Your guide to buying the best mattress - from budget to luxury - we offer tips and advice on what to look for in a bed!
Mattress types
There are so many mattresses on the market that choosing a new one can seem overwhelming. Each manufacturer bedazzles with new technology and marketing speak, making it practically impossible to weigh up comparable products between brands – unless you bring it down to basics. Keep in mind there are predominately four types of mattresses to choose from, so once you know what you like you can limit your search to that style and then select the appropriate bells and whistles.
Inner-spring
These are the most common mattresses sold in Australia. It’s the spring system that provides support, so it’s important to check the quality of the springs and the way they’re arranged. Pocket spring systems, where the springs are independent of each other, are generally considered the best. It’s the padding surrounding the springs that supplies the comfort. Many manufacturers will use the same spring system and then vary the padding to provide a range of different mattresses. Confusingly, a particular model produced by a manufacturer may be listed under different names at various retailers, making it hard to compare prices.
Latex
Latex is a natural hypo-allergenic material made from the sap of rubber trees. Good latex mattresses have pin-core holes incorporated into the design that allow them to breathe. Latex mattresses curve to the shape of your body, minimising gaps between you and the mattress and providing a great cushioning experience. Quality latex matresses are expensive, but can last up to 25 years. Plus, they’re good for allergy sufferers as they are much less attractive to dust mites than traditional spring styles.
Memory Foam
Also known as viscoelastic foam, memory foam was originally created by NASA to be used in astronauts’ seats to soak up g-forces. It’s made from polyurethane and conforms to the shape of your body. It takes about 15 minutes to fully respond to your body’s warmth and doesn’t spring back like regular foam. Some testers have reported lying on this type of mattress felt like floating, as it supports high-load areas such as hips and shoulders, while others said the experience was more like being bogged in wet sand. There is concern that memory foam may retain too much heat to be comfortable, but some manufacturers are incorporating new, ‘temperature neutral’ materials into their designs.
Pillow Tops
Pillow tops are inner-spring or latex mattresses that have a top layer of another material, such as feathers, memory foam or latex, to provide a luxurious cushion, which they undoubtedly do – at first. The problem with pillow tops is the upper layer tends to wear out faster than the mattress. Consider buying a separate pillow top, known as a mattress topper or overlay, and fitting it onto your mattress if this is the way you want to go. Pillow-top mattresses are not to be confused with memory-foam ones, which are designed to have two layers and will wear evenly.
Sizing
Standard Australian mattress sizing is as follows:
- Single: 92cm x 188cm
- Single extra long: 92cm x 203cm
- King single: 107cm x 203cm
- Double: 138cm x 188cm
- Queen: 153cm x 203cm
- King: 183cm x 203cm
Stainless steel kitchen sinks are actually very easy to maintain. Like other household fixtures, sinks can attract dirt and dust if not maintained regularly. You just need to have some household materials and an ounce of patience to keep your sinks maintained for a long time.
There are some things to avoid when maintaining your stainless steel kitchen sink. Here are some examples:
• Do not allow soaps, detergents, or any other cleansing agent to dry on your kitchen sink.
• Do not leave anything that is wet on your sinks. Avoid putting dishpans, rubber mats, cleaning pads, cloth, or sponges that can leave water on your kitchen fixtures.
• A silver cleaner is NEVER used with a stainless steel.
• Always rinse the sink with running water every after use.
• Do not let bleach sit in your sink for a long time. Bleach can permanently damage your fixtures by leaving hard spots on it.
• Never use abrasive materials on your stainless steel kitchen sink. These things include steel wool, some types of powders, and anything that has a metallic element on it.
Daily maintenance is required by your kitchen fixtures. Every time you use the sink, you must ensure removal of soap after dishwashing. Drying the sink afterwards is also another priority. Be responsible to your kitchen fixtures and you’ll be sure to have a long-lasting sink in your homes.
Having a baby around is one of the most exciting privileges one can have. Watching a baby learn how to use his or her hands and begin to explore the environment is amazing, but it can also be dangerous. It is extremely important to baby-proof every room.
The easiest way to baby-proof a home is to get down on your hands and knees and pretend that you do not know what anything is. Also, scrutinize every area of your home that is three feet (0.9 m) above the floor, which is generally the height within a child’s reach. When you put yourself in the perspective of a young child, you will begin to see all the dangers that should be removed in order to effectively baby-proof a home.
One of the most common and dangerous attractions for babies is the electrical outlet. In order to baby-proof these, purchase plastic electrical outlet covers and plug them into any outlets that are not being used. In order to baby proof electrical outlets that are in use, try to block the baby’s access with heavy furniture. Electrical cords also pose a threat to a child, who may chew on them or pull on them, causing whatever they are attached to to potentially fall on top of baby.
Another important step to baby-proof your home is to remove all valuables to locations that are safely out of reach. Vases, knick knacks and shiny objects are irresistible to children and can easily be broken or pulled down on top of the baby. Also, remove houseplants from baby’s reach. Many houseplants are poisonous if swallowed.
Tablecloths are a huge risk for little crawlers. Once a baby starts to crawl, it won’t be long before he or she starts pulling to a standing position on furniture and tables. Tablecloths will slide and cause the baby to fall, as well as pulling any items on the table off. Likewise, baby-proof draperies and blinds so that baby does not become entangled in fabrics and cords.
Frequently make sure that the floor is always clear of tiny objects that a baby might choke on. This is especially important when there are older children around who tend to have toys with small parts. Vacuuming carpets and sweeping floors daily is a sure way to maintain a baby-proof home. You should avoid shag carpets or rugs with long pile that may hide tiny objects from adult view.
It is important to baby-proof kitchens and bathrooms thoroughly, because they often contain chemicals that can be fatal. Keep all cleaning supplies out of reach in a high cabinet, or purchase cabinet locks to keep little fingers out. Make sure all electrical cords are inaccessible, and keep pot handles turned in to prevent scalding and burning. In the bathroom, dispose of all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, that are expired or not needed.
There are countless products available on the market to help you baby-proof your home. Door knob devices that make it impossible for little hands to turn the knob are a great way to prevent children from entering rooms that are not baby-proof. Baby gates are also an invaluable purchase for protection against stairs and other off limit areas. Be sure to lock children out of basements, garages or any other areas that cannot be considered baby-proof.
Having a safe, baby-proof home is a continuous process. As your child grows, new experiences and new threats will abound. Always supervise children, even in the most carefully baby-proofed home. No matter how baby-proof a room is, unsupervised children have a knack for finding themselves in unsafe situations.
When we talk about the kids bedroom furniture it does not necessarily mean dressers or chest of drawers but all the other things or accessories that add to the personality and character of the person who shall live in the room.
These days buying furniture for the kid’s bedroom is not very hard as they come in different types of styles, themes and sets. There are many different types of bed to choose from, and as there is variety of styles to choose from and they come in standard sizes it becomes easier to get mattresses that fit such beds perfectly.
A bunk bed is the best choice for parents who have more than one child as they offer versatility as well as convenience which is very necessary for two kids who share a room. It can be detached from one another to make two twin beds, when at a later stage the children decide they have outgrown the bed. Some have a storage system underneath which is very convenient for keeping things that are not used regularly.
A desk is also essential for the kid’s bedroom. They can be spacious so that computers can also be accommodated as well as space to keep school related stuff like books. The chair is also very important so it should be comfortable as well as give proper back support to the back and something that can be adjusted as the child grows.
One of the most important thing that is a must have in a kids bedroom is a rack or basket of magazines and books which gives the child an ambiance for reading, and helps him to form the habit of reading.
All these things when done up together gives the bedroom a very modern look. Kids’ bedroom furniture can also be done with themes in mind and through this manufacturers take very good opportunity to promote their products. The kid’s bedroom should be a medium through which all his emotions get an outlet to be expressed rather than a storage room next to the porch in the backward where all the extras as well as unfinished things are kept.
One fact about security systems for homes and businesses is that they have always incorporated the most recent technology that was available but one problem has always been the expense of the systems that incorporated the higher level of security. This meant that a lot of people had to do with out the level of security that they would like to have had in their homes and only businesses tended to have the best security systems that were available.
Times have changed and now high tech security systems are available for homeowners everywhere and they are now more affordable than ever. Other factors that make them affordable is that homeowners insurance companies give discounts of as much as 20% to homeowners that have security systems installed in their homes. Because more and more people are having these high tech systems installed in their homes, home buyers are now expecting them to be there when they purchase a home, so having a security system installed in a home will directly impact positively on the value of the home.
The technology has advanced so far that a basic system now is what an advanced system was just ten years ago and the cost on that system is more affordable then ever before. There are a few required components that make up a basic home or business security system and they are what is needed to detect an intruder and ward them off unless it is a silent system that notifies local authorities or a monitoring agency.
The control panel is the central computer or the heart of the system and it is where all of the basic functions are handled from. One new form of technology that has recently been developed is voice recognition technology, that allows a business or homeowner to turn on or off a security system with one button and their voice command. A basic system will also have a key pad for operating the system and giving it its commands.
Motion detectors are also part of a basic system now and it wasn’t that long ago that they were too expensive for the average homeowner. Of course door contacts are also an important component of any basic home security system and they should go on any entrances to the building. Unless it is a silent system, it should also include an interior siren that will sound off when the system is tripped, which will startle and disorient any intruders and let them know that the police are on the way.
Signs and decals are something that have always been a basic component of an effective security system and they work to deter any would be intruders. It is important to remember that an effective security system should begin to deter intruders before they have entered the premises and that is the purpose of signs and decals. It is important to remember that these are components of a basic system and that the technology is readily available for far more elaborate security systems and that it is more affordable then it ever has been before.
As the summer heat dies down, many Furniture Decorators look to spend cool summer nights on the back patio. Outdoor dining areas have been loosely described as a setting with four chairs and a table. When designing an outdoor dining area for the outdoors, you should strive to create a fun-loving atmosphere that can accommodate family dinners every night. Our handy tips can help you furnish the outdoor dining area of your dreams.
The first step to creating a carefree outdoor dining room is to clearly designate your space. Adding a row of hedges or lining the edges of your patio with teak benches allows you provide additional seating or serving space when table area is at a premium. This also helps define a “room” that makes it easier for your dinner guests to relax and focus on the meal and your company.
Outdoor dining is generally simpler than what you might prepare when entertaining indoors, but as food generally tastes better outdoors I’m sure your guests will enjoy your take on New York Strip. Enhance the experience with decorative holders for napkins and condiments. Be sure that they are substantial in weight to prevent blustery winds from ruining your meal.
Worry free furniture, namely rattan, teak, and IPE, is a must. A teak trolley serving cart can help you bring chilled dishes to the table in one convenient trip. Make sure to purchase high quality seat cushions created with Sunbrella fabric and a quick drying foam insert. This will make sure your guests are comfortable and dry, regardless of recent rainstorms. Adhering to a transitional or contemporary design will make the overall decor a simple affair, as most patio furniture is offered with these theories in mind.
Buying wallpaper can be very frustrating. There are hundreds of thousands of designs available, each with their own unique color, print, and pattern. While you could flip through wallpaper sample pages one-by-one, it’s likely that you’ll spend hours leafing through wallpaper books and not find a sample you like. Here are a few tips to make your wallpaper shopping experience more enjoyable.
Picking out the Perfect Wallpaper
One of the biggest tips we can offer you is to bring samples of all other colors with you. This could mean color swatches of paint, a sample of your flooring, and even developed photos of your furniture, accents, and appliances. Remember when bringing color swatches that the color of your baseboard, chair rail, crown moulding, and ceiling are also important. Many people believe that these pieces are “pure white”, only to be surprised that an undesirable color tone is highlighted by their wallpaper selection.
Don’t be afraid to ask a salesperson for help. Wallpaper shoppers rarely find a wallpaper they like on the first trip, so there won’t be a lot of pressure to make a purchase immediately. The salesperson knows exactly how the sample books are organized, and which manufacturers are producing the most popular designs. If your dream wallpaper involves a print of a white Shetland pony on a mauve background, let the salesperson know! They might have that exact concoction nestled in one of their sample books…
What You Should Know about Buying Wallpaper
Once you find a wallpaper you like, be sure to find out the particulars about the wallpaper’s match and paste requirements. A drop match wallpaper will be considerably more difficult to hang than straight match wallpaper. You are also going to have to bring a semi-professional room diagram to the store. See our special feature on drawing a room diagram for help. Once you have your room diagram figured out, calculating your square footage should be a simple step. Your salesperson should be able to help you calculate the appropriate number of rolls needed.
Pro Tip: Check the return policy of your wallpaper store prior to ordering. If the store allows for the return of unopened rolls, consider buying additional materials to make up for any waste, especially if the pattern is difficult to match. Remember that drop match wallpaper wastes a considerable section of the wallpaper per row and buy extra if funds permit. Remember that a roll of wallpaper in your particular dye plot may never become available again, so make provisions to have extras.
Something that you may notice is that wallpaper is priced per roll, but usually sold in quantities no smaller than a double roll. This is part marketing gimmick, and also partially due to changing building standards. A single roll has just enough length to cover a 7′ high wall twice if you are using a tall baseboard and crown moulding and you are an expert wallpaper installer. If you don’t fall inside this narrow criteria, then a single roll of wallpaper will give you enough paper to lay down a single 27″ strip and 5′ worth of waste. For this reason, most stores sell double rolls only.
At this point, you should be ready to buy your wallpaper! Remember to check the dye lots on your wallpaper prior to opening any of the rolls, and to read the instructions (even the pros do) before starting any kind of hanging. Your wallpaper salesperson may be able to recommend an installer for you if you’re determined to get a magazine quality look. Happy hanging!
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.
* Chooser Soft, Light Hues
Whereas dark, warm colors make a space feel cozy and intimate, light, cool colors make a space feel open and airy. For optimum effect, select soft tones of blues and greens.
* Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme
Choose colors that are in the same color family and use tone-on-tone woven upholstery fabrics, textured wall finishes, delicate tonal drapery fabrics. Cool colors and delicate warm colors on most surfaces give the room a more open look.
* Coordinate Wall and Furniture Colors
Contrasting colors tend to break up a space. Pieces of furniture are less interrupting and tend to blend with the space if they’re colored to match the wall color.
* Let in the Light
Any room will look larger if it’s well-lit, either by natural light or artificial lighting. Get rid of heavy draperies and open up the windows to let the light of the outdoors into the space. Add more lamps or install track lighting or recessed lighting.