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How long does faux leather furniture last? Let me tell you, anyone who thinks they can put a number on how long faux leather furniture lasts is dead wrong. Trying to predict how long your faux leather furniture will last is like trying to predict the weather – it’s anyone’s guess!

Is Faux Leather Durable?

There are so many factors that can impact the lifespan of your furniture, including the type of faux leather, the quality of the material, how you care for it, how frequently it is used, and even the environmental conditions it is exposed to. But one thing is for sure: with proper care and maintenance, your stylish faux leather furniture can last for several stylish and comfortable years to come.

Different Types of Faux Leather: Rated for Durability

When asking how long does faux leather furniture last? It’s important to take into account that one of the main factors that can impact the lifespan of your faux leather furniture is the type of faux leather it’s made from.

One type of faux leather is called bonded leather, which is made by shredding and bonding together leather fibers with a polyurethane or PVC coating. Bonded leather is often more affordable than other types of faux leather, but it may not be as durable and can peel or crack over time.

Another type of faux leather is called PU leather, which stands for polyurethane leather. It is made by applying a layer of polyurethane on top of a base material, such as cotton or polyester. PU leather is generally more durable and resistant to peeling and cracking compared to bonded leather, but it may not be as breathable and can feel stiff to the touch.

Other types of faux leather include PVC leather, which is made by coating a base material with PVC, and leatherette, which is made from a combination of leather fibers and synthetic materials.

When it comes to durability, the order from most to least durable for the different types of faux leather sofas is:

1. PVC leather
2. PU leather
3. Leatherette
4. Bonded leather

PVC leather is generally the most durable type of faux leather, as it is resistant to peeling and cracking and can withstand frequent use and exposure to sunlight.

PU leather is also a durable choice, but it may not be as resistant to peeling and cracking as PVC leather. It is also not as breathable and can feel stiff to the touch.

Leatherette is made from a combination of leather fibers and synthetic materials, so it may not be as durable as PVC or PU leather. It is prone to fading and may not hold up as well with frequent use.

Bonded leather is often the least durable type of faux leather, as it is made by shredding and bonding together leather fibers with a polyurethane or PVC coating. It is prone to peeling and cracking over time and may not hold up as well with frequent use.

It is important to note that these are general durability guidelines and the actual durability of a faux leather sofa will depend on a variety of factors, such as the quality of the material, the manufacturing process, and how it is cared for.

Faux leather furniture is often chosen for its lower cost, consistent appearance, easy maintenance, or ethical considerations. But whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure, faux leather sofas are extremely popular, The sofa above, for example, is a No 1 Bestseller on Amazon with a whopping 8,774 ratings so far. It goes to show just how popular they are!

Frequency of Use

Furniture that is used frequently is more likely to show signs of wear and tear over time. If you use your faux leather furniture on a daily basis, it may not last as long as furniture that is used less frequently. If you notice wear and tear from frequent use, you may want to consider dressing your furniture up with throw pillows and a blanket or a stylish throw to extend the life of your sofa or chair.

Environmental Conditions That Affect the Longevity of Your Faux Leather Furniture

Faux leather furniture can be sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity, which can cause the material to crack or fade over time. To prevent this, avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight or in areas with high heat or humidity.

Overall, if you take good care of your faux leather furniture and use it appropriately, it should last for several years. By following the tips below and using your furniture responsibly, you can help ensure that your faux leather furniture stays in great shape for as long as possible:

How to Care For Faux Leather

• Dust regularly: Dust and dirt can accumulate on the surface of your faux leather furniture, which can lead to scratches and other damage. To prevent this, use a soft, dry cloth to dust your furniture regularly.
• Wipe down the surface: To remove dirt and grime from the surface of your faux leather furniture, use a soft, damp cloth and gently wipe the surface. Avoid using too much water, as this can cause the material to become oversaturated and potentially damage the furniture.
• Use a leather conditioner: Faux leather can become dry and brittle over time, which can lead to cracks and other damage. To prevent this, use a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent cracking. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and frequency.

How to Protect Faux Leather From Peeling

To keep your faux leather from peeling, follow these tips:

1. Avoid heat like the plague – it’ll only cause your faux leather to dry out and peel faster.
2. Don’t go scrub-happy – harsh cleaning products and rough scrubbing can do more harm than good. Instead, use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean your faux leather.
3. Keep it moisturized – like a thirsty desert plant, your faux leather needs regular conditioning to stay supple and hydrated. Use a leather conditioner specifically designed for faux leather, or make your own with equal parts water and white vinegar.
4. Protect it from sharp objects and rough surfaces — they’ll only cause scratches and abrasions that can lead to peeling.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your faux leather looking sleek and polished, rather than rough and peeling.

Faux Leather vs Real Leather Durability

First, let’s talk about faux leather. Also known as synthetic or vegan leather, this option is often more affordable and easier to care for than genuine leather. It’s generally more resistant to stains and spills, and it’s usually easier to clean and maintain.

But here’s the catch: faux leather may not be as durable as genuine leather in the long run. It’s prone to peeling, cracking, and fading, especially with frequent use and exposure to sunlight. It’s also not as resistant to scratching and puncturing as genuine leather.

Now let’s talk about genuine leather. It’s no secret that it’s a more expensive option, but it’s also known for its durability and longevity. Genuine leather is resistant to peeling and cracking, and it develops a patina over time that gives it a unique, lived-in look. It’s also more resistant to scratching and puncturing than faux leather.

So which is the better choice for durability? It really depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable and low-maintenance option, faux leather may be the way to go. But if you’re willing to splurge and want something that will stand the test of time, genuine leather might be worth the investment. Just remember that both types of leather have their pros and cons, and it’s all about finding the right balance for your needs.

Is Faux Leather Durable for Dogs

Faux leather, AKA synthetic or vegan leather – is the cheaper, easier-to-care-for cousin of genuine leather. But is it up to the task of handling your furry best friend? Here’s the scoop: faux leather is generally more resistant to stains and spills, which is great news if your pup has a tendency to make a mess. It’s also easier to clean and maintain — no special conditioning required.

On the flip side, faux leather may not be as durable as the real deal. It’s prone to peeling, cracking, and fading, especially with frequent use and exposure to sunlight.

So is faux leather a good choice for your furry friend? If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and low-maintenance option, it could work. Just keep in mind that it may not hold up as well as genuine leather in the long run. Again, it’s all about finding the right balance for your needs and preferences.

Conclusion:

Want your faux leather furniture to stick around for the long haul? It all starts with the material. Higher-quality faux leather is like a fine wine — it just gets better with age. On the other hand, lower-quality materials are more like boxed wine – they’ll get the job done in a pinch, but they won’t last nearly as long. To make sure you’re getting a top-notch product that will stand the test of time (and butt-print impressions), do your research and buy from a reputable retailer.

Wondering whether to lay carpet vs tiles? I’ll get straight to the point. In a kitchen or bathroom, where spills and splashes are inevitable, tile is the more practical choice. Whereas in a bedroom or living room, where comfort and warmth are key, carpet is the way to go.

Here are the best options for each room:

• Kitchens: Tile
• Bathrooms: Tile
• Entryways: Tile
• Sunroom: Tile
• Bedrooms: Carpet
• Living rooms: Carpet

But there are pros and cons to both tile and carpet that you might want to consider before laying either one.

The Advantages of Carpet: When it’s the Right Choice

Carpet is a versatile flooring option that offers more than just a cozy place to walk on. In fact, it has the ability to positively affect your mood by adding warmth and comfort to a room. This makes it a great choice for spaces like bedrooms and living rooms where you want to feel relaxed.

But that’s not all – carpet also has sound absorption properties, making it an excellent choice for rooms with a lot of activity or if you have neighbors above or below you. No more stomping or thudding noises disrupting your peace!

On top of all that, carpet is generally more affordable to install compared to tile, especially if you opt for a lower-cost variety.

The Disadvantages of Carpet: When it’s Not the Best Option

Carpet may be the coziest flooring option out there, but it does require a bit of TLC to keep it looking fresh. Stains can be a pain to remove and it’s a bit of a magnet for allergens like dust and pet dander.

But before you completely write off carpet, consider where you’re planning on installing it. Kitchens and bathrooms might not be the best fit. And while an entryway may seem like a good idea at first, it could turn into a never-ending game of ‘stain roulette.’

However, there are some perks to keep in mind – like stain-resistant and bleachable options that make maintenance a bit easier. Just remember to weigh the pros and cons before committing to a new carpet installation.

On the other hand, tile has its own set of pros and cons:

The Advantages of Tile: When to Chose it

Tile has several factors in its favor. One major benefit is durability. Tile is a tough material that can withstand heavy foot traffic and resist stains, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, sunrooms, and entryways. In addition, tile is easy to clean and maintain. Simply sweep, mop, or vacuum to keep it looking fresh and new. Another advantage of tile is its versatility. It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles, so you can choose the perfect look for your home.

Tile makes a particularly fantastic flooring option for an entryway – its durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of styles and colors. Whether you opt for classic ceramic tiles, sleek and modern porcelain tiles, or colorful and patterned mosaic tiles, the possibilities are endless. Plus, tile can withstand the wear and tear of daily foot traffic.

With the right tile selection, you can easily create a stunning and stylish entrance that’s sure to impress guests and set the tone for the rest of your home.

The Disadvantages of Tile: When to Avoid

However, there are also a few cons to consider when it comes to tile. One potential drawback is that unless you install underfloor heating – which can be costly – it can feel very cold and hard underfoot. This would be particularly uncomfortable in certain rooms like bedrooms or living rooms. And while it’s not necessarily as slippery as you’d think, anyone vulnerable to falls should definitely avoid tile like the plague.

Tile can also be more expensive to install compared to carpet, especially if you hire a professional and, of course, it’s not straightforward to replace if you change your mind. Additionally, grouting can become soiled over time and it’s a bit of a pain to clean.

In Conclusion

In the end, the decision between tile and carpet for your home comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your space. While tile is a practical and durable choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, it may not be the best option for rooms where comfort and warmth are key.

Of course, these are just general recommendations, and you may choose to mix and match depending on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your home. Ultimately, the choice is yours, so choose wisely.

If you have an uneven floor to cover, the good news is that there are a number of solutions to level the subfloor surface, so you won’t have to deal with carpet bulges, tile cracks, or wavey linoleum. So, what’s a person to do when faced with the challenge of covering an uneven floor?

I’m married to a joiner (carpenter) and a property developer with more than 25 years of experience and we do all our home renovations ourselves. If you are not a confident DIYer, here are a few options to ask your contractor about:

Self-Leveling Flooring Compound

Self-Leveling Flooring Compound is genius! It’s how we leveled the floor in our bathroom. As you can see, the original floor was tiled only up to the point where the original bathtub stood but we wanted a victorian style free-standing tub, so our new tile had to continue under the tub.

Taking up the original tiles would have been a major nightmare for us, as there was no space for a dumpster outside our Victorian building. We know from experience that it is perfectly okay, in some instances, to tile over tiles. However, this meant that we had to level the concrete area under the tub to the level of the existing tile.

This is where self-leveling compound comes in. It is a type of cement-based mixture that is used to level out uneven surfaces. Depending on the leveler you buy it can be applied over concrete, wood, or other flooring materials and once dry, it provides a smooth, even surface that is ready for almost any type of flooring.

We have used a self-leveling flooring compound on a number of occasions, most recently on a kitchen floor where an addition built way back in the early 1980s didn’t quite meet the floor height of the original house. It worked great and created an even, flat base for our laminate floor.

Just make sure that you choose the right self-leveling flooring compound for the job. For example, if you are putting it on a wooded floor make sure it’s suitable for wooden floors. Read the instructions carefully before use — you may need to prep your floor with primer, etc and you’ll need to work fast as it sets quickly.

I recommend LevelQuik which is suitable on a variety of surfaces including concrete, cement backer boards, RhinoBoard, WonderBoard, exterior grade plywood, ceramic tile, pavers, brick, stone, concrete terrazzo, sheet vinyl, and cutback adhesive.

I was impressed with the easy-to-use formula and relatively long working time. We used an electric mortar paddle mixer and a builder’s tub to mix it in — and just as the product states, it allowed us to apply the product from featheredge to 1 inch thick in just one pour.

Flooring Options for an Uneven Subfloor

Engineered Wood, and Laminate Flooring

Either of the above can be a great option for uneven floors — as long as they are installed with a good underlayment.

Think of engineered wood flooring as a sandwich – it’s made up of multiple layers of wood, with a thin slice of real wood on top and some tasty wood-like fillings in the middle. And just like a good sandwich, this flooring is flexible enough to go with the flow (even if your subfloor isn’t perfectly even). It is also typically more moisture-resistant than solid wood, making it a good choice for use in areas with high humidity or moisture.

Laminate flooring, on the other hand, is made up of layers of composite materials with a high-res image on top that can mimic any natural material your heart desires. They’re tough enough to handle a lot of foot traffic, but they might not hold up as well in a steamy bathroom. Still, laminate floors are a great option for those who want the look of wood without the maintenance.

Depending on which type of flooring you choose and the condition of your subfloor, you will most likely need to use either a wood fiber flooring underlayment or a foam underlay with a moisture barrier. But remember laminate is not as moisture-resistant as engineered wood flooring, so it may not be suitable for use in areas with high humidity or moisture.

Underlayment provides a cushioned layer that is placed between the flooring and the subfloor and this can help to smooth out any imperfections as well as provide additional cushioning, making the floor more comfortable to walk on.

We have used both types of underlayment. The wood fiber boards are thicker so can cover a fair amount of unevenness. However, going the extra mile and laying a concrete (or other) self-leveler will give you the best results.

Another option is to use a plywood underlayment. This is a layer of plywood that is installed over the uneven subfloor, and it provides a smooth, even surface for the wood flooring. The plywood underlayment can be secured to the subfloor using adhesive or screws, and it can help to hide any imperfections in the underlying surface.

Bamboo

Bamboo flooring is the eco-friendly choice that’s tough enough to take on the world (well, most of it at least). It’s a fast-growing, sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood, and it’s just as durable and easy to clean. Plus, bamboo is resistant to moisture and pests, which is always a plus. You can get it in a variety of colors and styles, and you can even install it over concrete or wood. Just keep in mind that bamboo isn’t quite as hard as other wood floorings so it may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or for use in the kitchen. But if you’re looking to level out an uneven subfloor, bamboo is just as ready for the job as wood or laminate – just be sure to follow the same prep guidelines.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is the chameleon of the flooring world – it’s flexible enough to go with the flow (even if your subfloor isn’t perfectly even), and it’s durable enough to handle all the spills and messes life can throw at it. Plus, it’s moisture-resistant and easy to clean, making it a practical choice for all those high-humidity areas in your home. Just be sure to smooth out any major bumps or dents in your subfloor before you lay down the vinyl, and make sure the surface is clean and dry to avoid any adhesive issues. All in all, vinyl is a great choice for uneven floors – as long as you’re willing to do a little prep work.

However, it is important to note that vinyl flooring is not suitable for covering extremely uneven or damaged floors. In these cases, it is necessary to level the floor or repair any damage before installing the vinyl. If the floor is too uneven, the vinyl may not lay flat and may show gaps or wrinkles. It is also important to make sure that the subfloor is clean and dry before installing vinyl, as any moisture or debris can affect the adhesive used to hold the vinyl in place.

To sum up, the results will depend on how uneven the subfloor is. So preparation is key and again, a self-leveling compound may be advisable.

Carpet Tiles

Carpet tiles, made from small squares of carpet, can be easily laid down over an uneven surface. They can be cut to fit around obstacles and can be easily removed and replaced if damaged. Like vinyl, they can be effective with the right preparation (including sanding down raised areas and filling any holes) but success would depend on how uneven the subfloor is to start with.

Cork

Cork is a natural, sustainable material that can be used as flooring. It’s soft, cushioned, and naturally insulating, making it a comfortable and energy-efficient choice. It’s also durable and resistant to water, making it a good choice for wet or damp areas. However, cork is not recommended for areas with heavy foot traffic or for use in kitchens, as it can scratch and dent easily.

Like laminate, cork’s ability to even out a subfloor is heavily dependent on the underlayment used and whether a self-leveling compound is laid.

Conclusion

So, you want to give your uneven floor a makeover? No problem! Just make sure you give it a good prep first. Fill in any gaps or holes, smooth out any bumps, and use a self-leveling compound to create a surface that’s as flat as a pancake. Trust us, it’s worth the extra effort. Then, choose the flooring option that works best for your space and style. With a little elbow grease and some smart choices, you can turn that uneven floor into a thing of beauty.

Are furniture protection plans worth it? Here’s what it comes down to: your usual furniture protection plan only covers “accidental” damages that are the result of a specific, defined event. If you drop a vase on your couch and it tears the upholstery, that should be covered and if your dog jumps on the couch and tears it, that may or may not be covered too. But color change or wear and tear won’t. Of course, it will all be in the fine print and furniture plans are definitely not all the same, but even if you do claim, the claim process can be convoluted and frustrating.

The Pros of Protecting Your Furniture — In Other Words, When to Get One

I do get it, as a consumer, you want to protect your investments and keep them looking new and shiny. And things happen – spills, scratches, dents, you name it.

Let’s say you’re the type of person who’s always spilling red wine on your white leather sofa, then a protection plan is definitely worth it. You’ll save a ton of money in the long run by not having to replace your furniture every few months. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of any mishaps.

So, if you or whoever you live with are calamity-prone and these things happen to you on the regular, then you might actually be able to make use of a furniture protection plan. Likewise, if you have a couch with mechanical parts like a power recliner, or if you have chosen a delicate fabric that’s prone to spills and stains, then absolutely go for it.

The same goes if you have lots of kids or pets running around if you do a lot of entertaining. In those cases, a furniture protection plan could save you from having to replace your furniture.

Here are the types of things to look out for in a good protection plan. Your plan may be very different from the list below so make sure you read it carefully before you put your hand in your pocket.

Additionally, a good policy should also cover faults such as broken zips, stitching, and buttons. Seams splitting, peeling, and cracking of leather or separation of synthetic fabric layers and mechanism failure.

The Cons of Protecting Your Furniture —When to Pass On Taking Out a Plan

Firstly, furniture protection plans can be expensive. If you’re not careful, you could end up spending more on the protection plan than the actual furniture itself. So one thing to consider is the quality of the furniture itself. If you’re buying budget-friendly furniture, then it might not be worth it to invest in a protection plan. Cheaper furniture is more likely to break or wear out quickly, and a protection plan might not cover those types of damages. Likewise or if you’re a landlord or host you may think it’s a good idea but do check first because landlords and hosts may not be eligible for this type of plan.

Here are typical things that won’t be included:

• Structural faults
• General cleaning
• Wear and tear
• Stains or damage that has accumulated or worsened over a period of time
• Color changes

My Experience with Furniture Protection Plans: Is It Worth It?

In my experience, the answer is no. I’ve had furniture several protection plans before, and I can tell you firsthand that I’ve never had to make a claim – the furniture just wore out over time and that’s not covered.

Most of the time, the damages plans cover are things that you can easily fix yourself or may even be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. It’s definitely worth checking if this is the case for you too. Plus, even if you do need to use the plan, it’s usually such a hassle to file a claim and get the repairs done that it’s not even worth it.

All that being said, I’ve taken out one (yet again) on a nice sofa that I currently have, for two reasons. One is that it was an expressive velvet fabric sofa, and secondly, it reclines so has some mechanical parts to it. The protection plan was worth it to me as the mechanical parts, as you could imagine, are beyond what I could repair myself.

Furniture Protection Plan Resources

Are you feeling lost and confused when it comes to protecting your beloved furniture? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered (pun intended).

First things first, check with the manufacturer of your furniture or the retailer where you purchased it – they may offer protection plans or warranties to cover accidental damage, stains, and other issues.

If that doesn’t pan out, you can also consult the National Furniture Bank Association (NFBA) for tips and resources on caring for and protecting your furniture. They may not offer protection plans directly, but they’ve got plenty of expertise on the different types of furniture protection products out there.

And last but not least, there are plenty of independent companies that offer furniture protection plans that you can purchase directly. Just make sure to read the fine print (and by “fine print,” we mean the terms and conditions) before signing up.

In the end, the key to protecting your furniture is to do your research and find a plan that fits your specific needs and risks. With a little bit of effort and the right protection plan, you can keep your furniture looking fabulous for years to come.

Ah bouclé, you know, the fabric that’s all loopy and textured and feels like you’re running your fingers through a field of soft, fluffy grass? Well, I’ll just get this out of the way right now – bouclé fabric is not pet-friendly – and the feeling is mutual!

Cats are basically fluffy pin cushions, their claws tend to hook into looped fabrics like there’s no tomorrow. They can pull threads and accidentally snag the bouclé, causing it to become frayed or unraveled. Dog’s nails can also easily get caught in loopy fabrics.

And even if you don’t have pets that paw and claw, shedding can be a major problem – and one that’s difficult to avoid. Hairs and fur get embedded in the texture of the fabric and it’s practically impossible to remove.

Is Bouclé Safe for Pets?

Bouclé is considered a premium fabric – the official definition of which is a “knit or woven fabric with a rough, nubby surface” It’s usually made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers. For some pets, wool is definitely a no-go, as it can cause irritation and allergies. Cotton and synthetic fibers are usually less problematic. But remember just because something looks soft and cuddly doesn’t mean it’s safe for our furry friends with sensitive skin.

But while bouclé fabric may be generally safe for the majority of pets, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on them when they’re around it, especially if they have a tendency to chew on things as they may try to nibble on the boucle fabric.

Can Pets and Bouclé Ever Get Along?

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to completely avoid bouclé fabric if you have pets. Your pets may be impeccably behaved and never sit on or scratch chairs. Just be mindful of your pets’ habits and try to keep an eye on them when they’re around the fabric. If you notice any signs of damage, consider taking preventive measures such as trimming your pet’s claws or providing them with appropriate chew toys.

Ultimately, the decision to use boucle fabric with pets is up to you. So if it’s your dream to own a beautiful sofa like the one above or a statement accent chair in bouclé fabric, by all means, go for it. Just be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect your furry friends. And for your beloved bouclé fabric? – that might mean looking into whether a furniture protection plan is worth it.

So there you have it, the definitive answer to the age-old question: is boucle fabric pet friendly? Just use your best judgment and do what’s best for your furry friend. They deserve nothing less.

So you are thinking of buying your first copper sink, or your new beautiful copper sink has just been installed and you are now wondering how difficult it’s going to be to look after it and clean it.

Don’t worry it’s easy and I tell you how.

Before we begin, it’s important to remember to take into account that copper does naturally change color over time, and that is part of its charm!

Unless treated with wax, copper sinks will more often than not darken over time, so they will look more rustic as they age.

That being said, if your sink is untreated and you want to preserve the color at any given stage in the process, you can!

Simply apply a wax. You can also reapply every 2 to 3 weeks or as needed.

And just one word of caution: It’s important to avoid leaving anything acidic in the sink. Grapefruit and tomato, for example, will leave behind a bright shiny stain.

That being said, don’t panic, it’s not the end of the world if this happens. The copper will gradually heal itself over time. So sooner or later it will blend back into a natural-looking mix of coppery tones.

Cleaning a Copper Sink

Frequency is the key: Use a soft cloth (to prevent scratching your sink) and just soap and water, nothing else. Wipe any residue away – and that’s it! You are good to go.

Told you it was easy!

Here’s a little tip:

If you want to add a protective barrier try Skinkology’s, Copper CareIQ Kit. (Many of their sinks actually include a free kit).

But Will My Copper Sink Eventually Start to Turn Green?

Simple answer? No.

Your copper sink is very unlikely to turn green. Copper will only turn green when exposed to certain conditions – usually only found outdoors. Extreme temperature changes, salty air, and other harsh weather conditions all play a part.

It’s a crazy world out there, folks. And when it comes to interior design, it’s no different. Gone are the days when you could simply follow the latest trend and have a stylish, up-to-date home. These days, it’s all about mixing and matching, blending old and new, and creating a space that’s uniquely your own.

Take the recent trend of Cottagecore, for example. This laid-back, rustic style emerged in 2018 and has been gaining popularity ever since. Cottagecore is all about embracing the simple pleasures of life, from homegrown vegetables and fresh flowers to cozy fires and comfy furniture.

But Cottagecore isn’t the only game in town. There are plenty of other popular styles out there, from the sleek, minimalist lines of mid-century modern to the ornate, over-the-top grandeur of the 1980s. And the best part? You don’t have to choose just one. You can mix and match to create a space that’s truly unique.

So don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether you’re a fan of the classics or a trendsetter looking for something new, there’s a style out there that’s perfect for you. Just remember: when it comes to interior design, the only rule is to follow your heart.

So Here’s our list of the ten hottest, most happening interior design styles of today. From the sleek, minimalist lines of mid-century modern, to the cozy, rustic charm of Cottagecore, these are the styles that everyone’s talking about.

1. Mid Century Modern
2. Coastal
3. Farmhouse
4. Bohemian
5. Scandinavian
6. Industrial
7. Minimalism
8. Cottagecore
9. Rustic
10. French Shabby Chic

You could go with just one decor style, but let’s face it, it’s all a bit predictable isn’t it? Mix it up, with a blend of two, or even three styles together and create a home that’s truly unique. Don’t be afraid to go big and take some risks.

But beware: too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Too minimalist and your home will feel cold and empty. Too industrial and you’ll be sipping espresso all day just to fit in. Too rustic and you’ll be living in a barn.

But when it’s done right, mixing styles will give your home some much-needed character. It’ll be fresh, it’ll be bold, and it’ll be unlike anything your friends have ever seen. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, follow these five tips and mix your styles like a boss.

1. Mood Boarding: The Fine Art of Bringing Your Vision to Life

This may seem kinda obvious but, it’s so easy to get off track and buy stuff that doesn’t create a cohesive design when it’s all put together.

Pinterest is a great place to collect ideas and reference photos, but don’t just buy stuff randomly. Create a private board for your project and refer to it before you buy anything. And if you really want to go all out, check out some mood board tools like Canva. You can create a mood board with their free version. Just make sure you stick to the plan and don’t get sidetracked.

2. From Monochrome to Rainbow: Choosing the Right Color Palette

Okay, let’s talk color palettes. If you want your home to look like a million bucks, you need to start with the right hues. Figure out what kind of vibe you’re going for – country, French, English, whatever – and pick colors that make it pop.

But don’t go overboard – a few well-chosen colors will do the trick. Remember, your color palette sets the tone for everything else, so choose wisely.

3. Choose Your Style Elements Like a Boss

Take some time to think about what it is that you like about a particular style. If, like me, you love the hand-made and natural qualities of boho but find it a little too fussy. You can pair the design down and make it minimalist.

Conversely, this is also a great combo if you like the simplicity of minimalism but find it a little stark. Remember, minimalism doesn’t mean everything has to be white …or empty for that matter – just keep things very simple and elegant. “Less is more” as they say.

4. House Rules: Picking the Perfect Decor for Your Home’s Architecture

Whether you live in a Modern, Mid-Century, or Victorian home, it’s usually better to choose a style that is most in keeping with the building you live in. If you live in a 1950’s home, for example, a nod to mid-century modern interior design will work so much better than Victorian. Victorian style (even if it’s faux) doesn’t look so “faux” in a Victorian building. To this end, you might want to change your furniture so that it looks more in keeping with the period of your property.

5. Accentuate the Positive: Add Some Flair to Your Decor

If you’re not ready to go all-in with a new home decor theme, or you just want to add a little something extra to your existing style, try spicing things up with some finishing touches. For example, country style is all about cozy quilts, fluffy pillows, and other homey touches. Industrial style is all about rough, masculine materials like wood, iron, and brick. Rustic style is all about classic furniture and antique rugs. And shabby chic? It’s all about mixing old and vintage items to create a warm, cozy, and unique look. So if you want to add some flavor to your home, try incorporating elements from one of these styles. It’ll give your space a fresh, new feel without going too wild.

Well, friends, that’s all I’ve got for you today. I hope you found these tips helpful. If you’ve got any of your own to share, drop ’em in the comments below. Until next time, happy decorating!

As we all know, a new chair or sofa is a surefire way to add some much-needed style to your home. But let’s face it – those fancy new pieces of furniture come with a hefty price tag that can leave a dent in your wallet.

But fear not! There are ways to revamp your furniture without breaking the bank. From DIY chair refinishing to simple makeover tips, you can save some serious money and still add some pizzazz to your living space. So if you’re in need of inspiration, we’ve rounded up five awesome chair makeover ideas that won’t break the bank. So go ahead, and give your furniture the makeover it deserves without breaking the bank.

1. Time for a Paint Job

In the world of furniture, there are few things more satisfying than giving your old pieces a new lease on life. And when it comes to quick and budget-friendly transformations, a fresh coat of paint is hard to beat.

If you’re feeling daring, why not take on the challenge of giving your old chair a new look? With a few hours to spare and a can of paint, you can easily transform your tired piece into a beautiful and chic statement piece.

We’re particularly fond of the French chic look that painted white furniture gives a room. So why not give it a try and see how it can elevate your space? The possibilities are endless and the satisfaction of a job well done is priceless. Give it a shot and see the magic for yourself.

Tips For Painting Furniture

Painting furniture can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! For a soft, matte finish, grab a can of Chalked by Rust-oleum from your local store or Amazon. It’s an affordable way to achieve a chic, Pinterest-worthy look for your old wooden chairs. Or, you could even use it to give your partially upholstered chairs a fresh pop of color on the legs and frame.

If you’re looking for an ultra-smooth, professional finish, consider investing in a good HVLP paint sprayer. I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the best options on the market. Plus, on that page, I explain in more detail the benefits of using a paint sprayer for your furniture makeover project. Prices start at just $45, and trust me – the results are worth it. I’ve even posted a photo of the amazing transformation I achieved with my HVLP sprayer.

Regardless of which method you choose, the key to success is proper preparation. Make sure your surface is sanded, clean, and free of grease. And if you’re painting outside, be prepared for pesky bugs and flies to crash the party. Consider setting up a canopy to work under if you live in an area with a lot of flying critters. Happy painting!

2. Rustic Refinishing: From rough to smooth

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to take your old chair to the next level, refinishing is the way to go. Grab some wood filler, sandpaper, and a can of paint, and let your imagination run wild. You can create a bold, eye-catching chair with multiple colors and patterns, or go for a more subdued look with a single coat of paint. And once you’ve applied your desired finish, you can even add your own personal touch with stencils, or stamps. This chair makeover is also a great example of how to do the rustic and distressed furniture look.

So grab your tools and let the refinishing begin!

Editor’s Tip

One easy way to get the look is to lightly dip a sponge into your paint to apply, and then wipe off the excess with a cloth to allow the wood grain to show through. This is my go-to method and that’s how I got the look on my wooden floorboards below. (The photo was taken to show my Diamond Painting Kit, but you get the idea).

3. From Drab to Fab: How to Transform Your Chair with Fabric

A new fabric chair cover is a great way to get a clean, unique look for your old chair. It’s a simple look, and perfect for adding a touch of style to a plain old chair that has seen better days.

This is not the cheapest option for revamping your old chairs but the choice of fabric you go for can make all the difference to the look of your room – so if you go down this route choose your fabric wisely. Get a couple of quotes from professional upholsterers and ask them for advice.

If your budget can’t stretch to having a professional upholsterer recover your chair or sofa you can have a go yourself.

A DIY fabric chair makeover is a great way to give a plain old chair a new look, without having to invest in any new furniture. You can really tailor your new look to suit your own style. This DIY fabric chair makeover above makes use of plain linen fabric and a sewing machine to create a unique look.

One way to get cost-effective fabric is to buy Ikea bedding (like linen, for example, not anything too thin) and make your own covers from the fabric. You can even use pillows for seat cushions.

So why not get out your sewing machine and make your very own stylish fabric chair?

4. Dip and Strip ‘Em

If you’re sick of your old wooden chairs looking like they’ve seen one paint job too many, it’s time to dip and strip them. This method works like a charm and will give your chairs a vintage, rustic, and chic look.

I tried it on a couple of my bentwood chairs and they came back looking like they were made to order. No longer just old and worn, they were shabby chic and vintage in all the right ways.

But beware, the process can be harsh so if your chairs are delicate or already a little broken, it might not be the best idea. And make sure to treat the wood with wax or oil afterwards to keep it from drying out. But if you’re ready to give your chairs a new lease on life, give the dip-and-strip method a try. It’s a surefire way to make them look fresh and chic.

5. DIY Upholstery: Fabric to the Rescue

Now we’re getting into the more advanced territory – but don’t worry it’s perfectly possible to reupholster an old chair yourself. The key is to take lots of before shots, and then carefully disassemble the chair.

We’re diving into the deep end now, – but don’t worry, reupholstering an old chair is totally doable. The secret? Take plenty of before pics, before you remove the upholstery. The satisfaction of giving an old piece of furniture a fresh new look is second to none. So grab your tools and get to work, my fellow DIY warriors. Let’s make that chair shine.

Editor’s Tip

Remove and save the tacks and all fabric so that you can use the old fabric as a template to cut your new fabric choice to the correct shape. You may even be able to reuse the stuffing so check it first for its potential to be re-used before you decide to throw it away.

Treat the wooden frame first, a simple coat or two of chalk paint may be the easiest and most effective method to give your chair a fresh high-end designer look. And don’t worry, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there that can help you to make a good job.

5. Dress it Up: From Drab to Fab

Forget about painting and reupholstering, it’s all about the fabric. A chair makeover with fabric can be a wild, creative ride. If you’re looking for a quick and easy fix for your tired old chair, just grab some throws and cushions or throw pillows and go to town. Fabric is the way to bring some new life to a dull chair, and it won’t break the bank.

Before you buy, take a trip down the Pinterest rabbit hole and see what catches your eye. Choose a color scheme that makes your heart sing, and that goes with your existing decor. And don’t be tempted by anything too cheap and cheerful, because you fall out of love with it quickly. Trust me, I’ve been there.

Editor’s Tip

Buy feather-filled cushion pads for a more high-end look and a better overall shape. You’d be amazed at the difference it makes.

Do you have any photos of a chair makeover that you’d like me to show here or have you documented a chair makeover that you’d like me to feature? Just let me know below.

Who doesn’t love a bargain? We’ve put together a list of the Best Black Friday Deals on Crafts and Stylish MCM Furniture available for products we have reviewed here on Comfy Zen.

Mid Century Modern Furniture

Here are a few offers for the mid-century modern furniture that we have featured here in recent months.

Kardiel

Kardiel are offering 20% off sitewide. So if you looking to save some money on a really good womb chair replica. The Kardiel one is our Top Pick.

Offer: 20% off sitewide Promotion Dates: From November 26th through November 30th. Discount Code: None Required

Eternity Modern

Eternity Modern are running a sale until the end of November. They have a fabulous range of womb chair replicas.

Use code BLACK12 for 12% off sitewide at eternitymodern.com. The sale runs from November 24th through November 30th.

Manhattan Home Design

Manhattan Home Design will be discontinuing their range of Eames Chair replicas very soon. So now’s the time to grab one while you can.

Use code BFMHD for an extra 10% Off Sitewide and get a Free Coat Rack at Manhattan Home Design.

Urban Furnishing

Don’t forget the special code we have for you to use at Urban Furnishing on their fabulous Eames chair replica. This one is our Top Pick.

Black Friday Craft Deals

Etsy

Etsy is my favorite place to shop right now. It’s like a Pinterest full of beautiful things but that are actually available, and best of all, affordable.

Starting Wednesday, November 25th, you can find some great Christmas bargains with deals up to 60% off.

Blick

Blick.com has some great offers on their range of craft products and supplies in addition to the current offer below.

We’ve found they are often cheaper than Amazon, so we have linked to them for a few different craft products, such as pottery wheels and weaving looms, etc.

But they also sell so much more, so if you are artistic, they are definitely worth checking out.

Black Friday Fitness Deals

We featured LifeSpan in our under desk treadmill reviews, LifeSpan will be having the following sales:

Thanksgiving Day Sale: November 26th

Black Friday Sale: November 27th – 29th

Cyber Monday Sale: November 30th

Firstly it must be said that there are a number of important similarities between beeswax and soy candles. For a start, neither contain paraffin wax. That is, if, they are made from pure soy or beeswax and not some dubious soy or beeswax blends.

So both are good and either is better than a regular paraffin candle.

Which of the two is a better choice, however, isn’t as straightforward. Here’s why…

What’s Wrong with Paraffin Wax?

The problem with paraffin wax candles is that when burned, they can release VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds. These are actually the same VOC emissions that you get from diesel fumes, namely benzene, and toluene.

Needless to say, VOCs are toxic. They are carcinogenic by nature but they can also cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system as well as causing short-term adverse effects such as eye nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.

Occasionally burning a paraffin candle in a room with good ventilation probably isn’t going to give you a significant health risk.

But if you have allergies, paraffin candles are definitely not going to help.

And, you don’t want to add anything that could be potentially harmful to you and your family’s health, especially if you can buy a safer and more natural alternative that will give you a cleaner burn as well as a more natural and pleasant aroma.

Both beeswax and soy candles are completely safe, natural alternatives to paraffin.

Soy Wax Candles

Soy candles last much longer than regular candles, but not generally as long as beeswax candles. That’s because beeswax is denser.

They have a softer consistency and a lower melting point so they aren’t suitable for pillar candle making. That means you will always find pure soy candles in vessels such as jars or tins – simply because they need support.

They blend well with scents and you can make them at home in your own kitchen.

Another big plus point about soy wax is, that it’s water-soluble so it’s super easy to clean up.

It’s also vegetarian and vegan-friendly.

Are Soy Candles Eco-Friendly?

Soy is a sustainable and renewable resource which, in theory, makes it carbon neutral.

However, the environmental impact of producing soy is pretty much dependant on how and where the soy is grown.

Not all soy is certified as sustainably grown, but here in the US, almost all soy production is regulated by the Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol.

The SSAP provides strict guidelines and conservation practices for farmers growing soy.

If you’re concerned about the environment, knowing where the soy in your candles comes from is important.

There is no deforestation or degradation in the production of responsibly farmed soy and organic soy contains no herbicides. Soy wax is also 100% biodegradable.

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax Candles are about as natural as you can get. The first records of their use date back to Ancient Egypt in 3000bc. You don’t need any chemicals, modern technology, or factory processing to make a beeswax candle you could make one at home from scratch.

The wax is self-supporting so they make great alternatives to regular pillar or taper candles. They are much healthier than paraffin candles and they last longer than soy or regular paraffin candles too.

Beeswax candles also have unique properties of their own. Unscented, the natural wax has a fresh, subtle, and aromatic sweet honey smell.

There’s no need to add any fragrance to them, though unscented, the aroma is most often very faint and you may not detect the natural honey scent when they are burned.

Some, however, do have a little more honey-scent than others. This is usually the result of only lightly filtering the wax after harvesting so a little of the honey residue remains.

Beeswax candles are also the least likely of any candle to cause allergies.

Do Beeswax Candles Really Clean the Air?

You are probably wondering about this. The answer, unfortunately, is no. You may have heard that they emit negative ions or, more specifically, more negative ions than other candles. Negative ions attract dust and particles which clump together and fall to the ground due to their accumulated weight so they are not hanging around for you to breathe in.

However, although they do emit negative ions, as all candles do, there isn’t any real scientific evidence to support this theory, and there are no particular health benefits to burning beeswax or any other candles for that matter.

Are Beeswax Candles Ethical?

Bees are vital to our environment. Beekeeping is a way of looking after and protecting bees from extinction and beeswax is a sustainable and renewable resource but you should always choose beeswax candles that have been responsibly and ethically sourced.

We hope this article has been helpful.

If there’s anything that you think we’ve missed, or if you have any questions about anything, then let us know down in the comments below.

Beeswax candles are clean-burning, they have zero nasty chemicals in them, they naturally last much longer than regular candles, and they are the least likely of any candles to cause allergies.

There are so many to choose from, so we’ve done the research for you. From an initial 20 plus brands, we’ve narrowed our recommendations down to the 6 best beeswax candles on the market today. So let’s just dive straight in.

Style of Candle	Product
Best Fancy Candle	3 Golden Lotus Beeswax Candles by SLV Beeswax From Amazon
Best Pillar Beeswax Candle	Beeswax 100% Pure Raw Beeswax Pillar by Bluecorn From Amazon
Alternative Pillar Candle	100% Pure Beeswax Honeycomb Pillar by wellnessbyari From Etsy
Best Votive Beeswax Candle	Beeswax Aromatherapy Heavy Glass Votive by Bluecorn From Amazon
Best Scented Beeswax Candle	100% Pure Beeswax Candle by beEsom From Etsy
Alternative Scented Candle	Honeycomb Veriglass Scented Beeswax Blend Candle by Root Candles From Amazon

Table of Contents:

• The Best Beeswax Candless Reviewed
  • Best Fancy Candle
  • Best Pillar Beeswax Candle
  • Alternative Pillar Candle
  • Best Votive Beeswax Candle
  • Best Scented Beeswax Candle
  • Alternative Scented Candle
• Other Worthy Mentions
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Best Beeswax Candless Reviewed

Best Fancy Candle: 3 Golden Lotus Beeswax Candles by SLV Beeswax

Best Pillar Beeswax Candle: Beeswax 100% Pure Raw Beeswax Pillar by Bluecorn

Alternative Pillar Candle: 100% Pure Beeswax Honeycomb Pillar by wellnessbyari

Best Votive Beeswax Candle: Beeswax Aromatherapy Heavy Glass Votive by Bluecorn

Best Votive Beeswax Candle

Best Scented Beeswax Candle: 100% Pure Beeswax Candle by beEsom

Alternative Scented Candle: Honeycomb Veriglass Scented Beeswax Blend Candle by Root Candles

Other Worthy Mentions

Those who suffer from even the occasional bout of insomnia will know that the inability to fall and stay asleep is more than just an inconvenience, making you tired and writing off your ability to function at your best the next day.

Having insomnia is a stressful situation in itself, often causing high levels of anxiety. 

Ironic considering that if you are not too hot, or too cold, and don’t have any discomfort, then stress and anxiety are likely to be the cause of your inability to fall and stay asleep in the first place.

The problem with anxiety is that it manifests in two ways.

Firstly, your brain offers you an impressively creative array of negative thoughts and your darkest fears at 3 a.m. while simultaneously reminding you of how little time there is left to sleep before it’s time to get up again.

Your body then “helpfully” responds by giving you copious amounts of adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol, which would be helpful if you found yourself confronted by a lion with an attitude problem, but not so helpful when you are trying to relax enough to drop off to sleep.

Unfortunately, these physical effects, even if you could calm your brain down into a mere, mild state of panic, can take some time to wear off.

And as someone who suffered from severe insomnia a couple of years ago, over several months, I know it feels to be in that situation.

My best advice would be not to let it get to you. If you worry about it, it’s got you. Once you let it go and stop caring whether you sleep of not your peace will return and you’ll sleep.

And if you are struggling, I highly recommend Sleepio. It isn’t free but my insomnia was bad enough for me to qualify for a free course here in the UK. I found it really helpful, and it’s definitely worth asking your health care provider about it.

So what else can you do to help yourself feel calm.

What can you do to calm yourself down?

It goes without saying that you should turn your room into a calm, relaxed, uncluttered, sleep optimized environment.

You should get yourself acquainted with, and sync, your circadian rhythm (your biological clock that every 24-hours, allocates you with a sleep time-slot, followed by a wide-awake time-slot) and your homeostatic sleep drive (natural pressure to sleep after being awake too long).

You should get f.lux for your computer.

You could try a soothing drink of chamomile tea, and you should find ways to relax and unwind well before bed.

Used for centuries to treat various ailments from wound healing to headaches, lavender is also well-known for its soothing and calming properties.

The first documented evidence comes from a Greek physician named Dioscorides, who wrote a 5-volume encyclopedia about herbal medicine in 50-70AD.

The good news is that a number of small studies have shown lavender to be clinically effective in reducing anxiety and insomnia.

A 2015 study, on the effects of aromatherapy on sleep quality and anxiety of 60 patients with coronary artery disease, showed a statistically significant difference from the control group, in favor of an intervention group treated with a 2% inhalation of lavender essential oil.

The study concluded that lavender oil was found to increase the quality of sleep and reduce levels of anxiety in patients with coronary artery disease. 

There are a number of studies suggesting lavender may be helpful in reducing pain too. 

A 2012 study into the effectiveness of lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headaches, found inhalation of lavender essential oil to be, again, of statistically significant benefit in the acute management of migraine headaches.

Although all the studies, so far, are small, the sedative and soothing effects of lavender are likely to be beneficial and with the exception of pregnant women, who should avoid essential oils as a precaution, and those already on medications which may be adversely affected by its use, lavender is likely to be a safe and effective natural treatment to help you relax, and relieve anxiety so that you can finally fall asleep.

So how can you use lavender for sleep and anxiety?

There are a number of ways you can use lavender to help you unwind at night. I highly recommend This Works Lavender Sleep spray if you haven’t tried it. It smells divine.

You can use a lavender filled eye pillow.

Lavender essential oil, as with all essential oils should never be applied to the skin undiluted or taken internally, but you can add 2-3 drops onto a cotton ball or muslin cloth and place it under your pillow.

Alternatively, you can use our free recipe to make your own.

Living Rooms Are for Living In

Choosing the right ways to light your living room really is important. After all, the living room is an important multi-use space.

It’s probably one of the largest rooms in your home, it’s a great gathering place for family and friends, and it’s likely also one of the most-used rooms in your home. For all these reasons (and more), I understand why you really want to get the lighting right!

It’s always good to be open to some new ideas and creative options as far as lighting goes. And lighting your living room can be a new and fun opportunity to tackle.

From my many years of experience doing interior design, there aren’t many things more exciting to me than approaching a room as a blank canvas upon which to create some art and inspiration!

Bringing Layers of Light to Your Living Room

When it comes to transforming any room – many people start by placing some large, ambient lighting in the center of the room, and then try to figure out how to add lighting accents around the perimeter.

While that may be a common approach, it isn’t necessarily the best approach. Personally, I like to start by deciding where I want to place smaller lighting accents and features, and then work my way towards inserting any central lighting fixtures – if I use them at all.

A good rule of thumb is to start by deciding how you use the room the most, or how you want to use the room. Build some lighting anchor points around those functions, and then you can add lighting layers from there, as needed or desired. What might those layers include? Well, keep reading to learn more!

Some Bright Ideas for Living Room Lighting Inspiration

The best lighting for a living room will typically include a balance of ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. What’s the difference?

Ambient lighting is designed to bring a general level of light to the whole room.

Task lighting is meant to illuminate specific task or activity areas.

And accent lighting? It’s not there to generate light for the room, per se, but rather exists to highlight specific features of the room that you want people to notice.

Now that we’ve got those concepts established and have laid down a baseline of understanding around layered lighting, let’s look at some different types of living room lighting you might consider:

Overhead Lighting

I honestly believe that overhead lighting should be one of the last layers to consider, but since it’s probably the first thing many folks think of, I’m listing it here first.

When it comes to overhead lighting, your options are almost endless.

There are any number of ceiling light fixtures, pendants, or chandeliers you might consider.

Anyone can use an overhead light to simply illuminate a room.

I encourage you to choose an overhead light that can help to illuminate your own personality and taste, too!

Ceiling Fan Lights

I’ll be honest – I haven’t always been a fan of ceiling fan lights. I remember when pretty much every ceiling fan light was mounted in an unattractive globe which dangled awkwardly below the fan.

Having said that, I like the light options I’m now seeing in modern ceiling fans. You can find fans with built-in LED lights that don’t protrude below the fan, including some “smart” light options that can be operated by remote.

Ceiling fans certainly serve some useful purposes, and now their built-in lights can, too.

Task Lighting

Task lighting provides focused light for specific tasks like reading, crafting, playing a board game, or working on a puzzle.

Table lamps, desk lamps, and floor lamps are great additions for putting some extra light right where you need it.

And when it comes to task lighting, there are many options when it comes to sticking with a particular décor style or theme, from modern to contemporary to traditional.

Track Lighting

Track lighting is nice in that it can double as both ambient lighting and accent lighting, depending on how you want to use it.

You can use it to highlight a particular piece of artwork or decoration, and you can also opt to angle some of the track lights to illuminate other parts of the room in general.

You can swivel track lights to bring light into a dark corner, or can direct more light basically anywhere you want it.

And beyond the traditional track light format, there are also lots of recessed track lighting and recessed can light options you can consider, as well.

Arc Lamps

Don’t want to place a central light on the ceiling? Well, you’re certainly not limited to that.

An arc lamp is another way to provide a central light source for your room, with a creative flair.

These types of lamps tend to work best in contemporary settings, but you can mix and match them with your motif as you see fit.

Accent Lights

There are many lighting options for accenting specific room features, including what are known as traditional accent lights – light fixtures that are installed directly above pieces of artwork or specific architectural details you want to highlight.

Accent lights of this nature can include everything from picture lights, display lights, spotlights, and table lights.

LED bulbs are a good choice for lights of this nature, as they are generally safer to use over artwork and other light-sensitive pieces.

Sconces

Sconces are a particular type of accent lighting that is typically mounted on a wall.

These lights aren’t just meant to provide illumination for specific features; they’re also meant to make a statement in themselves.

Sconces come in a variety of styles, ranging from traditional to modern. They can be mounted either vertically or horizontally, and some sconces are really works of art in their own right.

Make Your Living Room Really Shine

Living rooms and dens are meant to be used — for gathering, for socializing, for enjoying specific activities, and sometimes just for relaxing.

Don’t leave your living room in the dark!

Use these tips to help light your way for you, your family, and your guests!

Looking for some other ways to add some style and panache to your living room, den, bedrooms, or other living spaces?

Head on over to the Home Décor + Living Collection at Jennifer Adams, where you can envision some more great possibilities for your home!

In the meantime, I hope you have fun creating the right lighting environment for your living room!

Few interior design trends have been as iconic or as long-lasting as the mid-century modern look – and for good reason.

The movement, pioneered by talented and influential post-war architects and designers such as Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Florence Knoll, and Charles and Ray Eames went on to define 1950s America.

Inspired by the idea of creating open and tranquil living spaces, the architecture of the day took the form of airy living spaces with full length windows that sort to bring the outside in.

Most notably, the movement believed in good design, not just for the wealthy – but for everyone.

Combining natural materials like wood, with man-made or manufactured materials like plywood, glass, metal, plastic, and plexiglass, they created organic forms that were as aesthetically beautiful as they were comfortable and practical – but most importantly, they were affordable too.

With such sound design principles as these, the mid century modern style is not a trend that will outdate in the way that other minor trends have come and gone.

What’s more, it’s easy to create the timeless elegance of the mid-century modern style without going all out and spending a fortune on high-end furniture and accessories.

If you know what to look for, you can easily pick out elements of mid-century design in so-called modern pieces that are more competitively priced.

Shell chair replicas, (often referred to as the Eiffel chair) are a case in point. They are the latest trend and easily affordable.

In fact, they’re so à la mode, they look like they are the latest thing in thing in furniture design – all be it with a nod to the 1950s.

But the chair is, in fact, more than 70 years old – a true mid century modern piece, designed by Charles Eames in 1948.

Similarly, modern sofas are often based on original mid century pieces. The one shown below isn’t just inspired by mid century modern style in general – it’s specifically based on Florence Knoll’s iconic design. 

You don’t have to go for replicas, any piece that has a mid century vibe to it will work, but if you want a truly authentic look, a good tip is to do a little research and choose furniture inspired by the most iconic designers of the period.

Here are just a few of the top mid century modern designers to check out: Florence Knoll, Eero Saarinen, Arne Jacobsen, Edward Wormley, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Hans Wegner, Hans Wegner, and Charles, and Ray Eames.

So now we’ll take a look at how to get the look.

Simple tips to get the mid-century look.

1: Back to Basics

Many mid century modern interior and furniture designers were also architects. We can see this influence in the clean lines and organic forms of their furniture. The most iconic chairs of the period are undeniably architectural in style.

Interiors were simple – almost minimalist in style.

You will no doubt heard the saying “less is more.” It was in fact a prominent mid century modern architect and furniture designer of the time, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe who first coined the phrase.

Decluttering costs nothing and it’s always a good look – regardless of the style of decor you choose.

The idea is to create a feeling of openness and space and you can’t do that with a room that’s full of clutter.

Too many items of furniture or too many ornaments, pictures, books, or throw pillows and the room starts to feel small.

Simplicity is the key. And if you or donate those nonessential items you’ll love the feeling of tranquility that only space can provide.

2: Choosing Mid-Century Furniture on a Budget

Often the whole tone of a room can be set by one key item of furniture. If your budget will allow, investing in just one iconic piece, like an accent chair, sideboard, or dining table will give you a good foundation to build your style on.

You can go down the second-hand route or you could choose a good quality reproduction of one of the iconic pieces from the era.

You will no doubt instantly recognize the soft organic contours of the womb chair, the plywood shell of the famous 1950s Eames chair or the simple architectural elegance of the Barcelona chair. Each, a classic example of the style.

Although all three chairs are still in production today authentic ones will set you back upwards of $5,000, but you can buy an exceptionally well made Barcelona, womb, or Eames chair replica based on the original design at a much more affordable price.

If you can stretch to it, you may wish to add to the look by adding other pieces such as a coffee or side table.

3: Set the Mood with Color

One of the most distinctive features of mid-century design is its color palette of bold, earthy shades – a selection of which you can see below:

Ideally these colors should be added as an accent to a neutral shade such as gray, or cream or as a contrast color to black or dark brown.

Generally speaking the number of colors you add from the palette should be proportional to the amount of the color that you use.

For example, if you have a gray sofa you could add a big block of color by choosing a mustard yellow, dark teal or burnt orange accent chair.

Any additional colors you then add should then be kept to a minimum.

Alternatively you may prefer to keep your furniture neutral. In this case, you could add a couple of throw pillows in one or two of the bolder colors listed above..

If you like, you can add more colors but keep them limited to smaller items such as a small group of vases or even an iconic accent piece such as the famous George Nelson wall clock which has the full pallet range incorporated into its design.

Just remember to keep things simple and you can’t go wrong.

4: Bring the Outside In

One of the main principles of the movement was to bring the outside inside.

The architecture of the period took the form of open living areas with large full-length windows while interiors were designed to create a relaxed and informal living space.

Architectural plants with big arching leaves were all the vogue and a great way to add color to brighten up a plain corner or wall.

Choose one or two statement plants but do check that they will thrive where you intend to place them.

For a dark corner you may want to consider choosing an artificial plant.

Artificial plants have come a long way in recent years and there are some good quality, and quite realistic ones, available on the market these days.

If you’d like a live one here’s a quick rundown of MCM house plants

• Monstera
• Snake plant or mother in law’s tongue (below)
• Fiddle Fig Leaf (above right)
• ZZ Plant ( Above – being potted)
• Umbrella plant

5. Add Lighting

It’s easy to overlook the importance of good lighting. While a pendant ceiling light is a great way to add another accent of the mid-century style to your decor, a room that’s just a blanket lit from above can look less than warm and inviting.

Why not light up a dark corner with a simple floor lamp or add a table lamp to draw the eye to a statement piece like a sideboard or cabinet and, of course, add a lamp to a side-table to light up a sofa or accent chair.

Look for lamps that are minimalist in design or those that use natural materials such as wood or plywood. 

Lastly, you are welcome to download some free mid century modern wall art to complete your look. And for further reading hop over to the reading room for some great mid century modern book recommendations.

Above all, have fun.