Affordable design ideas for every room in your home: Dining room, part 2

In addition to the topics we discussed in our last post (creating your own centerpiece and painting the walls), mirrors can also make a big difference in the design of your dining room. Read on to find out more.

Mirror, mirror. If you are into feng shui, then you know that mirrors in your dining room are said to bring fortune and wealth. If you’re not into feng shui, then a mirror in your dining room will still bring style! There are so many options available when it comes to mirrors: framed mirrors, round mirrors, square mirrors, tall mirrors, small mirrors. You get the picture. Figure out what type of mirror or mirrors you want for your dining room, then visit some thrift stores, estate sales, or even look around your own home for an old mirror that you can have framed to hang on the wall. You may also want to look into hanging an array of different sized mirrors on one of the walls in your dining room for a more eclectic look. Mirrors will make the space look larger than it is, reflect and deflect lighting, and add some elegance to the space.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Affordable design ideas for every room in your home: Dining room

We’ve conquered the bedroom and the living room, now it’s on to the dining room! Dining rooms are often a home’s last-designed room because they typically are used the least. However, a well-designed dining room can really help amp up your home’s style. Check out our ideas for putting together an affordable dining space.

Make your own centerpiece. Is your dining room table looking a little bare? No need to spend money on fancy flower arrangements or expensive candelabras. You can easily and affordably create a centerpiece on your own. One option uses a mirror and some candles. Lay the mirror flat on the center of the dining room table and arrange candles of all different heights on top of it. Another option is to purchase a discounted decorative basket from your local craft store. If it’s not the color you want, try spray-painting it. Then fill it with seasonal decorations like pinecones in the winter, small pumpkins and gourds in the fall, Easter eggs in the spring, and fresh or faux fruit in the summer.

Paint it. Painting your walls will probably provide the most bang for your buck. A can of paint and a few brushes can go a long way to make a dramatic impact on your dining room. Since the dining room is typically used for more formal occasions, feel free to choose a bold color for the walls, like a deep red or warm yellow. You can also try other painting techniques like texturizing the walls, sponging, stenciling, or stamping. Your local hardware store should have all the tools you need to do this and may even have someone available to explain how to do each technique. If you want something other than paint on your walls, you may want to look into wallpaper. There are so many different pattern options to choose from, there will surely be something that matches your style.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Affordable design ideas for every room in your home: Living room, part 2

Need a more affordable design idea for your living room? You’re in luck; we have just that! Read on to find out more.

Table it. The tables you use in your living room can greatly impact the room’s overall look and feel. Take time to look at all your options for coffee tables and end tables. You want them to match the size of your couch. In other words, if you have a big, plush couch, you don’t want to have small, dainty tables, and vice versa. You should also think about what purpose your coffee table will be serving. Will it store things like DVDs, remotes, etc.? Will you be eating on it? Or will it hold decorative home accents? Many people opt for a large ottoman in place of a coffee table so it can also double as a footrest. In addition to the traditional living room tables, an accent table is a great way to update your room. A behind-the-couch table can be a great addition to your living room. This table should be long, slim, and about the same height as your couch. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for an older table and then update it with new accents and accessories. Don’t worry about it exactly matching your existing tables.

Lighting. Poor lighting can make even the best-designed room look bad. Don’t let that happen to your living room! Most designers say you should have a light every ten feet, which means you should probably have a few lamps in your space. Try using table lamps on your end tables or even on your behind-the-couch table. You may also want to add a floor lamp next to your recliner or favorite reading spot. The great thing about lamps is they not only serve a specific purpose, but they also add to the overall look of the room. If you can’t afford all new lamps, update some of your old ones with new shades, or even try painting the bases to match your new ones.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Affordable design ideas for every room in your home: Living room

Now that we’ve talked about ways to decorate your bedroom on a dime, let’s move on to the heart of your home—your living room. A living room typically serves many purposes—a place for family gatherings, movie night, entertaining, and maybe even eating—so it needs to be multi-functional. The following affordable design ideas and tips will work in just about any home, no matter the room’s main purpose.  

Add some wow to your windows. If your living room has windows (most typically do) then make sure to dress them up. Oftentimes people forget how big of a design difference curtains, drapes, or shutters can make in a room. Window treatments can be expensive, so if your reason for installing them is purely aesthetic, try a more affordable option like making your own. For example, you can buy a long piece of fabric from the fabric store and drape it elegantly over a curtain rod. It may not be able to open and close like curtains, but it will do wonders for the look of your living room. Think carefully about the color and type of fabric you choose. A dark, thick fabric can look regal and rich, but it can also take away from the room’s natural light.

Make the move. Rearranging your furniture won’t cost you anything but a little hard work. However, it can drastically change the room’s flow and function. Before you begin the hard work of moving your furniture around, try drawing out floor plans on paper. See what different options you have based on the size of your room and your furniture. Changing the location of your couch or even just an accent table can completely re-focus the room.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon.

Get 15% off one item from Furnish 123! 

Affordable design ideas for every room in your home: Bedroom, part 2

In our previous post about affordable design ideas for your bedroom, we discussed the importance of decluttering your bedroom and having a good headboard, but there are many more affordable tips and ideas for your room. Read on to find out more!

Add accents. The right home accents and accessories can make all the difference in your bedroom, and the great thing about accents is that there are many affordable options. Putting a few new throw pillows and a throw blanket on your bed can dramatically change the overall look of your bedding and room. An area rug can also help to bring the look of your bedroom together. Additionally, bedside lamps can create a relaxing and serene ambiance. Our Nadine and Jemma accessory collections are very popular for the bedroom.

New bedding. As we mentioned before, your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom (hence the name). If new bedding is in your budget, it can make a big difference in the look and feel of the entire room. If you have dark-colored furniture, opt for bedding with lighter colors, and vice versa. Also, coordinate the bedding with the color of your walls and flooring. If those are both neutral, then you should have a wide variety of options to choose from. Remember, you don’t have to buy the “bed in a bag.” Feel free to mix it up. Combine pillowcases, sheets, and a comforter of different colors to create a one-of-a-kind look.

Dress it up. Your dresser is probably the second most important bedroom item after your bed. Typically, people buy their bed and dresser together in a set or at least at the same time, but it doesn’t have to be so matchy-matchy if you already have a bed you like. Take a picture of your bed with you to the furniture store and look for a dresser that will complement it. A dresser typically comes with a mirror, attached or detached, that will hang over it. This is a great way to help maximize your bedroom space, since mirrors help make your space look larger.  ON top of acting as a storage space, your dresser can also be a place where you display decorative accents like pictures, lamps, vases, and more.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

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Affordable design ideas for every room in your home: Bedroom

Do you dream of a well-designed home decked out with all the latest styles of furniture, home accents, and more? Are these dreams pushed aside because your budget gets in the way? Well, we say, “dream away”! Furnish 123 is committed to bringing you the latest styles and quality pieces, all at affordable prices. That’s why we’ve put together this series of blogs on affordable design ideas for every room in your home. Let’s start with the bedroom!

Clear the clutter. This is one tip that really applies to every room in your home, not just your bedroom. Clutter makes your home look messy, and a messy home just doesn’t look well-designed. Now, we’re not saying throw away all your things, just find a better place to store them. In the bedroom, a dresser or nightstand can be a great storage space for all your stuff. Additionally, under-the-bed storage is a great way to store things you don’t need to access all the time, like your winter clothes during the summer, and vice versa.

Make headway. Your bed is generally the centerpiece of the room, so make a statement with it! In addition to buying a really great bed, you can also try to make a headboard yourself. For example, cover a large wood frame or canvas with fabric and hang it behind your bed. You can also reuse a framed mirror from an old dresser or vanity in place of a headboard or use paint to create the illusion of a headboard behind your bed. Experiment with the many affordable do-it-yourself headboard projects to make the headboard that best fits your design style.

Remember to come back and visit our blog for more in our series on affordable home design ideas. For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest-growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and to buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises or hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Dorm room do’s and don’ts

Don’t go broke furnishing your dorm room, but do invest in pieces that can grow with you and make the transition to your first apartment.

Do create a home away from home. Choose pieces from home that remind you of your old room and incorporate them into your new space.

Don’t forget to express yourself in your design.

Don’t get boxed in. Have fun with your dorm room design. Don’t feel like it has to be ordinary.

Do hang something other than posters. Affordable wall art is a big improvement over posters or magazine cutouts.

Do make sure you have a comfortable study space. You’ll need a chair that you can sit in for hours and a desk with a comfortable place to rest your arms.

Don’t suffer from bad lighting. Buy some fun lamps to help lighten up your space.

Do invest in good bedding. You’ll want a comfortable place to sleep after pulling an all-nighter.

Do get organized. Look for under-the-bed storage bins, ottomans with hidden storage, and desks with plenty of drawers.

Don’t forget that you don’t have a maid. Try to keep your space clean for your roommate’s and visitors’ sake.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We offer a variety of affordable furniture for all the rooms in your home. Our “Create Your Own Space” page allows you to design your space in just three easy steps: 1) style your space, 2) add your furniture, 3) save and share your space with family and friends. We also have an online catalog that makes it easy for you to browse our products. Our goal is to make your shopping experience as simple and easy as possible. We look forward to seeing you in the store!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Bedroom design trends

Wallpaper. As we have mentioned before in a previous post, wallpaper is a hot trend for bedrooms. Have fun with it! Pick a pattern you love and go as bold as you want; after all, it’s your bedroom. Just keep in mind that you will spend almost every night in the room, so be sure to choose a pattern you can live with.

Mix it up. Mix and match furniture for an eclectic feel. For example, try using matching nightstands, but choose a different (but coordinating) dresser. This will give your room a one-of-a-kind look.

Bedding. Comfort is the first thing you should consider when it comes to picking out your bedding, but just after that is how it looks! Pick something that matches your personal style. Some people like to go monotone, while others go color crazy. Want an idea for a quick change? Add a few new throw pillows or a throw blanket.

Make it your oasis. More and more people are turning their master bedrooms into a master bedroom oasis. Add conveniences, even if they are out of the ordinary. Some people add coffee pots to their dressers so they don’t have to leave their room for their morning cup of Joe. Remember, it’s your space. Make it enjoyable!

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have a variety of furniture, including bedroom sets. We also have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises and no hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Decorating tips for a girl’s room

Pops of pink. If your daughter is like many of the girls who visit our store, she probably has pink on the brain. If permanent pink isn’t your thing, make a compromise and allow her to add pops of pink that can easily be interchanged with other colors as her taste changes.

Storage space. Most girls have lots of “stuff”: dolls, arts and crafts, games, clothes, shoes…The list goes on and on. Make cleanup easy by providing them with simple storage options. For example, give them an ottoman with storage where they can put all their dolls’ accessories, or give them a nightstand with drawers to store extra clothes.

Kid-size it. Kids are typically much smaller than adults, so their room should be adjusted accordingly. Hang wall art a bit lower than usual, choose dressers that aren’t too tall, and keep a stool around for those times when they need an extra boost.

Take her shopping. Take your daughter with you when you go shopping for her room. This will make her feel like she has input in the room’s design and will also help her realize the cost of furnishing a room.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have a variety of furniture, including pieces for children’s rooms. We also have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises and no hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon.

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Decorating a boy’s bedroom

Bye, bye blue. Okay, maybe don’t forgo blue all together, but keep in mind that there are many colors well-suited to a boy’s taste. Some popular colors other than blue include green, gray, and tan. Try picking neutral-colored furniture and then add pops of other colors with throw pillows, blankets, home accents, and more.

Give them what they love. Make your kid’s room an exciting place by letting them get in on the design action. Brainstorm some ideas with them and then pick a theme. The room could be centered around sports, games, hobbies, outdoors, or just about anything else they love. An added benefit is that if they love their room and take pride in it, they may actually be more prone to keeping it clean.

Keep it durable. Any parent of a boy knows that boys can break just about anything. Invest in durable, quality furniture that will make it through all their roughhousing. You may also want to pick darker fabrics for chairs, blankets, and curtains to help guard against permanent stains showing through.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have a variety of furniture, including pieces for children’s rooms. We also have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises and no hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon.

Get your Furnish 123 coupon!

Wall treatments

Wallpaper. Wallpaper is regaining popularity in the design world. For a while, wallpaper seemed to be a thing of the past, but it looks like it’s here to stay. Wallpaper comes in a huge variety of patterns, textures, and colors. Try accenting one wall in your living room to frame your sofa, or wallpaper your kid’s bedroom with a print they help pick out.

Paint. The good ol’ tried-and-true paint can still work wonders for transforming the look of your home. Try using paint with different finishes (matte or glossy) to add dimension to a room, or use variants of the same color on different walls in a room for a more contemporary look.

Stenciling. Stenciling is a great way to add patterns to a wall without wallpaper. You can create a border around a room, create an accent wall, or add some flair to your kid’s room. You can typically find stencils at your local hardware store, or you can create your own using painter’s tape.

Texturizing. Texturizing your walls is trendy right now, and there are various looks from which to choose. This is a great way to go above and beyond a regular paint job without having to add wallpaper or use a stencil.

For more information, visit Furnish 123 in San Antonio. We have three area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises and no hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Planning your furniture budget

Planning your furniture budget can be a daunting task, but it will make things much less stressful in the end. Read on to find out more about the steps needed to plan your furniture budget.

First, make a list of what you want. Think about each room and keep track of all the items you will need (and want) to fill it. Don’t forget about the little things. Remember to include home accents and accessories like area rugs, lamps, mirrors, and more!

Next, organize and prioritize your list. Figure out what you need immediately and what can wait. List the items in order of importance so you know not only what to buy, but when to buy it.

After you have everything organized, take a good look at your finances. Figure out what you can spend or how much you need to save. It might be a good idea to give yourself a monthly allowance for home goods. Don’t forget that some furniture stores, like Furnish 123, offer financing plans.

Finally, have fun and furnish your home! Enjoy each piece you buy and look forward to the next one.

For more information, visit Furnish 123 in San Antonio. We have three area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises and no hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

Get your 15% off Furnish 123 coupon!

How to decorate a hallway

Hallways are often ignored when it comes to home design, but they can actually make a huge difference in how your house flows and how rooms connect with each other. Check out our ideas for some design inspiration!

Add an area rug. Hallways are high-traffic areas, so an area rug is the perfect addition to help protect your flooring. It’s also a great way to add some color and patterns! Because the hall receives so much traffic, make sure the rug is durable and stain-resistant.

Add a table. Many hallways benefit from some sort of decorative accent table. It doesn’t have to be big, just big enough to add a little dimension. A table can also be a great place to showcase home accents and accessories or lighting. If you have a spacious hallway, you can even add a bench or small chair.

Mirror, mirror. Many people choose to put mirrors in their hallways because they serve multiple purposes. To begin with, hallways are often dark and poorly lit. A mirror, strategically placed near a window or light fixture, can add a little sparkle to the space. They can also make the space look much bigger than it actually is.

Add home accents. Whether a lamp, a small plant, or even a large vase, decorative accents are an inexpensive way to add life to your hallway. Pictures are another great addition to just about any hallway, and they help personalize the space.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises and no hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. 

Get your 15% off coupon!

 

How to use mirrors in your home

Mirrors are great additions to just about any room in your home, but they are often overlooked. Check out our ideas for unique ways to use mirrors around your house.

Entryway. Mirrors can maximize a space’s look and feel, so try putting one in your entryway. After all, the entryway is the first thing people see when they enter your home. Hang one above an accent table or even just lean a large mirror against the wall for a more modern look. As an added benefit, you can sneak a peek of yourself before you head out the door. 

Wall art. Can’t find that perfect piece of art? No problem! Hang a mirror instead. Try looking for one with a unique frame, border, or ornately shaped edges. You can also arrange a few smaller mirrors on a wall for a completely different effect.

Staircase. Many people wonder what to do with the space at the top of their staircase or landing. This is a great place to add one or more mirrors.

Bedroom dresser. One common place for a mirror is above your bedroom dresser. It makes getting dressed, putting on jewelry, or tying a tie that much easier.

Don’t forget the guest room. Guest rooms are generally smaller, so use a mirror to help maximize the space. This trick also prevents your guests from having to leave the room to see what they look like or to fix themselves up.

For more information, visit Furnish 123 in San Antonio. We have three area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises and no hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Furniture arranging tips

Draw it out. Preparation is key in arranging your furniture. Planning will save you lots of muscle aches and pain from moving things around. A simple sketch can make all the difference!

Make room for traffic. Make sure you leave room around your furniture so you and your family can walk around with ease. In bedrooms, leave at least two feet between the side of your bed and the wall. You should leave at least three feet between your bed and the door. In your dining room, make sure there’s at least four feet between each edge of the table and the next closest object (wall or furniture). Something many people forget to do in the living room is to place a table within a comfortable reach of every seat, so people can place their drinks or food on something. Additionally, be sure to leave about one and a half feet of leg room between your couch and coffee table.

Find your focus. Figure out what you want the center or focus of your room to be. Is it your television? Fireplace? An accent table? Whatever you decide, arrange furniture around this item to highlight it.

Figure out the function. It is important to consider the room’s function when determining how to arrange your space. If your room is for entertaining, be sure to leave enough space to add in extra chairs or tables as needed. If you are arranging a cozy family room, put furniture closer together. This will create a more intimate feel.

For more information, visit Furnish 123. We have three San Antonio area locations for your convenience. Furnish 123 is the fastest growing furniture store in the United States. We offer a new way to shop and buy furniture. Our small, comfortable stores carry great styles at unbeatable prices. There are no surprises and no hidden charges—just value, simplicity, and innovation. We also have an online catalog and an interactive page where you can design your own space. We hope to see you in the store soon!

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.