Because of the variety of fabrics available today, it is a good idea to acquire a little knowledge and make the right choice when it comes to selecting your bedding. After all we do spend one third of our lives in them!

We should learn to look beyond the attractive packages promoting luxury and pay more attention to qualities such as natural versus synthetic fibers, shrinkage, ease of laundering, conductivity to warmth or coolness, just to name a few. You will find a lot of information on the package itself. Look for the type of material, the nature of the fibers used, the thread count and where the product was manufactured.

Keep in mind that better fibers require more refining to become fabric and that higher the thread count, the higher the price will be! So, the most economical sheets will always be your cotton/polyester blends. Then come most of your cottons, satin, linen, superior quality cottons and finally silk.

You will need to read the care labels carefully. Sometimes a pretty set of sheets that is labeled

"no bleach, cold water, gentle detergent, tumble dry" is not worth the investment. Remember that your sheets will be changed often, and will undergo many washing cycles, drying sessions, and stain removal experiences!

What will you need? You should purchase:

One or two allergen-proof covers per mattress.

One or two allergen-proof covers per pillow

Two pillow protectors

Extra pillow cases (you will change them more often than your sheets)

Three completes sets of sheets and pillows per bed

Two mattress pads. Every home should have allergen-proof covers for pillows, mattresses and, box springs. The new materials used will keep the allergens and dust mites from peeping through and stopping for a visit while we sleep! There is one things dust mites hate, that is very hot water. If you are sensitive to them you should always choose sheets that can take high temperatures during the wash cycle. Owning three complete sets of sheets will allow you to use one, wash another and still have an extra set for guests. Some people like to have special sets for guests. You should purchase your sheets according to your needs and life style.

Sizes

To ensure a proper fit, you will need to know not only your bed’s dimensions, but also your mattress’ s depth. Otherwise you could be forever pulling down on the corner pockets of your bottom sheets! Unless they are from Europe, most sheets measurements are now standard.

If you like a lot of overhang, you can always purchase your top sheet one size up, as this will give you a generous fold over the blanket. As far as the fitted sheets go, just make sure that you purchase a “universal” of “deep corner” type sheet. Quality All of us look for different qualities in sheets, so the final decision will be yours. I love my sheets to be crisp and white, especially in the summer. This means I am not shy when it comes to ironing!. My friends are more practical and always preferred using non iron sheets. No matter what you like I would suggest that you always purchase your bed linens from companies that specialize in linens and not from designers. Designer sheets are almost always of poorer quality and usually overpriced.

Thread count

What is it?

Simply put, it is the number of horizontal and vertical threads (or density) in one square inch of fabric. As more threads of equal quality are added the material becomes stronger and will create less lint after repeated use.

Quality is not always associated with thread counts. The only time this will be absolutely true is when you compare apples with apples. A higher thread count fabric will only be of better quality if it is compared to another fabric made with that same quality thread. Otherwise if a thinner thread is used the higher count will not mean better quality or stronger fabric. A lower count with a high quality thread will feel softer than a higher count and lower quality thread.

Fibers: Today’s manufacturers have created an array of materials by combining natural fibers, synthetic fibers and various weaving methods. Each of these fibers have different properties that we will discuss further down.

Weaves: There are three types of weaving use for sheets,, given in order of durability, from highest to lowest. In a twill weave one or more threads go over two threads. In the next row the intersection is offset one row up or down, giving the fabric a diagonal weave. Plain weave has a yarn crossing over a single yarn at the time. Satin weave: This time the weave goes over two threads and keeps a loose even pattern, making the fabric soft and smooth.

Choosing Natural or Synthetic Fibers

The array of fabrics and quality choices available today give us no choice but to educate ourselves. One must look beyond pretty packages and attractive pictures. Both natural and synthetic fabrics serve a purpose and we must decide what our primary need will be.

Natural Fibers

Cotton

To start with, a new cotton sheet will shrink anywhere from 4 to 6% when first washed.

Cotton is stronger wet than dry. It is durable, economical and known for its lightness, softness and superior comfort. The shine, color, thickness and durability of the fabric are all dependent of the cotton plant used and its fiber.

If you like a crisp yet economical sheet, look no further. This is “la crème de la crème!”

But keep in mind that when the thread count goes above 280, the cotton fabric begins to lose its crispness. Though they are economical, cotton sheets require a great deal of ironing, and if you don’t feel like doing this in your spare time you might want to look into wrinkle free sheets. You need to keep in mind that sheets treated with resin will not be as absorbent as natural untreated cotton sheets and that the treatment will weaken with time.

There is something to be said about white cotton sheets. They are a wonderful indulgence, and when trimmed with lace and ruffles they will bring a sense of romantic tranquility to any bedroom.

Combed cotton:

The shorter fibers of the cotton thread will be removed through a combing process. This makes the fabric softer and more resistant to lint, but does not keep it from wrinkling

Sea Island Cotton

This cotton is not readily available and mostly grown in the West Indies. It is said to be the best of all cottons and is used for fine cotton apparel and beddings.

Pima Cotton

Like Sea island cotton it has a long staple and is light in color.( which means less bleaching!). It is mostly grown in the States. If you wish to purchase Pima cotton sheets, you should make sure they have the “Supima” seal. This means its 100% pima cotton, and nothing else.

Egyptian cotton:

This is largely cultivated in the Nile Valley, and has a shade that varies from beige to light brown. It is one of the better cotton and you should always make sure it is 100% Egyptian and not a blend. (Any other type of cotton could be used to make up the blend combination!). All three of the following cottons are of premium quality. They are lustrous and smooth, while still resistant and long lasting.

Brushed cotton:

This thread is thicker and had been scraped to remove some of its shorter fibers, making the cotton soft and warm, ideal for cold winter nights. Because of its low thread count (not more than 180), due to the thicker threads, it will have a tendency to gather lint.

Cotton Jersey:

This is a type of weaving that gives the sheets the feel of "T shirt" material. Some people prefer a soft flexible sheet to a crisp one. You should check the laundering instructions as they might be a bit demanding, depending on the fabrication. Because it lacks resistance, the stitches will tend to run and the material will become stretchy with time.

Cotton/Flannel:

These sheets will be soft and warm, and are the best for colder bedroom. It Is especially nice to use flannel pillows on a cool winter night. Kids love them, they’re so cozy!

Linen

Linen is made from the flax seed and is the choice “par excellence”. It is very strong, absorbent, dries quickly, and will shrink less than cotton.

Linen sheets “breathe” by letting air circulate, are very crisp and will soften only aft er many many washes. Linen is very absorbent and makes a very comfortable sheet on summer nights.

Silk

Most silks are made from cultivated silk fiber (Silkworm farms!). It is a soft and light fabric, very absorbent, naturally wrinkle resistant and does not pill. Silk is not a “Hot summer’s night” favorite, since it tends to be a bit warm. Like cotton, it can be woven in many types of fabrics

Silk sheets are very costly and must be handled gently when washed. Some of them might only be dry cleaned! (Check the care instructions before you bye your sheets). This is why you will find a lot silk/Egyptian cotton sheets of Silk/Linen sheets combinations.

Synthetic fibers

Polyester

This man made fabric is really composed of natural substances like coal, water or petroleum! It is very wrinkle resistant, does not gather lint and lasts for many years. Depending on the way the fabric is made, it can be cool or warm and never will shrink or stretch. Most sheets are not too soft to the touch and not at all absorbent. Colored polyester sheets will not fade as fast as their cotton fellow. Because they are very economical, some people

Satin

It looks and feels like silk but it’s 100% polyester and not at all absorbent. The way threads cross each other gives satin its shine and softness. In Europe, people will choose satin pillow cases because they tend to keep your hair in place while you sleep! Satin is quite slippery does not readily adjust to your body’s temperature.

Blends

Cotton/Polyester

If you hate ironing, this blend is for you. You should know that this type of sheet will not wash as well as an all cotton fabric. By making a compromise and replacing some cotton fibers with polyester, today’s manufacturers have created both expensive and inexpensive fabrics that can be comfortable, light or warm. They lack absorbency and tend to pill after repeated washes and use. With time the sheet will not be as comfortable because the cotton fibers tend to wear out first, leaving behind the polyester alone.

Percale

This is a type of weaving were the cotton fibers are wrapped around the polyester fibers. This process will create sheets that will feel like cotton and where the thread count will be at least 180 per square inch. Besides feeling a little cool when you get into bed, these sheets will also lose their cotton fibers first and will not be as comfortable after repeated washes.

————————

Voila! I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you. And when all is said and done, you will buy what you like and feels good to you. As a side note, I wanted to mention that an other important aspect of sleeping well is not only enjoying the bedding we choose but also how we treat it. As I was growing up I was taught never put anything of our beds, especially items that had been outside of our home. It was always a given that we were to change our clothing before lying down to nap during the day. In the evening we would always take a shower before we changed into our pajamas. Even to this day I can’t go to bed without being washed and changing into comfortable sleepwear. Feeling clean, relaxed and slipping into a bed that is well made and attractive is the perfect combination to rejuvenate your body and soul after a good night’s sleep.! Try it!

Bonne nuit!

Martine

Martine Lykos is the webmaster of Lace and Linen Classics (http://www.llclassics.com).

Interior decorating is that medium which can make your closed spaces convey to the observer a lot about you and your lifestyle through strategic use of elements which range from the visual (color, lighting, form) to the tactile (surface, shape, texture) to the auditory (noise, echo).

The more alluring the result, the more the aesthetic, practical and technical appreciation for these elements the designer must have. He or she must understand how people use and respond to these elements, not just individually but as the elements interact with one another.

Confusing?

Not really! For at the bottom, all one needs is to know what one wants to show off to the world from the precincts of ones space. That is why home interior decorating becomes an easier task since one can identify with its needs more easily.

Original ideas can make a significant difference in your Interior Decorating plans.

Ideally, one should work from a total interior design plan. However, don’t be hesitant! Try and be responsive to our own creative "hunches." When decorating your home, don’t just go piecemeal from room to room. Work up a plan for the entire home, including budget and timetable. As you go along, you can be on the lookout for interior decorating ideas. Believe me these make a lot of difference. For instance, pictures should be hung at eye level; accessories are noticed better in odd-numbered groups - it’s just a matter of balance; paint can be used to minimize structural defects and accentuate positive features. And most important – do not fear to experiment. After all, "Home" was not built in a day!

About The Author

Mike Yeager, Publisher

http://www.a1-interior-design-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com

Pale but interesting is probably the most popular look when it comes to painting your house, and we often advise people on neutral colour schemes in our shop on the edge of the Peak District. Below are a few key points which our customers often find useful.

1. When choosing an off-white, it’s really helpful to look at the colour next to a pure white (use the whitest thing you can find, such as a sheet of paper from the printer or the back of an envelope, for example). This helps you to see any tendencies within a colour, which way a colour is going. What do I mean by that? For example, what in isolation seemed like a fairly neutral pale colour could suddenly reveal a strong hint of green, yellow or pink. As this might not be the effect you want, it’s important to establish this before wasting time and money on paint you don’t really like.

2. On a similar note, it’s particularly important with off-whites to buy a tester pot first and try it out at home. Put on two coats in small patches on a few different walls to establish the effect of different light (allow the paint to dry between coats - use a hairdryer if you’re in a hurry!). And if you’re trying out several tester pots at once, don’t forget to mark which colour is which… In an ideal situation, it’s a good idea to live with the colour patches for a few days so you can see how they look in the daylight and at night, and make sure you are completely happy with your choice.

3. Don’t forget that colours change depending on the colour they are next to. You can use this to your advantage. For example, you may feel that the colour you have chosen is perhaps a little pale once you have painted the whole room in it. Adding touches of an even lighter colour to your scheme (painting the skirting boards or doors in white, or even just adding a white throw or cushions) will immediately highlight the fact that the walls are actually a colour - pale but interesting nonetheless!

4. Neutrals are a great choice for a hallway, as you won’t have to worry about the colours of the rooms leading off the hall. They should all go with the neutral colour scheme you have chosen. Don’t worry about this being boring - it needn’t be! Try up to three different neutral shades. To give a concrete example, if you were using Farrow & Ball paints you could use White Tie no. 2002 on the ceiling, skirting boards and doors, Matchstick no. 2013 above the dado rail and Savage Ground no. 213 below. What if you haven’t got a dado rail? Well, just draw a pencil line at dado rail height and paint one colour above the line and the other colour below. It works really well and is a good way of adding interest. Another popular method of achieving this, of course, is to paint one wall in a different colour to the others.

By Lucie Storrs, owner of Period Features (http://www.periodfeatures.net/), a successful shop and mail order company selling domestic paraphernalia for period homes and gardens. Copyright 2005 Lucie Storrs, Period Features, http://www.periodfeatures.net/, 17 Broad Street, Leek, Staffordshire ST13 5NR. Telephone 01538 372202.

Candle holders are an essential accessory for candles. The first candle holders, made of clay, date back as far as fourth century BC Egypt.

Of course, today we have a wide variety of candle holders to choose from. They are a colorful addition to home décor.

You can find candle holders for any variety of candles, including: tapered, pillar, votive, floating, tealites, birthday, etc.

Candle holders are available to match any style of décor. There are candle holders made from glass, pewter, brass – even some molded out of bamboo or coconut.

Choose decorative plate candle holders on which to set your pillars. Candle holders shaped like small lamps with shades add soft light to any room. There are also many beautiful glass cup candle holders to hold your votive candles.

For your floating candles, choose one of the many fancy bowls as your candle holder. You can even have a ready-made candle holder by choosing a candle in a jar with a decorative lid.

So, add a little flair to your home with some beautiful and scentsational candles and candle holders.

About The Author

Wendy Yeager, Publisher

http://www.wenmarcorp.com/candles-go2

Publish in Whole

mjy222@hotmail.com

The spirit of the Wild West lives on in rustic inspired Western lighting. Light fixtures come adorned with pinecones, antlers and bears, as well as wildlife: trout, deer, elk, and buffalo. For the sportsman or woman, inspirational themed lamps decorated with croquet, snowshoes, bow and arrow, fishing reel, and boat paddles can enhance the décor of a country cabin, farmhouse, or home in the mountains. For a step back to frontier days, wagon wheel chandeliers and tin punched lighting offer unique turn of the century decoration. To get you going on your Western lighting décor consider these three fixture options:

Bear lamps and chandeliers

Generally speaking, these lamps, sconces and chandeliers capture a bear scene: you will find bears and cubs climbing trees or walking among pine trees. Capturing the spirit, bear figures tend to be either 3 dimensional; or one dimensional, decorating the lamp’s shade, base, or both. Look for sconces, vanities and chandeliers with decorative bear scenes cut out of metal. These art fixtures are wonderful and tend to include soft rust finishes and amber mica shades. Bear lamps often include shades made from faux leather.

Wagon wheel chandeliers

These fixtures tend to be made as either authentic or reproduction chandeliers. The difference is obvious: the materials. Authentic wagon wheel chandeliers (up light or down light models) will be made from true antique wagon wheels, whereas reproductions are typically made from a lightweight durable material such as medium density polyethylene. Reproductions (up light or down light models) should come with all the necessary parts: chain, globe or hurricane lights, and light fixture. So what’s the difference? Price! An authentic wagon wheel chandelier will certainly cost you more: could be as much as 4 times the cost of a reproduction. However, with an authentic fixture you gain a true haunt from the past and a great conversation piece.

Antler lighting

Similar to the wagon wheel chandelier above, an antler light fixtures can be purchased as reproduction or authentic. Absolutely no harm is caused to a deer or elk in the creation of an antler lamp or chandelier. Antlers are typically collected on the deer trails where annual antler shedding occurs. If you are choosing an authentic antler fixture expect to spend considerably more than for a reproduction. (Each fixture is unique and handcrafted). Reproduction antler fixtures are made from molds of actual antlers. These pieces tend to be more lightweight (an advantage in many homes).

Nicole Martins is a contributing author and publisher to http://www.chandeliers-and-home-lighting.com an online resource providing you with information, articles of interest and reviews on chandeliers, floor lamps, table lamps and outdoor lighting.

With unlimited possibilities available, table top fountains can add understated beauty or grandeur to any room in your house. Fountains are a worthy investment even for those who hesitate to spend money on aesthetics. Beyond eye-catching appeal, you’ll find that fountains have practical health benefits.

Cascading water reduces stress by bringing a sense of tranquility into a room as it engages the senses—sight, sound, and even smell. Research has shown that moving water can improve air quality by cleansing the room of dust particles and working as a humidifier. Fountains also do the following:

Table Top Fountains soothe the soul with natural outdoor sounds.

Table Top Fountains offer a visually appealing focal point to a family room or home work space.

Table Top Fountains filter sounds like computer noise, a refrigerator hum, or next room telephone conversations.

Table Top Fountains provide aromatherapy when candlelight is included in the design.

Options include table fountains, floor fountains and wall water fountains. You can find a table top fountain to compliment your current decorative choices. Far more interesting than a table lamp and more appealing than a decorative candle holder, these conveniently sized fountains eliminate the mundane. Easy to set up and even easier to maintain, space saving compact designs come in layered slate, granite sculpture, handcrafted wood, or any other material you desire.

Floor fountains compliment larger spaces than table top fountains. Floor fountains are a perfect choice for foyers, rooms with vaulted ceilings, and enclosed patios. Floor fountains make a statement about a space and those who have decorated it. Choose the fountain according to the overall look you are trying to achieve in your decor. For example–antique copper and river rocks present a rustic feel while a full-fledged waterfall makes an exotic impression.

Wall water fountains are the most dramatic fountains of the three. You can mount a wall fountain in a prominent place or build it into a wall. An entire wall can be transformed into a fountain of calm trickling water or a rapidly flowing display. Wall water fountains are often built with aluminum, concrete, river rock, copper, glass, or terra cotta. Features can include planters, light, and mist.

Whether the water flows, trickles, and comes down in a solid sheet of reflection, fountains offer the versatility needed to create a unique home interior. The practical benefits alone make fountains a worthy addition to your interior design.

About The Author

Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart (http://www.onlinediscountmart.com) Please email the author and include an active link to this website if you’d like to use this article.

marketing@4intrepid.com

If you are interested in find an excellent way to give your bathroom a new look is just to simply get some modern looking bathroom cabinets. There is a wide range of products that are very stylish that can match your needs. Bathroom vanity cabinets are characterized by being located above the sink. Many vanities have mirrored doors so it serves the function of both a looking glass and a place for storage. Sink cabinets are the cabinetry you’ll find either directly below the sink area or to the sides below the countertop. Although some sink styles appear more distinguished without this type of cabinet it is a popular favorite, especially for families that need storage space.

Bathroom wall cabinets are just that – cabinets that are hung from bathroom walls that can be used for storage for linens or other medical/toiletry products. They should compliment the other features within the room such as the flooring, the counter tops and sink. You make definitely make this room as stylish as you wish providing you have the time and patience.

Maybe you are in the market for remodeling your current dull bathroom? A nice touch to add might be the thought of an antique bathroom vanity. With the current trend in the real estate boom, many consumers are spending hard earned dollars to renovate an existing room or any other area. Some a simple solution is something like an antique bathroom vanity.

A home renovation project does not have to be expensive. With a little planning you will be sure to save a lot of money. You can definitely find great designs, trends and fixtures in your seeking that antique bathroom look. You can definitely enhance that room with mirrors, faucets and maybe even some really nice tile. Even more today the appearance of a modern home is changing.

Alan Zunec is a successful author and publisher on home decor via tips on Bathroom vanities- and other great bathroom ideas.

Are you ready to redecorate but have a limited budget? Do you have some great furniture but nothing matches? Do you love antiques but not stiff formal decor? Then think Shabby Chic, a fun decorating style that solves all these dilemmas and more.

Shabby Chic is one of the hottest trends in decorating, and for good reason. It is versatile, easy, and inexpensive. Shabby Chic is based on simplicity — simple color themes combined with your favorite furniture and art.

Shabby Chic can be anything you want it to be, and is a great way to bring your personal style to any room. Most Shabby Chic decor is based on a white-on-white or beige-on-beige theme. Soft pastels are often used as accent colors, but with a little creativity, you can add just about any color you want. A classic example of Shabby Chic would be to cover couches and overstuffed chairs with white slipcovers, whitewash your wood furniture and hang white airy curtains. Then hang your favorite painting or artwork in the most prominent place in the room.

Choose one or two colors in the painting as accent colors, and repeat the colors in throw pillows, flowers, soft throw blankets, and candles. Another great feature of Shabby Chic is the worn and well-loved look. That side table that has an interesting shape but has seen better days is perfect for Shabby Chic. Simply whitewash it and put a vase with flowers on top. Better yet, use an old china teapot or your grandmother’s favorite vase for the flowers. It’s the little details like this that make Shabby Chic work so well.

If you’re on a tight budget, Shabby Chic is a great choice. Make your own slipcovers with any durable white or beige fabric, and cover couches and chairs to match. Pick up interesting accessories at yard sales and flea markets, and paint them all the same shade of white. Pull out your favorite pictures and put them in frames painted white or coordinated accent colors. Throw in a few candles, flowers, and pillows, and you’ve got a beautiful Shabby Chic room.

Shabby Chic is also perfect for highlighting single pieces of furniture. Do you have a gorgeous, beloved antique but nothing else that goes with it? Decorate the room in Shabby Chic and let your antique be the center of attention.

Whatever your style, whatever your budget, whatever mismatched furniture you own, there’s a Shabby Chic look for you.

About The Author

Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart (http://www.onlinediscountmart.com). Please email the author and include an active link to this website if you’d like to use this article.

marketing@4intrepid.com

Cottage style is about creating a lifestyle at home that is comfortable for you and your family and welcoming to your friends. So even if you have a football player husband, three sons, and two dogs, with some compromise and ingenuity, you can still have a comfortable cottage style home that suits the whole family. I’m living proof, because my husband and I have personally co-existed happily with this style for years.

8 Tips to Husband-Friendly Cottage Style:

1. Forget Foo Foo. While you might dream of a pink and white ruffled castle laden with flowers, your husband probably does not. Compromise by minimizing ruffles and frills.

2. Color Cozy. Choose three colors for your décor that are favorites of both you and your significant other and that look attractive together. You can vary the intensity of the shades if needed.

3. Neutral Furnishings. Consider choosing solid color upholstery fabrics like beige or cream. You can add color, pattern, and texture by placing pillows and throws on the furniture. These items are inexpensive and can be easily updated when you tire of them, or with the change of seasons.

4. Leather & Loveseat Love. What man doesn’t love a leather recliner and what woman doesn’t hate them?! Compromise by letting him have his leather recliner in his own den while you get your own cozy loveseat in the bedroom or your favorite chair in a quiet corner.

5. Big Screen Savvy. The big screen TV doesn’t have to be the focal point of the living room. Perhaps it can be moved to his den. If the whole family wants it in the family room, put it in an attractive armoire so the doors can be closed when it’s not in use.

6. Happy Us. Create a “Happy Us” wall in your bedroom—a collage of both of your favorite art, family photos, framed memorabilia, and travel photos showing happy scenes of the two of you together. Use a dimmer switch for the lights to create a romantic ambience. A vase of fresh flowers adds a colorful touch of nature. If he nixes florals, put greenery only in a vase.

7. Cottage Collections. Collections and cottage style go hand in hand. Display your teapot collection in a lovely curio cabinet in the living room and his arrowheads showcased in shadow boxes in his den.

8. Let There be Light. If hubby gravitates to dark wooden furniture and you like painted white, combine the two artfully. Choose either light or dark as the predominant finish, and then add accent pieces in the other finish. If you insist on white furnishings, offer to keep the lines clean. If he insists on dark furniture pieces, choose curvy lines for the legs such as Queen Anne or French style.

With some good communication, ingenuity, and loving compromise, you can both enjoy creating fond life memories in your comfy cottage style home.

C2005 Kathryn Bechen.

Visit http://www.kathrynbechendesigns.com for more free ideas and tips for decorating your cottage style home on a dollarwise budget and to sign up for Kathryn’s free e-newsletter of decorating tips and resources. Kathryn is an interior decorating consultant and author who specializes in Cottage Style, Non-Toxic, and Dollarwise decorating.

Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet, it’s the details that really make the elements of a room come together—and decorative plates are a detail present in most rooms. While there are decorative plates that are solely functional in purpose, most have the potential to add to the ambiance of a room. Think about the following wall plate options:

Cover your decorative plates in wallpaper that matches your wall for an understated elegance. You can also use this method to hide outlets on walls that display art.

Wood decorative plates are perfect for a room with a country or colonial flair.

Metal decorative plates come in a variety of textures and materials. Metal wall plates enhance contemporary, Victorian, and rustic decor.

Porcelain decorative plates complement shabby chic, bathrooms, and some Victorian design.

Mirror decorative plates can be used on mirrors, mirrored walls, or even as an eclectic detail in a uniquely decorated room.

Match your decorative plates with cabinets, doorknobs, and furniture hardware. With the wide variety available, you can also tailor them to table lamps and other light fixtures. Since wall plates come in all shapes and sizes, you can match them to the curves of your furniture placement. Matching will cleverly enhance featured pieces in a room without distracting from their appeal.

In addition to decorative plate style, you may want to consider changing the switch itself. Dimmer switches are available as dials, slides, touch pads, and combinations of each. The ability to adjust lighting in each room of your home provides you a way to highlight specific room features or set the appropriate mood.

Decorative plates, often taken for granted, are a versatile design element. They can be romantic, sophisticated, sleek, or fun. First decide what you need your decorative plate to do for a room, and then shop for it as seriously as you would shop for furniture, wall coverings, or carpet.

About The Author

Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart (http://www.onlinediscountmart.com). Please email the author and include an active link to this website if you’d like to use this article.

marketing@4intrepid.com