When redecorating your room, you may be faced with looking for new lampshades (or perhaps a lampshade you currently have has gotten damaged). So why not make your own!
If your lamp currently has a lampshade on it, half of the battle is already won! You have a base to start building your new shade. When selecting a material for your new shade, you can use paper, fabrics, plastic, or any heat-resistant material. Do keep in mind though, that the surface of a 100-watt light bulb can reach over 200 degrees and could cause a fire hazard. Make sure the material you choose for a lampshade is either far enough from the light bulb, or is fire-resistant.
Next, have fun! Take a trip to your local craft store or fabric store and get some ideas for your fabric or other material for your shade. Remember, the more transparent the material, the more the color of your light will change by the material. If you use a lightweight, transparent green sheer material, your finished lamp will give off a greenish glow. On the other hand, a heavy piece of velvet (or how about some thin strips of tree bark) won’t allow much light through at all. Light will escape from the top or bottom of the lamp only. Keep this in mind as you plan your new lampshade.
To begin making your new lampshade, you will need the measurements of the current shade. If possible, take the old shade apart by carefully cutting it along it’s seams. You can then use this as a template for your new lampshade. However, don’t be stifled by the old shade! You can easily create an entirely new look with a piece of rigid wire, bending it into a new shape for a new shade. In this case, making a new cover may be a little trickier, but the process is the same. Simply cover the lampshade frame with your material. For fabric you can sew the seams or glue it. The same is true for other materials. If the glue is far enough away from the light bulb, you can even use hot melt glue.
The best part of making your own lampshades is that if you don’t like your creation, or you redecorate your room, you can quickly and inexpensively make a new lampshade.
About The Author
Dean Novosat holds a degree in Scenery and Lighting Design from Frankling & Marshall College and he uses his knowledge and experience with theatrical lighting in the home. He feels the home is just a blank canvas or stage that we choose to live in! He is the webmaster of http://www.only-lamp-shades.com and he enjoys using light in unique and different ways in the home.
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
by: John Murray
If you are in the market for new carpets or area rugs you've got thousands of carpets to choose from. However sometimes things just don't seem to fit and you can't seem to find that right carpet. You may need to think about custom rugs. So what do custom rugs have to offer?
1. Size
Custom rugs can made to fit any size no matter how unusual the size might be. You can also get custom area rugs made as well. Some houses just weren't built for the traditional carpet off the roll and even with seaming as an option but if you need too many seams it may not be an option you care to use. Custom rugs are certainly worth considering.
2. Color
Are you trying to match a home decor shade that just seems impossible with off the roll carpet. Not a problem! With custom rugs you can have an exact match to the colors you are working with. High tech matching equipment will determine the colors in your room and find a lighter or darker shade that's appropriate to get that look you are trying to achieve.
3. Pattern
Who would have thought with all those patterns available on the market you still can't find exactly what you are looking for. It's more common than you might think and that's why manufacturers offer custom rugs. If you just can't accept the off the roll patterns then draw up what you want including the colors you want and they'll be able to make it exactly to your requirements.
4. Texture
Found the perfect color but can't find it in the right texture. No problem. That's an easier custom job than you might think. After all they already have the dye color in their standard off the roll products so now they just need to apply it to the appropriate texture carpet you are looking for. The only problem you might run into is that the dye is not compatible with the fabric of the texture you are looking at.
5. Fabric
Did you find the perfect carpet but it's only available in a synthetic and due to allergies you need it in a Berber or wool carpet. No problem. A custom rug can be built using the carpet you found that you like but out of a natural material of your choice.
6. Shape
Looking for an unusual shape. Need a triangle and all you can buy is an octagon. A custom rug can be cut to any shape you need and they can make sure patterns and designs match up correctly.
Custom rugs give you choices that simply are not available off the roll. That said if you are in the market for custom rugs or carpet realize that they are going to cost more than off the roll. How much more will depend a great deal on what your custom requirements are. However if you just have to have that perfect rug there is no better option than custom rugs. Why settle for anything less when you can have exactly what you want!
About The Author
John Murray makes it easy to go through the carpet buying process and provides tips to keep your carpet lasting long. To learn more and receive your free mini-course visit: http://www.carpets-guide.com.
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
If you are in the market for new carpets or area rugs you've got thousands of carpets to choose from. However sometimes things just don't seem to fit and you can't seem to find that right carpet. You may need to think about custom rugs. So what do custom rugs have to offer?
1. Size
Custom rugs can made to fit any size no matter how unusual the size might be. You can also get custom area rugs made as well. Some houses just weren't built for the traditional carpet off the roll and even with seaming as an option but if you need too many seams it may not be an option you care to use. Custom rugs are certainly worth considering.
2. Color
Are you trying to match a home decor shade that just seems impossible with off the roll carpet. Not a problem! With custom rugs you can have an exact match to the colors you are working with. High tech matching equipment will determine the colors in your room and find a lighter or darker shade that's appropriate to get that look you are trying to achieve.
3. Pattern
Who would have thought with all those patterns available on the market you still can't find exactly what you are looking for. It's more common than you might think and that's why manufacturers offer custom rugs. If you just can't accept the off the roll patterns then draw up what you want including the colors you want and they'll be able to make it exactly to your requirements.
4. Texture
Found the perfect color but can't find it in the right texture. No problem. That's an easier custom job than you might think. After all they already have the dye color in their standard off the roll products so now they just need to apply it to the appropriate texture carpet you are looking for. The only problem you might run into is that the dye is not compatible with the fabric of the texture you are looking at.
5. Fabric
Did you find the perfect carpet but it's only available in a synthetic and due to allergies you need it in a Berber or wool carpet. No problem. A custom rug can be built using the carpet you found that you like but out of a natural material of your choice.
6. Shape
Looking for an unusual shape. Need a triangle and all you can buy is an octagon. A custom rug can be cut to any shape you need and they can make sure patterns and designs match up correctly.
Custom rugs give you choices that simply are not available off the roll. That said if you are in the market for custom rugs or carpet realize that they are going to cost more than off the roll. How much more will depend a great deal on what your custom requirements are. However if you just have to have that perfect rug there is no better option than custom rugs. Why settle for anything less when you can have exactly what you want!
About The Author
John Murray makes it easy to go through the carpet buying process and provides tips to keep your carpet lasting long. To learn more and receive your free mini-course visit: http://www.carpets-guide.com.
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
You are looking through the window at the crystal clear, sparkling water running over the waterfall into the pool. People are smiling in the pool and around it in the beautiful landscaping around the pool. This isn't a dream, it is your backyard!
Fiberglass pools are mostly constructed on an upside down mold and a gel coat is applied to the inside surface for the smoothness and color. Steps are also are also built as part of the shell. Fiberglass is then laminated over gel coat to desired thickness. Generally, your yard is excavated, plumbing installed, sand contoured to fit around shell is poured, the concrete deck around the pool is completed, and then the pool in installed.
There are different sizes and shaped to choose from. It may not be a large selection as these pools are large and mass produced. Once the pool is completed you can add the beautiful landscaping, slide, and diving board. Now is the time to relax in your own back yard!
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Fiberglass pools are mostly constructed on an upside down mold and a gel coat is applied to the inside surface for the smoothness and color. Steps are also are also built as part of the shell. Fiberglass is then laminated over gel coat to desired thickness. Generally, your yard is excavated, plumbing installed, sand contoured to fit around shell is poured, the concrete deck around the pool is completed, and then the pool in installed.
There are different sizes and shaped to choose from. It may not be a large selection as these pools are large and mass produced. Once the pool is completed you can add the beautiful landscaping, slide, and diving board. Now is the time to relax in your own back yard!
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
Today’s kitchen can become a complete entertainment center thanks to a sleek kitchen and bar furniture, including a breakfast area with a stylist breakfast bar and bar stools. Many people remodel their kitchens to accommodate a small bar area where they can grab a bite to eat before work or entertain friends with cocktails at a dinner party.
The kitchen has become more than a place to cook due to new technologically advanced appliances and less traditional furniture. Space-saving appliances such as ovens and microwaves combined not only reduce cooking time but save a lot of space too.
With more space, smart homeowners have more space to accommodate an additional seating area to satisfy their entertaining style. It could be another table, a counter with stylish bar stools, or even a couple of lounge chairs.
If you decide to create a little bar area in your kitchen, you need to find the best location for it. Many people disassemble one wall and install a bar counter instead, or leave two pillars and a four-foot riser to be used as a counter. The bar area should not block the traffic in the kitchen. That’s why the best location for it is near the wall, or if that’s not possible, then on an island in the middle of the kitchen.
A bar counter in the middle of the kitchen requires some space around it for comfortable seating and allow the kitchen to function properly. Don’t fall prey for tricky salespeople who may try to sell you a counter with cabinets bigger than your kitchen can accommodate! The access corridor around the bar area should not be less than 3 ft wide.
Luckily, contemporary bar stools require much less space than their traditional counterparts usually seen in restaurants and pubs. Bar stools for home use are much lighter and more artistic in color and style. Since people spend less time at their home bar than behind a table, contemporary bar stools are usually backless or have a very low ergonomically designed back. The most popular ones are swivel, with sturdy legs. Contemporary bar stools can be made of aluminum, fiberglass, or metal.
There are many bar stool options available on the internet. Customers can choose specific heights, colors, wood color and type and seating fabrics for bar stools creating full custom sets. Customers can also choose from free samples of fabrics and other upholstery types, finishes and wood samples. This way, you can have a set of bar stools to perfectly match your current home style. There are web sites that allow you to send in your own fabric to be used as upholstery for the bar stool set.
A great finishing touch to your bar area is to install a radio or small TV in to watch while you cook, eat a quick meal or relax over drinks.
About The Author
Kathryn Whittaker writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Bar Stools please visit http://www.bar-stools-guide.com/ and for additional Bar Stool articles please visit the following article page http://www.bar-stools-guide.com/barstools-articles/.
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
All Hallows Eve...lighting for a fun and festive fright night!
by: Regina Dewall
The kitchen bar stools in your home may be among the most used seats in the house. It’s not uncommon to see a child sitting there doing their homework while mom or dad is preparing breakfast or dinner. Often, while leaving the "at work" mode and entering the "at home" mode, the kitchen bar stool is a convenient place to sit and sort the mail while having a snack or drink. Good friends will often sit on the bar stools in the kitchen in order to converse with us better as we finish getting a meal ready, and then the children will take over the bar stools as the adults move to the dinning table for the meal.
As homes with larger kitchens have become more and more popular, many homes now have a kitchen/dining area with overhang counters. Thus the kitchen bar stool has become increasingly more popular.
There are many designs to choose from. In fact, there are so many different kinds of kitchen bar stools, that it can become a challenge to decide which style is best for you. How tall should they be? Should they have a back? Should they have arms? Should they swivel? Should your kitchen bar stools be made of wood, metal, wrought iron, or something else? The answers to some of these questions are easy to determine while others are purely choices of preference.
Here are a few tips on selecting the "right" kitchen bar stools:
As mentioned above, most kitchen bar stools get a lot of use, and that means a lot of abuse! So you may want to select stools that are made of materials that can withstand the inevitable. For kitchen use, avoid stools that are made from soft woods, this is especially true if the stools have a back or arms. With the high volume of traffic that many kitchens get, these stools would get scratched very quickly. You might consider wrought iron, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, or a hard wood.
Generally, it is recommended to allow 12 inches from the top of the stool cushion to the bottom of the counter or table. If you select kitchen bar stools with arms, make sure the top of the arms will slide under the table or counter. The cushions for your stools should be able to handle regular use. If you choose either leather or vinyl for your kitchen bar stool cushions, avoid the temptation to get a thin grade.
When choosing kitchen bar stools, think outside the kitchen. In other words, where else might the stools be used? Might they be used in the TV or game room on occasion? If this is something you expect to happen, select a stool that is light enough to be easily moved. The heavier they are, the more likely they are to be dragged over your floors.
In our fast paced lives, we don’t often sit down at the table to eat. Instead of carrying food to the table, we grab the nearest stool and have a quick bite on our way out in the morning. We often do the same thing when we are coming home in the evening, since we often have to turn around and go back out.
Truly the humble kitchen bar stool isn’t just for breakfast anymore!
About The Author
Regina Dewall writes about tips on selecting kitchen counter and bar stools. To read more tips from Regina, visit the Bar Stool Buying Guide.
LuxuryBarStools.com
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
As homes with larger kitchens have become more and more popular, many homes now have a kitchen/dining area with overhang counters. Thus the kitchen bar stool has become increasingly more popular.
There are many designs to choose from. In fact, there are so many different kinds of kitchen bar stools, that it can become a challenge to decide which style is best for you. How tall should they be? Should they have a back? Should they have arms? Should they swivel? Should your kitchen bar stools be made of wood, metal, wrought iron, or something else? The answers to some of these questions are easy to determine while others are purely choices of preference.
Here are a few tips on selecting the "right" kitchen bar stools:
As mentioned above, most kitchen bar stools get a lot of use, and that means a lot of abuse! So you may want to select stools that are made of materials that can withstand the inevitable. For kitchen use, avoid stools that are made from soft woods, this is especially true if the stools have a back or arms. With the high volume of traffic that many kitchens get, these stools would get scratched very quickly. You might consider wrought iron, stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, or a hard wood.
Generally, it is recommended to allow 12 inches from the top of the stool cushion to the bottom of the counter or table. If you select kitchen bar stools with arms, make sure the top of the arms will slide under the table or counter. The cushions for your stools should be able to handle regular use. If you choose either leather or vinyl for your kitchen bar stool cushions, avoid the temptation to get a thin grade.
When choosing kitchen bar stools, think outside the kitchen. In other words, where else might the stools be used? Might they be used in the TV or game room on occasion? If this is something you expect to happen, select a stool that is light enough to be easily moved. The heavier they are, the more likely they are to be dragged over your floors.
In our fast paced lives, we don’t often sit down at the table to eat. Instead of carrying food to the table, we grab the nearest stool and have a quick bite on our way out in the morning. We often do the same thing when we are coming home in the evening, since we often have to turn around and go back out.
Truly the humble kitchen bar stool isn’t just for breakfast anymore!
About The Author
Regina Dewall writes about tips on selecting kitchen counter and bar stools. To read more tips from Regina, visit the Bar Stool Buying Guide.
LuxuryBarStools.com
Improving your home and your life only at Home Improvement Idea : http://home-improvement-idea.blogspot.com
