hung on the wall, what color should the matting be, and how can you decide what goes where?
In general, artwork should be hung so that the center point of the picture or grouping is at about eye level for the average pson. While this won't be possible in every situation, it's a good guideline to keep in mind.
Another technique to remember is that a grouping of pictures should be thought of as one unit. Test an arrangement of pictures by laying everything out on a large table (or on the floor), playing with combinations until you hit upon one that works. Laying them out on paper is even better since you'll be able to trace around each object and determine where picture hangers should be installed. Tape the paper up on the wall as a template for picture hangers and you'll be done in no time.
You can also lay out pieces of scrap molding (or tape) onto the floor to form the "outside" bundaries of a picture grouping -- the measurements within which the smaller pieces of art will be set. This is useful when a particular wall has certain boundaries that must be observed (such as a chair rail, windows, heating vents, and the like) and helps keep your arrangement the proper size.
In the pages that follow you'll find lots of photographs to illustrate a principle or tip for hanging artwork. Read brief explanations of symmetry, line, and balance, and observe how they relate to the pictures shown. Next, evaluate the artwork in your own home. You may find ways to accomplish an "art makeover" to better showcase your artwork.
Relate Art to Wall Size
Choose smaller pictures for narrow walls and larger works for big wall spaces. Here a hall wall is accented by hanging a set of six prints in a tall vertical arrangement. One or two larger vertical pictures would have been another possibility for this space.
Relate Art to Furniture Size
In general, when hanging art over a piece of furniture it should not be longer than the width of the furniture. The artwork shown in this photograph relates to the size of the table below it, and keeps to a general principle of being about 75% of the table's width.
Art Tips on Lighting and Art Shelves
Narrow art shelves offer flexibility
Beautiful artwork can be lost unless it is well lit. See the top photo on this page for an illustration of an art collection that is properly lit.
Next, with art shelves all the rage, try one or two in your home to unite a small grouping of objects in a pleasing display.
Light Art Well
Illuminating artwork gives it importance. The track lighting in this hallway has been added to banish the dark hallway feel as well as make the art collection that much more dramatic.
Hang an Art Shelf
Popular art shelves are a great way to add interest and take up very little space. Artwork can be hung on the wall over the shelf as well as set onto the shelf with other decorative objects.
Art Tips about Colors and Size
Match or contrast for your room scheme
Choose artwork that underscores the mood or theme of your room's decor.
Is the room vibrant, pastel, or neutral? Is your furniture casual, formal, modern, or traditional? These are clues that will help zero in on the type of artwork that compliments the color and scale of a room.
Check Color
Vibrant colors bring excitement to a room while neutral colors are more calming. Which do you prefer? The artwork in this small dressing room echos the neutral tones found in the window treatment, table skirt, and chair seat. For a more exciting feel the pictures could have been matted in red to crosslink with the bedroom wall color.
Bigger is often Better
One large painting makes a statement and keeps things simple. It can also call attention to the focal point of the room which is often the fireplace.
Landscape Art - Tips for Hanging Artwork
Open up smaller spaces
Landscape art is one good way to visually open up a smaller space. The view of a distant horizon acts as a sort of "window" giving the impression of a faraway vista.
The lower photograph illustrates a simple framing technique of tailoring the frame to the size and shape of the object being framed. You can also mount some flat objects between two pieces of glass (pressed leaves are shown here) that allows the wall color act as a "mat" for the art.
Landscapes Open Up
Add the look of a "window" to a small or windowless area by hanging landscape art.
Think Outside the Box
Get creative when framing. These dried florals have been outlined in long vertical frames to give each piece added importance.
Hanging Artwork with Horizontal or Vertical Lines
Use line to underscore a decorating mood
The use of line is sometimes overlooked by home decorators, yet proper use of line can set the mood in a room.
Horizontal lines tend to elongate, widen, and emphasize a casual decorating scheme.
Vertical lines however, tend to be more formal, add to the illusion of height, and can seem more elegant and refined.
Horizontal Lines
Strong horizontal lines in artwork, or in the way artwork is framed or hung, tend to be calming and can give the illusion of width in a narrow room.
Vertical Lines
Strong vertical lines -- in a picture, in a frame, or in the arrangement on the wall -- add to the feeling of height in a room. The arrangement shown here is made even more dramatic by hanging the prints one above the other, furthering the sense of height.
Hanging Artwork in Diagonal Lines
Add drama to an arrangement
Hanging artwork in diagonal lines makes it appear more dramatic and exciting.
While artwork generally shouldn't be hung in offset arrangements, it is a useful technique in a stairwell as the floor levels change.
Diagonal Lines
Strong diagonal lines -- either within a picture itself or in a line of pictures arranged on the wall -- add excitement to the composition.
Offset Arrangements
Avoid hanging matching pictures in a perfect line whenever you'd like to emphasize a casual atmosphere. This works to create a dynamic diagonal line and stays away from a formal symmetrical look.
Hanging Art in Symmetrical Arrangements
Use this principal to echo a room's decor
Use symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements of art to create either a formal or a casual feeling.
Symmetry simply means that when an arrangement is divided in half, each half is a mirror image of the other.
In the photo on this page the center line is through the platter, down the center of the mirror, and through the center of the dresser. The elements of either side of this imaginary center line are perfectly balanced.
Symmetrical Arrangements
Symmetry adds balance and formality to an arrangement and is generally pleasing and calming to the observer.
Aysmmetrical Arrangements
Do something unexpected by hanging pictures in an asymmetricl arrangement. This eye-catching grouping is a casual fun look for informal settings.
Tips for Hanging Artwork
Frame alike or similarly
Do you have some smaller pictures or artwork that you'd like to hang together? The two tips on this page illustrate a few of the ways to create a cohesive art arrangement.
Make a Box
Two horizontally framed pictures can easily be hung with two vertically framed pictures by offsetting each style. Notice that the perimeter of the entire grouping stays within boundaries that makes the smaller pieces work together as one unit.
Make Small Pieces Appear Larger
One of these objects hung on a large wall would seem out of place, yet this unusual grouping extends each piece within an arrangement that is a more appropriate size for the space.
Collect and Hang Themed Art
Stick to a theme, color, and style
Nothing ruins a carefully planned arrangement of art faster than if the pictures pull away from the wall because they weren't hung securely.
Always use picture hooks rated for the weight of the artwork or object, and attach heavy pictures to hooks that have been installed into wall studs or with specialized drywall hangers.
Hang Securely
Hang pictures to securely attached picture hooks rated for the weight of the artwork or object. If in doubt about picture hardware or its installation, ask advice at the hardware store.
Collect Themes
A group of pictures framed alike and hung together can have big impact. This display uses dozens of smaller pieces of art. Use this random technique for hanging a collection in a contemporary space. In your own home you might also consider more traditional collections of items such as movie posters, Ansel Adams prints, or Georgia O'Keefe florals.
Hanging Wreaths and Hanging Art Low
Get the feeling of art with other objects
Look for objects to hang on the wall that give the impression of art, yet may be better suited to your decorating style.
Wreaths, empty picture frames, old windows, architectural pieces, and other objects can all impart unique style to your home.
Wreaths as Art
Over this mantle a dried leaf wreath stands in for a typical mantle mirror or large framed picture and contributes to the relaxed country style of the room.
Hang It Low
Whenever possible relate artwork to the furniture below it. When hanging a large picture over a table for instance, the bottom of the frame should sit within 4-8" of the tabletop.
In this room the picture has been placed at about eye level for the twin girls who live here, which also allows it to relate comfortably to the low chest underneath.
Art Tips for Frame Shapes and Mat Color
Contrast adds impact
Bring unity and focus to an arrangement by choosing frame colors and styles that match the style of your home.
Vary Frame Shapes
Add interest to a picture grouping by hanging pictures with differently shaped frames. Here two oval frames round out a divergent set of rectangular frames. Handpainted vines and faux picture wires further serve to unite the pieces.
Mat Colors
Pictures will have greater impact if matted in a contrasting color to the wall. Choose a dark mat for a light wall and vice versa.
Hanging Architectural Elements as Art
Underscore your room theme with art
Perk up your interiors by using wall art that emphasizes the themed elements in the rest of the room.
Hang Architectural Elements
Use the principles of contrast to highlight a piece of art. Here the white window frame stands out agains the tan wall color, giving each greater impact. Try to match the shape and size of the piece you are hanging to the shape and size of the wall.
Stick to Your Theme
Support your room theme with art, repeating the colors, motifs, and style of the room's interior.
Frame Art Alike and Hang a Pair
A pair of pictures is always pleasing
To harmonize a set of pictures, mat and frame them alike. This technique can lend an air of importance to everything from the mundane (postcards, menus, photos) to the finest art prints.
Frame Alike
To harmonize a group of pictures, frame them alike. This brings unity and direction whether it's a pair of pictures or a set of twelve.
Art as Inspiration
Look for pictures that inspire you and use their themes and colors as the foundation for other room elements. Here Parisian prints are a daily reminder of a memorable vacation and supply the colors and style for walls, fabrics, and furnishings.
Something Different on the Wall
Three in One or Add Some Fun
Do something different -- it can really make a statement in a room. Try framing several items in one mat and frame.
It might be a trio of prints as shown here, a pair of etchings, or a set of six smaller family photographs. The size of the frame to enclose these objects will also give it the items more impact.
Three in One
Get more impact from a number of smaller prints by framing them together. You'll save a bit on framing costs and get one larger piece that may be a better proportion for the wall.
Art can be humorous, fun, and whimsical. Look for themes that fit your decorating style and bring out the colors in other elements of the room -- in fabrics, wall color, flooring, and window treatments.
Decorating Your First Apartment
Find tips from the net on putting together your first apartment. Get strategies for storage, decorating ideas, furniture sources, and more! Good info as well as some fun stuff!
Hanging artwork baffles many home decorators. How high should a picture be hung on the wall, what color should the matting be, and how can you decide what goes where?
In general, artwork should be hung so that the center point of the picture or grouping is at about eye level for the average pson. While this won't be possible in every situation, it's a good guideline to keep in mind.
Another technique to remember is that a grouping of pictures should be thought of as one unit. Test an arrangement of pictures by laying everything out on a large table (or on the floor), playing with combinations until you hit upon one that works. Laying them out on paper is even better since you'll be able to trace around each object and determine where picture hangers should be installed. Tape the paper up on the wall as a template for picture hangers and you'll be done in no time.
You can also lay out pieces of scrap molding (or tape) onto the floor to form the "outside" bundaries of a picture grouping -- the measurements within which the smaller pieces of art will be set. This is useful when a particular wall has certain boundaries that must be observed (such as a chair rail, windows, heating vents, and the like) and helps keep your arrangement the proper size.
In the pages that follow you'll find lots of photographs to illustrate a principle or tip for hanging artwork. Read brief explanations of symmetry, line, and balance, and observe how they relate to the pictures shown. Next, evaluate the artwork in your own home. You may find ways to accomplish an "art makeover" to better showcase your artwork.
Relate Art to Wall Size
Choose smaller pictures for narrow walls and larger works for big wall spaces. Here a hall wall is accented by hanging a set of six prints in a tall vertical arrangement. One or two larger vertical pictures would have been another possibility for this space.
Relate Art to Furniture Size
In general, when hanging art over a piece of furniture it should not be longer than the width of the furniture. The artwork shown in this photograph relates to the size of the table below it, and keeps to a general principle of being about 75% of the table's width.
Art Tips on Lighting and Art Shelves
Narrow art shelves offer flexibility
Beautiful artwork can be lost unless it is well lit. See the top photo on this page for an illustration of an art collection that is properly lit.
Next, with art shelves all the rage, try one or two in your home to unite a small grouping of objects in a pleasing display.
Light Art Well
Illuminating artwork gives it importance. The track lighting in this hallway has been added to banish the dark hallway feel as well as make the art collection that much more dramatic.
Hang an Art Shelf
Popular art shelves are a great way to add interest and take up very little space. Artwork can be hung on the wall over the shelf as well as set onto the shelf with other decorative objects.
Art Tips about Colors and Size
Match or contrast for your room scheme
Choose artwork that underscores the mood or theme of your room's decor.
Is the room vibrant, pastel, or neutral? Is your furniture casual, formal, modern, or traditional? These are clues that will help zero in on the type of artwork that compliments the color and scale of a room.
Check Color
Vibrant colors bring excitement to a room while neutral colors are more calming. Which do you prefer? The artwork in this small dressing room echos the neutral tones found in the window treatment, table skirt, and chair seat. For a more exciting feel the pictures could have been matted in red to crosslink with the bedroom wall color.
Bigger is often Better
One large painting makes a statement and keeps things simple. It can also call attention to the focal point of the room which is often the fireplace.
Landscape Art - Tips for Hanging Artwork
Open up smaller spaces
Landscape art is one good way to visually open up a smaller space. The view of a distant horizon acts as a sort of "window" giving the impression of a faraway vista.
The lower photograph illustrates a simple framing technique of tailoring the frame to the size and shape of the object being framed. You can also mount some flat objects between two pieces of glass (pressed leaves are shown here) that allows the wall color act as a "mat" for the art.
Landscapes Open Up
Add the look of a "window" to a small or windowless area by hanging landscape art.
Think Outside the Box
Get creative when framing. These dried florals have been outlined in long vertical frames to give each piece added importance.
Hanging Artwork with Horizontal or Vertical Lines
Use line to underscore a decorating mood
The use of line is sometimes overlooked by home decorators, yet proper use of line can set the mood in a room.
Horizontal lines tend to elongate, widen, and emphasize a casual decorating scheme.
Vertical lines however, tend to be more formal, add to the illusion of height, and can seem more elegant and refined.
Horizontal Lines
Strong horizontal lines in artwork, or in the way artwork is framed or hung, tend to be calming and can give the illusion of width in a narrow room.
Vertical Lines
Strong vertical lines -- in a picture, in a frame, or in the arrangement on the wall -- add to the feeling of height in a room. The arrangement shown here is made even more dramatic by hanging the prints one above the other, furthering the sense of height.
Hanging Artwork in Diagonal Lines
Add drama to an arrangement
Hanging artwork in diagonal lines makes it appear more dramatic and exciting.
While artwork generally shouldn't be hung in offset arrangements, it is a useful technique in a stairwell as the floor levels change.
Diagonal Lines
Strong diagonal lines -- either within a picture itself or in a line of pictures arranged on the wall -- add excitement to the composition.
Offset Arrangements
Avoid hanging matching pictures in a perfect line whenever you'd like to emphasize a casual atmosphere. This works to create a dynamic diagonal line and stays away from a formal symmetrical look.
Hanging Art in Symmetrical Arrangements
Use this principal to echo a room's decor
Use symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements of art to create either a formal or a casual feeling.
Symmetry simply means that when an arrangement is divided in half, each half is a mirror image of the other.
In the photo on this page the center line is through the platter, down the center of the mirror, and through the center of the dresser. The elements of either side of this imaginary center line are perfectly balanced.
Symmetrical Arrangements
Symmetry adds balance and formality to an arrangement and is generally pleasing and calming to the observer.
Aysmmetrical Arrangements
Do something unexpected by hanging pictures in an asymmetricl arrangement. This eye-catching grouping is a casual fun look for informal settings.
Tips for Hanging Artwork
Frame alike or similarly
Do you have some smaller pictures or artwork that you'd like to hang together? The two tips on this page illustrate a few of the ways to create a cohesive art arrangement.
Make a Box
Two horizontally framed pictures can easily be hung with two vertically framed pictures by offsetting each style. Notice that the perimeter of the entire grouping stays within boundaries that makes the smaller pieces work together as one unit.
Make Small Pieces Appear Larger
One of these objects hung on a large wall would seem out of place, yet this unusual grouping extends each piece within an arrangement that is a more appropriate size for the space.
Collect and Hang Themed Art
Stick to a theme, color, and style
Nothing ruins a carefully planned arrangement of art faster than if the pictures pull away from the wall because they weren't hung securely.
Always use picture hooks rated for the weight of the artwork or object, and attach heavy pictures to hooks that have been installed into wall studs or with specialized drywall hangers.
Hang Securely
Hang pictures to securely attached picture hooks rated for the weight of the artwork or object. If in doubt about picture hardware or its installation, ask advice at the hardware store.
Collect Themes
A group of pictures framed alike and hung together can have big impact. This display uses dozens of smaller pieces of art. Use this random technique for hanging a collection in a contemporary space. In your own home you might also consider more traditional collections of items such as movie posters, Ansel Adams prints, or Georgia O'Keefe florals.
Hanging Wreaths and Hanging Art Low
Get the feeling of art with other objects
Look for objects to hang on the wall that give the impression of art, yet may be better suited to your decorating style.
Wreaths, empty picture frames, old windows, architectural pieces, and other objects can all impart unique style to your home.
Wreaths as Art
Over this mantle a dried leaf wreath stands in for a typical mantle mirror or large framed picture and contributes to the relaxed country style of the room.
Hang It Low
Whenever possible relate artwork to the furniture below it. When hanging a large picture over a table for instance, the bottom of the frame should sit within 4-8" of the tabletop.
In this room the picture has been placed at about eye level for the twin girls who live here, which also allows it to relate comfortably to the low chest underneath.
Art Tips for Frame Shapes and Mat Color
Contrast adds impact
Bring unity and focus to an arrangement by choosing frame colors and styles that match the style of your home.
Vary Frame Shapes
Add interest to a picture grouping by hanging pictures with differently shaped frames. Here two oval frames round out a divergent set of rectangular frames. Handpainted vines and faux picture wires further serve to unite the pieces.
Mat Colors
Pictures will have greater impact if matted in a contrasting color to the wall. Choose a dark mat for a light wall and vice versa.
Hanging Architectural Elements as Art
Underscore your room theme with art
Perk up your interiors by using wall art that emphasizes the themed elements in the rest of the room.
Hang Architectural Elements
Use the principles of contrast to highlight a piece of art. Here the white window frame stands out agains the tan wall color, giving each greater impact. Try to match the shape and size of the piece you are hanging to the shape and size of the wall.
Stick to Your Theme
Support your room theme with art, repeating the colors, motifs, and style of the room's interior.
Frame Art Alike and Hang a Pair
A pair of pictures is always pleasing
To harmonize a set of pictures, mat and frame them alike. This technique can lend an air of importance to everything from the mundane (postcards, menus, photos) to the finest art prints.
Frame Alike
To harmonize a group of pictures, frame them alike. This brings unity and direction whether it's a pair of pictures or a set of twelve.
Art as Inspiration
Look for pictures that inspire you and use their themes and colors as the foundation for other room elements. Here Parisian prints are a daily reminder of a memorable vacation and supply the colors and style for walls, fabrics, and furnishings.
Something Different on the Wall
Three in One or Add Some Fun
Do something different -- it can really make a statement in a room. Try framing several items in one mat and frame.
It might be a trio of prints as shown here, a pair of etchings, or a set of six smaller family photographs. The size of the frame to enclose these objects will also give it the items more impact.
Three in One
Get more impact from a number of smaller prints by framing them together. You'll save a bit on framing costs and get one larger piece that may be a better proportion for the wall.
Art can be humorous, fun, and whimsical. Look for themes that fit your decorating style and bring out the colors in other elements of the room -- in fabrics, wall color, flooring, and window treatments.
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