How to Identify Good Quality Wood Furniture?
If constructing a home is tough, then furnishing it with the right furniture pieces and décor items is even harder. Every person puts in a lot of love and thoughtfulness before they carefully pick and place it in the apt corner or any area in their house that then emphasizes the aesthetic beauty of their home.
So, if you too are on an exploration of renovating your home, here are 7 ways to identify good quality wood furniture–
- Know your wood
When buying wooden furniture, the first thing to remember is that all woods are not the same; in fact, they are available in a dozen varieties and differ in appearance. It is also essential to know the basic properties of each and if it will complement your existing fittings.
To make things simpler, the three broad categories of wood are- solid wood, veneers and particle board or composite wood.
• Solid wood is a natural form of wood that is obtained directly from trees. This type is not engineered and hence, is one of the most robust version of timber used to make a sofa, bed, etc. As it is the sturdiest variant and can last years, it is also the most expensive. Handmade wooden furniture made of this wood adds elegance and character to the room and thus, this wood is undoubtedly a value for money purchase. But, this type is also susceptible to scratches and watermarks.
• Veneers, on the other hand, are an engineered wood covered by several thin layers of better-quality wood. This type is relatively less costly and is used for both sophisticated and budget pieces.
• Particle board and composite wood pieces are however made from the scraps of wood, i.e. a combination of wood pulp, plastics, and resin. Hence, it is the cheapest variety of timber, and thus, it won’t last for decades. It is also highly resistant to absorbing moisture and is temperature-sensitive. - Construction
If you are looking for custom furniture in India that will spruce your home, then the best place to determine its quality of construction would be the joints. If screws, interlocking sides, finger or dovetail joints are used to hold everything together, then the wood furniture is certainly high-quality. But, if these points are held by nails, glue, or staples, then the furniture may not be that much durable.
To check the quality of tables and chair, make sure the legs are reinforced with triangular or diagonal blocks of wood. This technique is used to keep the joints intact and also give stability to the furniture when moved or when pressure is applied to it. - Material used throughout
One essential aspect to examine when purchasing wood furniture is to look at the underside of the piece. Ascertain if the same wood is used everywhere. For instance, in solid wood fitting, the lumber will look the same or almost similar in both visible and hidden parts. Also, if you see unfinished wood underneath, then it is natural wood. In the case of veneered wood, there will be a large panel of repeated grain pattern. Another secret identifier is the scent; a freshly machined timber has a very identifiable odour. - Uniformity
To check real solid wood from the manufactured one, review the uniformity of the piece. The veneer wood will have a uniform look as they are a combination of different woods, whereas solid hardwood will have imperfections. The smooth shine on the former may seem tempting but don’t forget the material is man-made and the sleekness is after fabrication. - Heaviness
This is straightforward to find out the quality of furniture as weight indicates quality. Fixtures made of solid wood will generally be denser and thus, heavier than any medium density fiberboard fitting. So, a fixture made of mahogany will be better than that made of pine wood. - Study the drawers and cabinets
To know the quality of wood furniture, do a physical inspection of the drawer and cabinets and be mindful of any resistance or wobbling. If the joints are stuck together, then there is a problem with the manufacturing, and hence, you should stay away from buying it. Similarly, for the cabinet door, test by opening the door and see if it remains in its appropriate position. Also, review if the knobs and handles are fit tightly on the drawers and cabinets. - The Finish
This one is an essential aspect of wood furniture. A high-quality piece of fitting will be smooth from sanding and thus, have no rough patches when you run your hand over it. It will also have the natural beauty of the wood without any dark spots because of the staining process, which will further add color and character to it. Thus, buy a finish that is satiny smooth and free from rough spots, dust specks or bubbles. Also, look for depth and richness in the finish, both on the top and underneath the furniture.
3 Tips for Matching Your Glasses with Your Outfits
Choosing glasses can be really tricky. After all, they are on your face everyday, and its often the first thing that people notice when they see you. Coordinating them with everyday outfits can be daunting, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with these simple tips:
Tip 1: Assess the colour tones in your wardrobe
Take a good look at your closet. Are your clothes bright, bold colours, soft pastels, or darker, muted tones? It’s easier to match your glasses to your outfits if you are aware of the colours that you often wear.
Look for glasses that complement the colours you predominantly wear. If you regularly wear one colour tone, like black or blue, go for more colourful frames. This will add personality to your mono-toned outfit and make your eyes and face stand out more. If you love wearing bright colours, look for darker frames. It doesn’t have to be the usual black frames. Brown, grey and blue are great neutral colours that complement bold outfits.
Tip 2: Accessorise around your glasses
Think about accessories that you wear often. Gold necklaces, silver rings, colourful headbands? Your glasses should complement these accessories. If you often wear gold or silver jewellery, look for glasses that have gold or silver on the frames. If you like more funky colours, go for bold, colourful frames! This will keep your look consistent.
Tip 3: What’s the occasion?
You have to wear glasses everyday, so it is important to know when and where you will be wearing them. Are you looking for glasses for the office? Are you a fashion blogger? Are you a soldier?
For office wear, rimless glasses, metallic frames and standard black frames are common, and easily go with business suits and blazers. icueyewear has sleek and stylish glasses for men and women that are a step up from normal frames.
For fashion enthusiasts, oversized glasses, round glasses, and colourful glasses showcase your bright personality. Like you, Glossi embodies colours, style, life and fun. Its unique, multi-coloured frames reflects your creative spirit.
If you’re in the army, we know there isn’t much of a choice in the style or colour of your frames. While your glasses don’t have to be chic or fashionable, they should be comfortable and durable for everyday wear in camp. Check out our latest Coosh glasses! They are specially made to withstand the rigours of army life.
Eyecare / Digital and Your Eyes
This Covid-19 pandemic had plunged us into a digital world. Our learnings had been directed to e-learning, working-from-home, and the social distancing measures had prominently pushed digital gadgets into the forefront of our lives. Netflix, Youtube, e-books, online shopping had moved up as our main source of entertainment.
With more time spent in front of digital gadgets, digital eye-strain symptoms such as eye fatigue, watery or dry eyes, headaches or blurred vision are now more commonly experienced. These symptoms can be worst for people with pre-existing eye conditions such as astigmatism, myopia or hyperopia.
While we most likely are not able to reduce our time spent in front of digital devices, there are some steps that we can take to protect our eyes while using these gadgets:
Gadget Display Settings:
Ensure that the brightness of your display is not too bright, nor too dim; the screen should be adjusted to similar light level to the rest of your workstation or your room. Other than brightness, we should also not neglect the font size and font type. If you are straining to read the text, you might consider adjusting the size and type so that it is less straining to your eyes.
Proper Workstation Settings:
It is important to avoid working directly under overhead lights and also eliminate external light sources (e.g. sunlight) which causes glare. These glare can add on extra stress to the eyes, you can blocked them out by having shades or blinds. The type of light bulbs used are also important. Typical fluorescent office lighting might be too harsh for your eyes, try using lower intensity bulbs as an option to reduce glare.
Aside from lighting, you should also ensure a proper distance for computer work. A comfortable viewing distance when looking at computer screens should be approximately 50-65cm from the eye. The computer screen should be tilt to a 15-20 degrees below eye-level in order to reduce eye fatigue.
20-20-20 rule:
We highly recommend taking frequent breaks when performing near tasks such as working on the computer for long hours. As suggested by American Optometry Association (AOA), you may adopt the 20-20-20 rule by:
Take 20 seconds break to view something 20-feet away every 20 minutes of doing near work
Blink Frequently:
Our eyes tend to blink less when we are concentrating on visual tasks. This may, in turn results in dry eyes. We should constantly remind ourselves to blink frequently (once every 10-15 seconds) to keep our eyes moisturised and hydrated while working.
Blue-light Filter lenses:
Research had shown that using blue-light filter lenses can help reduce eye strain when looking at digital devices. It might be worth considering blue-light filtering lenses to filter off the harmful spectrum of blue-violet light which can potentially cause damage to the tissues in the eye.
4 Ways to Choose The Right Home Improvement Tools
Home improvement is important whether you want to increase the value of your house or impress your guests. Nothing could make your home more appealing than updating certain areas such as the living room, and coming up with cool decor that will really improve how your home looks.
Then again, home improvement projects can cost you a fortune, starting with the tools for your projects. Sure enough, you wouldn’t want to purchase tools of low quality and, at the same time, spend too much money for items like claw hammers and power drills.
Fortunately, there’s an easier way to stock up on the tools you need for your home improvement projects.
Keep these tips in mind before you visit the nearest Home Depot.
Take an inventory
The first thing you will have to do is to make sure you know what you need for your toolbox. It makes sense to rummage through your arsenal and check if certain tools need to be replaced or repaired. You also need to check for what’s missing. But a more practical approach to this is to buy only for the long-term. Don’t pick tools that are useful only once. Otherwise, you’d be spending an unnecessary amount of money on stuff that will only rust in the basement.
Know your brands
In order to pick the right tools, you should be acquainted with the companies that are making them. And while choosing a brand could be more or less a subjective activity, you might want to go a little more in-depth when it comes to shopping for the best tools in terms of longevity, quality, and cost. Research is, of course, important to find a manufacturer that fits your needs. So, make sure to spend ample time comparing catalogues and make a shortlist of possible companies to consider.
Buy online
There are some tools you can’t find at your local hardware store, so you might want to do much of your shopping online. Whether you need industrial welding helmets and soldering irons, you can find most of these items online. One caveat to this is that you might have to shoulder the cost of shipping the products. If you’re keen enough to look for online hardware stores, you’ll be able to land great offers on high-quality tools. You just have to take a closer look at the descriptions and reviews from past customers.
Inspect the product
Finally, before you decide on purchasing hardware for your home, you will need to test it out. For this, it’s important if you could ask the manufacturer if you can unbox the tool first and check if it has any external defects. You should also know if it’s working properly by taking the tool out for a test run. For instance, you can drill holes through a panel of wood.
Tips On Choosing Tools For The Garden
Selecting the right types of tools for gardening may seem like a simple task but you have to consider several factors. Your size, any special challenges, the task level, manufacturer and the material are just some of the considerations. Learning how to choose the right garden tools can spare you a lot of pain and money. Some tips and information about grips, handle lengths, and attachments can help you get the most for your dollar while also getting tools suited to you and how you use them.
Garden Tool Selection Guide
We all have our favorite garden implement. It may be a 20-year-old shovel or your new rototiller, but what they all have in common is their usefulness and comfort. To get to that place where all your tools are exactly as you need them to be, you must first do some research. Whether you are looking at gardening tools for beginners or you are a professional landscaper, the tools you choose need to suit your body and the tasks you require of them. They also need to have a long life so you don’t have to keep purchasing the same item over and over. One of the most crucial things to look at when choosing tools for the garden is how the implement is made. The way in which the handle is attached to a digging tool can either mean lifetime use or instant breakage when you hit that first rock.
– The least expensive tools will likely have a tang and ferrule attachment. These are cheaply made and usually separate after a short time.
– Solid socket tools have a forged connection from handle to working end. These are more expensive but will provide you with a lifetime companion if you take care of the tool.
– The most expensive option is the Mercedes Benz of tools. These tools have a seamless solid strap attachment that isn’t going anywhere. Once you have decided how much you wish to spend and how long you want the tool to last, it is time to consider handles. The grip is a crucial comfort issue when picking out garden tools. A padded grip will result in less blisters and aching hands. There are non-slip grips that are useful when working out in the rain and ergonomic grips that reduce hand stress from gripping too hard. Larger handles minimize strain and give a better hand hold on the tool.
A Guide to Men’s Coats
Winter is here and so are frigid temperatures. Whether you live in more temperate winter climates or spend winter surrounded by snow, you need a coat. Here is our guide to men’s winter coats to help you find the best jackets to keep you comfortable, looking dapper, and enjoying the season.
The Wool Coat
No man’s closet is complete without a classic men’s wool coat. It is a timeless and sophisticated look. Regardless of cut, color, or style, wool coats are also extremely warm. Wool coats come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and cuts. Choose a peacoat for a classic nautical look or a long overcoat for a dapper appeal. There are different weights or lengths of wool coat for your personal warmth needs.
The Bomber Jacket
One of the trendier looks out there, bomber jackets come in a wide variety of styles that make them perfectly versatile, from wearing to the office in the morning followed by a first date in the evening. Their easy zip, cropped length, and athletic fit makes them a great choice from fall through spring. When the temperature goes below freezing, choose a bomber jacket that is well insulated and lined with fleece rather than cotton. Wear over a cashmere turtleneck for a city slicker-retro look that will also keep you cozy. Alternatively, wear over a men’s flannel shirt for a stylish alpine charm.
The Quilted Jacket
Quilted jackets are a lightweight and moderately warm pick for winter, offering a fashionable and sophisticated look for every man. Incredibly comfortable and versatile, quilted jackets are another great pick to wear almost year-round. Put one on over a down vest or men’s fleece jacket for an extra layer of insulation. Alternatively, you can wear one under a windbreaker to protect you from those January gusts or those wet wintry-mix days.
The Parka
Parkas are the ultimate choice for winter weather. They are water-resistant and lined with cozy layers of insulation. Throw over a men’s cashmere sweater or pick a down-lined parka for extra insulation. Parkas are great for wearing while out in the city, for skiing and other winter activities, or even just for scraping the ice off your windshield in the morning. There are many different styles, lengths, and materials for parkas; pick the one that works best for you and your lifestyle.
The Down Coat
If you plan to spend winter experiencing bone-chilling temperatures, then a men’s down jacket is a must. Although a high-quality down jacket tends to be on the pricier side, it is worth every penny. Down jackets are lightweight yet incredibly warm. Stuffed with a wide variety of feather lining (goose down is the warmest!), a down jacket will keep you toasty during lengthy commutes or endless hours spent outdoors. Go for a lightweight packable down coat for a jacket that will easily fit into your briefcase or backpack and still keep you uncompromisingly warm. Wear under a windbreaker for those harshest winter days to keep the wind and wet at bay.
The Leather Jacket
Leather is always on-trend, not to mention one of the warmer fabrics out there. Leather jackets are especially practical for holding up against those bitter winds, which is why they are a timeless favorite for motorcyclists. These jackets come in a wide variety of styles from leather bomber jackets to trench coats and any other style you can imagine. Leather jackets are a top choice for fall to spring wear and can be made a little warmer in the winter by wearing over a down vest or fleece jacket. If leather is not your pick for ethical reasons, there are still other options. Opt for secondhand leather or vegan leather (yes, it’s a thing) for the same cool look without the weight on your conscience.
The Squall Jacket
Squall jackets are designed to keep out all sorts of unfavorable weather. Sometimes called windbreakers, squall jackets are light but warm for bracing winds and wet weather. Both waterproof and windproof, this jacket is an excellent choice for surviving all the elements during the long winter. Squall jackets are great when layered over a down vest or fleece jacket—perfect for winter sports like skiing or snowboarding to keep the wind out and the warm in.
Best Men’s Jackets to Gift This Year
What constitutes a great gift? For men, it often comes down to one thing: sheer usefulness. A present is truly valuable if your recipient can make good use of it! With that in mind, cold weather brings with it a slew of potential gift ideas that are more than just appropriate—they’re downright necessary. If you’re thinking about buying a jacket for the man in your life, know that there’s more to this mission than merely judging the garment by its cover. The right piece of men’s outerwear packs a punch! Here are some of the best styles to give.
Fleece Jacket
Fleece is synonymous with cozy comfort, and it’s difficult for anyone to resist its soft, gentle hand. The beauty of this versatile material isn’t just its incredible texture, however—it’s also in its practicality. Fleece is a natural insulant, which means that it locks in body heat and keeps the body extra warm even when it’s uncomfortably brisk outside. It’s naturally hydrophobic, which means that—you guessed it—it repels moisture like nothing else. That makes it a fantastic contender for the outdoorsy gentleman who doesn’t mind getting caught in an unexpected drizzle or even a brief downpour. Fleece remains just as warm and protective even when it gets wet. By nature, hydrophobic properties ensure that it holds on to a mere 1% of water weight at any given time. More than that, it’s a lightweight fabric that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the frame. While a light fleece jacket on its own doesn’t pass muster on the very coldest days of the year, it does make a wonderful choice for a discerning man who needs something more substantial and comfortable than the average windbreaker throughout fall. The breathable material feels just as plush as higher-end materials, yet it doesn’t cause the skin to itch or lose its integrity in the washing machine. It’s also destined to go with absolutely everything in his closet, from the worn men’s jeans he lives in throughout the season to the trusted corduroy pants that add some much-needed warmth on chillier days.
Down Jacket
Sometimes, the season calls for something hardier and more substantial. Enter the men’s down jacket. It’s a rich material that offers incredible insulation when braving winter’s chill. Down coats consist of plumage from ducks or geese—not the feathers, but the fluffy, airy material underneath. Think of it as a sublayer that keeps them warm and toasty. It does the same for humans because, when fitted inside a jacket shell, it creates a lofty composition that traps body heat and prevents air from escaping. Despite this achievement, it’s a highly breathable material that doesn’t add excess weight to the body. In fact, that’s one of the reasons down jackets are so highly regarded. They’re highly protective and functional, but they don’t come with the volume that one expects of a traditional cold-weather garment.
Winter Coat
Men’s winter coats run the gamut from minimal to substantial. Depending on his climate, his style preference, and his sensitivity to cold, you can narrow down your choice to one that best meets his specific needs. In general, it should meet at least one significant need: the desire to stay continuously warm. The right coat also protects him from the threat of inclement weather, including rain, heavy winds, snowfall, and sleet. If he spends a significant amount of time on the hiking trails even in the middle of winter, then you’ll make his day with a coat featuring insulation, a hook, and pockets aplenty to keep his essentials within easy reach. If he lives in a less snowy area that is still prone to low temperatures, a squall or bomber jacket makes a practical choice that he can wear throughout the season. But if he spends most of his weekends at the nearest ski resort or considers himself something of an adventurer, then a long coat or a down parka is more likely to meet his demands. Modern designs are also far more than just functional.
Light Vest
There’s also that tricky in-between period to consider. Making the transition from one season to the next can pose significant sartorial challenges, especially if his arsenal consists solely of a lightweight windbreaker and a heavy parka. Help him fill the gap with a vest, which fits seamlessly into the equation by providing him with an option on days that aren’t quite cold enough for a coat but are still brisk enough to warrant a significant warming layer. The beauty of a vest is that it’s available in a number of materials, ranging from soft fleece to plush down. The versatile garment can be worn on its own over a men’s flannel shirt, or layered beneath a thicker coat to provide double the insulation on frigid or snowy days. Look for details that might be extra useful to him, like multiple pockets or packable construction so that he can easily stash it in his carry-on before boarding his flight to his annual ski getaway.
Top 5 apparel gifts for guys
That special guy in your life may be good at a lot of things – like taking in the groceries and quoting lines from the first movie you saw together – but one thing he’s maybe not so great at is dressing himself. Do your guy a solid and gift him a few essential pieces he’ll be comfortable wearing ‐ and you’ll be comfortable with him wearing in public. Check out our top 5 apparel gifts for guys and help give your man a stylish edge this season. When he finally emerges from his man cave to join us, he’ll look like he spent his time learning all the best-dressed tips.
Men’s T-shirts: the first place to refresh.
Give your man the gift of comfort with a few brand new white t-shirts. It’s his most essential layer, one he can’t update often enough. Especially after a long hot summer or a season spent layered under sweaters. Those white t-shirts are key to absorbing sweat and stress. Add a few Super-T shirts in classic colors like navy, gray and black. Trust us, he’ll love slipping into one of our soft and sturdy tees with a relaxed fit before playing with the kids after a long work day. Whatever his personal style preference we’re pretty sure you can’t go wrong giving your man some cozy 100% cotton tees to help him put his best self forward every day. Let’s hear it for a nicely shaped crewneck or v-neck that isn’t stretched out of shape. Or a bit yellow around the edges. You’re already approaching hero status.
He needs a soft, flannel shirt.
Every man has a softer side, and that’s exactly why your ruggedly handsome fella is going to love wearing one of our men’s flannel shirts this winter. Our Flagship flannel shirts are made from ringspun combed cotton and are carefully brushed on both sides for a softer hand and a more comfortable wear. Plus they come in a variety of both solid colors and classic plaid patterns, whatever his personal preference may be. But why limit his love of flannel to just those cold winter months? Give him one of our All Season flannel shirts that’s lightweight enough to be worn all year round without compromising on quality. On second thought, maybe get him two. Because you know this one’s going to be a favorite. He can wear it unbuttoned over one of the new t-shirts you got him. Show him how to wear it untucked, over his jeans, with a fun pair of hiking boots. Sure, he can wear it tucked into his chinos with a belt firmly in place and a pair of casual loafers. That is the point of flannel. It’s so versatile. He can’t get it wrong.
Give him a warm winter coat that fits.
Protect him from the snow this season with a warm and functional men’s winter coat to help him stay safe all winter long. He’ll appreciate the warmth and versatility he gets from a men’s water-resistant down coat as he shovels the driveway. If he’s more of a parka guy, give him the extra protection of a waterproof men’s Squall Parka. He’ll really like how cool he looks pitching the kids precision perfect snowballs they hit outta the park with their stick bats.
Upgrade his boots and gloves.
Upgrade his outerwear wardrobe with some gloves and boots he never knew he needed – but now won’t be able to survive winter without. Keep his busy hands warm with a pair (or 2) of insulated gloves.Once you have his hands covered (literally) you can focus on finding the right waterproof boots to fit his on-the-move lifestyle. You know, something that’s always up for a challenge with a waterproof rubber shell and can face the harshest of storms without getting cold feet – like a boot with some seriously warm and comfortable 600-gram Thermolite insulation.
Men’s flannel pajama pants.
However your guy spends his day, we’re pretty sure that he thinks coming home to you is easily the best part. Keep him happy and relaxed at home this winter and give your man a pair of men’s flannel pajama pants to unwind in at the end of a long day. Made of ringspun cotton, the fabric is strong and durable but also exceptionally soft and cuddly ‐ kind of like him. He’ll love the traditional fit designed with comfort in mind and you’ll love seeing him so relaxed. It’s a win win really.
Choose the Perfect Furniture For Home Office
The most suitable furniture for your home office will be that which you’re comfortable and productive in. The right home office furniture will make the difference in your outlook on working and your satisfaction towards your home office. Before you get caught up in the appearance, you will need to consider your space size, budget and how long you use it throughout a day. Here are guidelines for choosing the perfect home office furniture.
- Assess how much room you have: One of the biggest mistakes in choosing furniture is under/overestimating how much space you truly have. An empty home office looks huge until you put a desk and chair in it! Measure your space and take into account windows and doorways that your furniture will have to fit around. If there are views out a window you would like your desk to face, consider this when measuring and planning out your furniture placement.
- Determine how long per day you will use your office: This tip is important for the fact of comfort. If you only use your home office for 30 minutes a day to check email, a stylish over comfortable chair may win out. On the contrary, if you spend 7-10 hours days in your office, your needs for comfort are imperative.
- What is your budget: Like any furniture, you can spend a small amount or you can spend a few paychecks on one piece of office furniture for your home. Surf the internet, and look through home décor and home office furniture magazines for inspiration and pricing. How much you spend is up to you, although, keep in mind that décor, office supplies, and computer equipment may still need to be purchased after the furniture. If you’re on a tight budget consider buying self assembly furniture. Furniture stores that specialize in online and catalog ordering will be your best resource for do it yourself assembly furniture.
- Will you share your space? When choosing desks, bookshelves and other surface furniture, take into account your office partners needs. They may need more or less space than you depending on their occupation or use for the home office. Collaborate together and see if a few pieces can be multifunctional. A table that holds the printer may also be used as a desk or conference table.
- Choose your style: Antique furniture to ultra contemporary furniture will be a design choice that you have. Remember comfort when selecting older traditional furniture, such as chairs. Antique furniture can look gorgeous, but you may need the flexibility of an adjustable chair for comfort. While some modern chairs have the ergonomics that are comfortable, but look too futuristic for a traditional home. In the end you will need to decide which is a higher priority, aesthetics or comfort. With enough searching, you should be able to find a happy medium.
- Choose furniture that fits you: Comfortable home office furniture should ‘fit’ your body. If you are a tall person, ensure that your chair and table height will be in proportioned to you using it. Conversely for shorter people, a chair that is too high and non-adjustable may have your feet dangling like a child. Comfortable office furniture should look great, but feel like you can sit in it for hours on end.
Home offices are popular and can be found in most homes, as modern society demands it. To ensure you will be productive, follow these tips to choose comfortable and stylish furniture. If you have time, purchase furniture as you need it, to see how your office functions with you in. Often times, we buy too much furniture and half of it isn’t used on a daily basis. Choose wisely and your home office will reward you with a space that is enjoyable to work in.
Sophisticated Game Room Ideas
You love playing pool, but noisy, crowded bars are simply not your scene. That’s why you’ve decided to bring billiards into your home instead! With a big, beautiful table, you can play pool in the comforts of your own game room, where there are no other groups waiting for you to finish.
Now that you have your new game room addition, it’s time to find furniture to match your space. Colorful bean bags work fine for your kids when they play video games, but you’ll want more sophisticated designs to complement the wooden frame and rich finish of the pool table. Let these eight game room ideas help you find elegant, comfortable and most importantly, adult-friendly furniture.
- Decide How Much Room You Have for Seating
Before you shop for seating, it’s important to know what kinds of furniture you have space for in your family game room. Consider different layout options, such as one big sofa or sectional, or a group of smaller chairs and barstools. One benefit of stools and smaller accent chairs is that you can easily move them around the game room as needed. - Use an Ottoman to Meet a Variety of Needs
Ottomans aren’t just a footrest; they can also be used as an additional seat when you’ve got company over and there aren’t enough places to sit. Some people even use ottomans as a table to display decor or set down drinks, using a tray to create a flat surface. - Create an Elegant Look With Leather
Need a game room design idea that instantly adds an elegant touch? Leather is a classic upholstery option that is both stylish and soft. If it works with your existing decor, consider a warm brown shade to give the game room a welcoming look that’s also sophisticated. - Enhance the Entertainment Room With a Home Bar
A home bar can include a countertop, barstools, drawers, cupboards, a mini fridge and sink, or it can be as simple as a cart. If you have the space and budget, take advantage of the opportunity to set up the perfect place for happy hours at home. A pool table and bar combination will make your new game room a huge hit with friends and family. - Choose a Convenient Rolling Cart
A rolling cart can be used to keep food and drinks conveniently nearby. It can also be used to set down your pool accessories and keep all your smaller items like chalk in one place. The best part about a rolling cart is that you can have it next to you during the game and placed up against the wall when it’s no longer needed for extra space. - Choose a Theme
Choosing a unifying theme will pull the look together as well as making choices easier. When it comes to decorating a game room you have even more leeway to play with the theme and design. First, you’ll want to decide what style you want. Do you want an easy-going feel like a rustic or cozy cottage look? Perhaps you prefer the sleek sophistication of a modern or transitional look. Whatever style you choose, next you can choose a fun theme to really make the room special, like a luxurious social club, or a bright 50’s-style diner. Find a theme that makes you want to hang out there, then play that up with pictures and accessories. - Choose Your Entertainment
The point of a family game room is to play, after all. Now that you have a theme in mind, choose the entertainment that fits with your look and how you want to enjoy your room. That might include a pool table or a card table. Many game rooms benefit from a flat-screen TV, and you could also add a row of video games for a retro arcade feel. A bar is also a fun addition, and there are plenty of options to make it fit in any room, whether you use a built-in bar or rolling cart. It can offer alcohol for the adults or ice cream sundaes for the kids. - Customize It!
Make your game room space uniquely yours with personal touches. Family photos are a natural addition but don’t stop there. Add items to bring your personality into the space, such as sports memorabilia, or Broadway show posters. Art on the walls make any room feel more special, and that can be anything from oil paintings to framed pictures your kids made. Decorating the walls makes a room feel curated, not generic.