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bedroom furniture

How to pick the right mattress for you

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How to choose the right mattress.

Make sure you pick the right mattress for your back.

You spend half of your life on your mattress so you better spend some time making the right choice when shopping for one. A good night’s sleep depends on many factors – stress levels, room temperature, ambient noise and comfort. Comfort means your pillow, blankets, maybe a cat or dog or two with you but most of all the mattress. So here’s some tips when shopping for your mattress.

First, let’s break down the type of mattresses to choose. There are four basic types – Innerspring coil, Memory Foam, Latex and Air. Each have their pros and cons.

Innerspring coils are the most popular where each coil is individually wrapped. Prices range widely and more expensive does not mean better. They also range from firm to soft. Sleep doctors say to make sure that they have a coil count of, at least 390. And, more coil count doesn’t mean better sleep. Innerspring mattresses can be the safest bet but may not give you the ultimate comfort the others provide.

Memory foam mattresses are those that are made from layers of foam of different types of densities. They mold to the contours of your body throughout the night and help relieve pressure points. If you sleep with a partner then each of you create your own individual imprint so no one has to compromise for the other. Because memory foam molds to your body, it can absorb the body heat and become hot. That’s good for some, bad for others. And some people have said the foam can emanate a chemical smell.

For some, Latex is best as it gives both the firmness and bouncy touch so has the support and comfort. But, if you don’t like firm mattresses then this may not be your choice.

Air mattresses are standard innerspring but use air-filled chambers instead of coils. It’s good for couples who need different types of firmness. The problems can be irregular pocket holes can create an uneven bed or can inflate one side when one sits on the other.

So what does all of this mean? It means your back has a lot of choices so spend the time lying on each. The best way to find your mattress is to go into stores and lie down on them for 10 – 15 minutes. Bring your pillow! Anything to re-create your sleep. I don’t think they’ll let you bring your dog or cat in, though.

Some rent to own stores have many mattresses to choose from and if you rent them and in a couple of months don’t like them then you’re not stuck with an unfriendly mattress. If you do like the mattress then use the early purchase option to save money.

Just another ShopRTO Lifestyle and Bedroom Furniture tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

 

Tips to cleaning your mattress

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Mattress cleaning tips

Cleaning your mattress means keeping your mattress as long as possible.

Getting a good night’s sleep can all depend on the mattress you sleep on. So make sure your mattress is nice and clean. They can also be very expensive so you want to make sure you get your money’s out of it. So here’s some Shop RTO tips on cleaning your mattresses or keeping your mattress clean.

First suggestion is pretty easy and common sense. Buy a cover. There are many different kinds. Whether it’s one that lies on top that is cotton, pillow top, blends. But there are also casings that wrap around the mattress. Plastic casings that zip tight to protect against liquids. And, uh, hate to say but bed bugs as well.

Flip it. Spin it. Turn your mattress over and spin it on a regular basis. Helps shift the weight put upon the mattress through the months. Use daylight savings time as the reminder as it splits the year up in six months and makes for a good reminder.

Use extra blankets or towels for extra guests. As in your dog or cat. Hate to say it but let’s get real. Millions of spoiled dogs and cats enjoy the nestling with their masters on the bed. Or, is it the other way around and they allow us to sleep in their bed? At any rate, don’t let them spoil your mattress. Most pets enjoy their regular spot on the bed so strategically place an extra blanket or towel to protect from muddy paws and make it easier to clean the fur.

Clean up spills quickly and efficiently. Use a damp cloth with warm water and make sure the cloth isn’t soaking or dripping. That’ll just make the problem worse. If it’s urine or blood, add some baking soda to the warm water. Add some dish soap as well. If it’s a tough stain, use a soft brush and only treat the area that’s affected and be gentle. Try to dry it quickly with a blow dryer or a fan directly on it.

Americans sleep on an average of 7-8 hours a day and count on them to provide the comfort and relaxation after a long day. Make sure you pick the right mattress and keep it fresh and clean as long as you can.

Just another Shop RTO bedroom furniture and lifestyle tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home decorating and living tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Some bedroom feng shui tips

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Bedroom Feng Shui tips

Create the perfect bedroom.

It’s your bedroom – the sanctuary of your home so decorate it with the best feng shui for your soul. Here’s some ShopRTO tips to help make that happen.

First of all, build the right bed! No used mattresses. Buy or rent to own one. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make. When shopping for your mattress there are many to choose from so make sure you pick the right one. How? Go to a store and lie down on them. Take your shoes off. Lie on your side, back and sit up as if you were reading a book or watching a movie. That’s the only way you’ll make sure. And if people are around watching you with a disapproving look then wink at them and see what happens.

The bed needs to be the right height. Good rule of thumb is your feet should be touching the floor naturally when sitting on the bed. This rule, though, can be compromised due to bed design. The new modern look has lowered and sleeker beds while some are going for the kingly higher beds through thicker mattresses for a more comfortable feel and royal look. Some beds are height adjustable. If you want to be safe, literally. Stick with the first rule that the feet should be touching the floor comfortably when sitting on the bed.

The bedframe needs to have a headboard. The corners where the legs are need to be rounded or covered so as not to harm the legs if you accidentally bump into them.

The bedroom feng shui begins with the windows and door. The bed should be as far away as the door as possible and not in alignment. The bed needs to be flat against the wall and with enough balanced space on both sides.

The windows should not be crowded around unless they are plants. The light and wind rays need to have room to flow. Have as few electronics as possible and give closets enough space to be able to use while also being able to hide with proper closet doors. The best way to work with feng shui is to see how easy it is to walk from the windows to the door.

By the way, this is the first time we’ve used the word “Feng Shui” so no rolling your eyes. We’re still about affordable home furnishings for the average, every-day Joe with a touch of enlightenment.

Just another ShopRTO Home Decorating and Bedroom Furniture Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

How to pick the right bunk bed

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Bunk beds for the kids can be fun.

Choose the right bunk bed for your home.

There’s nothing funner than bunk beds when you’re a kid. The one who gets the top bunk is king of the mountain and let the games begin as they are boundless. Bunk beds are also good for college dorms and guest rooms as they are space savers, big time.

So, if you’re looking for a bunk bed for the home, use these tips to make sure you buy the right one.

There are two different types of bunk beds – lofted and basic. And many sub categories within each of those types. Basic bunk beds are twin over twin or twin over full size. Loft style can be a bit more complex with a lofted bed over a study center or a fold out futon. Some can even turn into a three sleeper for sleep overs or to take out to the family cabin when you need to accommodate many family members.

Find the right style and there are plenty to choose from so spend some time doing your homework. Again, there are plenty to choose from.

You may want the kind that can be separated into two twin beds to give you that flexibility. There are the metal frames or all wood. Then there’s the cottage or country style look. Many kids want themed-looking bunk beds that look like a doll house or castle. And many have slides on them. How cool is that?

Measure the space both between the beds but also from the ceiling. The general rule of thumb is you want 2 to 2 1/2 feet of room between the bunks and ceiling. And that’s measured from the top of the mattress. That should give enough room to sit but, for some, not all the way.

Most bunk beds are 5 1/2 feet tall so fit fine for the average room. There are many furniture places and websites where you can customize heights especially if the bunk beds will be for adults. Again, measure the height of the room to prevent your bunk bed into a bonk bed. Measure floor space as well if you’re looking for those bunk beds that have a wider bottom to accommodate the ladder or for drawers and such.

Make sure there are guard rails on the top. Most will already have it but make sure anyway.

Rent to own stores have bunk beds if you need to rent one for guests that plan to stay for a month or more. In fact, many times red cross or disaster relief organizations will go to rent to own stores to rent bunk beds to help house those displaced from a hurricane, flood or tornado. That’s where rent to own really becomes a great option in the marketplace.

Just another ShopRTO home decorating and bedroom tip.

 

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furniture and more.

How to make a headboard out of duct tape

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Screen Shot 2013-09-25 at 1.47.37 PM

Duct tape comes in a variety of colors and patterns, and it is readily available at most craft stores — kids love it! A roll costs about $3 to $4 and you’ll need about three to four rolls to make a headboard for a twin bed. You should be able to get a large piece of cardboard for free at a grocery or home improvement store.

Materials and Tools:

scissors
tape measure
hammer
duct tape — 3 to 4 rolls in different colors and patterns
large piece of cardboard
4 to 6 wire size (small) nails
Determine Size

Measure the area behind the bed to determine the size of the headboard.
Create Your Design

Draw out your headboard’s design on paper. Determine what colors and patterns to use.
Cut Cardboard

Measure and cut the cardboard to fit the size of the headboard.

Original article at DIY network.

Just another ShopRTO Home Decorating and Bedroom Furniture tips.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

What to know when buying bed sheets

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Bedroom sheets

Gotta have some good bed sheets.

Your sheets are where you spend most of your life’s time cocooned on that bed of yours. One judging criteria is thread count. Most cotton sheets are in the 200 range meaning there are 200 threads in the cloth. The higher the thread count, the softer and more durable.

But thread count is not all that counts especially on a budget. You need to look at the fiber of the sheets. A cotton-polyester blend are wrinkle resistent, last longer than cotton and can be half the cost.

Another fiber tip is the “long-fiber” brand of cotton as it makes a noticeably softer sheet. Every time you hear some fancy-pants talking about “Egyptian”, “Pima” and “Supima”, those are the long fiber versions of cotton and have a much softer touch but are also much more expensive.

When trying to find out the thread count, hold up the sheet in the light and see how easy you can see through. The higher count, the less light.

You need to know about the weave of the cotton. Weave affects the feel of the sheet, its look, longevity and price. Basic weaves are equal horizontal and vertical crossings. Since most sheets are basic, they are not labeled.

Only those weaves that go beyond a basic will state so on the label such as the percale or sateen weaves. Percale is an upscale basic weave with a higher thread count and known for its long-lasting and crisp feel.

Sateen weaves have more vertical than horizontal lines. More vertical than horizontal lines means a softer feel but easily torn. No pillow fights on those sheets.

Most sheets have a chemical finish to keep them from shrinking, to create a sheen and wrinkling. Most consumers don’t really know or care about the finish but if you’re allergic or prefer organic, they are available. Lastly, sheets have a dye to create their color. The softest and most expensive were those yarn dyed fabrics versus the sheet dyed.

This is probably way too much information about sheets than you ever knew or cared. The main point is picking your sheets that you sleep in is a very important decision because you spend thousands of hours of your life sleeping in them. Therefore, it would behoove you to know about thread counts and the weave and the best combination between the two to make the best decision especially on a budget.

Just another great ShopRTO bedroom and laundry tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

Arrange the bedroom to make the most of your space

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Arranging Bedroom Furniture

Use your bedroom dresser as the TV stand.

To arrange your bedroom, consider door and window placement, the room’s dimension and the size of your furniture. Place the largest pieces first and then work in the smaller pieces to create a bedroom that is arranged to suit your space and needs.

Here’s how to get the restful retreat that you crave. Your bed is the largest piece of furniture in your room so start with that. As a general rule, you have 2 choices for where to place the bed, either on the wall opposite your bedroom’s door which creates a pleasant view when you enter the room or along the room’s longest wall.

Most bedrooms have at least one length of wall that isn’t interrupted by windows or doors. This gives you plenty of room to put a night stand on each side of the bed. The next consideration is your dresser which is usually the second largest piece of bedroom furniture. If you use a wide chest, it can also function as a tv stand. In this case, it makes sense to place the dresser across from the bed for easy viewing.

Once the largest furnishings have been placed, determine if you have space for more such as a bedside table or two which will add more storage in the surface for placing a lamp , clock and other bedside necessities.

If you have extra space, consider a small desk and chair outfitted with a mirror for primping or office supplies for writing and filing. Place a small ottoman or bench at the end of your bed as a handy porch for sitting to put on shoes in the morning.

Thank you to Better Homes and Garden for the post.

Just another ShopRTO Home Decorating and Bedroom Furniture Tip. Two for the price of one.

 

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

 

Do you work on your computer in bed? If so, then you need to read this.

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More Americans working from home on their bed

Working from home or from your bed?

More and more people are crawling in bed and… working. Working?! Studies show that nearly 1/2 of Americans like to work on their laptops or tablets in their bed. Those working on their computers in bed need the right equipment to make sure they are the most comfortable and that are not a pain in the back and neck – literally. There are several different items that you can get so make sure you google “working in bed” to find the actual products. But, here are some of the basics that will steer you to your best choice.

You can always buy the old fashioned bedroom tray that has been traditionally used to ‘eating breakfast in bed’ or another simple product is an ergonomically built pillow to place your laptop on. Don’t use your sleeping pillow as its not steady and should be used for back support. You can find many different types for different prices. Some can be as simple as $10 but mostly are around $30. The next level is lap trays with a hard cover and soft underneath. Those tend to be in the $30 to $100 range.

Then you can get real fancy and actually buy furniture with a fold out tray to set your computer. Some are roll-out drawers that have hidden pop-up trays and others are stand-alone. Those can get up to $200+ range. Another advanced ‘working in bed’ furniture is a pillow recliner that you set on your bed and keeps you upright and comfy all together. Those also can get up to the $200+ range.

If you are to work in bed, though, you need to follow these simple guidelines. Working in bed can upset your sleeping pattern and ultimately undermine all of the work you just accomplished. Unplug your computer at least 45 minutes prior to going to sleep and remove your computer from your bedroom. You want to make sure you associate your bedroom as a place of relaxation rather than as your office.

If you work in bed then you’re in good company as so did Mark Twain, Winston Churchill, Renee Descartes to name just a few.

Just another ShopRTO computer tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

 

Choosing the right furniture for your small bedroom

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Home furniture design tips

Make that space count for a small bedroom

When buying furniture for your small bedroom, maximize your investment with pieces that are actually double agents. For a bed that is equal parts comfort and function, choose one that includes a built-in dresser. Perched atop drawers on one or both sides, a captain’s bed is a great way to add underbed storage with style.

Nightstands with drop-down leaves can double as on-command desks, lidded ottomans can stash away linens and provide seating for putting on shoes, and window seats with storage space below offer up a cozy spot to read or relax. Wall-mounted lights brighten up bedtime reading while also freeing space on nightstands for other accents. Invest in a stylish armoire for both beautiful decoration and a smart place to keep clothing or hide a TV and other electronics.

Trick the Eye

A few smart purchases can fool the eye into believing your small bedroom is larger than its actual footprint. The most critical element, of course, is the bed. It might seem counter-intuitive, but bigger can be better for this focal point piece. Buying something with height, such as a four-poster bed or a tall headboard, will force the eye upward and create the illusion of volume. Also, placing the bed against the wall will free up floor space for other furniture and create the sense of more room.

Daybeds and bunk beds are space-saving solutions that are particularly well-suited to a guest room or child’s room that doesn’t require a large bed. Light wood tones or white-painted furniture visually expand a small room. Likewise, a dresser, vanity or other pieces with mirrors allow light to bounce around and continue the optical illusion. A monochromatic design where every accent piece is a similar color is also helpful, as each element appears to blend into the next and the eye sees everything as one large space. Horizontal stripes on the walls can make the room seem wider, while hanging window treatments at ceiling level make it seem taller.

By Kathy Barnes from Better Homes & Garden

One of rent to own’s biggest and most competitive product categories are furniture especially bedroom furniture. Bunkbeds too. Put a ready to own, rent to own in your option mix when shopping for your home furniture.

Another ShopRTO affordable home furniture tip.

 

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

ShopRTO offers some lighting tips for each room

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Lighting tips for the affordable home furniture

Light your way to great home!

Looking to create a flattering glow yet still have enough wattage to see what you’re doing? This speedy lesson in lamps, fixtures, and bulbs (plus some room-by-room tips) will illuminate the way.

By Sarah Stebbins from RealSimple.com

What Kind of Lighting Does Each Room Need?

There are two rules of thumb: You should have a mix of light sources at different levels to create a flattering ambience, and you need appropriate task lighting for whatever you do in that space (reading, sautéing, getting dressed). Here are tips for five key spots.

Living Room

Light three of the four corners, focusing one of those lights on an object (art, a plant, a striking chair). Use a combination of table lamps and floor lamps, some with a downward glow and some that shine upward. Allow for reading in as many seats as possible with down-glowing lamps on three-way switches. If you have an overhead fixture, put it on a dimmer (see What’s the Deal With Dimmers?).

Dining Room

To draw people in, make the table the brightest spot in the room. Use a chandelier or a pendant above the table, limiting the total wattage to 100. Elsewhere in the room, indirect lighting is best—it’s relaxing and flattering. Give the space a subtle glow with a pair of small table lamps on a sideboard or matching sconces on the wall above. Battery-powered votives inside a glass-front china cabinet can be a nice touch.

Kitchen

Focus on overhead lighting (on a dimmer that you can crank up when cooking), and add lower sources to illuminate work surfaces. Use pendants, under-cabinet lights, or a sturdy table lamp (kept away from the sink).

Bedroom

Aim for a cozy, insular atmosphere: Place reading lamps or sconces by the bed—but not pointed directly at it. If you have recessed or track fixtures, angle them away from the bed, toward the dressing area. On a low table, include a small, intimate lamp with a tinted low-wattage bulb to mimic candlelight.

Bathroom

The best choice for applying makeup is sidelights, such as a pair of sconces flanking the mirror. An overhead light helps fill in any shadows on your face and also fully illuminates the room (important when cleaning). In a large space, you might also want a light directly over the shower.

Just another ShopRTO Home Decorating Tip.

ShopRTO provides consumers home living and decorating tips and promotes rent to own as a shopping option for affordable home furnishings.

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