You want the furniture pieces in your bedroom to not only take up space but also serve you with their functions. Many manufacturers offer different options on the same unit. Below are the most popular items for your bedroom and their functions as well as different options offered by manufacturers.
Beds
Bed mattresses and their accommodating frame come in different sizes, which include
* Twin (39" wide x 75" long
* Full (54” wide x 75”long)
* Queen (60” wide x 80” long)
* Cal. King (72” wide x 84” long)
* Eastern King (76” wide x 80” long).
Choose the size of your bed according to your size and/ or how many people will be sleeping in it. The size of the room is also important, as you need to allow yourself enough space to walk around the bed and have easy access to closets and other doors. Twin size wood beds are most commonly used for children. Space can be maximized with bunk beds and trundle beds, which is a bed that slides in and out from under the bed and can be used to accommodate sleepover guests. A daybed is a combination between a traditional bed and a couch. It features a frame that wraps around three sides of the bed and can be lined with pillows to provide a comfortable backrest during the day, while the traditional mattress leads for more comfortable sleep during the night.
While most traditional beds feature a tall headboard with a low footboard, a platform bed is designed to provide a low-profile sleeping surface. It consists of a raised, flat horizontal surface that will support your mattress without a box spring. The drawers or doors underneath maximize your space by providing organized storage under your bed.
Full beds are about 15” wider than a twin, but if two people are sharing the bed, each is left with less space than on a twin! Even on a queen size bed, each person would still have less space than on a twin. The most comfortable bed for two people is a King size, which will allow the maximum space for each person, but keep in mind that this large bed may not be so easy to maneuver in and out of your bedroom.
Night Stands
Night stands are available with a variety of design options. They can offer drawers, doors, shelves or a combination of these features. Choose the features that will be the most useful to you. The most important feature, however, is the night stand’s height. Your night stand should be tall enough so you can see and reach your alarm clock or lamp from your bed, otherwise as tall as your bed.
Armoires
There are many different armoire configurations. Traditionally, armoires contain a hanging rod behind double doors and drawers lower at the base. However, there are armoires also known as entertainment cabinets that have a space for your television to remain concealed behind closed doors. These types of units can feature doors that fold all the way back to eliminate any viewing obstructions, as well as a swivel for your television to sit on. The bottom of this unit may sometimes feature drawers or another set of doors. There are also computer armoires that will accommodate all you’re your computer components and will have special features such as a pull out keyboard and a surge protector. No matter what their function, all armoires will take up a great deal of space, so adequate room is necessary for this unit.
Dressers and Chests
Dressers and chest mainly serve the same purpose. Whether you prefer drawers for storage that are lined vertically (a chest) or horizontally (dresser), is your choice. However, dressers can provide a great deal of storage by extending vertically as well as horizontally. These oversized dressers are known as mule chests and can provide different storage compartments besides drawers, such as doors or shelves. Chests usually consist of a single column of drawers stacked on top of each other, but some manufacturers offer different takes on this traditional style of chest. A “man’s chest” features a combination of drawers and large double-doors which contain shelves for storage. This piece is wider than a standard chest. A sweater chest will usually contain one drawer and one door. Usually close in width to a standard chest, a sweater chest will contain large shelves behind the door, perfect for storing folded sweaters. A lingerie chest is perfect for storing its namesake. This unit is usually narrower than a customary chest, but still features a narrow column of drawers. When choosing a dresser or chest, it is most important to take note of the drawers. You will need one that is voluminous enough to comfortably fit your belongings. Stuffing your drawers and forcing them shut will eventually cause them to break.
Mirrors
If the mirror in your bedroom is going to sit on top of your dresser, it is important to consider the scale of the dresser. You may either attach it to your dresser or hang it on the wall. Many manufacturers offer the “tri-mirror” which attaches to your dresser and is designed with three hinged, adjustable mirrors. You may also choose a full size, cheval mirror that can stand on the floor.
10 Things to Know Before Shopping for Wood Furniture
1. What is your budget?
Quality, construction, fine or rare wood could be pricier, so you may have to make adjustments to your budget. Many qualities should be put into consideration to determine the desired amount to spend on each piece such as how long you will keep the item and whether it is one of the central pieces in the room or just an accent. Assigning a budget will help you set limits for yourself, so you don't end up spending all your money before you purchase all the units you need.
2. Where will it be used?
It is important to know the scale of an item to make sure it is going to fit in your intended space. Knowing the area that you are shopping for will also help you determine what major items you will need for that room and how much space they can be allowed. For example, a family room would require plenty of seating as well as maybe a couple spare chairs.
3. How often will it be used?
Pieces that are going to go in a family room for daily use have to be durable. Pay close attention to the components that will be used several times per day, like drawers and doors. Furniture that is going to go into a guest room or any other room could be purchased with appearance in mind with shape, size, and design being the most important qualities to look for.
4. How long will you have it?
Wood furniture pieces in your dining room, bedroom, or living room may remain in your family for many years. You may even decide to pass this furniture down to future generations. For heirloom quality pieces, allow yourself to spend more money. Accent pieces, on the other hand, shouldn't be so expensive if you intend on updating your style occasionally. Children's furniture that your child will eventually grow out of shouldn't be so expensive since you will have to update it as he/she grows older. Have fun with these items and just shop with aesthetic appeal in mind.
5. What is your personal style?
Find your personal style by studying your wardrobe, car and favorite things. Pay attention to your favorite colors, textures and patterns. Also consider your lifestyle when purchasing furniture. Are you single? Do you have any children, pets, ect.?
6. What kind of wood do you like?
Wood furniture is made from seasonal hardwoods or year round softwoods. Hardwoods come from broad-leafed trees (not needles) such as maple, oak, teak, and finer woods such as walnut, mahogany, and cherry. These woods are found in the most expensive furniture pieces. Softwoods come from needle-bearing evergreens like pine, spruce, redwood, or cedar. Such lumber is used in less-formal pieces. Rubberwood is plantation-grown in tropical countries. It is very durable and resistant to most varieties of fungi, bacteria, and mold.
7. What is the difference between solid and veneer?
Solid wood furniture usually means all the exposed parts of the piece are solid, while the frames and inner parts are made of other less expensive material. When thin layers of decorative wood are bonded to the face of furniture pieces, this is called veneer. While solid wood is valued for its durability, veneer provides a greater variety of styles, patterns and textures.
8. What finish do you prefer?
A finish on wood furniture can enhance its natural look or change it completely. A simple oil or wax finish will enhance the grain on an item, but for increased durability, furniture with a lacquer finish is best. Lacquer protects against spills and rings. A distressed look means that the wood is made to look older by beating and hammering the wood before the final finish is applied.
9. How good is the workmanship?
Ensure that drawers fit and slide well on glides and stop flush with the front of the piece. Dust panels on the drawers are best for keeping your belongings clean. Make sure that the hardware is installed correctly on any doors. The legs on tables should be even and not rock. If your table has leaves, make sure they match the rest of the table. Higher quality pieces will have dovetail joints, but always make sure to pay attention to how the drawer fronts are attached. Chair joints should also be examined carefully. Make sure they are snug and free from excess glue. On tables, corners should be reinforced and legs securely attached.
10. What safety issues arise with the purchase of your furniture?
The drawers on dressers and chests should have drawer stops that will prevent the drawer from falling out on unsuspecting children. When buying a bookcase, makes sure it contains big enough shelves so that there is no danger of you having to overload the shelves. You may also want to secure the top portion of the unit to the wall so that it won't tip over. When searching for entertainment centers, make sure to use the correct size furniture to hold your television. If your television is too large for the unit, it may fall forward. Storage and toy chests should have safety latches on the lids to prevent the top from falling freely and possibly slamming shut on fingers or a child's head.
Quality, construction, fine or rare wood could be pricier, so you may have to make adjustments to your budget. Many qualities should be put into consideration to determine the desired amount to spend on each piece such as how long you will keep the item and whether it is one of the central pieces in the room or just an accent. Assigning a budget will help you set limits for yourself, so you don't end up spending all your money before you purchase all the units you need.
2. Where will it be used?
It is important to know the scale of an item to make sure it is going to fit in your intended space. Knowing the area that you are shopping for will also help you determine what major items you will need for that room and how much space they can be allowed. For example, a family room would require plenty of seating as well as maybe a couple spare chairs.
3. How often will it be used?
Pieces that are going to go in a family room for daily use have to be durable. Pay close attention to the components that will be used several times per day, like drawers and doors. Furniture that is going to go into a guest room or any other room could be purchased with appearance in mind with shape, size, and design being the most important qualities to look for.
4. How long will you have it?
Wood furniture pieces in your dining room, bedroom, or living room may remain in your family for many years. You may even decide to pass this furniture down to future generations. For heirloom quality pieces, allow yourself to spend more money. Accent pieces, on the other hand, shouldn't be so expensive if you intend on updating your style occasionally. Children's furniture that your child will eventually grow out of shouldn't be so expensive since you will have to update it as he/she grows older. Have fun with these items and just shop with aesthetic appeal in mind.
5. What is your personal style?
Find your personal style by studying your wardrobe, car and favorite things. Pay attention to your favorite colors, textures and patterns. Also consider your lifestyle when purchasing furniture. Are you single? Do you have any children, pets, ect.?
6. What kind of wood do you like?
Wood furniture is made from seasonal hardwoods or year round softwoods. Hardwoods come from broad-leafed trees (not needles) such as maple, oak, teak, and finer woods such as walnut, mahogany, and cherry. These woods are found in the most expensive furniture pieces. Softwoods come from needle-bearing evergreens like pine, spruce, redwood, or cedar. Such lumber is used in less-formal pieces. Rubberwood is plantation-grown in tropical countries. It is very durable and resistant to most varieties of fungi, bacteria, and mold.
7. What is the difference between solid and veneer?
Solid wood furniture usually means all the exposed parts of the piece are solid, while the frames and inner parts are made of other less expensive material. When thin layers of decorative wood are bonded to the face of furniture pieces, this is called veneer. While solid wood is valued for its durability, veneer provides a greater variety of styles, patterns and textures.
8. What finish do you prefer?
A finish on wood furniture can enhance its natural look or change it completely. A simple oil or wax finish will enhance the grain on an item, but for increased durability, furniture with a lacquer finish is best. Lacquer protects against spills and rings. A distressed look means that the wood is made to look older by beating and hammering the wood before the final finish is applied.
9. How good is the workmanship?
Ensure that drawers fit and slide well on glides and stop flush with the front of the piece. Dust panels on the drawers are best for keeping your belongings clean. Make sure that the hardware is installed correctly on any doors. The legs on tables should be even and not rock. If your table has leaves, make sure they match the rest of the table. Higher quality pieces will have dovetail joints, but always make sure to pay attention to how the drawer fronts are attached. Chair joints should also be examined carefully. Make sure they are snug and free from excess glue. On tables, corners should be reinforced and legs securely attached.
10. What safety issues arise with the purchase of your furniture?
The drawers on dressers and chests should have drawer stops that will prevent the drawer from falling out on unsuspecting children. When buying a bookcase, makes sure it contains big enough shelves so that there is no danger of you having to overload the shelves. You may also want to secure the top portion of the unit to the wall so that it won't tip over. When searching for entertainment centers, make sure to use the correct size furniture to hold your television. If your television is too large for the unit, it may fall forward. Storage and toy chests should have safety latches on the lids to prevent the top from falling freely and possibly slamming shut on fingers or a child's head.
Amish Furniture and Tradition
There are approximately 150,000 Amish in North America, with the largest group residing in Ohio and other large populations in Pennsylvania, northern Indiana and Iowa. They are known as the plain people because of the plain colored clothing they wear. The Amish speak Pennsylvania Dutch among themselves and live within highly personalized relationships, and avoid anything more than casual contact with strangers. They are happy living without the conveniences of the 21st century such as electricity, cars and telephones.The Amish follow the Christian faith as any other person of the Christian faith. The Bible is the main study book. Their beliefs do not allow them to pose for photographs because they feel it violates the biblical teaching against making graven images. They also don't believe in photographs for fear that it will promote self-pride. Many will put their hands or hats over their faces, look away or take evasive action to avoid having their picture taken.
The history of these people can be traced back hundreds of years and unlike most cultures that evolve to adapt to the ever-changing world, the Amish have stayed true to their roots. The Amish religion originated from the Mennonite religion, which encourages nonviolence, nonviolent resistance, and pacifism. The Mennonites are a group of Christian Anabaptist denominations whose roots began in central Europe. When Swiss-German Mennonite leader, Jacob Amman insisted on the practice of Meidung, which is the strict shunning of excluded members, this brought about a division in the Swiss Mennonite movement in 1693 and led to the establishment of the Amish.
Amman felt the Mennonites were drifting away from their beliefs. Nevertheless, the two groups are still very closely related and the two groups may many times live right next to each other. Their roots and standards for a simple life and diligent work are very closely aligned and have remained much the same throughout the centuries. Among their lasting traditions, their dedication to the production of heirloom quality furniture has remained true.Amish furniture making is mostly known for being constructed from solid wood, using no particle board or laminate, and the great attention paid to the details of the wood. Each piece of wood is hand selected and special attention is paid to the grain of the wood. Amish furniture is valued for its heirloom quality that can be passed down and valued by different generations. It first gained attention in the 1920's when early folk art was becoming popularized.
The techniques used by Amish woodworkers do not require electricity; their tools are hydraulically and pneumatically powered by running on diesel generators. However, the detail and finish are applied by hand, therefore ensuring the finest quality. A common characteristic of Amish furniture is the five-piece English dovetail joints on drawers and steel ball bearing drawer glides.Among many other styles, the Amish create Mission and Shaker styles. The Mission style features classic, straight lines, exposed joinery and features a clean design; similarly, the Shaker style is very simple and is designed with functionality and durability in mind.
Amish craftsmen acquire their skills from generations before them. Starting early in their life, many Amish dedicate their lives to helping in the family shop where if they are woodworkers, they pick up specific design details.
Because the Amish don't use the Internet themselves personally or for business, they rely on entrepreneurs that sell the crafts and furniture that the Amish create. Retailers , like Barn Furniture Mart, often attend Amish furniture expositions in middle-America to develop relationships with the Amish craftsmen and then become facilitators between the Amish and the buyer. This makes it possible for people world-wide to enjoy high-quality Amish woodworking.
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