A Quick Check to Purchasing the Perfect Bed Sheets

Ever heard the cliché that life is too short for you to sleep on low thread-count sheets? Well, while this may not be a practicality in real life, the qualities of sheets that crown your bed are of utmost importance.

Apart from the fact that they conceal everything else underneath, bed sheets define how comfortable your sleep will be as they come into direct contact with your skin as you sleep. That's why you should strive to ensure that only the best sheets grace your cozy bed. Keep these tips in mind the next time you go shopping for a set of bed sheets.

What to consider when buying bed sheets.

Thread count.

Basically, thread count is the number of vertical and horizontal threads in a square inch of the sheet's fabric. It's usually denoted on the package of the bed sheet with an integer followed by a tc. As is common, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet feels. Even then, sheets with a thread count in the range of 200 to 350 tend to last longer in comparison to those higher thread counts. They're also comfortable on the skin. Likewise, sheets with a tc range of 180 to 200 are also durable though are less comfortable to sleep in.

Yarn and ply count.

In a fabric, yarn refers to its weight, thickness, and the coverage of the fabric. Ply, on the other hand, is the number of individual yarns used as a single strand of a bed sheet. The number of yarns determine how heavy the bed sheets are or otherwise. Be sure to go with a yarn count of the right density so that the sheet won't be too heavy for sleeping comfort.

The material used.

The material used in making the sheet is perhaps the most important metric that you should get right when solving the slumber puzzle of the ideal bed sheet. The sheet that you go for should generally be comfortable to sleep on and should also be durable. In addition, the sheet material should be such that it allows air to circulate easily. While there are many sheet fabrics in the market, cotton and linen fabrics remain the kings as they generally last longer, are comfortable and they do not affect your breathing. Silk satin sheets also merit some mention as they trap warmth making them ideal for cold climates.

Color fastness.

You'd want to choose a bed sheet with a color that doesn't come off every time you wash it. This is why you should ascertain that whichever sheet you opt to go for will not fade when you use bleaches or other cleaning products. A simple way to test if your favored sheet is color fast is rubbing it against a standard fabric such as crocking cloth.

Design of the bed sheets.

Bed sheets play a significant role in your overall bedroom theme and should therefore be chosen carefully. Settle for a set of sheet design that's not only inviting but also complements well with your bedroom's overall theme. This includes matching the color schemes, design and room texture.

Fit.

Getting ready to go shopping for your next bed sheets? Be sure to take the measurements of your mattress before leaving. Mattresses vary in sizes and so do bed sheets. That's why you should note down the necessary dimensions of your mattress. Specifically write down the distance from the head to the foot of the mattress, its breadth and depth.

Bottom Line.

Purchasing a set of convenient bed sheets are a truly worthwhile investment. Just as a good blanket provides the perfect warmth for a good night sleep, the right bed sheets provide comfort to your skin as you sleep. The tips above will prove valuable in your endeavor to choose the best sheets from the heaps on offer so keep them at your fingertips.

Inexpensive Ways to Give a Quick face lift to Your Living and Bedroom.

Your living room and the bedrooms are among the most used places in the house and should therefore be kept at their best. That's why you should strive to replace any out-of-fashion or aging fittings in the house from time to time so as to preserve the decor and touch of modernity of your house. For a majority of people though, refurbishing the house entail splurging an awful lots of cash to bring in new carpets, pieces of furniture, and other ageing stuff in the house. But you don't have to break the bank to revitalize these important rooms. This article highlights inexpensive ways you give your living room and bedroom a quick facelift. Read on.

1. Carpet flooring.

You don't have to fix expensive tiles on the ground to make the room look great. Buying a carpet is an ideal alternative to the tiles and it won't cost you a lot. The fact that there is a wide selection of color and carpet styles to choose from mean that you've a good chance to find something that seamlessly gels your living room main theme.

2. Go for Durries.

Durries make for a perfect floor covering as they are thick and come in different designs. Unlike carpets, durries are easy to maintain and aren't destroyed that easily by insects. But what actually sets them apart from other floor coverings is that they are portable, warm and can be used all year round. This means you can walk barefoot around the house as they're soft. They are also warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Smaller durries are a perfect fit for tables, telephone stands and flower vases and compliment the main floor durrie greatly.

3. Use runners and rugs.

Runners and rugs have, for long, been used in the hallways around the house. But with a little tweak, you can turn them into a perfect living room or bedroom décor. One way, for instance, is to use a pair of rugs to flank each side of your bed to create a soft stepping point in the morning and also bring about a sense of harmony and unity in the bedroom. You'll also have eliminated the need to buy a large rug that would cost much more. Rugs also come in handy in the entrance to the living room and the bedroom where people can wipe the dirt before going into the house.

4. Retouch duvet covers, pillow cases and replace window curtains.

With continued use, window curtains, duvet and pillow covers become rugged and too ordinary to be beautiful. But rather than going for new sets of duvets and pillows, you can simply retouch the old duvet covers and replace the aging pillow cases with some new ones that make the room brighter and elegant. You will, however, have to replace the window curtains with a new, better set. Fortunately, window curtains don't cost much.

5. Repaint the ceiling and the walls.

Painting the ceilings and walls in the living room and the bedroom is yet another great way to give your place a completely new and subtle look. Aside from being inexpensive, painting is also easy and you can, as such, experiment with different colors depending on your likes and dislikes.

6. Changing your lighting fixtures.

The lighting system has a great impact on your living room and the bedroom. With a little bit of some tweaks on the lighting system, you can turn your dull living room into a dazzling abode. You can use brighter bulbs, adopt a friendlier color or simply redesign the system. To your advantage, there are several affordable lighting systems to choose from.

Final word.

You don't have to go for a second mortgage to revitalize your aging living and bed rooms. With little bits of tweaks on the furniture, walls, and floor covers, you can turn your room into a warm and welcoming place as it has always been. Follow the tips above and you will surely not be disappointed.

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The Smart Shopper's Guide To Great Deals At Mattress Stores

You wake up again with overwhelming discomfort: there goes another night of bad sleep due to your lumpy, old bed. You've been contemplating new bedding for some time, but mattress stores are so intimidating. Where should you go? What should you get? These questions may circle in your mind, preventing you from making that purchase - but the longer you put it off, the longer you go without a good night's sleep. It's time to take a deep breath and make that leap. Shopping for new bedding is not a big deal when you tackle it with an airtight strategy.

Do Some Home-Based Window Shopping

Why waste time and gas to go to a mattress store when you have no idea what you're looking to buy? Stay productive and educate yourself by doing some research at home. Browse the websites of local shops to get an idea of products and prices. Read through some reviews to weed out bad brands, poor quality, and eventual discomfort.

In addition to window-shopping, consider negotiating via phone. Call a shop and start a conversation with a local mattress sales representative. Find out if they have any time-sensitive sales or promotions going on this week, share information about your bedding needs, and don't be afraid to mention that you would benefit from a discount. This is a rare tactic, but it's one that might work to your advantage. If you establish a consumer's relationship with a seller or a shop, you have a greater chance of obtaining some discounts.

Gather Coupons Online

Some larger bedding chains will have a selection of coupons listed on their website. Those who don't look out for bargains will not find them, so shop smart and save well. Certain sellers urge their customers to buy a certain brand or style of bed, so great savings may be had on that particular item. Don't tailor your preferences to the coupons you find, however: buying a mattress because it's cheap may prompt dissatisfaction if it is one you wouldn't normally have chosen in the first place.

Remember that some coupons are for online use only, but that should not entice you to click the "add to cart" icon. You can't test out a bed if you buy it online, so print out some in-store coupons and let the shopping begin.

Don't Be Afraid To Negotiate

When you find the bedding you like, don't be afraid to negotiate for it. In fact, most mattress stores expect you to do just that. Price markups are not uncommon; therefore, negotiating for a 10% discount is often considered acceptable. Most mattress salesmen depend on sales commissions, which means your business is important to them. Establish a good rapport with your salesperson, and don't be afraid to shoot for the best deal possible.

Bed shopping is most rewarding when you find the right item at a store you like, and saving some money will sweeten the deal even more. It all comes down to becoming a savvy shopper and sticking to stores with reliable, trustworthy service.

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Tips On How To Buy Bedroom Furniture

The bedroom is where you relax after a long day at work. Due to this the room needs to be cozy and comfortable to live in. This calls for you to be cautious when buying the bedroom furniture. For you to buy the right furniture you need to consider a number of factors such as:

Intention of the Room

While the room is designed for sleeping, there are many other things that you can do there. For example, you can watch TV or use it as your study room. If you will be watching TV in the room, you should get an entertainment stand. If you will be reading you need to buy a bookshelf.

If you will be using the room only for sleeping you should include as little furniture as possible. Here you should include a bed, night stand and clothing dresser.

Design

Who will be using the room? Always remember that the design for kids is different from that for teenagers. Adults and elders also need different designs. For ideal results you should adjust the design depending on who will be using the room. If you aren't sure of the best design to use you should ask professionals to guide you.

Material and Quality

This depends on your taste. Do you like wood or stainless? For durability, it's wise that you go with the highest quality furniture that you can afford. The material also depends on who will be using the furniture. If the furniture will be used by children, it's wise that you go for stainless. This way you will be sure that the furniture can't break even if children play on it.

Colors

The colors are of great importance as they determine how a room looks like. If all the furniture is new it's wise that you pair. For example, you should pair the white dresser with a cherry wood headboard. If you are replacing just a few pieces of furniture you don't have to do this.

Store

Where do you buy your furniture? For the best quality product you should ensure that you buy from a reputable store. The cool thing is that there are many online and offline stores where you can make your purchase.

The best way of shopping is doing it comparatively. Here you need to visit several retail stores and compare their prices and quality. As rule of thumb you should buy from the store selling the highest quality products at the least price.

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Between Old & New, Furniture Trends Walk the Line

These days, everyone from designers to homeowners is re-imagining old household furnishings. It need not be an exhaustive or expensive effort. It could include a lamp with a shade made of rawhide, Moroccan-style leather poufs instead of a basic wooden stool, or an animal-print covered ottoman.

BoBo Intriguing Objects of Atlanta offers nearly two dozen styles of chandeliers, from a large “aquarium” with an iron frame covered in linen to smaller amber wine spheres with stainless steel canopies hung from a heavy gauge wire.

“These have been big sellers,” said Michael Berzsenyi, a sales associate with BoBo. “We can’t keep them in.”

It's all part of the modern furniture movement, in which something new and different is something special, but there's still some love for the old favorites.

Old Not Yet Out as New

BoBo Intriguing Objects was one of more than 700 vendors showcasing common items treated in uncommon ways during the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in January 2012 in the AmericasMart complex.

One refrain among some buyers making their way through the sprawling 800,000-square-foot complex was a desire for furniture with modern designs instead of the distressed look. For these buyers, antiques were out.

“I’m seeing too much country-style stuff in here,” said Miami-based buyer Vilma Cuenca. “We’re looking for more modern-type items and not the shabby chic stuff that we’re seeing all over the place."

There were, in fact, plenty of vendors featuring furniture with soft, muted colors, painted finishes and little ornamentation — together indicative of the country style. English, French and colonial-era U.S. influences were visible in these designs. A number of vendors offered items and fabrics with floral, checked and striped patterns, and rustic accessories, such as pottery, baskets and carved wooden bowls.

"We actually don't mind the country style at all," said Monica Rolle, a buyer from the Tuscany region of Italy. "Ceramic tableware and that country-style rustic are what's in for us."

Other buyers -- including many from the Northeast and Southwest -- said their customers are looking for pieces with brighter hues and splashier designs. They're seeking items with a mixture of styles and fabrics pulled together by a similar texture, finish and color pattern.

Reds and blues, especially aquamarine and electric shades, seemed to be the preferred colors. They could be found in love seats, recliners and ottomans.

“Color is back,” said Cindy Ollie, a buyer with the Perfect Petal of Denver. “People are moving away from neutral.”

That trend includes the increased use of sleek finishes and unique materials.

Lacquer best typifies the trend. It's showing up on larger pieces of furniture, such as end tables, cabinets and armoires. Some designers are going with Finnish-inspired marimekko fabrics that infuse bold and bright colors into antiseptic home offices.

The timing of the movement has been good for Jim Hampton of Hampton Row in Atlanta, who has turned his lifelong passion for working with glazes and porcelain into a collection of lamps offered in an array of colors and shapes.

Take, for example, the "Turquoise Pillow on Acrylic Base," or the "Matte Griffen Sacramento," which has a blue porcelain base paired with a beige linen shade.

“It’s just a matter of figuring out where the market is going,” Hampton said. “But these are my designs and there’s only one of me. So figuring it out can be a challenge.”

Outdoor Looks

Buyers maintain that customers looking for outdoor furniture and accessories are more likely to fork over their money for uncommon designs, shapes and materials.

Toward that end, Spruce -- a New York City wholesaler featured on the cover of Home Accents Today in November 2011 -- has an array of distinctive garden pots and accessories.

Spruce employs its own craftsmen and artisans -- including a sculptor -- who use the latest technology to come up with a range of designs. The pots are made almost exclusively with fiberglass, and each finish is applied by hand.

“That’s what sets us apart,” said Steven Wilburn, executive vice president of Spruce. “We’re all lightweight fiberglass. You don’t see the same thing here that you see everywhere else. And we’re always churning out new designs.”

New designs also play a role in other outdoor accessories, such as “fiberclay” terracotta planters and towering fiberglass cranes with marble bases and bronze paint finishes.

At Indus Design, an importer and trade wholesaler based in Tempe, Arizona, design consultant Trish McNamara said its buyers are committed to re-purposing older materials as new lamps, tables, cabinets and bed frames.

Borrowing from Pakistan, Indonesia and Peru, among other countries, Indus incorporates disparate design influences into something McNamara calls “urban rustic.”

The concept of urban rustic is conveyed by warm and inviting colors and clean and crisp lines, creating a tastefully designed but comfortable living space. Modern furniture and a trendy color such as turquoise creates the urban feel while rustic touches can be found in leather pillows, faux fur blankets or nickel bar stools.

“Nobody wants anything that looks perfect anymore,” McNamara said. “They want something brand-new, but with that worn-in look.”

Indeed. Buyers mostly want the same things they always have. But new. And different.

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How to Clean Custom Furniture Slipcovers

Custom slipcovers are made with the same fabric that a generic slipcover is made from, the difference being that the custom type is made to fit a specific piece of furniture in your home. The most important aspect, when it comes to cleaning, is whether or not the slipcover is made from a synthetic material, like rayon, or a natural material, like cotton. The material type is the main determining factor when it comes time to clean it.

Brushing

• Brushing a custom slipcover is a maintenance cleaning routine. Brushing regularly removes hair, including pet hair and surface dirt. Brushing also brings the nap back up, if applicable, in the places where the nap has been crushed down from sitting or leaning. Use a furniture upholstery brush for best results.

Vacuuming

• Remove deep set in dirt with a vacuum and an upholstery brush attachment. A vacuum removes dirt and deep-set dust particles while the brush loosens up hair so the suction removes it. Most vacuums come with an upholstery brush accessory, and they can be found at hardware and department stores.

Spot Cleaning

• You can use a multi-fabric upholstery cleaner for spot cleaning. Test in an inconspicuous place first to make sure the cleaner does not alter the color of the slip cover. Spray the cleaner onto the spot, allow it to sit for a few minutes, then blot it off with a clean or damp colorfast cloth or sponge.

Washing

• Custom slipcovers made of cotton are washable on a permanent-press setting. lighter colors are best washed with medium hot water while darker colors wash best in cold water. Spot treat with dish washing liquid for lighter stains, or use a laundry type of spray and wash solution for darker stains. Dry the slipcover on a permanent press setting for about 15 minutes until the larger areas of the cover have dried, then iron corners or pleats, if needed, and slip the cover back over the upholstery when the slipcover is still damp.

Dry Cleaning

• Custom slipcovers can be dry cleaned in all instances, and in some cases they are recommended to be dry cleaned only. Dry cleaning better preserves the slip cover and it reduces the chance of shrinking.

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How to Arrange Furniture Around a Fireplace & Entertainment Unit

Arranging living room furniture around a fireplace and entertainment unit requires careful thought and planning, so that you create a comfortable yet functional space for family and friends. You want everything to coexist in the living room, not compete and divide the space into sections. The key to decorating in this kind of scenario is to define the focal point and work from there.

Highlight Focal Point

• Highlight the fireplace so it stands out in the room and draws the eye. Depending on personal preference, mount a family portrait, framed mirror, a colorful painting or even a flat-screen television above the fireplace. This step makes it easier for you to arrange furniture in the room. If, however, you prefer to make the entertainment unit the focal point in the room, especially if you have a small fireplace located in the other corner of the room, highlight the fireplace with a small painting or portrait.

Furniture

• Arrange the main pieces of furniture around the focal point. For instance, if the fireplace is the focal point, set a large sofa or sectional against the wall across from it, but facing it. Set a loveseat or smaller couch perpendicular to the large sofa or sectional. Place a low-profile chair on either side of the fireplace, or a rocking chair on one side. Set the entertainment unit on the opposite wall. Place large floor cushions or bean bags in front of the entertainment unit to increase seating. Place side tables on each side of the sofa, and a large table in front of the large sofa if the space allows for it. You don’t want this table to conflict with the space designated for the entertainment unit on its other side.

Accents

• Define the living room space with a large carpet or rug. Alternatively, lay a large rug under the seating arrangement, one for the area surrounding the entertainment unit and the other for the space near the fireplace. This highlights the different features of the room but maintains them as a single unit. Place lamps on the side tables and position a floor lamp on one side of the fireplace. Dress up the fireplace mantel with decorative accents, framed pictures or collectibles.

Considerations

• When decorating a living room with two main features, avoid dividing the space into two separate sections. Instead, create a well-balanced, harmonious room. This allows family members or friends to stay in the same area but participate in different activities. Avoid placing seats or couches with their backs against each other, as that separates the room into two sections. Take into consideration the locations of doors and windows when setting up furniture to ensure the furniture doesn't block them.

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Reupholstering Furniture With Springs

Reupholstering a piece of furniture can be an intimidating project to undertake. The chair or couch that houses springs and webbing may appear to be a Pandora's box full of potential problems. To make it easier, look at the job as a puzzle to be solved in a specific order. Take the project step-by-step to update a piece that will give you many more years of use.

Preparation

• To access the inside of the piece of furniture and see what you're working with, remove the old fabric. Needle-nose pliers or a tack hammer make it easier to pry out nails, staples or brads from the wood. Save the fabric to use as a pattern for the new upholstery cloth. Pull away any batting that is under the fabric to expose the springs in the piece. With everything removed, you will be able to inspect the condition of the springs.

Springs

• The springs that add flexibility and support to the comfortable interior of the furniture piece are attached to a series of woven canvas webbing strips. Once the seat is open, the spiderweb of strings and coils is exposed. The string or upholstery twine is tied to form the shape of the seat of the furniture piece. If the springs are in good condition you may only have to retie any loose twine to reshape the foundation. It is wise to photograph the position of the springs and mark the wooden framework for row placement if the webbing or springs must be replaced.

Replacement Springs

• Broken or rusty springs must be removed from the webbing at the bottom of the piece of furniture. Cut the twine to release any spring that is faulty. If necessary, you can use heavy-duty wire cutters to cut away any spring that you are having difficulty removing from the woven webbing. The wire should be fairly easy to remove after the twine and knots have been cut away with a utility knife or fabric shears.

Tying Springs

• You will need strength in your hands to tie and secure the rows of springs in a piece of furniture. Several types of knots are useful when tying springs, such as the four-knot when shaping a rounded chair seat. The springs are set into the webbing in rows. Tie pieces of twine to the rows of springs in a lengthwise and crosswise pattern for strong support. A clove hitch knot is tied at the end of the twine before it is secured with upholstery tacks into the wood framework. The four-way or eight knot and overhand knot also work well when tying springs for the shape and height of the seat.

Upholstery

• Attach a layer of batting to the interior of the piece after the foundation has been strengthened with springs and new twine. Staple the batting to keep it in place. Cut out upholstery-grade fabric according to the furniture measurements or a pattern made from the old cloth. Stretch the fabric over the batting-covered springs and twine, and then staple it in place to finish the reupholstery project. For a finished look, attach the cloth at the back of the chair or couch. Cut a separate piece of fabric to cover the back of the piece and hand sew it in place. This will cover the rough edges of stapled fabric.

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Disassembling a Double Recliner

Large pieces of furniture can help complete the decor in your home, but some pieces may not fit through narrow doors. You may also want to disassemble a double recliner so you can reupholster it and give the piece of furniture a fresh look. As you disassemble a double recliner, keep the nuts, bolts, screws and washers in labeled plastic zippered bags. Furthermore, take pictures of your progress for reference when reassembling the piece of furniture. The process of taking a double recliner apart is similar to disassembling a single recliner.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wrench

Tips For You

1. Remove any loose cushions from the double recliner.
2. Pull the lever on the side of the recliner to extend the footrests. Remove the screws from the hinges that connect the footrests to the seats. Remove the exposed hardware from the footrest mechanisms if possible.
3. Retract the footrests and carefully tilt the double recliner so you expose the bottom of the piece of furniture and the back of the piece of furniture faces upward.
4. If you have not done so, finish removing the footrest mechanisms.
5. Find and remove the devices that attach the back of the double recliner to the frame. This may come in the form of clips, pins or screws.
6. Remove the seat cushion from the double recliner. Depending on the model, you may have to remove pins, clips or screws to perform this action. On some recliner models, you might have to adjust a lever between the cushion and the back of the chair in order to remove the seat cushion.
7. Disassemble the double recliner’s frame. As you do this, work in sections because main parts of the recliner, like the sides and arms, may come off the frame.
8. Remove the hardware from the cushions and the arm rests from the sides of the chair if you plan to reupholster the double recliner.

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How to Build a Fireplace Grate With Tubes

A modern take on old-fashioned home heating is the curved tube grate in the wood burning fireplace. This type of grate heats air in the tubes and pushes the air out into the room in a more steady and efficient manner rather than having a majority of the heat generated escape the house through the flue and chimney. Building this blowing grate made of steel tubes requires simple tools and a motorized fan connected to the tubes.

Things You'll Need

• 36-by-1 inch steel tubes (5)
• 11-by-1 inch steel strip
• 12-inch deep steel base
• Tape measure
• Table vise
• Tube bender
• Cordless drill
• 1/4-inch diameter carbide-tip bit
• 1/2-by-1/4-inch rivets
• Rivet punch
• Blower unit

Instructions

1. • 1
     Measure the depth of the fireplace and subtract 2 inches. This measurement is the depth of the fireplace grate. For example, a fireplace that is 14 inches deep will have a 12-inch deep grate, leaving an inch gap in front of and behind the grate.
   • 2
     Grip a 36-inch steel tube, with a 1-inch diameter, in a table vise. Close the vise on the tube 12 inches from one end.
   • 3
     Place a tube bender over the steel tube. Bend a 90-degree angle in the steel tube where the tube exits the vise. Release the vise once the steel is bent, but do not take the tube out of the vise.
   • 4
     Grip the steel tube in the vise 4 inches from the 90-degree bend. This 4 inches added to the 12 inches earlier and the 90-degree bend, places the vise approximately 20 inches from the end of the tube the measuring started at in the beginning.
   • 5
     Bend the tube at a 90-degree angle. This 90-degree angle needs to bend in the opposite direction of the first bend, making the tube look like a "C." Continue making a total of five 36-by-1 inch steel tubes into this shape.
   • 6
     Drill a 1/4-inch hole into the top of the C-shaped tubes, centered 1/2 inch from the edge, using a 1/4-inch diameter carbide-tip drill bit and a cordless drill.
   • 7
     Drill five centered 1/4-inch holes, 1 inch apart, on an 11-inch strip of steel, using a 1/4-inch diameter carbide-tip drill bit. Start and end the holes 1 inch from the edges.
   • 8
     Connect the five tubes with the steel strip through the predrilled holes at the top using 1/2-by-1/4-inch steel rivets and a rivet punch.
   • 9
     Flip the grate over. Drill a 1/4-inch hole into the visible sides of the bottom of each tube, centered 1 inch and 8 inches from the edge, using a 1/4-inch diameter carbide-tip drill bit and a cordless drill.
   • 10
     Drill a 1/4-inch hole into the top of the 12-inch steel base, centered 1 inch and 8 inches from the edge, using a 1/4-inch diameter carbide-tip drill bit and a cordless drill.
   • 11
     Attach the base, upside down, to the holes in the grate bottom, using 1/2-by-1/4-inch steel rivets and a rivet punch.
   • 12
     Purchase a blower unit to fit the bottom holes of the tube grate. Attach the blower unit to the grate as per the blower manufacturer's instructions.

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How to Float a TV Stand

Installing a TV in your home is a matter of providing room for comfortable viewing while also maximizing space around the TV stand. Wall mounts place TVs out of the way but fail to offer any form of media storage. As an alternative, you can float your TV stand with cantilever wall brackets. This will provide a wall-mounted shelf for storing media or installing devices, such as video game systems, DVD players and cable boxes, that doubles as a stand for your TV. The only limitation to this type of stand is the collective weight of the devices that will use it for support.

Things You'll Need

• Bathroom scale
• TV stand
• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Carpenter's level
• Electric drill with screwdriver bit
• Cantilever brackets

Tips For You

1. Check the owner's manual for your TV to determine its weight, which will be listed in the specifications section.
2. Place any media or electronic devices that you plan to store in the TV stand on the stand's shelves or in its drawers.
3. Stand on a bathroom scale and note your weight. Lift the TV stand and its contents carefully and note the weight displayed on the scale. Subtract your own weight to determine the weight of the stand and its contents.
4. Place a stud finder against the wall near the location where you want to float the TV stand. Mark the stud locations with a pencil and measure the distance between the studs. Measure the width of the TV stand and divide it by the space between the studs to determine how many brackets you will need. For example, if the wall studs are spaced 16 inches apart and the TV stand is 35 inches wide, you'll be able to use three brackets. However, if the TV stand is just 30 inches wide, you'll only be able to use two.
5. Select the necessary number of cantilever wall brackets with ratings that add up to the total weight of the TV and the fully-loaded TV stand. For example, if the TV weighs 40 pounds and the full TV stand weighs 20 pounds, you can use two brackets rated for at least 30 pounds apiece.
6. Screw the brackets into the wall directly over the stud locations. Measure the height of each bracket from the floor to make sure you install them all at the same height. Place a carpenter's level on each bracket to ensure it's even before attaching it to the wall. Use the screws provided with the brackets and an electric drill with a screwdriver bit to sink the screws until their heads are tightly against the brackets.
7. Empty out the TV stand and place it on top of the brackets, with a 1-inch space between the stand and the wall. Check the position of the stand with a tape measure and adjust it until it's centered over the brackets.
8. Screw the TV stand into the brackets from below with the smaller screws provided with the brackets.

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How to Build a Wall Unit Using Stock Bookcases

Wall units can be used to store books, display art or crafts, show off pictures or hold electronics such as televisions or stereos. They can also function as a room divider or privacy wall. Using stock bookcases to construct a wall unit will allow you to create a unit that fits your space and needs perfectly. It may also provide a cost savings over purchasing a wall unit or having one built to order.

Design

• Designing a wall unit to meet your needs will require some thought and planning. Consider the purpose of your unit and where it will be located. Decide what will be stored in the unit, as well as the required spaces needed. If a television will be mounted in the unit, be sure to allow enough room for placement and air circulation. Sketch out your design to aid you in finding stock bookcases to match.

Purchase

• Purchase stock bookcases to fit your design. Some bookcase manufacturers offer options such as television mounting brackets, DVD / CD storage racks, doors or pre-wired lighting that may be helpful with your planned use. You may also be able to purchase bookcases in various colors to enhance your design. Using antique or older bookcases to build a wall unit may require you to alter your design to fit the layout of the bookcases.

Assemble

• Use your selection of stock bookcases to assemble the wall unit per your design. Be sure to install and route electrical cords, speaker wire or other wiring that may be difficult to compete once the unit is in place. Before securing the bookcases, measure each space to ensure there is enough room for its intended purpose. Re-positioning or removing adjustable shelves can allow you to fit items per your design. You may need to alter or adjust your design to match your needs.

Secure

• Secure the wall unit to prevent movement or tipping over, in the case of a free-standing unit. Use screws, bolts or brackets to secure the bookcases to the wall, ceiling or floor. Affixing the bookcases together will provide another level of stability for the wall unit. Some bookcases may have uneven edges or design elements that prevent flush positioning. To secure, consider add a piece of wood between the bookcases to fill the gap and provide a way to connect them.

Finishing Touch

• 

  Add crown molding around the top of the wall unit for a built-in look.

  Paint the bookcases to give your new wall unit a finishing touch or specific design style. To create the impression of a seamless unit, cover gaps with trim strips or caulk before painting.

Read more : http://www.ehow.com/info_12265284_build-wall-unit-using-stock-bookcases.html

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How to Tighten the Arm on a Reclining Sofa

Reclining sofa arms are basic. It's nothing more than a wood, metal or plastic arm attached to a 1/2-inch square axle. When you push or pull on the arm, it turns the axle inside the chair to fold the footrest up or down. Attrition can take a toll on the arm, causing the screws holding the arm to loosen or slip. The footrest might work, but the arm is so loose that it feels like it might fall off. If not attended to, it will fail completely. Tightening the arm on almost any reclining sofa is simple, and you can do it in minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Socket, 3/8-inch
• Ratchet, 3/8-inch

Tips For You

1. Pull the lever, if possible, to raise the footrest all the way. Place an object under the footrest to prevent it from moving up or down. If you can't get the footrest up because the arm is too loose, turn the sofa upside down.
2. Pry off one or two wood or metal caps located around the perimeter of the arm where it attaches to the side of the sofa. There is one cap on each side of the arm. Use the tip of a screwdriver to pop the caps off to reveal screws or bolts. If there are no caps, locate a single hole in the bottom of the arm; it does not have a cap.
3. Tighten the screws securely using a screwdriver. If there are no screws, use a 3/8-inch socket and ratchet to tighten bolts inside the holes. Insert the caps back in the holes. Tap them down tight with the back of the screwdriver.
4. Remove the objects from under the footrest or tip the sofa upright.

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