Home Accessories (21)
Finding new sources of storage space in the house is always a challenge and when there is a continual stream of new items being bought, the need to move older unused things out is a constant necessity. A good way to hide your towels, sheets, blankets and other linen items during the months when they are not required is to store them in a trunk such as a steamer trunk.
Steamer trunks give you a place to tuck your belongings away while also being used as functional pieces of furniture. While they don’t necessarily have to be the centre of attention when they are being used they are often showy antique pieces that complement an older style or traditional room.
The reason linen items are suitable for storage in these types of trunks is because when they were first manufactured back in the late 1800s their intended purpose was for storing clothes during long voyages. Steamer trunks were originally used as luggage by travellers and so it wasn’t uncommon for them to hold clothes and personal belongings for months at a time.
Although many of these steamer trunks have hardwood exteriors so that they are able to take the occasional knock, the interior is usually made from cedar. This is to give the trunk protective properties against insects that could potentially damage the contents.
Finding a suitable trunk to use in your home should be a simple case of visiting a local antique store. Failing that, there are many steamer trunks on offer online in various conditions. It might be most satisfying to pick up a trunk that looks a little on the shabby side and then bringing it to life with your own restoration work.
Regardless of whether you want to find a restored steamer trunk or a cheaper old trunk you will be sure to find something that appeals online. There is a full range of trunks available if you are prepared to do a little bit of searching.
They look great on the outside, particularly if they have been recently restored by a professional trunk restoration expert, and they protect on the inside. The reasons for adding a steamer trunk to the house are many and varied.
How To Detect A Gas Leak In Your Home
Written by AprilThe confusion begins when it comes to trying to decide what kind of natural gas leak detector you want to buy. If you have been looking then you’ll have noticed the wide range available on the market and they will vary by price, installation and features. Some are pretty cheap to buy and can be fitted in a similar way you would with a smoke alarm. Whilst there are others on the market that require professional installation.
You want your gas detector to alert you to when there is a gas leak. What you don’t want is for it to be going off every 2 minutes because of cigarette smoke or humidity. However you might want your detector to alert you to more than just natural methane gas, such as carbon monoxide or propane gas.
When you have a detector fitted in your home you really need to be careful about where you have it located. It needs to be somewhere that you are likely to hear it’s alarm yet also close to where there is the most risk of having a natural gas leak. When you buy a detector it will come with instructions on the best places to site it. So make sure you have a read over these instructions and don’t simple fit just anywhere. If you have different sources of natural gas in your home then you might find that a single detector isn’t sufficient.
When your detector detects gas you will either hear a sound or see a warning light. Some models might do both. Which type you buy really depends on you. For instance if you are deaf then finding a detector with a flashing light is a better option.
Most of the natural gas leak detectors on the market are battery operated which means you need to be very careful about ensuring that the battery is in good working order. Some systems work off the electrical mains but have a battery as a back-up which means you also need to ensure the battery is working well. Every now and again it’s a good idea to press the “test” button to make sure the detector is working correctly. Some units can even warn you if there is a problem with the power supply.
In the event that your alarm does go off to alert you to a gas leak you need to make sure you get out of the house straight away. Then you need to phone the emergency services. Please, don’t be tempted to phone from within the house because that can actually cause a spark which in turn can cause an explosion or a fire. Also don’t turn any lights on or off or generally touch anything electrical. Don’t ever try to get back into the house until the gas company has dealt with the leak correctly.
How To Detect Carbon Monoxide In Your Home
Written by AprilDon't Underestimate Carbon Monoxide
When you go to work your employer by law has to make sure that you and your other colleagues are looked after and that you are working in a safe environment. The problem when it comes to looking after the environment in our own homes we can become very lazy. We simply think that carbon monoxide poisoning is something that happens to other people and so keep putting it to the back of your mind.
You Can't Smell Carbon Monoxide
Unlike other problems in the home such as a gas leak, you will have no idea that there is a problem with carbon monoxide in your home because you can’t smell it. You also can’t see or hear it. However there are so many different ways that it can get into your home such as appliances that use gas. Also stoves that burn wood, charcoal or coal can be a source of this dangerous gas. When it builds up in your home (or even a garage) and isn’t allowed to escape then this is where the problems begin.
Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Mild symptoms of CO poisoning can actually be confused with flu and food poisoning and you could experience nausea, shortness of breath and also headaches. If you or someone else is suffering from CO poisoning you need to get outside as quickly as possible to get some fresh air. If this isn’t possible then all the windows and doors should be opened to get rid of the gas. A hospital visit is also a good idea to be on the safe side.
Another scary thing is that when the CO gas gets into your bloodstream it actually is picked up much quicker than oxygen. So the longer you are exposed to the gas, the more chance you have of becoming ill or even dead. This is because the body replaces the oxygen in your blood with the CO gas.
How To Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
What is terrible to think about is the fact that this is all entirely preventable. There a number of things that you can do to protect you and your family from this dreadful fate. First of all you should have the gas appliances in your home checked by a professional. This means you need to get stoves, water heaters and such like checked.
Install A Carbon Monoxide Detector
Another very simple measure is to buy a carbon monoxide detector (also known as a carbon monoxide monitor). They don’t cost a lot of money and can be purchased from many different home improvement stores. Simply buy one for each level of your home, particularly in areas where there are gas appliances. When any CO gas is detected you will be alerted to it in a similar way that smoke detectors do. Have a look at the ones available from Kidde Nighthawk and First Alert.
Smoke Alarms And Carbon Monoxide Detetors
It’s important to make clear that if you have a smoke detector that this doesn’t mean you are protected from CO too. They are two totally different devices and you shouldn’t get them confused. However there are detectors on the market that and alert you to both smoke and CO. So if you don’t have either of these detectors now is the time to buy one or more.
Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Bear in mind that they usually need batteries to operate so make sure you don’t allow the batteries to go dead. When they go dead you need to replace them straight away. If you wish, you can also have systems installed that are wired so you don’t have to worry about changing the battery all the time. However they often have a battery as a back-up just in case.
Carbon Monoxide In The Garage
Another important point to make is that if you are running an engine in your garage you should have some sort of ventilation installed along with a CO detector.
Hopefully this article will have provided you with a lot of knowledge on the subject of getting rid of carbon monoxide from your home. It’s so simple really. Get your appliances checked and install some detectors. Why would anyone want to risk illness and even death over something so simple?
How To Choose A Wood Burning Stove
Written by AprilIf you live out in the countryside chances are you want to buy a wood burning stove to heat your home. The thing is that there are actually a number of different choices and it’s important that you look at them all to see which one you should buy. They can be a pretty big financial investment for a lot of people so you don’t want to end up with a stove that isn’t right for you. The first thing you need to consider is what sort of fuel you use for your stove.
Solid Wood
There are really arguments for and against using wood. First of all there are those who say that it’s good for the environment because the trees put out oxygen whilst they are growing which off-sets any pollution put out by burning it. Whereas there are those who say that it’s bad because trees are being cut down to create fuel and it would be better for the trees to be allowed to keep growing.
The thing is that you don’t actually need to use wood that has come from trees specifically felled for fuel. If you go along to your local dump there is a good chance you can pick up discarded wood for free. Everyday there are folks who rip out kitchens, doors and old floorboards and then they take the waste wood along to the dump. By salvaging some of this wood for your stove you are actually recycling.
You should also look at the practical issues of a wood fuelled stove. You need to realize that a wooden stove is nothing like having a gas or electric stove. You can’t just set the temperature to whatever you want that then allow the system to do the rest for you. With wood you need to keep adding more and more wood in on a semi-regular basis. Which means you’ll have to keep checking the stove every 30 minutes or so.
Some people simply can’t be bothered with this because they want an easy life. For the same reason, you can’t have the heat on all night because you’ll be asleep and won’t be able to keep an eye on it. If you are away on vacation during the winter you also have the worry of frozen pipes because you can’t have the heating going on and off like you can with gas and electricity.
If you live in the US you should buy a stove which is EPA approved because they are a lot more efficient than the old models. As a result you will use a third less wood which is fantastic.
Wood Pellets
An alternative to solid wood is wood pellets. Basically the pellets can be made from a number of different materials including sawdust and general wood waste. Unlike the solid wood burning stoves, you have a lot more control over this system. There is a thing called a hopper which holds the pellets and then feeds them into the stove for burning depending on the temperature you have set the thermostat for. The larger the hopper fewer times you have to refill it.
Corn
A further alternative type of fuel you can consider is corn. Whether you consider this in the first place really depends on how easily available corn is where you live. If you are unable to find a local supplier of corn then there isn’t any point in buying this sort of stove. Instead you would look at the solid wood and wood pellet options. You also need to think about the storage of corn because vermin such as mice and rats love the stuff and you don’t want to leave it lying around for these pests to eat.
With both the wood pellets and corn burning models of stove you will also require an electricity supply. So if you have a problem with your electricity supply you might want to think carefully about whether you want a system like this. Both types of stove work pretty much in the same way and you can buy stoves that will burn both wood pellets and corn so have a look out for these if you want to have the choice of fuel you use.
Whatever stove you choose you also need to make sure that it’s the correct size for your home. It’s best to talk with an experienced installer about this because you don’t want to make any mistakes by doing this yourself. You should also find out if you are allowed to install a stove in your area because there are different rules about these sorts of things due to the need for keeping the air clean. There are also fireplace inserts which can be bought and have been made for installing into a fireplace. They work just the same as any wood stove.
Hopefully this article will have provided you with a good foundation of information when it comes to choosing a wood burning stove. Make sure you have a look at all the different types, sizes, brands and models out there because they really do vary quite a bit.
Antler Chandeliers
Written by Douglas BernardAn antler chandelier can be an eye catching display of artistic creativity in your home. They are the perfect choice of lighting in a mountain vacation cabin or in a home with a rustic decor. The diversity of styles and size options make it possible to find the perfect size and style for the room or rooms that you desire to incorporate a part of nature into. When decorating your home or vacation cabin, you must first decided if you want to purchase a reproduction chandelier or if you want to include an authentic chandelier made of antlers that are shed naturally. With a little research you can locate individuals or companies that offer the option of a custom designed chandelier made of antlers that you provide.
When weighing your options for rustic style chandeliers that are created with antlers, you will find that the animal from which the antlers came plays a large role in the appearance of the final creation. Reproduction antlers or authentic antlers have a totally different appearance depending on whether they came from or are designed to look as if they came from a deer, an elk, a reindeer, a moose, or a caribou.
Most often when a person visualizes the placement of chandelier they think of a large entry way or spacious family room. You can easily find chandeliers that are constructed of several tiers of antlers that create quite an awesome display. You can select the number of lights that you want on the chandelier. Some of these chandeliers are made so that the lights have no shade and simply look like candle tips emitting a luminous glow. Other styles are design so that each bulb has a small shade over it. A varied selection of shades makes it easy to find something that will compliment your decorating theme.
A large chandelier with several tiers of lights is absolutely stunning. However, you may not have a large space in which to accommodate such an awesome design. In the living area of a small cabin or in a small entryway a very simple, yet unique antler style light can still create the rustic affect you desire. An antler chandelier with only three lights is a great option for a small space. You can even hang this type of chandelier in a cozy reading nook to accentuate the beauty of that area of the room.
Many people think that if they are on a budget that they cannot afford designer bedding. The truth is that you actually can afford designer bedding. This article will give you information that you will be able to use to find affordable designer bedding on a tight budget. The main key points involve both timing and knowing where to look.
If you have gone shopping in the past for designer bedding, then you know how expensive it can be just to buy one piece. This can set you back a lot. If you have to buy everything at once you are looking at several hundreds of dollars just for the bedding alone. When you add in the accessories, you are in over your head, and have spent most of your children's college money. The question is, how do you find the bedding that you want without spending an arm and a leg.
The trick is to find discount outlets. These places usually have a decent selection of designer bedding, as many designers sometimes produce too many of a product or will have flaws in the overall design. The best time to find these deals is after the spring and fall, as designers most often produce the largest amount during these times. The drawback to this is that you may have to consider purchasing a color or design that does not go well with the current design you have in your decor.
Another way is to wait for sales at your local department stores. Again these sales are usually held throughout the year. Usually these sales offer deep discounts from the regular price. These sales are also a great time to decide to redesign your room. The reason for this is because along with designer bedding you can usually find accessories that complement the bedding that you are considering buying.
In the end, you just need to know when and where to look for designer bedding. If you know where to look then you will be able to find deals that will offer designer bedding at up to 50% off manufacturer retail price.
Selecting Oak Tables for The Dining Room
Written by StrathyThe dining room is the second most important room in the home, second to the living room. The dining room is where all the talk for the day is spread around in the same fashion as in your typical family. Many families run such hectic lives that the only real time they spend any time together is by sitting down at the dining room table and just being a family while enjoying a meal. It is for this reason that the dining room table is of such importance. In this article I will discuss some of the things that you need to look for when considering oak tables, as your dining room centerpiece.
Yes, you read it correctly. I did say oak. Many people do not think about oak when they are deciding to buy a table. I will be the first to tell you that an oak dining room table is the best investment that you can make. The benefits of oak tables are too numerous to list here in this article. One thing that you need to consider when choosing an oak table is the color. You will want to try to get something that matches closely to the decor that you currently have in your dining room.
Another thing that you will need to decide on with the purchase of an oak table is chairs. You want to make sure that if chairs are not included in your package that you find a set of chairs that will go with your oak table. It is important that you find the right mix of decorating styles when shopping for oak tables. After all, you can always change the style of your dining room if you find an oak table that jumps out at you. You may want to consider matching pieces and take the wonderful look of oak tables to other rooms of the house.
Take your time with this decision, this is a table that will be in your family for possibly the next several generations, you want something that will stand the test of time and live up to the reputation that oak tables have earned over the last several years. In the end the best decision is the one that you make with your family in mind. Enjoy the times that are shared over your oak dining table. You will have a piece of furniture that you can pass down to your kids when they have a family of their own one day.
Windowless portable air conditioners are very productive in cooling rooms. They come in many different sizes for many different space areas. These standing room units are very compact and do not require permanent installation.
If you are not able to have a air conditioner in your window, or if you have a room in your home that does not get any air from your current air conditioning unit you have in the house, these portables are the perfect solution to your situation. It will easily sit on the floor of any room you are trying to cool.
Small apartments, bedrooms, offices, computer rooms, attics or any area of space you are trying cool, these units are the best. If you would like to move this air conditioner to a different room in the house, this has wheels to make the move very easy to do.
As with any air conditioner, there can be water built up and there has to be a place where this water can go. Depending on the unit you decide to purchase, some portables will come with a water tank thats there to collect the water and all you would have to do is empty the tank out when it is full.
Then you have the more elaborate units that are self water evaporating. These are the no drip models where the water will be exhausted into the air. You also have other systems that will take this water and recycle it to be used to cool the unit so it can run more forcefully.
Moreover, part of the cooling process with windowless portable air conditioners are, they all need to exhaust. You will have to redirect the hot air that comes from the back of a unit. A air hose will be included with all units in order to vent the hot air out. You can exhaust it through a window or if you have drop ceiling. Window venting kits are also included with every unit. This window kit will allow the hot air to vent out of a window.
If you are looking to air clean your home at the same time you are cooling it, there are units out there that include a HEPA - grade air purifier filter. This built in filter will remove the moisture from the air. You will be able to dehumidify to help a room stay cool and dry.
Here's how this portable can help you save on your electric bill. Since these portables are energy efficient, the higher the EER rating on a unit, the more energy efficient the system is. Look for a portable that has a number 10 rating or higher.
When coming in to buy a unit, it is always good to know your measurements. A portable that carries 9,000 BTUs would normally cool a room that is 200-250 square feet. 12,000 BTUs will cool a 400-500 square foot area. Knowing how much BTUs you will need to cool off an area in your home will help you out tremendously in your purchase.
Windowless portable air conditioners will operate on 115 volt/60 hertz which is the average household size for voltage. The three prong plug can can be plugged into any outlet in your home. There are so many portable air conditioners to choose from and you are sure to find one that will be able to accommodate to your needs.
When you think of outdoor decor, you probably think of things like patio table and chair sets, or wicker furniture. But if you have a covered outdoor area, don't forget about the possibility of adding an outdoor ceiling fan. Not only can it add beauty to your outdoor living space, but it will be very functional, too.
The first thing you need to consider is the size of your outdoor space. Outdoor ceiling fans are classified by the diameter of their blades. Most outdoor ceiling fans are anywhere from 42 inches to 60 inches across. The larger the fan, the larger the area that it can effectively cool. A 42 inch fan would be fine for an area 12 feet by 12 feet or smaller. A 60 inch fan, on the other hand, will cool an area up to 15 feet by 15 feet or possibly even more. If your outdoor space is especially large, you do have the option of installing more than one outdoor ceiling fan.
Next, consider the lighting needs in your outdoor space. Outdoor ceiling fans are available both with and without light kits. The light kits included with the fans are generally a single-light style, but the designs vary. Some are covered by a plain, white, rounded glass cover commonly referred to as a "schoolhouse" fixture. Others are more intricate, with a lantern shape.
Outdoor ceiling fans are most commonly available in white, natural, or aged finishes. White is an excellent choice if the ceiling of your outdoor area is painted white, and you don't want the ceiling fan to stand out too much. If you'd prefer a metallic finish, however, you can choose from finishes such as natural iron, cobblestone, or brushed nickel.
The final design consideration when choosing an outdoor ceiling fan is the look of the blades themselves. Although this doesn't matter so much when the fan is on, when it's off the blades will be more visible. Outdoor ceiling fans usually have a natural theme, such as wicker or wood. White ceiling fans often come with white blades as well. Many ceiling fans also come with reversible blades, which have different finishes on each side so that you can change the look easily if you want to. Some fans even come with blades that look like large leaves.
In terms of function, most outdoor ceiling fans have several features that are very useful. Remote controlled fans can make your life much easier. Most also offer varying speeds and the ability to reverse the direction that the blades turn, just like indoor fans.
No matter which outdoor ceiling fan you choose, be sure it is rated for indoor and outdoor use as well. Fans rated for outdoor use as well as indoor use are the only kind you should put outside, as the fan itself and the blades are designed to be weather-resistant. This ensures your outdoor ceiling fan will operate safely for years to come.
One maintenance procedure for the portable air conditioners is venting and this is the only way to ensure they are working properly. Other maintenance activities include general cleaning of the air conditioner, water drainage, replacement of filters and proper storage when not in use like during winter. The portable systems can easily be taken to a storage area since they are portable and come is small sizes too.
You will need to identify a venting outlet for your portable air conditioner where the hot air is removed through. The venting kit that comes with the air conditioner is for this purpose and does not take long to install. You can also get an expert to install the system for you although you can follow the instructions and do it yourself. Some of the sellers do not provide the venting kit and you may need to get it separately.
The purpose of the air conditioner is to cool the room and as such, the hot air they produce has to be gotten rid of for the room to remain cool. Air conditioners are different and the venting procedure may vary and that is why it is necessary to use the instructions provided with each system.
The hot air produced can be vented through a window, wall or ceiling and the venting kit provided is for a particular type of vent. There are those designed for windows, walls and ceilings and they will be indicated. The exhaust hose that is normally part of the venting kit should be installed carefully according to instructions.
There are however ventless portable air conditioners which are the kinds that do not require venting at all. Most portable air conditioners are designed with venting systems and it would be difficult to get a ventless portable conditioner. The process of venting is inevitable with a portable one and without the venting system it definitely won’t very work well.
With a ventless air conditioner, it would mean that the hot air inside the room would not be removed and this would be the same as not having air conditioning at all. The portable air conditioners get all the heat in the room and transfer it to somewhere else for the room to be cool which means that there has to be a venting mechanism in place.
You need to make sure that you get the right venting system for the kind of window you intend to use it with for easy installation. You can move the portable air conditioner to the room you want to be cooled and this is one of its strong points. As long as the venting system is in place, the room should be cooled without many problems and as long as you keep the system well maintained. Ventless portable air conditioners will not work well and you should find out information about such a system before buying one. Get a specialist in air conditioners to explain how the portable air conditioner works without a venting system.
