BedBathStore Blog http://blog.bedbathstore.com Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 How To: Create An Outdoor Room http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-create-an-outdoor-room/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-create-an-outdoor-room/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-create-an-outdoor-room/ What’s the difference between an ordinary patio and an outdoor room? It’s all in the feel, actually. It’s adding the things that make the rooms inside your house warm and inviting. It’s creating comfort in addition to the practical concerns of outfitting an outdoor space. Here are some tips on turning your traditional patio or porch . . . → Read More: How To: Create An Outdoor Room]]> What’s the difference between an ordinary patio and an outdoor room? It’s all in the feel, actually. It’s adding the things that make the rooms inside your house warm and inviting. It’s creating comfort in addition to the practical concerns of outfitting an outdoor space. Here are some tips on turning your traditional patio or porch into a bona fide outdoor room.

Mix It Up
Ditch the set and buy pieces that you love, not ones that match. Don’t be afraid to add in some garage sale finds; you can clean them up and spray on a coat of paint to make them look brand new. Express your personal style the way you would inside your home.

Stop And Think
Consider how the space will be used (really used, not ideally used) before starting your design. You’ll need lighting if you use the space at night, but you won’t otherwise. Will this be a dining space? Then you need a table for that. Cocktails only? Forget the table or get a smaller one. Mid-afternoon barbeques? You’ll probably need some umbrellas and an outdoor curtain panel or two.

Don’t Skip The Accessories
Accessories will make the space look and feel complete – make sure to include them in your plan and in your budget. Lighting, outdoor area rugs, candles (with candle holders) and plants and containers will add warmth and depth to your outdoor décor. Pick a theme to help you determine what you’ll need.

Now put it together the way you would any inside room!

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-create-an-outdoor-room/feed/ 0 Add Style To Your Child’s Room With Curtains http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/add-style-to-your-childs-room-with-curtains/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/add-style-to-your-childs-room-with-curtains/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/add-style-to-your-childs-room-with-curtains/ Children’s window curtains are more varied and sophisticated than ever before. You can find some great styles that will grow with your child—and some that you might want to keep for yourself! Here are three ideas for creative uses for curtains in a kids’ room.

Reading NookIn a girl’s room, you can create a private-feeling reading nook . . . → Read More: Add Style To Your Child’s Room With Curtains]]> Children’s window curtains are more varied and sophisticated than ever before. You can find some great styles that will grow with your child—and some that you might want to keep for yourself! Here are three ideas for creative uses for curtains in a kids’ room.

Reading Nook
In a girl’s room, you can create a private-feeling reading nook with sheer curtain panels. You can either hang them from a swing-out curtain rod (one on either side of the reading area) to create “walls,” or you can find a canopy frame that hangs from the ceiling and attach panels to that. The curtains will create a cozy feeling while not blocking off the room.

Wall Art
If you live in a rental apartment and can’t paint or you simply don’t want to, you can hang curtain panels on the wall. This is a great way to incorporate the child’s theme without much commitment. Hang a curtain rod from wall to wall and hang your panels. If the wall is small, you may be able to find a shower curtain tension rod that’s wide enough so you don’t even have to drill a hole.

Bed Canopy
Many little girls dream of a canopy bed. You can give yours one fairly easily without a trip to the furniture store. Hang curtain rods on the ceiling at the back and sides of the bed (you can add the foot, too, if you want) and hang sheers or simple white curtains from them.

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/add-style-to-your-childs-room-with-curtains/feed/ 0 How To Choose Bath Toys For Your Kids http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-choose-bath-toys-for-your-kids/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-choose-bath-toys-for-your-kids/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-choose-bath-toys-for-your-kids/ Bath toys help occupy your child in the tub, making bath time a more pleasant experience for you both. Always buy age appropriate toys to maximize the benefit they can have. Here are some tips on finding the proper toys for any age.

For BabiesInfants usually need nothing more than the eye contact and voice of a . . . → Read More: How To Choose Bath Toys For Your Kids]]> Bath toys help occupy your child in the tub, making bath time a more pleasant experience for you both. Always buy age appropriate toys to maximize the benefit they can have. Here are some tips on finding the proper toys for any age.

For Babies
Infants usually need nothing more than the eye contact and voice of a parent. Older babies will pay more attention to and enjoy toys in the bath. Infants, however, cannot see color, so toys won’t attract attention by nature of their bright color. Floating bath toys are an excellent option for these older babies You children can push around floating toys and watch them pop up from underwater. In terms of safety, floating toys usually lack small, loose pieces on which a very young child could choke. The smooth plastic also makes them among the safest toys available. However, always take note of age specifications on any toy’s packaging before purchasing.


For Toddlers
Older children need more stimulation at bath time than do younger ones. Tub toys that make sounds or have multiple parts are appropriate at older ages. Look for toy sets that help kids use their imaginations. Consider creative play items, like water-washable tub paints and crayons to help stimulate their artistic sides.
 

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-choose-bath-toys-for-your-kids/feed/ 0 How To: Decorating With Curtains http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-decorating-with-curtains/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-decorating-with-curtains/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-decorating-with-curtains/ You can do so much with curtains, from framing a terrific view to completely changing the character of a window. Curtains panels are available in a wide range of styles, fabrics, colors and patterns, so finding the right ones should be easy. But rather than simply hanging a pair of grommet top curtains, consider using curtains . . . → Read More: How To: Decorating With Curtains]]> You can do so much with curtains, from framing a terrific view to completely changing the character of a window. Curtains panels are available in a wide range of styles, fabrics, colors and patterns, so finding the right ones should be easy. But rather than simply hanging a pair of grommet top curtains, consider using curtains to transform your windows.

Make Your Window Look Bigger
If you want to create the illusion of a bigger window, try one of these tricks. Hang curtain panels just a few inches below the ceiling to make windows appear taller. This is particularly effective when pairing curtains with a shade as the shade can be hung to hide the wall space between the window and the ceiling. Another trick is to hang the curtain panels wider than the windows. The inner edge of the panel should just cover the window’s edge. For sliding glass doors, take the curtains from wall to wall to give the appearance of wall-to-wall windows.

Merge Multiple Windows
If you have a bank of three or more small windows, you can create the illusion of one large window by taking one long curtain rod and hanging it across the entire bank of windows and hanging curtain panels in between the windows (covering the sliver of wall in between). It’s a great look and very easy to achieve.

Balance An Off-Center Window
You can hang the curtains panel a bit wider to help make a window appear centered on the wall.

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-decorating-with-curtains/feed/ 0 How To: Choose Curtain Panels http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-choose-curtain-panels/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-choose-curtain-panels/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-choose-curtain-panels/ Curtains are a great way to frame a window and enhance the décor of a room. You can use them to play up a great view, hide an undesirable one and even mold the shape of a window to suit your needs. Here are a few tips to help you choose your curtains.

Determine Your StyleTo pare . . . → Read More: How To: Choose Curtain Panels]]> Curtains are a great way to frame a window and enhance the décor of a room. You can use them to play up a great view, hide an undesirable one and even mold the shape of a window to suit your needs. Here are a few tips to help you choose your curtains.

Determine Your Style
To pare down the number of choices available, try to determine what look you are attempting to achieve. More formal rooms will require panels with more luxe fabrics, like satin or silk, while a more casual space will need something a bit more relaxed, like linen or cotton. Let your home’s color palette guide you in choosing color and pattern as well as the type of curtain panel. For example, a solid color grommet top panel in a linen fabric would work well in a casual family room.

Determine The Function
What do you want your curtains to do? Frame the window? Block light? Offer privacy? This will help you determine the size of the panels to choose as well as how many you need. It will also help you figure out what the final look might be. Will you be hanging panels with a set of sheers to filter light? If you’re looking to dress a bay window, will you be covering the windows or opting for hanging panels in between the windows to frame the view?

Paying attention to style and function will help you find the ideal curtains for your home.

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-choose-curtain-panels/feed/ 0 Decorating With Your Futon http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/decorating-with-your-futon/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/decorating-with-your-futon/#comments Thu, 10 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/decorating-with-your-futon/ A futon is an indispensable piece if you live in a studio apartment or other small space. You can create a cozy living room by day and a comfortable bed by night. A futon mattress cover will give you the style you need while protecting your mattress and bedding when the bed is being used as . . . → Read More: Decorating With Your Futon]]> A futon is an indispensable piece if you live in a studio apartment or other small space. You can create a cozy living room by day and a comfortable bed by night. A futon mattress cover will give you the style you need while protecting your mattress and bedding when the bed is being used as couch.

Futon covers come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can quickly and easily create and change looks. A neutral cover will work in just about any setting. You can add color and texture via throw pillows and other décor items in the space.

The type of cover you choose may be driven by the type of futon frame you choose. There are simply shaped wooden or metal frames that have a decidedly modern feel. To play this up, choose a simple, solid cover or a cover that features a bold pattern. Clean, basic throw pillows in faux or genuine leather or suede will add some texture. A rough-hewn, rustic frame will lend itself to a more outdoorsy feeling décor. You could go with a basic country scheme or cultivate a cabin-like feel. A metal futon with a frame that resembles an old-fashioned brass bed with curvy lines and finials is the perfect backdrop for a feminine, romantic look complete with ruffles, white covers and lace.

The beauty of a futon is the ability to change the entire look easily. A few simple swaps and it’s a whole new look.

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/decorating-with-your-futon/feed/ 0 Daybed Quick Changes http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/daybed-quick-changes/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/daybed-quick-changes/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/daybed-quick-changes/ You can change the look of your daybed (and your bedroom) by making some very quick and easy changes. Add this, take away that, and then change this and you can have a brand new look in no time. Here are some ideas for quick swaps you can make in your room:

From Feminine To TailoredYou can . . . → Read More: Daybed Quick Changes]]> You can change the look of your daybed (and your bedroom) by making some very quick and easy changes. Add this, take away that, and then change this and you can have a brand new look in no time. Here are some ideas for quick swaps you can make in your room:

From Feminine To Tailored
You can take a frilly daybed and give it a more tailored look by making a couple of changes. First, swap out your girly daybed bedskirt and replace it with a tailored version. Look for a skirt in a solid color that picks up a color in your daybed cover. Next, replace or recover throw pillows with ruffles or lacy edges with a set with cleaner lines. If your cover is patterned, try using pillows with solid colors.

From Teen Dream To Sophisticated Sophomore
Upgrade your daybed look by changing just one color. If you’ve got a lot of pink in your room, you can give it a sophisticated twist by adding black or a deep brown, either in the bed skirt or throw pillows. Conversely, you can put a black or brown cover over a pink bed skirt.

From Plain To Pretty
If your daybed looks a bit blah, you can add a bit of zip and zing with just a few changes. Spice up a plain cover by adding pillows with complementary colors and interesting patterns. Vary shapes and sizes and pile them on in odd numbers for a great look.

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/daybed-quick-changes/feed/ 0 What To Do With Your Old Duvet Cover http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/what-to-do-with-your-old-duvet-cover/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/what-to-do-with-your-old-duvet-cover/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/what-to-do-with-your-old-duvet-cover/ If you’ve recently gotten yourself a brand-new duvet cover, you may be tempted to toss out your old one. Not so fast. Here are some things you can do with that cover to give it a second life. Not only will it help keep the cover out of a landfill, it will save you money.

Drop ClothPut . . . → Read More: What To Do With Your Old Duvet Cover]]> If you’ve recently gotten yourself a brand-new duvet cover, you may be tempted to toss out your old one. Not so fast. Here are some things you can do with that cover to give it a second life. Not only will it help keep the cover out of a landfill, it will save you money.

Drop Cloth
Put down an old Full duvet cover for small projects, a King for larger ones. Try it for your kids’ craft areas, for refinishing a piece of furniture or for painting a bathroom. When you’re done, let any paint spills dry, wash it in the washing machine as usual, dry and fold it up for next time.

Savings: Your savings could be up to $40, depending on size.

Pillow Covers
Make slipcovers for your throw pillows using your old duvet cover. If you have a plain, solid-color cover, you can decorate it with strips of fabric or ribbons or even use fabric paint. Use a solid on one side and a matching print on the other (you can repurpose old sheets for this, too) for a reversible design. This is the perfect solution for odd-sized or shaped pillows

Savings:  You could save more than $40, depending on size, shape and material.

Furniture Cover
Protect your upholstered furniture by covering it with an old duvet cover. If you’re handy with a sewing machine, you can create a custom-fitted cover in almost no time at all.

Savings: You could save more than $50, depending on the size of your furniture.

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/what-to-do-with-your-old-duvet-cover/feed/ 0 How To: Flash Bedroom Makeovers http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-flash-bedroom-makeovers/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-flash-bedroom-makeovers/#comments Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-flash-bedroom-makeovers/ Want to transform your bedroom’s feel in a matter of minutes? Try a duvet cover. Even if you don’t have a down comforter, you can use a duvet cover on your comforter to get a brand new look. It’s quick, it’s easy and it can make a big difference in the look of your room. Try . . . → Read More: How To: Flash Bedroom Makeovers]]> Want to transform your bedroom’s feel in a matter of minutes? Try a duvet cover. Even if you don’t have a down comforter, you can use a duvet cover on your comforter to get a brand new look. It’s quick, it’s easy and it can make a big difference in the look of your room. Try achieving one of these three vibes with the following tips.

Romantic
Add some romance to your space with designer duvets in shades of white. Look for embellished pieces to up the luxe factor. You can also opt for a plain white duvet with white sheets for clean, fresh look that can be made as romantic as you dare with pillows, canopies and the like.

Masculine
Get a neat, masculine look by choosing a cover with bold colors or a graphic design (or a combination). Try stripes or plaids or stick with more masculine colors, like dark brown, black and gray. Keep bed skirts simple, solid and tailored for the most authentic look, if you use them at all.

Soothing
Create a spa-like atmosphere by choosing a duvet cover in a calming hue, like sage green, taupe, or a mid-tone blue. Pile on pillows in shams as well as throw pillows for a soft, comfortable look that makes you want to climb in. A soft throw blanket or coverlet in a coordinating color will add a finishing touch.

The key to making a flash makeover work is not to fight with the rest of the room. Don’t bring a modern pattern into a traditional bedroom or vice versa. When in doubt, choose neutrals.

]]> http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-flash-bedroom-makeovers/feed/ 0 How To: Decorate Your Bedroom With Bedding http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-decorate-your-bedroom-with-bedding/ http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-decorate-your-bedroom-with-bedding/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000 Administrator http://blog.bedbathstore.com/2012/05/how-to-decorate-your-bedroom-with-bedding/ You can create a comfortable, stylish bedroom even if you are not a professional interior decorator. There are a few tips and tools that can help you get professional results without spending a lot or doing a lot of work. It all starts with your bedding.

Your bed is usually the focal point in your room, so . . . → Read More: How To: Decorate Your Bedroom With Bedding]]> You can create a comfortable, stylish bedroom even if you are not a professional interior decorator. There are a few tips and tools that can help you get professional results without spending a lot or doing a lot of work. It all starts with your bedding.

Your bed is usually the focal point in your room, so it’s a good idea to start there when decorating your space. A beautiful bed sets the tone for the rest of the room. If you’re unsure of your color scheme or style, try finding bedding you love. Bed in bag sets give you everything you need to create a beautiful bed all in one place: a comforter, pillow shams and a bed skirt. Some will even include coordinating throw pillows.

Once you’ve chosen the bedding, the real fun begins. Use the colors in your new bedding to pull the rest of the room together. Pick a major color and two accent colors. If you’re painting, use the major color on the walls and the accents in accessories, sheets and other items in the room. You can use several different shades of each color to add some interest.

Be sure to consider the style of your furniture when choosing your bedding. If you have a low, modern-style bed, traditional bedding will look out of place and throw off your whole decorating scheme. Harmonize furniture and comforters, sheets and pillows for the best look. Beyond that, don’t be afraid to express yourself; this is your space.

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