A Chair You Can Sleep In - Chair Beds

There is no doubt that if you live in the city, apartments are smaller and, unfortunately, much more expensive than in previous decades.

Maximizing space is critical. Thus, thinking in terms of dual-purpose use for each piece you add to your small area is essential.

Did You Know That You Can Get Chairs That Turn Into Beds?

Most of us are accustomed to couches that turn into beds. Rarely do we consider a chair you can sleep in as a guest-sleepover solution.

Of course, a chair you can sleep in doesn't have to be restricted to small apartments. They can easily be used as a guest sleepover solution in multiple rooms of a standard-sized home.

Skip all the mumbo-jumbo and go directly to the product page here. 

Eight Locations in the Home to Consider Adding a Chair You Can Sleep In:

• The baby's room! When mom needs to bunk in with the little one, placing a chair that converts to a bed is the perfect solution, especially with space issues.
• Place a chair bed in your home office. When you're working long hours, you have a place to rest, or when you host company, they have a place to sleep.
• A chair you can sleep in is ideal for the primary bedroom. Whether one half of a couple needs a place to sleep independently from time to time, or a child needs to bunk in with mom and dad, a chair bed solves those issues.
• For those who enjoy the luxury of a gaming or media room, a chair that turns into a bed is a comfortable solution for avid gamers.
• Plan for two of these chairs in your main room or family room, and you automatically get two extra beds when visitors come calling.
• These chair beds are must-haves for studio or small apartments. You automatically have an extra place for sleepover visitors.
• Do you have a she-shed? Does he have a man cave? If so, these adult metaphoric doghouses aren't complete without a proper place to sleep if needed!
• Sunrooms or enclosed patios are a perfect place to add a sleeping chair! 

Unconventional furniture is all the rage. Be sure you consider your space carefully before adding or changing out pieces. When you consider furniture as having a dual purpose, you save money and time in the long run.

These chairs can be moved from room to room - so you'll always be sure to find a place to put them as your life changes. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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A Review of Practical Furniture Items for a Studio Apartment

Practical Furniture Choices for a Studio Apartment

When you're furnishing a studio apartment, every square inch matters.

Choosing items that solve multiple problems is the way to go!

On Funkthishouse, I've featured several space-saving items, and below are three of those suggestions that work for smaller spaces.

1. Chairs That Convert to a Bed

We're all familiar with couches that convert to a bed, however, when space is an absolute premium, you can add a chair that also doubles as a place to sleep.

The designs are interesting! They come in multiple colors and styles. They make a terrific addition to any small room where extra sleeping space is needed.

Use a pullout couch, but instead of a standard chair, add a chair-bed.

Check out the selection of original chair beds here

2. Space Saving Table and Chairs

A studio apartment may not have room for a table and chairs. However, if you're able to squeeze a portable table with chairs into the unit, you'll give yourself another area that can double as a place to work, play, and eat.

Space-saving tables and chairs can be quite compact. Compact sets are designed so the chairs or stools slide entirely under the table section.

Depending on the design, some can rest against the wall, and some are slightly higher in height - like a bar set would be. The taller designs add dimension to a square room. They're usually counter height as well, so they can line up with a kitchen counter so as to create a flush, continuous look.  Be sure to check those out.

Check out the various choices for a small room here

3. Lift Coffee Tables

Have you ever seen these? They're pretty cool! Lift Coffee Tables have tops or sides that lift up so that the top of the table can be used for working or eating. Under the top is storage.

A lift table makes it easier to work or have dinner from the couch. Of course, in a studio apartment, the sofa is a bed, so you'll have to ensure there's a spot for the coffee table when the couch becomes a bed.

By sliding the coffee table alongside the bed, your coffee table becomes a convenient bedside table.

Check out the full range of coffee tables to choose from

Go Vertical with Wall Storage - Floor to Ceiling When Possible

Find a wall that can house a floor-to-ceiling storage cabinet. A practical wall-unit can house the tv, books, photos, and other personal items. Choose one with drawers, then you'll have extra space for clothes.

Quick Summary of Five Basic Pieces for a Studio Apartment:

1. A sofa-bed
2. A chair bed
3. A lift coffee table
4. Compact table with chairs
5. A tall vertical wall unit with drawers

No matter what you include in your apartment, ALWAYS look for items that can double as storage. Storage space is the biggest problem in small rooms - be sure to get ahead of that problem with every piece of furniture you select.

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10 Reasons to Consider a Combination TV Stand and Fireplace

Electric Fireplace TV Stands

Even though we have a gas fireplace in our family room, we've had a combination electric fireplace tv cabinet for several decades. The photo on this page is the actual unit we purchased. 

Ten Reasons to Consider a TV Electric Fireplace Cabinet:

1. A Secondary Heat Source

Currently, this unit is in my office. The room gets chilly in the winter, so this solves that problem. Of course, it houses a TV as well, which is ideal on those days I prefer to work while watching the tube. 

2. To Save Space

If you'd like both a fireplace and a TV in the room but don't have space for it, you'll want to consider a unit like this. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, so you're sure to find one that ties into your existing decor.

3. To Add a Fireplace Where None Exists

If your home or apartment doesn't have a fireplace, it's the ideal solution; you add to

Electric Fireplace TV Stand

in my office

the ambiance, decor, and practicality with one piece of furniture.

4. To Warm Up a Finished Basement/Recreation Room Area

Often times finished basements don't have or can't have a gas fireplace. An electric fireplace solves the problem. It brings additional heat in the room, provides extra storage and of course, is a place for the TV.

5. When You Move, Take it With You

Renters, in particular, benefit from moveable TV Fireplace Stands. Now you don't have to eliminate apartments without fireplaces; just add one of these units, and you'll achieve that cozy feel you're seeking.

6. It's Easily Relocatable

We've had our fireplace tv stand in multiple places in our home over the years. In fact, it was in our master bedroom for over five years before we moved it to my office. Previous to that, it was in the living room. 

7. Add a Gaming System to the Stand

Some tv fireplace stands come with enough room to hook-up a gaming station. In our particular unit, there's a Play Station attached to the TV for kids and grown-ups alike. On the side of the unit are glass doors where we place the controllers and games.

8. Extra Compact Storage Space

Some units come with cupboards and others with convenient storage areas. At the bottom of this article you'll see a link to a page that features various designs and styles; take a look at all the choices.

9. A Fireplace Remote

Ok, pretty much all electric fireplaces come with a remote control. However, it's especially convenient when you're in bed, on the couch or at your desk, and need the heat on! Reach for the remote and start-up your fireplace.

10. It's A Lot More Affordable than Installing a Fixed Fireplace

Although the prices of fireplace tv stands vary from lower to higher ranges, they're less expensive than hiring a contractor to install a gas or electric unit.

Various Designs and Styles

Unfortunately, I can't give you a link to the fireplace unit in our home as it's been there for decades. We've never had a problem with it either. It certainly was worth the money. It cost us approximately $1200.

However, I did put together a collection of various designs and styles from multiple stores. You'll notice there's a broad range in prices, colors, and styles to fit just about any decor theme.

View the TV Electric Fireplace Stands Here.

Just a reminder, if you have little kids or pets, don't let them touch the fireplace! Like any fireplace unit, gas, or electric, it gets hot!

Stay Warm

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How to Make Smaller Rooms Look Bigger

Whether you're selling your home or not, these essential design tips will help you make a smaller room seem bigger.

1. Put a Large Vertical Framed Mirror on the Wall

If you have the wall space, consider featuring an oversized mirror. With 8-foot ceilings, a mirror that's about 5 feet in height by 4 feet wide will make a powerful impact. Of course, the size will have to vary according to the space you have on the wall. The main point is that the mirror impacts the space by reflecting light, furnishings, and colors in the room. Wall mounting a heavy mirror may not be an option, especially for tenants; if that's the case, you can lean it up against a wall. Keep the area around it clear for maximum effect. Here's a free-standing mirror to give you an idea of the look.

2. Don't Block Windows and Doorways with Furniture

This can be a tricky task in a small room. However, put that thinking cap on and consider how to layout the furniture so that windows are left unobstructed. This is especially true for rooms with floor to ceiling windows, patio doors, and longer lower windows, as shown in the photo below.

Although the room featured in the photo below has high ceilings, it's still a small space. The design layout is ideal for the area as the couch, or other furniture doesn't block the window, helping to create an open feel.

3. Hang Your Drapes Floor to Ceiling

This technique is especially useful if your ceilings are standard height or a bit low. By bringing the drapes up to the ceiling, you help eyes to be drawn upwards, which in turn creates a feeling that the room is larger. Take another look at the above photo to see how the homeowners successfully accomplished this with their drapery position.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Add Larger Furniture Pieces

With a smaller room, the natural instinct is to shy away from larger furniture pieces. However, the opposite approach actually works better. Choose one, or maybe two at the most, large items rather than multiple smaller ones. Too many smaller pieces can make a room feel cluttered and disorganized.

5. Go Easy on Accessories

We all love pillows, throw blankets, decorated coffee tables and dresser tops, however, that's a recipe for creating a crowded feeling in a small room. Choose the items you prefer sparingly. Don't be afraid of putting one larger decorative piece on top of a cabinet or dresser. By limiting your decorative accessory choice to one impressive impact-piece, you keep the smaller items in that smaller room to a minimum.

So there you have five easy ways to help make your small room seem bigger. Let's review: 

• Keep the windows open and clear
• Use a large impressive vertical mirror
• Install floor to ceiling drapes
• Add one or two larger furniture pieces
• Limit accessories

How to Make a Smaller Room Look Larger

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5 Steps to Help You Pre-Plan Your Dorm for Maximum Organization and Comfort

5 Steps to help you maximize space in your dorm

If you're planning to live in a Dorm, you already know that managing space is critical to creating a comfortable, livable room.

Step 1 - A Checklist of Needed Items

Before deciding upon how you'll furnish your dorm room, you'll need a college checklist of things to bring. If you don't have a list, there's a convenient ready-to-use list at BigFuture. Their list breaks down suggested items you'll need by category.

Here's a Summary of the Categories on the BigFuture Checklist:

•  Items for the Room's Décor and Storage Considerations
•  Linens and Laundry Supplies
•  Your Office and Desk Supplies
•  Electronics
•  Items You'll be Sharing with a Roommate
•  Toiletries and Clothing 
•  Household and Kitchen Items

Be sure to head over and check out their ready-to-use checklist, it's very detailed. You'll find the site a helpful resource for your college planning.

Step 2 - Acquire a Layout of Your Dorm Room

Take a dorm room photo or acquire a floor plan layout from your college or university. Get or take the measurements of the room itself. Be sure to mark or know where the main door, closet doors and windows are located in the space. Mark them on your photo or floor plan.

Step 3 - Do You Have a Roommate?

You'll know the answer to this fairly quickly. As basic as it sounds, it's critical to maximizing space in your dorm. Determine which items you'll both share and where the dividing line in the room will be. Is the window centrally located and accessible to both or will one of you have the side with a window? How about the closet or hopefully closets?

Step 4 - What Furniture Comes with the Dorm? Can It be Replaced With Your Own?

Is there a bed and a desk in the space? Do you like them? If not, can the school's items be removed and replaced with your own? Does the Dorm come with a mini-fridge and or microwave? If not, can you bring your own?

Step 5 - Where Can You Maximize Storage Space?

Traditionally in dorms, you create storage under the bed or by going vertical. If you want to see how some of the pro's have done it, check out these designs. You'll see ideas for mini-fridge and microwave storage, raised beds to create storage space and hutches above the bed and over a desk.

What Size and Style of Storage Bins or Containers Will Work Best?

Bringing a bunch of storage containers without knowing where they'll go and if they'll fit is unwise. Double check what will work for your dorm's design. The way to do this is by measuring your space, your furnishings, and knowing ahead of time the bed you'll be using.

Here are options for different types of storage items:

•  Over-the-door storage hanging units
•  Under the bed storage containers (what size, how big - check under the bed height)
•  Benches that double as storage
•  Hanging wall storage items
•  Cabinets with storage
•  A hutch over the desk for storage
•  Shelving units for the wall
•  A bed headboard with storage

View a collection of the above items plus many other storage product ideas here.

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Maximizing Space in a Small Living Room

The New Year normally brings about the urge to tidy up and get organized.

3 Ways to Maximize Space in a Small Living Room

If you're working with a small space or have recently downsized, utilizing every nook and cranny is the secret to effective space management.

Going vertical is a smart and common way to use every bit of space in a tiny room. However, choosing furniture with a dual purpose is often the forgotten alternative.

With small space living becoming more popular, you may be surprised that just about every piece of furniture in a home can double as something else.

Below are three examples where you can choose pieces for your room that aren't just pretty, but are also storage and sleeping solutions.

Furniture Pieces that Maximize Space in a Living Room

1. Chairs that Convert to a Bed

You've heard of the pull-out-couch, but have you heard of the pull-out-chair? They come in multiple styles and colors. A chair that converts to a bed is exactly that, it unfolds and becomes an extra place to sleep. If a sofa bed isn't something you want to include in your small living room, but still require an extra place for guests to sleep, then consider including one or more sleeper chairs. You won't be disappointed when you look at the variety of designs available. The styles range from funky and modern to traditional. Be sure to check them out.

2. End Tables that Double as Storage or Filing Cabinets

Trunk end tables are very attractive. Perhaps you've seen some or have one in your home. They come in multiple designs, sizes and color choices.  The boxy industrial appeal to this look make it ideal in a room where substance in accessories is needed. These pieces tend to be solid and heavier in appearance. Place them on the ends of a sofa, or in a corner as a stand alone piece.

You can also get end tables that double as a filing cabinet. If you're furnishing a small apartment, these end tables are perfect as a place to store your most important and used files. Since they don't take up a lot of space, you can put them anywhere in the home or apartment. Like storage trunk end tables, they can be used in pairs or as stand alone furniture pieces.

3. Coffee Tables that Double as a Desk and Storage

Did you know that a coffee table doesn't just have to be a coffee table? Coffee tables that double as a work surface are called lift tables. The tops lift up and you're able to bring them closer to you and use the surface as a work area for your laptop or papers. Best of all, these tables offer storage as well. Each lift table is unique in design and color and the amount of storage available. Choose the one that best fits your space.

In summary, picture a living room featuring all of the above items. You've accounted for extra sleeping space, extra storage space, a place for files, a desk with storage, and all of it discretely blends into one room.

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3 Ways to Increase Sleeping Space when You Have Company

Full Over Full Bunk Beds to Maximize Space

With the holiday season approaching, making room for company can sometimes be a challenge.

If you're looking for practical ways to either increase sleeping space or provide privacy in open areas, here are three product reviews to solve that problem.

Double Bed Bunk Beds

That's right, there is such a thing as full sized beds as bunk beds. Full sized bunk beds provide double the space for kids. They're great for couples with kids, or just as a place for all the children to bunk together.

Two double beds stacked on top of each solve major space issues. With limited space you can provide sleeping arrangements for four people. Again, if you have a young family visiting, sleeping is solved with approximately six feet by seven feet of floor area for the bed itself.

Join Two Single Beds Together to Make a King Sized Bed

Use a Twin Bed Connector to Convert to a King

If all you have are twin beds in a spare room, there's a way to turn two twin beds into a king size bed.

Pushing the twin beds together is not enough: The dip in the middle makes two mattresses abutted against each other difficult to sleep in. That's where a twin-bed-connector comes into play.

With a connector you can remove that dip in the middle as well as secure the mattresses so they don't slip. You can read more about how to do this here.

Find Canopy Tents Here

Put a Canopy Tent Over a Single Bed in an Open Area

If you have an open area in the home with several twin beds (like a dorm room) you can add a Canopy Tent over each of them to give people their own private area without the need for dividers or walls.

They're easy to put up and of course just as easy to remove.

They're also ideal for kids who share a room. It provides privacy without having to go to the expense of redecorating or giving each child their separate room.

Of course, these items work all year around. Plan ahead, and you'll be all set for the holidays.

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7 Creative Ways to Utilize the Space Under Your Staircase

Additional Space Saving Ideas

Photo by Pixabay

When we're doing a re-design or trying to figure out how to add another useable space to our home, rarely do we think to use the open space under our staircase.

So long as there's a floor and wall area under your stairs and you're willing to tackle a re-do, you're only limited by your imagination.

Let's Review Seven Creative Ways to Use Your Staircase Space:

1.  A Pantry - What a Cool Idea

If you've always wanted a kitchen pantry but lacked the space to put one in, your staircase (upper or lower) can serve as the perfect place to store your kitchen goods. Be sure to scroll through the Pinterest board below to check out exactly what it could look like. Have the exterior match your walls, include a door, lighting and put multiple shelves around the space. Include a rolling tray for portability.

2. An Indoor Dog House - Check out the Gorgeous Design Ideas Below

Cut-out a doggy door to create a full fun dog house under the stairs. Finish the space off any way your heart desires. Add a large soft comfy bed for your fur baby, add lighting and decorate the outside wall with your doggy's name and other personal doggie decorating details. Leave it open for Fido or add a mini-doggie-barn-door as featured in one of the doggie stair case rooms below!

3. An Extra Sleeping Area - When Space is at a Max, Make more Space

When guests come to visit, a sleeping station under the staircase can serve as an alternative area for the kids to use when their room is being used by company. The kids will love to cozy-up in the cubbie under the stairs. Add lighting, book shelves, leave it open to the room or add a barn door to close the space off. Be sure to check out the artistic examples featured below in the Pinterest Board.

4. A Desk Working Area or Homework Station - Perfect for Under Lower Level Staircases

Of course you can create a desk station under an upstairs staircase as well. Depending upon the space you're working with, add a smaller desk with shelves above and below, or add a wrap around desk that includes a few chairs so that more than one person can use the space at the same time. Below you'll see several desk-stair design ideas.

5.  A Washroom - When Space is a Premium

When you need an extra washroom but have no idea how to fit it into your limited space, then be sure to assess whether it can be added under the stairs. Assuming plumbing isn't an issue, add a toilet, sink, flooring, trim, a door and décor and you now have another washroom. You'll see an example of washrooms under staircases below as well.

6. A Reading Nook - A Place to Quietly Read and Write

Include a comfy built-in couch with soft cushions, a throw blanket, shelves stacked with your favorite books, adjustable lighting and you're all set! You'll see several examples of just how cozy these areas can be featured in the Pinterest Board below.

7. Storage - There are Many Design Ideas for Extra Storage

Below you'll notice a number of different storage ideas for under the stairs. You can build just shelves, partial shelve or both shelves and drawers. You can finish the look with elegant trim, add doors, or make the storage drawers and shelves pull out for easier access.

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How to Decorate a Small Space Using Color

Funk by Color - Check Out These Colorful Decorating Accessories and Ideas

When we look at a small space, we tend to think 'how will I get everything into it'.

If you've ever watched the TV show 'Tiny Homes', you've seen how small spaces can be maximized, and that yes, it's totally possible to successfully and practically decorate a little room.

But What About Color in a Small Space?

Yes, you don't have to settle for bland colors just because the room is small. You can make it funky and bright without shrinking it's overall feel.

As the above room shows, despite the restricted space, color as well as plenty of storage and functional areas have been creatively combined.

There are key reasons why the color in this room work. Let's discuss several points:

The Walls & Ceiling:

The darker shade of wall color is only on two walls, and most importantly, the small window wall is selected as one of them.

That's a good choice, as a white trimmed window gives the decorator the ability to soften the darker wall. Also, having a window on that darker background lets you introduce a pop of color using draperies. So even though the wall is dark, you're able to soften it with the window itself.

The ceiling and the wall to the left are lighter shades. Yes, you can paint a ceiling a dark color and make it work, however in the case of this space, it wasn't wise. Primarily because the room is small, and you're already putting darker colors on two walls.

In this case, it's best to leave the ceiling white or a very soft light grey along with the opposing wall.  However, you can choose a white ceiling and still go with a light grey for that opposing wall.

The Wall Unit, Bed and Desk:

Notice the sides and interior of the wall unit are white ... that's smart. If the interior of the wall unit had dark shelves and dark background the room would feel and look more closed in. 

By putting color only on the front of the cabinet, and leaving the rest white, you get storage and color without over-powering the space.

Note that the wall unit almost reaches the ceiling, yet it still works in this space. The primary reason for this is the depth of it combined with the simple design. It's sleek, stream-lined appearance allows you to draw your eye upwards giving the illusion that the ceiling is high.

The desk and bed furniture are white. Another wise choice. Although there's no bedding featured in the space, it's best to keep the bedding very light or white. That way, the bright colors along with the dark walls are softened with larger sections of white including the white shelves and desk.

The Room's Accessories:

Other than the bedding, choose color. Although the area rug is wonderfully loud with it's artwork and color, the room needs it.

With solid colored walls, floors, and bedding, the rug is a perfect place to feature funkiness. In fact, if you're able to find the rug first, you can draw colors from the rug itself to determine the overall palette of the room.

Use color in the lights, pillows,  drapes, bean bag chairs, photo frames, or a shelf or two as featured in the photo.

Texture - that's right, there's texture in this space: The pillows, the rugs, the green chair cover and the drapes provide texture. Without it, the room would feel stark. So go ahead and choose a bright textured rug - you could even choose a thicker shag rug.

Lastly, Your Color Palete:

That's easier than you think. If you're pulling colors from a rug, stay in the family of colors featured in that rug.

Another way to choose color is to select two colors as was done above (which happen to be in the rug) - blue and green - then allow the walls and floor to act as the neutral base, and always always add a third and/or forth color in the rest of the accessories. That helps to soften the feeling of the room. When you only select two primary colors, a space can feel more monochromatic and cold.

The above room is small and colorful but feels warm and inviting - that's because of the bright complimentary colors chosen for the accessories.

Don't let small spaces hold you back - let your funky side out.

Happy Decorating!

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A Coffee Table Desk - When a Regular Desk is Too Much

Coffee Table Desk, & More Here

When you just don't have the space to incorporate a typical office in your home, or simply want a second place to do your work, a Coffee Table Desk is an ideal solution.

A Review - The Top 10 Benefits of a Coffee Table Desk

1. The obvious benefit is the space saving aspect. A coffee table desk allows you to include a working surface in your living or family room without having to bring in another piece of furniture.

2. You're able to save money by incorporating two pieces of furniture into one.

3. You can also find coffee table desks that include built-in storage thus giving that designated square footage triple use. Store your office supplies inside your coffee table desk.

4. It's not only a desk to do your own work on, it's also a place for the kids to do their homework, or their fun creative projects.

5. The elevated surface gives you a way to have your coffee cup in a more convenient reach AND go ahead and eat dinner in front of the TV without a hassle.

My family room
has space for a desk in the corner.
However, a Coffee Table Desk
is another viable solution.

6. Some designs give you storage, a coffee table, and a desk combined. Despite all of this built-in convenience, the looks are sleek and easily blend with existing decor.

7. Prices range as do quality and design. If you need a more expensive elaborate piece, there are many to choose from. Or if you simply require a basic solution, there are designs with prices that reflect that purpose as well.

8. When you plan to redecorate and no longer require your coffee table desk in the room, its versatility allows you to transfer it to just about any other room in the home. Or go ahead and pass it along to a young adult for their first apartment or dorm.

9.  Many designs still offer an open bottom; something that's important in a small room. Closed full bottom coffee tables make a room look smaller. However, if your room is larger, go ahead and choose a fully closed-bottom coffee table desk. Many of the closed-in designs offer numerous built-in drawers.

10. And lastly, life is too short not to decorate your home the way your want!

You can check out additional coffee table desk designs here, where you'll find pieces ranging from traditional to modern.

Happy Funky Decorating :)

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Pull Up Christmas Tree for Time Saving and Small Places

Pre-Lit Pull Up Christmas Tree Here
More Design Reviews as Well

Christmas time is often a mad rush.

Finding a way to navigate our schedules during the month of December can be an exercise in creative thinking.

With so much to do, planning to put up our Christmas Tree or more than one Christmas Tree can take up as much as an afternoon, evening, or even multiple days.

Yet most of us look forward to this time and make family memories while doing it. Whether it's watching holiday specials, sipping on cocoa, or basking in the aroma of baking cookies while we do all the trimmings ... all of it is something we know we'll look back on as memorable life moments.

HOWEVER .... When Space & Time Get In the Way .... Here's the Solution:

Pull Up Pre-Lit Christmas Trees

Did you know you can get a pre-lit pull up Christmas Tree that's fully decorated and that folds down small enough to fit in a storage bag?

Not only that, they make them in various styles, sizes, colors and designs.

The best part of pre-lit pull up Christmas Tree is that it's a tree you'll have for almost a lifetime. It will grow and shrink with your lifestyle. When you need or want multiple trees in your home for Christmas, several pull-up trees offer a convenient solution.

When you're a little older and you need to downsize, just put up your pull-up tree and you're good to go! After-all, they're not only practical, they're perfect for smaller spaces.

Check out the various design options here!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all, .... a good decorating experience.

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Furniture That Doubles for You and Your Pet

Aquarium Coffee Table
Two Solutions in One

Did You Know You Can Find Furniture that Doubles as Home Decor for You, and Provides a Space for Your Pet?

These days living space, particularly in urban centers, is at a premium.

As an example, at the time of writing, the average price of a 1 bedroom apartment with under 700 square feet of living space in New York City is generally over $3000 per month.

Certainly those living in apartments find themselves struggling to allocate space for their pets. Heck, we're in a good sized home and struggled to find practical room for our doggie without compromising our home's overall decor.

For those who are sticklers about flow and decorating coordination, there are furniture items that double as a space for pets as well as serve a purpose for our own use.

An Aquarium Coffee Table:

Well, aren't these cool! When you visit this product's link above, you'll notice they come in coffee table or end table designs.

You can use an end-table fish tank on either side of a bed or couch, or just use the coffee table design in a main room. Granted, these items can be pricey, however, they're meant to solve space issues as well as create interest and house our fishy pets.

A Coffee Table Pet House &
Additional Designs Featured Here

The lovely added benefit of a coffee table fish tank is the beautiful relaxing water and ambient lighting they provide. Essentially, they're a constant night light.

They not only work for residential properties, but are also an excellent idea for business foyers or as added interest and decor in an elaborate office.

End Tables that Double as Beds for Cats or Dogs:

This is a fantastic solution when finding a bed space for your fur baby is an issue.

When your home doesn't practically allow for your pet's bed, coffee table pet cubbies solve the problem.

Many of us who have or have had pets know they often sleep under the table, and most certainly YOU CAN create your own pet bed directly under any open table.

However, if you need an enclosed space for your pet that features a door, there are several lovely coffee table pet designs to choose from. You can see some of these additional choices when you visit the above linked photo featuring a coffee table pet house.

If you have dog cages in your home to house your pet for a few hours while you're out or at bedtime, you know only too well how these items can disrupt the overall look of a room.

That's where lovely coffee table cages provide the perfect solution: They'll blend with the design of your room and provide a lovely dog/cat house for your pet.

There are always solutions for creative space management - Check out these additional ways you can maximize space for just about anything in the home:

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How to Change the Look and Feel of a Room Without Spending a Fortune

A Simple Facelift to our Washroom: A paint job,
new accessories, de-cluttering and cleaning
Total Cost: $150

If you live in a place where changing seasons are a part of life, you know exactly what it means to 'feel the coming change in the air'.

You probably find it hard to explain to someone who's never experienced this artful conversion, what it does to the senses, and how it unwittingly triggers a multitude of emotions within us.

How Changing Seasons Get Us Thinking About Changing our Homes or at the Very Least, Changing Our Decor

Since, at the time of writing this, Spring is on it's way, typically many urges hit us. Some of them include renewal, freshness, cleanliness, and in the case of selling and buying a home, the urge for a new beginning. However, before you jump into the often exhausting process of selling a home, read this article to test your resolve.

So How Can You Make Changes in Your Decor Without Dropping Big Bucks?

Here are Four simple, inexpensive decor ideas:

1. Add an Area Rug to a Room: If you have a room with tile or hardwood flooring, changing your existing rug, or adding one where one never existed, can dramatically change the look and feel of the space. You may be thinking that Area Rugs are just too expensive, however, be sure to check out these very popular and affordable rugs, you'll be surprised by the big bang you get for your buck!
2. Clean and De-Clutter Your Space: This one change costs nothing but time and effort. Stand back from your room and take stock at what's in your room, and make a decision to remove any pieces of furniture and knick-knacks that seem to overwhelm the space.
3. Re-Arrange Your Space: This makes the biggest change. Take a look at your space; look at the position of the window, the door(s),  and how the traffic in the space flows, then change the space by keeping 'traffic flow' in mind. In other words, don't block any area where people would naturally walk as they enter, with furniture. This small technique will visually increase the size of your space and also give your room a greater sense of openness. 
4. Add Accessories to Warm Up the Room: Point number two talks about de-cluttering, but that doesn't mean you have to remove every single decorative accessory. The items that generally add to the 'feel' of a space are Throw Blankets and Pillows. Without over doing it, sparingly include these items and you'll absolutely soften the space. 

There are many other ways to change the look and feel of a room without spending money, as well as an endless supply of DIY projects you can tackle, however, before you jump into these more complex tasks, start by using what you have - look around your house, re-use pieces from another room - creatively use the pieces you already own! 

Change doesn't have to involve spending a fortune!

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak

Funkthishouse.com

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Creative Storage Solutions for the Bathroom

Creative Toilet Paper Storage Idea

With the newer, more modern designs of Bathrooms, storage space for toiletries can be at a premium.

Even when, at first glance, there seems to be quite a bit of storage in the washroom, once we start filling the cupboards, there never seems to be enough.

Creative storage solutions for the bathroom means thinking outside of the box.

Toilet Paper Storage for a Small 2 Piece Washroom

In a small 2 piece washroom, there may be a little bit of cupboard space, or if there's a pedestal sink, no cupboard space. Hmmmm...What to do????

When storage is limited, I've come up with a creative

Inside View - Neat & Tidy

solution:

I had an old standing vase from way-back-when, that I decided to use in my main washroom to store toilet paper. 

We do have a cupboard in the washroom under the sink, but that's being used for other items. By having the toilet paper in the vase, the cupboard has room for many other items instead.

If you don't have an old vase to use, you can always pick one up at a flea-market or via online or local shopping. 

However, don't limit yourself to just a vase, any type of decorative storage container about 2 feet tall, that's quite narrow, will work.

Additional Storage Ideas for the Washroom

You can also acquire a bathroom floor storage cupboard system. As you'll see here, there are numerous designs, colors and styles to choose from. Be sure to check them out.

Some come in extremely narrow designs (approximately 6" wide) so they're able to fit in that small space beside the toilet. 

Other style options are slightly larger, as well as being designed for corners. If your washroom has unused corner space, consider a corner storage cabinet. Most offer small counter surface enabling you to put something decorative (or practical) on top of it.

When you're doing this year's spring cleaning, remember to think creatively when it comes to storage. In fact, if you're getting the itch to sell your home, try re-organizing a room before you jump through that very large hoop! It may even scratch that itch for change.

by Barbara Tremblay Cipak

Funkthishouse.com 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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How to Visually Increase the Size of Windowless Room

Faux French Door - See more here

Last week we talked about three affordable ways to increase the size of a room, and today we'll talk about how to trick the mind so you won't feel caged in a windowless room.

The three previous suggestions were to use a faux window, 3D Scenery Drapes or Mirrors. Today we'll add three new ideas to the mix. 

Although your first choice should be a faux window, here are a few other ideas to consider:

Faux French Doors

Yes, that's right you can easily feature double french doors in your space, without so much as picking up a hammer and banging a nail into the wall!

Faux door wall graphics, usually made of easy to put-up vinyl or a pre-pasted material, are very effective. You'll have to read the directions, and patiently approach the project, but the overall completed look makes it all worth while.

Suggested Tip: If you paint the walls to coincide with the actual faux doors you're putting up, you can easily create a seamless visual effect by choosing a wall color that will blend or compliment the doors. 

Animals Bursting Through Your Walls

3D Animals Bursting through the Wall

These are so creative! Do you know anyone who has 3D animal art on their wall? Probably not, so get ready, you're going to make an impression when your guests see this!

By using 3D wall art to create the illusion of something busting into the room, you automatically trick the mind into believing the room has been opened to the outdoors.

Best of all, this unique approach provides a decorating foundation to use when adding accessories; add animal pillows, throws or rugs and all of a sudden you have a theme going!

A Faux Bookshelf

Where a real bookshelf takes up too much space in a small room, a faux bookshelf takes up no space! 

If an actual faux shelf isn't your cup of tea, there are many other book wall decals you can choose from and most have a three dimensional look: Some feature a dog with a stack of books, others just a stack of books that look so real you'll reach out to touch them, and some are designed as sketches. Visit the link above to see examples of these.

There you have it, three more creative ideas you can use to visually increase the size of a windowless room. 

Featured Photo: 3D Faux Book Wall - Via Amazon

Stay Open!
by Funkthishouse.com

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Three Affordable Ways to Visually Increase the Size of a Room

Find This Window and Additional Choices Here

With real estate at a premium in many locations and rent equally expensive, numerous apartments and homes have smaller rooms, or at least one room that's not an ideal size. 

Don't despair, here are three affordable ways to visually increase the size of a room:

Use a Faux Window Decal

Three dimensional wall decals come in a variety of funky design choices, including actual faux windows with scenery.

Put up a fake window without the hassle of having to use wood by using vinyl wall decals instead. There are an endless choice of 'views'; choose from snow scenery, mountain scenery, beach scenery to Halloween horror scenery! The 3D effect creates automatic depth.

Use Draperies with 3D Designs

Find 3D Curtains with Scenery Here

Drapes with scenery are another option. Again, much like 3D Faux Windows, these drapes come in a large variety of landscape choices. 

Go ahead and use them in a room with no windows. Just put the drapes up, keep them closed and they'll serve a double purpose; they create the illusion that a window is behind them and by keeping them constantly closed they also provide faux depth with their three dimensional designs.

Use Mirrors

This isn't a new trick, but it's always effective. Feature a large mirror on the wall above a piece of furniture. In fact, you could also install a wall-to-wall mirror. 

If a large mirror isn't something you're interested in, try mirrored accessories, such as a wall clock. Essentially anything that goes on the wall that has a mirror built into it will help to create depth.

Choose from these three simple suggestions and your room will seem larger to anyone who enters. You've tricked the eye by creating depth.

by Funkthishouse.com

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Bunk Beds With Stairs and Storage

For those who have a large family, bunk beds with stairs and storage are ideal for combining practical space saving with creative and unique designs

Most of us are learning to go vertical to save space, especially when we have kids who share a room. 

Well there's no need to settle for just a standard bunk bed or twin bed system any longer; you can combine beds with dressers and desks and save space all at the same time.

If you're living in an apartment you'll love the idea of bunk beds with stairs and storage! Even a very small room can benefit from vertical decor.

Here are Several Styles of Bunk Beds to Consider when trying to Save Space:

1. Twin over Twin with stairs/desks/
2. Twin over Double with stairs/desk
3. 3 in 1 Beds - Twin over Twin/Double with a Trundle

There's no need to look at an 8ft by 10ft space and think

Loft Beds for Adults

horizontally! Here are some visual tips to help you along the vertical decorating process:

1. Measure the room or gain a sense of it's size before you start anything
2. Determine which wall would best suit a Bunk Bed system
3. Assess whether a bunk bed system with stairs would interfere with the flow of the room
4. If the staircase is positioned out of the path of the door, and wouldn't block the closet or window, that should be the place you decide to work with
5. Get the measurements of the bunk bed units you like best
6. Cut a piece of string the length of each side of the bunk bed system - that string will be used on the floor to create a visual aid of the area it will take up
7. Don't forget to mark the height of the unit on the wall (in chalk or a piece of masking tape) 
8. Be sure that the bunk will be positioned away from any ceiling fans or light fixtures
9. Now stand back and look at the area the string on the floor and the marker on the wall take up, and decide whether the bed system you're choosing will work
10. If you've decided upon a 3 in 1 bed system (a Trundle too), don't forget to allow for floor clearance so the trundle bed can be pulled out

In Regards to Dressers:

If the unit you're selecting has built-in dressers, be sure to allow for clearance for when the drawers are pulled out. 

Here's a Useful Tip (One I've implemented in every bedroom of my own home)

How to Get Use from Your Old Dressers!

If you find that the built-in dressers of a bunk bed system aren't enough, and you don't want to buy additional dressers, but have old ones - put the old dressers in the closet. 

By using your own old dressers in your closets, you'll get a closet organizer without having to spend big bucks having one custom designed! 

This is easy to do! Measure the dresser and the closet first to be sure the depth of the dresser will fit inside the closet. Position the dresser inside the closet so that when the closet doors are opened, there's clearance to open the dresser drawers. You may have to be creative to get everything to fit neatly, but that's the fun part!

If you're fortunate enough to have a walk-in closet, they're a perfect place to use old dressers.

You Can Find a Wide Selection of Bunk Beds with Stairs, Loft Beds, and Space Saving Beds Here 

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Creative Storage Solutions for Small Laundry Rooms Using Laundry Sorting Bins & Other Functional Ideas

Laundry Storage Bins

Do You Struggle with Trying to Find Ways to Utilize the Space in Your Home Efficiently? Whether it's a laundry sorting bin, or laundry baskets, they both have to be positioned to organize a small space for it's highest and best use

It seems for as long as I can remember, I've had to learn how to make small spaces efficient. Most of the homes I've lived in over the years have not had a large laundry room. In fact, my current home has an 'efficient' laundry room; featured here are photos so you can see exactly how I've had to deal with that very compact part of the house.

If you have a small laundry room, it's imperative to use a laundry sort.

You just can't afford to heap and pile clothes on the floor when floor area is a commodity

My Laundry Room Storage Solution

We have this exact problem, and have solved it by strategically positioning two laundry sorting bins in the space.

The two bins give us five sorting areas. When we bring a basket to the laundry room, we simply sort it immediately into those five slots; that way, nothing is left piled on the floor to trip over and crowd the room. We put the loads of wash in from those bins.

Don't forget to measure the width of the space you have to work with. We had limited space so I had to make sure the width of the laundry sorting bins would work. We used a two-sort bin in one space and a three sort bin in the other.

 Your Laundry Room is Small, Use the Walls

When you can't spread out horizontally, go vertical. You'll notice in the two photos of my own laundry room, what I did. Since the space is small, I didn't want cupboards on the wall, as I thought that would close the space in even more.

The Other Side of My Small Laundry Room

What we did do was put Ikea shelves and an Ikea sorting shelf bin on the wall. The Ikea Shelf Bin was from the kid's storage area in Ikea. 

By putting shelves on the wall, I'm able to put my empty baskets there, and as the laundry is pulled out of the dryer, I can fold it then place it directly in an empty basket so it can make it's way upstairs. Then, once emptied, the baskets go back on the shelf.

Also, I needed a spot to put hang-to-dry clothes: put a storage bracket over the laundry sink to do this.

It's serves a dual purpose; it's a wire hanging rack/shelf enabling us to hang things from the rungs underneath and store items on top on the shelf if needed. Plus, with it being an open-wire-rack, it doesn't close the space in.

Our laundry room is very small, so if I can do it, you can do it! In fact, I'm such a fan of maximizing small spaces I have a Pinterest Board that focusses solely on that called 'Creative Storage Solutions':

Follow Barbara Tremblay Cipak's board Creative Storage Solutions on Pinterest.

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