How to Make Victorian Lamp Shades

During the Victorian era lighting was primarily from gas. But with Edison�s improved design of the incandescent light bulb in 1879, electric lighting began replacing gas lighting in Victorian homes. This change became the catalyst for a variety of lamp shades made to shield the glaring light bulbs.

The intricate patterns made by the joining of the metal wires create small �windows�. Each window (panel) is lined with satin, silk or other beautiful fabrics. While quality domestic fabrics are often used today, many individuals choose imported fabrics similar to those in fine Victorian homes.The frame is then wrapped with cotton twill tape to enable the maker to sew the fabric onto the metal. Wrapping with the correct tension is an art that either results in a quality product or a shoddy piece.Elegant shades graced table and floor lamps as well as crystal chandeliers imported from Europe. And the electric light bulb enabled fine work to be sewn at night usually under a parlor bridge lamp. Today the tradition of hand-sewn lamp shades continues and here are tips and sewing techniques from the experts. When buying or recovering a lamp shade today, keep the design of the lamp base in mind. Curved shades compliment curved lamps and angular shades normally work best with angular lamps. Shade frames are available for lamp bases with harps, bridge lamps, floor lamps with glass bowls, chandeliers, headboards, night-lights and more.Copyright 2006 Candy ArnoldThe shade is finished with braid, lace, ribbon and specialty trims. The finishing trim is applied either by sewing or with hi-tech bonding agents (not hot glue). Fabulous hand-dyed fringe or sparkling beads and matching tassels for pull chains complete the finishing touches.Shade frames can usually be recovered or new ones purchased. An antique frame is stripped, covered with rust-retardant and recovered. Over the years, a large variety of styles were designed. Interesting, all the frames have names. Since flowers played such an important role in the Victorian decorating scheme, many have names such as Tulip and Daffodil.One of the most popular special effects is the �rosette�. Here again the flower theme is repeated with sewing techniques that result in rose-like puffs. Usually they are combined with pleating or shirring that finishes the look. Another method is �fan pleating� � a pattern that is reminiscent of the fans used by Victorian ladies to cool themselves. Lace or burn-out velvet are often sewn on adjoining panels.

Copyright 2006 Candy Arnold

Author: Candy Arnold

Have You Tried Beds Like The New Style Waterbeds?

Waterbeds are a very popular bedroom option because they provide such a gorgeous sleep and total rest for the entire slumber. Waterbeds are a revolution in sleeping because as soon as you lie on a waterbed you will notice a big difference from your normal bed. A waterbed feels a lot different from your traditional inner spring mattress style bed.

There are a wide variety of parts and supplies that you can find over the Internet for your waterbed. When buying them over the Internet you can also generally find them at better then retail prices. Bedding stores online offer items such as waterbed heaters, drain fill kits, frames and headboards. Many of the parts and supplies that are available from online bedding supply stores can also be very useful to you, especially if you intend to install and maintain the waterbed yourself without professional assistance. But apart from the maintenance perspective you can also have fun decorating your waterbed to match in with you bedroom decor. You can purchase any number of quilts, throw cushions and towels from these specialty bedding suppliers.In any event though, the waterbeds of today are not the wavy, sea sick style waterbeds that you might perceive them as. Waterbeds have changed for the better and are now a very popular bedding option. Today's waterbed is totally comfortable and completely shapes your body - structure and size - so that you get the optimum slumber. When you lie on a new modern day waterbed you will find it to be so comfortable that you will not want to move. It quite simply is far more luxurious than a standard inner spring bed.From Tokyo to Tuscany, this range of bedroom furniture is second to none in terms of craftsmanship and design. Included in the Tuscany bedroom furniture collection are chests of drawers, wardrobes, bed frames and dressing table units. Anything and everything you could need for the bedroom is available as part of this collection. A bedroom that contains just one or two items from this exciting range will really make it stand head and shoulders above the rest. The whole collection has earthy, organic tones that not only look fantastic but provide durability too. By choosing furniture for the bedroom from this range you will not have to replace it for years and years, even decades!

If you take care of your waterbed and conduct regular maintenance on it then your waterbed will be able to serve you for many years to come. The waterbed parts and supplies that you can purchase will assist you in doing this - ensuring years of sound sleeping.

Author: Hazel Prechtel

What are Bentley Designs?

If you want well made and uniquely designed furniture in your home then you should look no further than Bentley designs. This company is one of the leading furniture suppliers across the UK and Ireland and has been growing rapidly since it was started back in the 1980's. There are a large number of designs and engineers that work at the company producing beautiful designs of the highest craftsmanship. The manufacturing plants where the furniture is made uses cutting edge technology to ensure that standards are of the very highest.

If you take care of your waterbed and conduct regular maintenance on it then your waterbed will be able to serve you for many years to come. The waterbed parts and supplies that you can purchase will assist you in doing this - ensuring years of sound sleeping.With the recent manufacture of "wave less" waterbeds in the bedding industry, people who take the bold step of purchasing a waterbed are now receiving a far improved level of sleep allowing them to have more energy and improved health on a daily basis. Bedding manufacturers have responded to the changing demands of consumers and their feedback has changed bedding options forever. Nights of tossing and turning are long gone. You should note that when you own a waterbed there is some maintenance that is required. However, once you have had a good nights sleep in the waterbed, you won't give the maintenance a second thought.If you are renovating a home or perhaps carrying out a redesign and you are stuck for ideas you should go online. Here you will find a wealth of information about interior design and how to dress your home. The very easiest way to choose furniture is to buy it all from one place, and by choosing various items from Bentley Designs you will save yourself both time and money. Because everything can be bought online and delivered straight to your door, you have much more time to concentrate on the other parts of the project that need your attention. There is no doubt that Bentley Designs offer the very best in terms of quality and design. They are well established and have become a well trusted name over the years. All furniture can be ordered online and delivered straight to your door so there is the minimum of fuss for you.Bentley Designs offer four collections. The Signature and Premier Collections are created from the highest quality timbers and veneers that offer both exceptional quality and style. As well as wooden designs, other materials such as leather and natural stone from around the world are incorporated. The Gallery Collection is a contemporary collection of furniture and accessories for the more modern home. All the designs in this collection combine functionality with aesthetic appeal well. There is also a Headboards and Bedsteads collection that offers a whole range of attractive pieces to really make your bed a haven from the rest of the world.

Whether it is an oak dining table you are looking for or bathroom furniture, Bentley Designs can help you design and furnish your dream home.

Author: Kathryn Dawson

Bemz Expands Beyond Slipcovers for IKEA Sofas and Chairs: Introducing New Bedroom Products

Covers for Bed Frames and Headboards that fit IKEA models, Bed Skirts that fit most Standard Beds regardless of manufacturer

Bemz' fantastic range of fabrics now has more than 180 different colours and patterns, including designs from Swedish Design House Bantie, Swedish designer Lisa Bengtsson and British Designers Guild. You can mix and match the bedroom products freely with all the existing Bemz range of fabrics and slipcovers for sofas and armchairs to create a completely individual look.1. Lines close at 6pm on Friday July 1, 2011. BT landline calls cost 61p/min, max two mins. Other landline operators/payphones/ mobiles/text network charges may vary. Text/online entries cost pounds 1 each plus standard network rate. 2. Four winners selected at random after lines close from all correct entries received.3. Prize: each 1x PocketZing3 Double bed, including mattress, divan and headboard, worth over pounds 650. Delivered within 28 days of competition closing date. 4. Prizes published in other Trinity Mirror titles, not transferable, no whole/part cash alternatives.5. Standard Trinity Mirror PLC Rules apply. See www.sundaymirror.co.uk/ rules SP: Telecom Express Ltd, W1B 2AG. Call: 0870 487 4870 PocketZing3 is endorsed by Allergy UK's Seal of Approval. Visit www.silentnight.co.uk for more info 4 to be wonAbout BemzClean, safe and hypoallergenic, this unique fibre is environmentally friendly too, because it's made from recycled plastic bottles and can be recycled again at the end of its life, so you can sleep easy at night, having made the planet-friendly choice!Q WHICH a) Double bed b) Bunk bed c) King-size bed CALL 0901 609 2903 and follow instructions. or TEXT SMHOME followed by a space then your answer (a, b or c), name, address and postcode to 84080. To receive details of goods and services which may be of interest to you start your text entry SMHOMEIN. or you can enter online at www.sundaymirror.co.uk/competitionsSOURCE BemzHigh resolution pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/bemzstockholm/NewBedroomSeries#Bemz offers a flat $20 shipping rate for all orders to the United States and Canada.

SOURCE Bemz

Why Microfiber Sofas Are Becoming So Popular

Microfiber sofas are becoming popular because they offer easy maintenance. Increasingly, homes are incorporating microfiber sofas into their decoration schemes. Microfiber is the tiniest man made fiber possible with today's technology. It is one hundred times finer than a human hair. It is very popular because fabrics produced from microfiber are soft, lightweight, and easy to care for. Additionally, the fibers leave no lint or dust, so they are highly recommended for allergy sufferers. These fibers are used to create clothing, cleaning cloths, polishing cloths, and all types of furniture including headboards, chairs, and sofas. Cleaning a microfiber sofa should not be a difficult process.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The majority of microfiber sofas use polyester as the base fabric because it has the ability to absorb color better than other materials. As a result of this chemical process, the color is forced to stay in the fiber, and no other treatments will ever be necessary. It may be necessary to occasionally have your microfiber sofa steam cleaned. It is fairly safe, but a professional cleaning service might not only do the best cleaning job, but also do the best job of protecting your microfiber sofa. Finally, to clean lint from your sofa, a simple lint roller (the kind that is sticky) should be the best option. Vacuuming might help in some cases as well.

Author: Adam Peters

WIN Silentnight bed

Four lucky readers will win one of Silentnight's greenest beds yet from the new PocketZing3 range, including mattress, divan and headboard, worth over pounds 650 each.

As with the rest of the PocketZing range, the PocketZing3 features Purotex, the 100% natural solution to house dust-mites. Purotex works on the same principle as probiotic yoghurt and introduces friendly bacteria into the fabric of the mattress, which helps to reduce mould and moisture, keeping dust mites at bay and reducing the level of allergens for a drier, fresher, healthier bed.CORRECTLY answer this question for a chance to win: of the following features one bed on top of another?WORTH pounds 650 EACHMicrofiber, by its very nature, is stain resistant. As a result, stain products like Scotch Guard or other fabric protection materials are usually unnecessary with this type of sofa. Some furniture retail outlets offer protection plans that will help with stain resistance, so if that is one of your big concerns, contact your retailer to see if a protection plan is right for you. For general cleaning, though, a drop or two of mild detergent, like dish soap or laundry detergent, combined with a bit of water should clean your microfiber sofa in no time. Odors like urine can be easily eliminated by blotting the stain with white vinegar and distilled water, applying baking soda, then vacuuming. For the most part, cleaning will be an easy process if it is true microfiber. Imposter materials, though, may be more difficult to clean.The PocketZing3 beds feature advanced pocket-spring technology and new Silentnight EcoComfort Fibre, a comfortable, breathable material that is scientifically proven to keep you cooler while you sleep.HOW TO ENTERSTOCKHOLM, May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Bemz (www.bemz.com), the Swedish company that gained a reputation for tailor-made covers for IKEA sofas, chairs and cushions, today announced the addition of a series of bed skirts and bed frame and headboard covers to be launched at the end of June. Covers for the bed frames and headboards are made to fit IKEA models and the bed skirts fit most standard beds regardless of manufacturer.The majority of microfiber sofas use polyester as the base fabric because it has the ability to absorb color better than other materials. As a result of this chemical process, the color is forced to stay in the fiber, and no other treatments will ever be necessary. It may be necessary to occasionally have your microfiber sofa steam cleaned. It is fairly safe, but a professional cleaning service might not only do the best cleaning job, but also do the best job of protecting your microfiber sofa. Finally, to clean lint from your sofa, a simple lint roller (the kind that is sticky) should be the best option. Vacuuming might help in some cases as well.

WORTH pounds 650 EACH

Author: Anonymous

Contemporary Bedroom Furniture: Planning A Bed

Don't let your bed be an afterthought. Your bed will be the most prominent object in your room, so it has to go with your bedroom's theme, color-wise, size-wise, and style-wise. A huge bed in a small room will likely look out of place, as would a four-post bed in a room with sleek modern furnishings.

When searching for blankets for your bed you may wish to choose a wool blanket for winter along with a thermal blanket for spring, summer and fall use when there tends to become warm and cool nights. Thermal blankets are comfortable in warm weather. Wool which could be extremely light excess weight and dense can also be extremely warm.Don�t confuse bed sizes with bed styles. Bed styles refer to the headboard and footboard. The basis of any bed is still the mattress and frame, which only vary outwardly in terms of the sizes listed above.� Platform. Platform beds are elegantly simple, fitting in with just about any style of decor.The bed room is one of the most important rooks within the home and is associated with relaxation, relaxation, and comfort. 1 needs to become sufficiently rested to perform well during the day.� Four post bed. You know this bed already: it's the one with a post sticking up out of each corner. The posts can support a canopy, but the canopy is optional.On mantelpiece: Wooden step frame pounds 9, John Lewis; tealight holders, pounds 19.50 for three; perfume bottle pounds 12, all M&SIf you have bunk beds in a bed room they should follow these Feng Shui Guidelines.You can draw around the strengths of the elements by selecting a headboard that corresponds for your element as shown within the paragraphs beneath.

� Pencil post bed. Pencil post beds are like four-post beds, only the posts are tall and tapered like�well, pencils. Harking back to their heyday in the 1700s, pencil-post beds fit a room with colonial furnishings especially well.

Author: Joel Walsh